Editors Letter We've been almost as slow as the arrival of winter with our third issue, but here it is! And although we may not have an interview with a featured artist this time, instead we have an exclusive review of the incredible "Game of Thrones: The Exhibition" which we were lucky enough to visit back in February at the O2 in London (thanks to Sky Atlantic). You may also notice the Warlocks of Quarth haven't given us any Horoscopes this time, I'm guessing that's because they are busy entertaining Daenerys and her new friends. However we will hopefully be able to reveal a new feature in its place in future issues. We also have a hearty tale from the archives of history - as Sam is up north with the rest of the Nights Watch Pyp has encouraged Maester Aemon to keep spinning his yarns, with the story of the mighty Blackfyre Rebellion and puts a bit of perspective on current events (many thanks to ghost writer Robert Oakhill for his input on this hefty
Issue 3 saga). You may also notice my friend and yours - Stan of Fleabottom is pretty absent from his usual flaunting of talent. It appears he has got himself a lady friend and is learning a new skill to impress her, which he promises he will reveal to us in issue 4. Also Ned is still moaning about his "useless" family in Dead Ned's Thread & Ramsay is getting creative with the current tame levels of gore in Westergross.
James Thurman House Thurman "Fear Our Thunder" Sworn to Mormont Editor + Designer + Illustrator Responsible for; News, Interview, Stories of Westeros & Essos, What We Hodore and all-round contributor. www.snaresandsymbols.tumblr.com
The Small (Editorial) Council
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Cara Richards
Tom Hassall
House Richards "Thorns in the Flesh" Sworn to Baratheon
House Hassall "Pile them high" Sworn to Targaryen
Deputy Editor + Chief of Grammar
Quizmaster + Spoiler Blocker
Responsible for; Horoscopes, Hot or Not and all-round contributor.
Responsible for; Stories of Westeros & Essos, Lightbringers Quiz and all-round contributor.
Josh Collier
Julian Benson
House Collier "Grown from the Depths" Sworn to Tarly Chief of Gore + Illustrator
House Benson "The Bear Necessities" Sworn to Bolton
Responsible for; Westergross! and allround contributor.
Responsible for; Dead Ned's Thread and all-round contributor.
Kieran Cawley
Raheem Farooq
House Cawley "Centaur of Attention" Sworn to Tully
House Farooq "Swiper yes swiping" Sworn to Greyjoy
Poll Keeper
Truth Sayer
Responsible for; Hot or Not and all-round contributor.
Responsible for; Olenna the Oracle and all-round contributor.
Post Morgulis Communicator
Swords & Sigils Issue 3
Contents The Daily Whispers
4-6
Hot! or Not?
8-9
Westergross!
10-11
Stories of Westeros & Essos
12-15
GoT: THE EXHIBITION - Review
16-17
Lightbringers Quiz
18-19
Olenna the Oracle
20
Dead Ned's Thread
22
What We Hodore!
24-25
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The
Daily Whispers THE LATEST REPORTS FROM VARYS’ LITTLE BIRDS
Summer officially over
After careful consideration of reports from Maesters across the Seven Kingdoms, a meeting of the Citadel conclave has declared this wonderfully long summer over. Which as we all know usually means an even longer winter. So if you're afraid of the temperature getting a little nippy, you may want to go abroad for a while, because as those hardy Starks are ever keen to remind us - Winter is Coming (they may have to change their words soon). We hear Qarth is nice this time of year.
Blood red skies
Bastard killings in KL
Kings Landing is in uproar after the merciless killings of many babies and young men at the hands of the Gold cloaks. At the time of killings we knew of very little motivation for them (other than the King's admiration for gore), but it has come to light that these black haired boys were believed to be King Robert's bastards. That leads us to believe it may not have been the Kings decision and instead an impulse of the King's mother Cersei Lannister, to root out any false heirs to the Iron Throne. Whatever the reason, it has made the people of Kings Landing very restless.
Many are claiming the wonderful vermillion comet that can be seen blazing across our skies is a sign of things to come. The Starks and their bannermen say it foretells of a great victory for "King" Robb in the South. Meanwhile the Lions call it Lannister red and an omen of their supremacy over all Seven Kingdoms. Some of the common folk believe it is the colour of blood to mark the passing of King Robert and his close friend Lord Eddard Stark. The thoughts amongst those with a more superstitious mind say it's a sign of dragons being born into the world once again - they must have read our previous headlines! Even the Goldcloaks grew tired of the relentless slaughter
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"Demon Monkey" pulls strings
Our man Stan of Fleabottom drew this sketch of the comet.
