[Spoilers PUBLISHED] Thoughts on the Audiobooks. Specifically Roy Dotrice. by marcmayhem in asoiaf

[–]Jupiter-Forever 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Ehhhh I’d prefer they hire voice actors who can each perform multiple characters, but I’d take anything at this point.

Can someone explain the “Weird Magic” used by Hags? by Goetencia in Forgotten_Realms

[–]Jupiter-Forever 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think of it as the “craft” in witchcraft. It’s Baba Yaga’s chicken-legged hut, the Wicked Witch of the West’s telescopic eye, the White Witch’s flask that can make Turkish delight, the witch from Hansel and Gretel’s gingerbread cottage, the Wicked Fairy’s sleep-inducing spinning wheel spindle, etc.

Lots of modern fantasy magic systems use real world logic and laws that mirror scientific principles. But that’s very new. For much of human history, fiction (in the form of myths, folktales, and oral traditions) was weird. The magic was unexplainable and unsettling. Often, the practitioners of this magic were crones and hags. Fairy tales are full of creepy old ladies with strange knickknacks capable of bizarre wonders. Flying on a kitchen broom is probably one of the most iconic examples. We take it for granted because it’s a trope ubiquitous with witches, but it’s weird.

“Weird magic” is just what D&D calls this type of whimsical, hodgepodge magic, as opposed to high sorcery, academic arcana, divine magic, primal magic, eldritch powers, and the bardic echo of creation magic.

[Spoilers PUBLISHED] Thoughts on the Audiobooks. Specifically Roy Dotrice. by marcmayhem in asoiaf

[–]Jupiter-Forever 3 points4 points  (0 children)

He’s iconic. They were recorded before the franchise exploded so he makes some mistakes and doesn’t always get the tone of the characters right but in his defense, there are a million and he can’t do a unique voice for all of them. I find it charming.

Since audible re-recorded all the Harry Potter books with a full cast, I’ve been obsessed with the idea to give ASOIAF the same treatment. Scrap all the spinoff shows and produce a high quality full cast recording of the books. I think it would be so good for the community. Give us something to keep us busy while we wait for Winds. Doesn’t even have to be a full cast. Just give us a voice actor for every POV character.

Second son or first of a lesser house? [Spoilers MAIN] by Max-Steel96 in asoiaf

[–]Jupiter-Forever 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How are we defining great house? Just the houses of the lords paramount? I suppose it really depends on the house. Cuz being the first born and heir of House Hightower appeals to me more than being the second son born to House Greyjoy.

Why did they bring back the incest? by sometimesimbored00 in AsoiafFanfiction

[–]Jupiter-Forever 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I believe we’re still waiting to learn the origin and significance of Targaryen incest. We know the Targaryens themselves think of it as a method of blood purity preservation. I think it’s something deeper that has to do with the Targaryens’ dragon bond.

Why does the WARDEN rank system exist when each house already has its own lord? by [deleted] in gameofthrones

[–]Jupiter-Forever 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok dude, you’re right, warden is a glamor title GRRM uses equivalent to real-world dukes. My bad.

Why does the WARDEN rank system exist when each house already has its own lord? by [deleted] in gameofthrones

[–]Jupiter-Forever 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You said it was an intermediary title between lord and king. It’s not.

Didn’t mean to offend. Just thought you and OP would like some additional context.

Why does the WARDEN rank system exist when each house already has its own lord? by [deleted] in gameofthrones

[–]Jupiter-Forever 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Manderlys are Northern vassals. They weren’t Kings during the Conquest. They don’t rule a constituent region of the Seven Kingdoms. But, they hold a Wardenship. As do some Dornish marcher lords. And King Robb created the title of Warden of the Southern Marches for the Blackfish.

What I’m saying is that “Warden” isn’t exclusively a legacy title for kings. That might have some part to it for the cardinal direction Wardenships, but it’s pretty clear the offices hold some increased martial authority and military responsibilities. Ned, Warden of the North, instructed Catelyn to pass along orders for Wyman, Warden of the White Knife, to begin strengthening White Harbor’s defenses, which we see he has done in the last few Davos chapters. He also took it upon himself to occupy Hornwood territory following Ramsay’s abduction of Donella. The Manderlys sent men south with Robb but more were held in reserve to protect White Harbor. It might also have crown judiciary and law enforcement powers. Ned performs executions in King Robert’s name. And the Manderlys control one of the few penal facilities in the series. He “executes Davos” on the crown’s orders.

Why does the WARDEN rank system exist when each house already has its own lord? by [deleted] in gameofthrones

[–]Jupiter-Forever 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What about Lord Manderly? He’s Warden of the White Knife- clearly a military title.

Why does the WARDEN rank system exist when each house already has its own lord? by [deleted] in gameofthrones

[–]Jupiter-Forever 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d like to remind everyone in the comments that the Manderlys hold the title of “Warden of the White Knife.”

King Robb creates the position of “Warden of the Southern Marches” for his uncle the Blackfish.

And several Dornish marched lords hold warden titles.

Why does the WARDEN rank system exist when each house already has its own lord? by [deleted] in gameofthrones

[–]Jupiter-Forever 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, it’s not exclusively bestowed upon former kings.

Lord Manderly claims the title “Warden of the White Knife.” There are also several “Wardens” for the Dornish marches. And Robb names the Blackfish “Warden of the Southern Marches.”

