Author Archives: Valkyrist

VoK 685: The Movie Passport #5 – Nepali Cinema

Posted on February 2, 2022 | Leave a comment

Namaste! Welcome to The Movie Passport, a podcast series about world cinema. In this episode, Duncan (Valkyrist), Pukar (raptureatlas) and Tanja (scilens) travel to the country of Nepal to discuss the following films:

9:01 – White Sun / Seto Surya (Deepak Rauniyar, 2016)
40:53 – Soongava: Dance of the Orchids / Soongava (Subarna Thapa, 2012)
1:20:43 – Sherpa (Jennifer Peedom, 2015)

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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VoK 680: The Prolific Works of George R. R. Martin (Ice & Fire Con 2021 Panel)

Posted on December 23, 2021 | Leave a comment

Decades before Martin began writing A Song of Ice and Fire, he was already an award-winning writer who had published a variety of science fiction, horror, and fantasy stories. In this panel, Amin and Duncan (Valkyrist) survey Martin’s other notable works, looking for connections to ASOIAF and discussing his overall development as a writer and his philosophy toward writing.

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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Links:
George R. R. Martin’s “Thousand Worlds” Wiki

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VoK 673: The Movie Passport #4 – Polish Cinema

Posted on September 25, 2021 | Leave a comment

Dobry dzień! Welcome to The Movie Passport, a podcast series about world cinema. In this episode, Duncan (Valkyrist), Alex (Lucky Charms), Bina (Bina007) and Matt (Blu3arm05) travel to the country of Poland to discuss the following films:

9:13 – Sewer / Kanal (Andrzej Wajda, 1957)
28:00 – Cold War / Zimna Wojna (Paweł Pawlikowski, 2018)
40:31 – The Painted Bird / Nabarvené Ptáče (Václav Marhoul, 2019)
1:04:55 – The Day of the Wacko / Dzień Świra (Marek Koterski, 2002)

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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VoK 671: Comic-Con 2021 Panel – Podcasting 101

Posted on August 24, 2021 | Leave a comment

The Vassals host their first ever San Diego Comic-Con panel. Join Amin, Duncan (Valkyrist), Zach (Alias), Michal (inkasrain), and Nick for a discussion about how to create your own podcast, including tips on moderating, recording, editing and promoting.

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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VoK 669: The Movie Passport #3 – Argentine Cinema

Posted on July 29, 2021 | Leave a comment

Hola! Welcome to The Movie Passport, a new podcast series about world cinema. In this episode, Duncan (Valkyrist), Tanja (Scilens), Bina (Bina007) and Pukar (raptureatlas) travel to the country of Argentina to discuss the following films:

6:12 – The Secret in their Eyes / El Secreto de sus Ojos (Juan José Campanella, 2009)
27:49 – Lion’s Den / Leonera (Pablo Trapero, 2008)
50:44 – Wild Tales / Relatos Salvajes (Damián Szifron, 2014)

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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VoK 663: The Movie Passport #2 – Indonesian Cinema

Posted on June 28, 2021 | Leave a comment

Selamat pagi! Welcome to The Movie Passport, a new podcast series about world cinema. In this episode, Duncan (Valkyrist), Silvana (silvaubrey), Matt (Blu3arm05) and Bina (Bina007) travel to the country of Indonesia to discuss the following films:

7:59 – Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts / Marlina Si Pembunuh dalam Empat Babak (Mouly Surya, 2017)
28:34 – The Raid / Serbuan Maut (Gareth Evans, 2011)
52:03 – The Act of Killing / Jagal (Joshua Oppenheimer, 2012) & The Look of Silence / Senyap (Joshua Oppenheimer, 2014)
1:04:57 – The Dancer / Sang Penari (Ifa Isfansyah, 2011)

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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VoK 656: The Movie Passport #1 – Scottish Cinema

Posted on May 29, 2021 | Leave a comment

Beannachdan! Welcome to The Movie Passport, a new podcast series about world cinema. In this inaugral episode, Duncan (Valkyrist), Glen (Dagos_Rivers), Jock (Munrojock2), and Bina (Bina007) travel to the country of Scotland to discuss the following films:

2:51 – Sunshine on Leith (Dexter Fletcher, 2013)
14:56 – Dog Soldiers (Neil Marshall, 2002)
22:23 – Red Road (Andrea Arnold, 2006)
37:36 – Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996)

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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VoK 646: Fevre Dream (by George R. R. Martin)

Posted on March 21, 2021 | Leave a comment


The Vassals (and Bastards) review Martin’s second published novel, the  steamboat horror story Fevre Dream. Join Amin, Duncan (aka Valkyrist) and Zach (aka Alias) as they sail down the vampire-infested waters of the Mississipi.

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist and Amin

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VoK 642: A GameShow of Thrones #3 (VOKathon Edition)

Posted on March 11, 2021 | Leave a comment


During their 24-hour VOKathon, the Vassals face off in another thrilling round of A Song of Ice and Fire trivia. Join quizmaster Duncan (Valkyrist), scorekeeper Matt (Varley), reigning champion Michal (inkasrain), and challengers Abdullah (Quaith from Asshai), Peter (Shellfish), Abby (DaceyMormont), Sara (DrBlood), Zach (Alias), Ben (King Jucio), Matt (mattdaze13), Michael (Khal Wadege) David (davidhhh), Hannah (thewingedshadow), Patrick (TheTall), and Kevin (nuncle kevin).

Who will claim the crown? Who will spit the dummy? There’s only one way to find out!