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Tyrion Lannister has arrived in Kings Landing at the behest of his Lord father Tywin Lannister, to be acting Hand of the King in his absence. King Joffrey, who is not a big fan of his Uncle, was unhappy with his arrival. However in a bid to quell his nephew's adoration of brutality (especially towards his betrothed Sansa Stark daughter of the late "traitor" Eddard Stark) Lord Tyrion sent pleasure girls to the King's bedchamber. Rumours from within The Red Keep say the young King didn't so much quell his appetite for violence but rather satisfied it, but those are just rumours. It would appear the Imp has also rather enjoyed getting
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Daenerys' new friends welcomed her through the gates of Quarth
acquainted with his Small Council colleagues, testing their loyalties against one another. Whatever circumstances lead to Janos Slynt being sent to the Wall and Grand Maester Pycell having his beard "trimmed" and ending up in the dungeon, you can bet it was down to the Imp.
Dragoness finds friends in Qarth
It would appear after her Khalasar left her in the Red Waste with just a handful of loyalists remaining, Daenerys Targaryen has made her way to the colourful, eastern city of Qarth. It would appear the governing body of Qarth (The Thirteen), were not openly welcoming to her arrival. It seems there was a disagreement on the existence of her dragons, which almost helped the legendary Garden of Bones grow. Yet, after a member of The Thirteen invoked the blood oath of Sumai and vouched for the Mother of Dragons and her companions, she has made herself quite comfortable.
of R'hllor that goes by the name of Melisandre and a relatively new arrival on Dragonstone, who has not only gained the confidence of Stannis and his wife, Lady Selyse Florent but also convinced them to leave the Faith of the Seven and pledge themselves to her Red God. To show his devotion (a word not often associated with Stannis) he burned the idols of the Seven and was seen pulling a flaming sword from the fire in some sort of ritual. Maester Cressen was obviously not happy with this arrangement, as he appears to have poisoned himself.
Bonfires on Dragonstone
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The idols of the Seven burned all night on the beaches of Dragonstone
Kraken claims iron crown
In an attempt to find more allies "King" Robb agreed to send Theon Greyjoy to Pyke, to seek an alliance with his father Baelon Greyjoy (his ships would give the Northerners superiority over the Lannister fleet). However in true Iron Islander style, Baelon has outright rejected the King in the North's terms, still bitter over his failed
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Stannis Baratheon has called his banners (those that haven't already gone to his brother Renly) after allegedly receiving a letter from the late Eddard Stark, accusing King Joffrey Baratheon of being born of incest (between the Kingslayer, Ser Jaime Lannister and his sister, Cersei Lannister), revoking his legitimacy to the Iron Throne. The letter was then copied and sent to every corner of the Seven Kingdoms, as Stannis was supposedly the only one who received it. This leaves Stannis as the rightful heir to the throne as he is Robert's younger brother, however as Renly has also decided he has a right to the throne, Stannis has yet to win over the majority of his bannermen. In a bid to gain the power he needs to take back Westeros, he has turned to the Red Woman. A priestess
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rebellion and the deaths of his two eldest sons at the hands of the Starks. It is reported that he was promised Casterly Rock and Kingship of the Iron Islands, if they joined the Northerners and helped defeat the Lannisters. He has claimed he will take back kingship of the Iron Islands with force rather than be offered them and attack the north while the young wolf is south. This has obviously put Theon Greyjoy in an awkward situation, of choosing between his childhood friend and his own father. Yet it appears he has made his choice and has made his vows to the Drowned God of his father. It is whispered that his sister Asha Greyjoy is now his father's favourite, giving her command of the majority of their fleet. Theon may just take a while adjusting to his new salty scenery.