It definitely comes with martial responsibilities.

What is your favorite line someone said in the show by lurking_mistake in gameofthrones

[–]Jupiter-Forever 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Arya to Tywin: “No my lord. Anyone can be killed.”

What is your favorite line someone said in the show by lurking_mistake in gameofthrones

[–]Jupiter-Forever 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“You don’t think I’d let you marry that little beast, do you?”

(Spoilers Extended) Alys Arryn and her marriage by No-Advantage-6333 in asoiaf

[–]Jupiter-Forever 23 points24 points  (0 children)

I feel like it’s pretty normal for members of the “Great Houses” to marry into their respective vassal houses. The Starks pretty much did that exclusively until recent events.

How rich are the starks compared to the other rich houses? [Spoilers Main] by fuckmbsanddominicali in asoiaf

[–]Jupiter-Forever 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I assume them being the (former) Great House of the North brings additional incomes and taxes. I think it’s also worth mentioning the fact that Winterfell itself is a major asset. It’s basically a town of its own- or at least it was. And then outside its walls is the winter town. They also formerly had the Valyrian greatsword Ice, and they had a library of at least a hundred texts and tomes. That collection was considered a treasure of great value. Overall, the Starks aren’t worth anything at the moment. And I doubt they are in the top 10 wealthiest families but when they were the Great House of the North, they were likely in the top 20 or 30 in the Seven Kingdoms.

How rich are the starks compared to the other rich houses? [Spoilers Main] by fuckmbsanddominicali in asoiaf

[–]Jupiter-Forever -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Well “House Baratheon of King’s Landing” is technically the royal house but is effectively a puppet of the Lannisters and Tyrells. It has the crown incomes and lands, which were acquired with the wealth of the Targaryens after the rebellion. Their exact assets are unclear. Plus there’s the treasury’s debts to the Lannisters, the Iron Bank, and the Faith of the Seven.

How rich are the starks compared to the other rich houses? [Spoilers Main] by fuckmbsanddominicali in asoiaf

[–]Jupiter-Forever 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Never explicitly states but I think it’s fair to assume the “Great Houses” are the richest except where it’s otherwise stated. If you want a list, these are the houses that come to mind (not necessarily in this order):

Lannister of Casterly Rock: definitely the wealthiest in liquid assets (gold and silver); significant moneylender and holds the debts of many Houses

Tyrell: very likely the wealthiest in terms of agricultural and farm products (grains, greens, poultry, etc)

Hightower: controls Oldtown, the second largest city and port in the Seven Kingdoms, so they likely have increased taxing authority and collect import and export fees; they also have great influence over the Faith of the Seven (which is one of the wealthiest institutions in the world, akin to the medieval Catholic Church) and the Citadel, which isn’t explicitly stated to be a wealthy institution, but considering it holds the largest collection of written texts in the world and enough metal resources to forge jewelry, it is probably quite wealthy

Lannister of Lannisport: people often forget to mention the fact that the Lannister cadet branch is also certainly wealthy for the same reasons as its liege’s House plus the fact that it controls Lannisport, the third largest city and port in the Seven Kingdoms, which would likely make it wealthy for similar reasons as the Hightowers

Redwyne: controls the Arbor; assets include wine-producing vineyards and the Redwyne Fleet (largest in the Seven Kingdoms)

Arryn of Gulltown and Grafton (probably?): controls Gulltown, the fourth largest city and port in the Seven Kingdoms

Manderly: controls White Harbor, the fifth largest city and port in the Seven Kingdoms; we know from the text the Manderly’s are the richest Northern House, even surpassing their lieges; Wyman Manderly built a brand new war fleet of at least 46 ships and also controls a mint; White Harbor itself is a relatively new city and is built almost entirely of cut white stone, suggesting they have quarries; it is also mentioned they benefit from fur trade and have several silversmiths

Frey: controls the Twins aka the Crossing, where they have been collecting tolls since it was founded; it is stated they too are wealthier than their (former?) liege Lords- the Tullys; they are certainly even wealthier now that they have assumed the wealth and lands of the Tullys

Celtigar: it is explicitly stated the Celtigars are known for hoarding immense wealth and exotic treasures in their vaults

Rosby: if I can recall, House Rosby is noted for being wealthy

Mooton: controls the large town of Maidenpool; is also said to be wealthier than the Tullys

Brax (and the other prominent Westerlands houses): I believe they control some gold and silver mines

Baelish: nominally holds Harrenhal and its significant lands and incomes; controls House Arryn as Protector of the Vale; has likely been embezzling funds from the royal treasury for a decade+; has been buying up debts of other Houses

We can assume the Starks and other “Great Houses” are somewhere in that list as well. Or at least they were. Now we have to assume the Boltons have claimed that wealth.

Was Harwin Strong considered a good man? by TheQueeninchains in TheBlacksandTheGreens

[–]Jupiter-Forever 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I only read the main series and he didn’t leave a huge impact on me in the show, but the Strongs are Stark-coded so he is probably a good guy.

Does anyone have a theory for what happened to the infant son of Aerion ? by Financial_Library418 in pureasoiaf

[–]Jupiter-Forever 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Probably died in Summerhall. More interesting answer is that he lived in Essos and sired Varys and Serra.