Renly's narcissism clearly got the better of him
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Young Stag killed by bad gas
"King" Renly Baratheon is dead. Killed in his own tent along with two of his guards, after a failed attempt at peace with his brother Stannis. The King in the Narrow Sea would seem to be an obvious perpetrator at first glance, but the list of potential suspects is long and confusing to say the least. Renly wanted to join forces with his brother but only if Stannis accepted his "right" to the throne, and vice versa. However after much mockery aimed at Stannis and his red woman, the truce talks went sour. It is whispered that the red woman was smuggled ashore by Ser Davos Seaworth, as she summoned some sort of shadow assassin (a mythical demon that some from Essos can conjure) to kill Renly. Catlyn Stark is also a suspect, having recently arrived in Renly's war camp to offer an alliance with Robb's northern army. She is reported to have been in the King's tent with Renly at the time of his death. After becoming the most recent addition to his "Rainbow Guard" following her victory against Ser Loras Tyrell in the camp tournament, Brienne of Tarth is also a suspect after apparently killing the two guards and being in the tent during his death. There are also whispers it was Stannis himself, but regardless of who it was the Tyrells have left with their share of Renly's army and fled. All remaining Baratheon troops have jumped ship and declared themselves for Stannis, as he turns his attention to Kings Landing.
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Hot! or Not ?
The people of Westeros (our readers) show us their thoughts on the state of things.
Noblest hero/heroine A. Jorah Mormont
10%
Looks like his past is against him... Chin up Ser!
B. Jon Snow
30%
Too cold?
C. Brienne of Tarth
60%
Honest, loyal and determined - give this woman a knighthood already!
Baratheon Bro-down! Who would win in a fair fight? A. Robert
40%
Seems the drinking and whoring didn't help his cardio.
B. Stannis
60%
Stannis is clearly the mannis with the mostest.
B. Renly
0%
Well, he always did prefer a different type of sword in his hands.
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Best trio
A. Tyrion, Bronn & Pod
90%
The Imp, the Sellsword & the Pod. Nuff said.
B. Gassy Stannis, Melisandre & Davos
0%
For the night is dark and full of bad gas.
C. Drogon, Rhaegon & Viseron
10%
Not favourites yet but they are definitely getting hotter.
Best dressed
A. Theon Greyjoy
10%
Gold just wasn't his colour!
B. Margaery Tyrell
80%
Seems her following is 'growing strong'.
C. Xaro Xhoan Daxos
10%
Maybe all his best outfits are in his vault?
Least desirable locale A. Craster's Keep
60%
Even the White Walkers hate it.
B. Pyke
30%
Rather unwelcoming unless you're a bit salty.
C. Dragonstone
10%
The fire burnt all the bad decor away.
Swords & Sigils Issue 3
Shag, Marry, Behead The Usurpers
Robb
40% 60%
0%
Not a single reader in our vote wanted to take off Rob's pretty little head. Seems like everyone wanted a different piece of the Young Wolf though with 40% of you fancying a sexy clash with this king and a further 60% queuing up to say "I Do". We do love a good wedding!
SHAG MARRY BEHEAD
Balon
Defeated in his uprising by Robert Baratheon and defeated again here in the polls by you lot. 90% of you would like to see his quarrelsome head roll rather than feel his salty spray across your face!
10% 0%
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Stannis
50% 40%
SHAG MARRY BEHEAD
10%
SHAG MARRY BEHEAD facebook.com/swordsandsigils
90%
Serious, stubborn & unforgiving. He shortened Davos (his most loyal follower) five fingers for his wrongdoings, and 10% of our readers would like to see him shorter by a head! However, for half of those we questioned that clenched jaw would have them diving under the sheets for a tumble with Stannis and a further 40% prepared to put a ring on it. Who knew!
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Westergross! Mr Ramsay Snow keeps us in the know... well, with the gory side of things anyway.
Well unfortunately it's been a bit slow for gorey happenings in Westeros of late. The main attraction being the demise of Renly Baratheon, killed in awesome fashion by some shadowy demon with the appearance of his brother Stannis. I don't care what magic it was, it was awesome (see image opposite). Other notable mentions go to: The mass killing of bastard children in Kings Landing by the City Watch on the Queen's orders, might have gone a bit far with that Cersei.
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My personal favourite up next, with Yoren absolutely demolishing a Lannister trying to reload his crossbow, RIGHT IN THE NECK! Finally rounding things up with a random Lannister corpse on the battlefield, no need to lose your guts mate.
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Swords & Sigils Issue 3
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A
emon is woken with a start in the library after hearing a rustling of b ooks and smelling freshly moved dust in the air Aemon: Who is there? Pyp: It’s Pyp, Maester Aemon. Aemon: Pypar?! What are you Shouldn’t you be in the kitchens?
doing in here?
Pyp:
Aegon the Unworthy’s reign finally came to an end in 184AC when the King was 49 years of age. He was vulgarly obese and could barely walk. This led many to wonder how his last mistress, Serenei of Lys, mother of his most beautiful daughter – Shiera Seastar, could have endured his embraces. He died a slow, horrible death, as his limbs rotted under his own tremendous weight and Septons claimed it was a judgement from the gods for all his immoralities. His last act before he died was to set out his will and in it was the bitterest poison the realm could have known. He legitimised all of his natural children, from the lowliest street brat to the Great Bastards - the sons and daughters born to him by women of noble birth.
Well I’ve already done my jobs for the day and before Sam went north with the others he kept Pyp: Well, that doesn’t seem very ‘unworthy’. goin’ on about the Darkfire rebellions or sumin’ and Where I’m from, a bastard’s a bastard and no one it sounded more interestin’ than washin’ stew pots legitimises ‘im no matter what. I should know. so I thought I’d have a look for some books about it. Aemon: For the majority of his children this meant Aemon: Tell me very little as they were young Pyp, do you u n a c k n o wle d ge d , think that Ned Stark “Aenys was weak, Maegor was however, for his Great was a good man? Bastards like Daemon cruel, but no king b efore or Blackfyre it meant Pyp: Jon says so, a great deal. For the after would practice so much that he wanted to do realm it meant only right by King Robert. one thing, blood and wilful misrule” fire. Aemon: But what Daemon was the son were the consequences of Aegon by his cousin Grand Maester Kaeth’s thoughts of his actions? Daena, who earned on Aegon the Unworthy her epithet of Defiant Pyp: Err.. by never disclosing the Aemon: Exactly, name of her son’s father to her husband King Baelor. war and turmoil for the Realm. Can a man who The young bastard was raised as Daemon Waters at caused such chaos, by the choices he made, really be the Red Keep. His advisors and Masters-at-Arms saw called good? in him a warrior who could rise to become another Pyp: What’s this got to do with Darkfire, Maester? Dragonknight just like his Uncle Aemon. The Blackfyre Rebellion, young Pyp, Aemon: Yes Pypar... My father named me after him before you ask. began thusly;
Aemon:
Aegon IV Targaryen’s misrule began with small pleasures, but as with the acorn and the oak his desires grew mightier than their beginning and eventually began to overshadow the whole realm. The name ‘Unworthy’ attached itself to the king as it was said Aegon never slept alone and didn’t count a night complete until he had been with a woman. In his later years he claimed to have slept with at least nine hundred women in his lifetime, but that he only truly loved nine, his Sister-Wife Queen Naerys, not among them. As you can imagine, this led to an unusually high number of royal bastards in the realm.
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In Daemon’s twelfth year, King Aegon knighted him after success at a Squires’ tourney, making him the youngest Knight ever made in the time of the Targaryens. To the shock of his court, family and council, Aegon also bestowed the Valyrian steel sword of Aegon the Conqueror, Blackfyre, upon Daemon and henceforth Daemon took the name Blackfyre. Shortly after learning of Aegon’s death, Prince Daeron, whose turbulent relationship with his father had been the main obstacle to his misrule, left Dragonstone and was crowned by the High Septon in the Red Keep. He chose to wear his father’s crown,
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most likely in an attempt to quash any rumours about his legitimacy, which had been spread by his own father following one of their more violent clashes. He then quickly sought to right many of the wrongs his father had made, firstly by dissolving his father’s small council and replacing them with wise and capable councillors of his own choosing. However, he refused to rescind his father’s last wishes and decided to keep the Great Bastards close, rather than alienating them. He treated them with honour and continued their incomes that his father had bestowed upon them. As the most beloved of the Great Bastards he treated Daemon Blackfyre with special attention, seeing his half brother wed to Rohanne of Tyrosh (as his father had desired) and granting him lands near the Blackwater with rights to build a castle. Many claimed he only did such things to assert his rule over his bastard half-brothers but others believed he was being kind and just. Whatever the reason, his actions were sadly in vain. His marriage to Mariah of Dorne had been happy and fruitful and had allowed for one of his most significant acts to take root. He began negotiations with his wife’s brother Prince Maron Martell, to unify Dorne under Targaryen rule. An agreement was reached in which Prince Maron would marry the king’s sister Daenerys, once she was of age. With that marriage, Prince Maron knelt and swore his oaths of fealty before the Iron Throne. It was a great moment for the Targaryen dynasty, at long last uniting the realm from the Wall to the Summer Sea, as Aegon the Conqueror had once dreamed. Daeron’s reign quickly stabilised the realm and he came to be known as ‘Daeron the Good’ by the common-folk and noble lords alike, being widely
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seen as just and good-hearted even if the influence of his Dornish wife was occasionally questioned. However, many concessions were awarded to the lords of Dorne in the unification, such as the right to keep their royal titles but also the ability to maintain their own laws and gather taxes without routine supervision from the Red Keep. This left the other Great houses and Lords of Westeros feeling cheated and hard done by, which in turn sowed the seeds of the first Blackfyre Rebellion. Yet, the seeds took many years to bear fruit and there was no final insult, no great wrong that led Blackfyre to turn against King Daeron. Many blame the lords of the Dornish Marches, who still harboured deep hatred of the Dornish, for filling Blackfyre’s head with notions of rebellion. Though in truth, it was one of the other Great Bastards – Ser Aegor Rivers, known as Bittersteel, who tipped Daemon over the edge. Bittersteel’s mother, Lady Barba Bracken was forced to leave the Red Keep with her son, when he was just a baby. His mother’s rejection from court and his Bracken blood certainly aided his quick temper, but his bitterness grew from a fierce rivalry with his half brother and fellow bastard Brynden Rivers. Brynden, known as Bloodraven, unlike Bittersteel, had been brought up at court due to his beloved mother Lady Melissa Blackwood, who befriended Daeron and his mother the Queen. This and the thick rivalry that House Bracken and House Blackwood already bore eventually led Bittersteel to press Blackfyre to state his claim. Bitter his steel may have been, but poison was the tongue he used to influence Daemon with, and with his words came the clamouring of other knights and lords with grievances of their own. Blackfyre eventually made his decision, yet it was a hasty one, for word quickly reached King Daeron that Blackfyre meant to declare himself King within the turn of the moon. The king then sent Kingsguard to arrest Blackfyre before his plans were put into action but Daemon was forewarned and with the help of his old Master-at-Arms Ser Quentyn Ball, he was able to escape unharmed. Blackfyre’s allies used the attempted arrest as a call to arms, claiming that the King had acted out of nothing more than baseless fear. It was 196AC and the rebellion had finally begun. Blackfyre and his supporters chose to reverse the colours of the traditional Targaryen arms to show a black dragon on a red field. The rebels
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seats and privileges from certain lords who had supported Blackfyre. Daeron had trusted them, ruled fairly and yet they still turned against him. The realm continued to be troubled by the claims of the Blackfyre pretenders for four more generations. Daemon Blackfyre’s remaining sons fled to the Free City of Tyrosh – their mother’s home - and with them went Bittersteel. While in Essos, Bittersteel gathered exiled Lords and Knights and their descendants to him. In 212AC, with them at his side he formed the Golden Company. “Beneath the gold, the bitter steel!” was their battle cry and soon they became the most renowned free company of the disputed lands. After Bittersteel, descendants of Daemon Blackfyre led the company until the last of them was slain declared for Daemon Blackfyre, First of His Name, in the Stepstones during the War of the Ninepenny proclaiming him the eldest true son of King Aegon IV, Kings. and his half brother Daeron the bastard. Consequently many battles were fought between the black and red Pyp: Any memory of what that book looks like? dragons in the Vale, the Westerlands and Riverlands, as well as numerous skirmishes elsewhere. Aemon: Not at this moment no, but you have The rebellion came to an end at the Redgrass Field, breakfast to cook in the morning, so get yourself to almost a full year later. Daemon and his eldest sons, bed. But before you take your leave consider this, Aegon and Aemon, were brought down beneath the young Pyp. Could Aegon the Unworthy really have showering of arrows sent by Bloodraven, and the known how much blood would be spilt due to his last act as king? Could Daeron know that his apparent Raven’s teeth - his private guards. This was followed by Bittersteel’s mad charge - with kindness to his half brother would fester so much Daemon’s sword Blackfyre in hand he attempted to hate? Only history, Pyp, decides what has been for rally Daemon’s forces. Meeting with Bloodraven in the good or ill in this world... the midst of the charge, a mighty duel ensued, which left Bloodraven blinded in one eye and sent Bittersteel fleeing. The battle came to an end when the King’s son - Prince Baelor Breakspear (named after his success in the tilt against none other than Blackfyre) appeared with a mighty host of Stormlords and Dornishmen, descending upon the rebel retreat, whilst the young Prince Maekar rallied the remaining vanguard and created an immovable anvil against which the rebels were pounded to dust. Ten thousand men had died for Daemon Blackfyre’s vanity and many more were maimed or wounded. King Daeron’s efforts for peace had been shattered because of the mercy he showed his jealous half-brother. However in the aftermath King Daeron moved with an unexpected sternness to strip lands,
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Swords & Sigils at Game of Thrones:
The Exhibition
Back in February, James (Editor of S&S) and I were fortunate enough to have press passes for the Game of Thrones exhibition at the O2 in London. We both had a great time and we'd love to share the experience with our lovely readers. The morning started off with a star appearance from John Bradley-West aka Samwell Tarly. He spoke very eloquently about the coming season and what we could expect from the exhibition. He came across very well and seemed genuinely down-to-earth. He spoke warmly of the amazing work that goes on behind the scenes on the show and the sheer effort that goes into making everything look as authentic and rich as it does on screen. He then went on to explore the exhibition for himself and had a few snaps taken on the Iron Throne! We then began taking a look around for ourselves and got some great pictures of the costumes, jewellery and props from the show. Some of my personal highlights include the costume worn by The Red Viper in his eyepopping battle with the Mountain. Costumes worn by Cersei and Margaery also stood out in their intricacy and delicate detailing. As we walked around and took close looks at the clothes worn by some of our favourite characters, we could see that so much work goes into creating looks for the cast that are not only of incredible quality but tailor-made to fit the aesthetic of each individual character. From the design & colours of fabric to the smallest embroidered sigil.
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Swords & Sigils Issue 3
Also of note were the swords on display. Take a look at James brandishing the giant Mountain's sword. Next to Arya's costume was Needle & Ice and both, again, appeared to be an example of great craftsmanship, Ice even seemed to glimmer in an oily way, like only Valyrian steel could. One of the more grisly discoveries was in a case with Daenerys's dragon eggs. Alongside the beautifully coloured, scaly eggs was a small child's skeleton (not real, I hope!) that we see following the Siege of Meereen in season 4. The best part of the exhibition was that we didn't just get to see snippets of the show but we also experienced it for ourselves. Using Oculus Rift technology James and I rode up in a cranky, wooden lift to the very top of the wall. Once there, burning arrows were fired at our faces until we plummeted to our spectacular deaths. This was an excellent way to involve us in the Game of Thrones world and it was really well done (with air being blown in our faces it even felt cold!). Thanks to the other interactive features we were photographed as White Walkers, and filmed getting scorched by dragon flames and had the chance to sing (terribly) along to the iconic Game of Thrones theme music. While queuing to ascend the Wall we watched clips from the HBO documentary 'Game of Thrones: A day in the life' which we would recommend to all fans of the show as it features interviews with cast and crew and gives a real insight into the workings of one of TV's biggest ever shows (still available on YouTube). James and I are so grateful we had the opportunity to see such a great exhibition and get our nerd on. If the exhibition opens in other cities and you have the chance to visit it we heartily advise that you grab it with both hands. Lots of love, Cara Richards - Deputy Editor facebook.com/swordsandsigils
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Our resident Quizmaster and badass extraordinaire Stannis Baratheon asks the questions and you must answer.
And remember... the Lord of Light will know if you cheat.
QUESTION 1: Who is this character?
QUESTION 5: Where is Janos Slynt sent to after being arrested? QUESTION 6: Which Kingsguard is Renly with at the time of his death? QUESTION 7: Who becomes Sansa's new handmaiden? QUESTION 8: What is the name of the fishing village Theon is told to attack? QUESTION 9: Who does Arya become a Cupbearer for?
QUESTION 2: Which character is appointed Acting Hand of the King? QUESTION 3: Who does Craster knock out in the woods?
LIGHTBRINGERS QUESTION: Which member of Daenerys' Bloodriders returns beheaded?
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QUESTION 4: What is the name of the Maester who tries to poison Melisandre? SEE HOW WELL YOU DID BELOW.
0
1-2
3-5
You are not worthy of the lightbringer. Sentenced to burning at the stake.
Removing a few fingers will serve as a permanent reminder of your failures.
6-7
8-9
A lengthy spell in the dungeons of Dragonstone may provide incentive to study harder.
You are starting to follow the path toward the light.
Worthy enough to be a trusted knight in my army.
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The fires foretold me of your coming...
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Our resident Agony Grandmother tries to dissolve the angst felt by the people of Westeros. Dear Aunt, my home has recently been invaded by a bunch of squatters. Although I have allowed them the privilege of staying under my roof to stay warm, I am now starting to regret this decision as one or more of them look to be eyeing up my wives. Do you have any handy tips for persuading them off my property. I'm thinking something along the lines of an axe to the face approach. O: Wives?! I say you must be quite the charmer to have a bevy of wives at your beckoning. To also allow strangers to stay into your abode is truly commendable. It sounds like your wives must be quite the lookers too if they are attracting men's glances. Knowing this, it may be best to simply talk with them first, as men are prone to let their eyes wander. If however you see their true intentions to be disagreeable, then let them know to exit your premises. If not by speech, then the axe to the face approach should get the job done I'd assume. Dear aunt. My Khaleesi has commanded me to find a safe place for our Khalassar and seek allies to help her achieve her conquest of the west. I am now travelling the red waste and can't see a clear path but my heart longs for the company of my old Dothraki Brothers and the cool grasslands of Vaes Dothrak. Which road should I take? O: It appears these are tough times for you and your Khalassar. If your Khaleesi desires safety for your men, then achieving this is the utmost priority. Whether you seek new lands or your homeland is up to your Khaleesi and it appears that decision has been made. Unity is of utmost importance for Khalassars to survive so have faith that your Khaleesi will guide you, for that is your safest road. Dear Aunt, I recently returned home, after a long absence. I did something really stupid. It's not the first time my arousal has got me in trouble and I'm sure it won't be the last but this time was bad. Really awkward homecoming level of bad. I felt up my sister, but I didn't know it was my sister! Now I'm really worried someone will find out! I mean,
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it's not like brother-sister incest stays under wraps very long, is it? O: Intriguing, I assume you must've been away for a very long time to not realize it was your sister. Regardless, I would say that you are a victim more of your perveted nature than your lack of being able to recognize one's own kin. Fortunately , I doubt this is something your sister would like to be publically known too. So, provided there were no onlookers afoot, then continue on pretending this didn't happen. If this weighs heavy on your mind, remind yourself that this was but an unfortunate mishap or better yet, use this experience to teach you to keep your hands to yourself. Also, I will hope that you take comfort in knowing that I have seen even incestual relationships go unknown from all (bar me of course, but if you couldn't tell the Aunt, who could you tell?) Daer Arnt. Im reli worreed aboat mi bst freend. Hee seeems to bee obsesst n sumwat enchnated bi owr nuu preestess. I hav nown meni imoril n unlorefull men in mi taim n he is not wun of dem but hee appeers tu hav forrgotn his vows tu his waif n his freends. Ide haet naggn a mun hoo is so ritechuss but I feel I nead tu. How cun I gide him bak wivout patronisin hum? O: Assuming you are true best friends, then you should be well within your rights to let your true feelings be known to him. May your words hopefully guide him to the right path. Although I regret to inform you that this may not be your only problem, for your writing is ...how should I say....not quite up to the standards expected across Westeros. May I recommend seeking aid in helping your writing skills? Anyone who is willing to teach will do, do not be ashamed for it is far more respectable to learn than to not know. Dear Aunt, some red haired bint's turned up and begun preaching nonsense about some new god. She's even got the king's ear, I think it's because she's sleeping with him. Should I put out to turn him back to the path of sense?
O: I can say from experience, that despite men sitting on thrones, there are women who rule the realm. I should hope that either she guides your king down the correct path or that your king realises what is best for the people and rules for the entire kingdom, not just his bedroom. As for yourself, you may wish to advise the king, but kings do not typically appreciate disapproval from many. So you would either have to persist with the circumstances or prevent poor judgement entering your king's ears in the first place. Dear Aunt, I'm a frustrated and angry teen who only wants to revel in torture and murder - but despite having already reached the pinnacle of my career, my mother and recently arrived uncle seem to continuously be frustrating my plans. How am I supposed to rule with these complications?! O: I guess the best thing I can say is that I'm glad you at least acknowledge your foul traits... If your plans revolve around torture and murder, then I am pleased that your family are thwarting them. To rule at such a young age with such angst and terrible desires, I'd advise you'd open your arms to your family and embrace all their support! Dear Aunt, I have recently come into the service of a young lord. I have seen much of the horrors of the north and I worry for this boy's life, I fear his dreams of late are going to lead him to danger. It is almost as though he sees through the eyes of the wolf. How do I make them remember the dangers of the north before winter comes south? O: Dreams are not to be underestimated. Some say this is the easiest way for the Seven to guide us. Although seeing through the eyes of a wolf? That is rather precise yet obscure for you to say. It is almost as if the boy was a warg. If it so happened to somehow be the case, then I would advise you respect such great talent, for wargs are a worthy ally to have. Feel free to send your agonies by raven to queen_of_thorns@highgarden.wr
Swords & Sigils Issue 2
The late Lord Eddard Stark talks us through his thoughts on the actions of his family & friends. Got to hand it to that red-haired woman, her children get shit done. Her shadow child was barely an hour old and it had killed a king. It's been months since that inbred hacked my head off and not one of my family has killed a Lannister. Let's start with Arya because, my gods girl, what are you playing at? You're in a room with Tywin-bloodyLannister and, instead of running him through with a cheese knife, you're serving him wine. She's even met an assassin who will kill anyone she names. Anyone! And she's left the Lannisters alive. I swear, at this rate, there's a better chance of the dwarf killing a Lannister than any of my kin. And what is Robb doing? Bonding with a lass over a leg amputation instead of marching his army south to King's Landing and saving his sister. This flirtation's going to get him killed if he's not careful. He better watch himself after the oath he made to Walder Frey. That being said, I'd rather have my throat slit than wed a Frey myself. I just hope Cat can remind him of the importance of that oath... and maybe hit the Kingslayer for me.
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I sure hope Sansa has a plan for getting out of King's Landing because all she's done since my execution is save that fat, drunken knight from an drowning in wine. If she thinks that oaf can get her out of the city then she knows less than Jon. Speaking of Jon, he better start respecting Mormont if he intends to lead one day. The Old Bear is one of the finest Lord Commanders the Night's Watch has had, and his men would never turn on him. I'm glad that Theon was never a true member of House Stark. Watching him knocking boots with that boat wench before fingering his own sister on the back of a horse, it was enough to turn my ghostly stomach. I swear, if he can't get control of his pecker someone should take it off him. My kin best have killed a Lannister when next I talk to you, or else they better be up here with me to explain themselves.
Swords & Sigils Issue 3
WHAT WE
HODORE!
This section is a lot like Hodor, its simple - here you'll see what GoT related stuff we're currently loving! Amy Poehler quizzing George.
This truly epic painting by Nordheimer.
Leo DiBolton
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This beer mat design by Victor Calahan (one of many)!
Swords & Sigils Issue 3
This Feudal Japan version of Robert and Rhaegar by Sei-G
Please feel free to send us any images or links to things you think we might like for our next issue to: swordsandsigils@gmail.com Or get in touch on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/swordsandsigils
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Thanks to the realm There is a large number of people, that without whom, this fanzine would not continue. To you we say thanks. George R. R. Martin (well of course)
HBO, David Benioff & D.B Weiss
(for making such an immersive televisual experience)
A Wiki of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones Wiki (a tremendous source of information)
The World of Ice and Fire
by George R. R. Martin/Elio M. Garcia Jr./ Linda Antonsson
Our facebook followers and friends
(for giving us encouragement, contributions and ideas)
And you, the person reading this. For being the reason we have made this. Editors Note: We are currently looking for reliable printers to get some copies made of the zine. If you know of any or are one yourself please let us know at swordsandsigils@gmail.com
This is a legal disclaimer in case someone decides they dislike what we've made: Swords & Sigils is a non-profit entity. All character names and personalities are the intellectual property of George R. R. Martin. All photographs and screenshots (unless otherwise credited) are the property of HBO's Game of Thrones. The opinions expressed by the Swords & Sigils Editorial Team are theirs alone (fictitious or not), and do not reflect the opinions of George R. R. Martin or HBO. Swords & Sigils is not responsible for any distasteful and unsavoury translation or interpretation of its content. All illustrations and artistic works featured in this publication are owned by their credited authors, are subject to copyright and may only be reproduced with the permission of the creator. Swords & Sigils is written and created by fans for fans.
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ISSUE 4 IS COMING...
SWORDS & SIGILS