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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Links
A GameShow of Thrones #2
A GameShow of Thrones #1

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VoK 635: Book Club (Vol.7) – The Darkness That Comes Before (by R. Scott Bakker)

Posted on January 28, 2021 | Leave a comment


The VOK Book Club reconvene to review the dark fantasy novel The Darkness that Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker (the first book in The Second Apocalypse series). Join Greg (claudiusthefool), Zach (Alias), Alex (LuckyCharms), Matt (Blu3arm0r), Steven (SJLee), Duncan (Valkyrist), Adam (drownedsnow), and lurkers Casey (blue-eyed-queen) and Amber (amberrocks), for an in-depth discussion on grimdark fantasy, amoral characters, historical parallels, and existential philosophy.

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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VoK 633: GRRM’s Thousand Worlds – “The Way of Cross and Dragon” and “And Seven Times Never Kill Man!” (Review)

Posted on January 18, 2021 | Leave a comment


The Vassals (and Bastards) continue their voyage into George R. R. Martin’s science fiction universe. Join Amin, Duncan (aka Valkyrist), Michael (aka Mordion), and Zach (aka Alias) as they review two more short stories from Martin’s Thousand Worlds series – “The Way of Cross and Dragon” and “And Seven Times Never Kill Man!”

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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VoK 608: A GameShow of Thrones #2 (ASOIAF Trivia)

Posted on May 21, 2020 | 2 comments


What started out as a wholesome round of A Song of Ice and Fire trivia, quickly descends into drunken, isolation-induced mayhem. Vassals Michal (inkasrain), Matt (Varley), Adam (drownedsnow), Hannah (shadow_ baby), David (davidhhh), and Abby (Daceymormont) duke it out for supremacy. Listen at your own peril! 😜

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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Links
A GameShow of Thrones #1

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Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Board Games & Trivia, Books & Novellas, Podcast

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VoK 607: GRRM’s Thousand Worlds – “Bitterblooms” and “In the House of the Worm” (Review)

Posted on May 12, 2020 | Leave a comment

The Vassals (and Bastards) launch into George R. R. Martin’s science fiction universe. Join Amin, Duncan (aka Valkyrist), Michael (aka Mordion), and Zach (aka Alias) as they review two short stories from Martin’s Thousand Worlds series – “Bitterblooms” and “In the House of the Worm.”

Credits:
Edited by Amin and Valkyrist

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VoK 574: A History of Horror Movies (public lecture)

Posted on October 25, 2019 | Leave a comment


Why are horror movies so popular? In this lecture, Valkyrist explores the arcane origins of horror cinema and speculates over the social and psychological reasons behind its appeal. Celebrate Halloween season by dissecting the power and meaning behind some of the most famous (and infamous) horror movies of all time.

The presentation includes video clips from the following movies:
Nosferatu (F. W. Murnau, 1922)
Frankenstein (James Wale, 1931)
Godzilla (Ishirō Honda, 1954)
Night of the Living Dead (George A. Romero, 1968)
Halloween (John Carpenter, 1978)
The Silence of the Lambs (Jonathon Demme, 1991)
Get Out (Jordan Peele, 2017)

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
Music from John Carpenter and Disasterpiece

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VoK 544: KrakenCast – “The Iron Throne” (S08E06 Review) [Game of Thrones Series Finale]

Posted on May 21, 2019 | Leave a comment


THE KRAKEN ENDS?! Aussie vassals Duncan (Valkyrist), Dana (Taindana), and honourary krakens Bing (Shoneshiner), David (davidhhh), Abby (DaceyMormont), and Kevin (creepy nuncle kevin) review the sixth episode of Game of Thrones’ eighth season, entitled “The Iron Throne.”

Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, as well as all aired episodes of HBO’s Game of Thrones

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
“Goodbye of Thrones” by jed o’white hart
“Hey There Cthulhu” by Eben Brooks

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KC

That concludes KrakenCast for this season of Game of Thrones and possibly forever. Thank you to all of our hosts, listeners, and commenters.

What is dead may never die, but rises again, harder and stronger!

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Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, Podcast, TV Shows

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VoK 540: KrakenCast – “The Bells” (S08E05 Review)

Posted on May 14, 2019 | Leave a comment


THE KRAKEN BURNS! Aussie vassals Duncan (Valkyrist), Dana (Taindana), and honourary krakens Bing (Shoneshiner), David (davidhhh), Abby (DaceyMormont), and Kevin (creepy nuncle kevin) review the fifth episode of Game of Thrones’ eighth season, entitled “The Bells.”

Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, as well as all aired episodes of HBO’s Game of Thrones

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
“Misty Mountains Cold” by Tay Zonday
“What is Hype May Never Die” by Beyond Repair

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KCKrakenCast records Tuesdays at 7:00pm (AEST) / 10:00am (GMT).

This time is meant to cater for Australian and Asian-Pacific fans, but everyone is welcome. Just let us know on the “Call to Arms” thread HERE, if you’d like to join us for an episode.

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Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, Podcast, TV Shows

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VoK 539: KrakenCast – “The Last of the Starks” (S08E04 Review)

Posted on May 7, 2019 | Leave a comment


THE KRAKEN KILLS! Aussie vassals Duncan (Valkyrist), Dana (Taindana), and honourary krakens Bing (Shoneshiner), David (davidhhh) and Abby (DaceyMormont) review the fourth episode of Game of Thrones’ eighth season, entitled “The Last of the Starks.”

Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, as well as all aired episodes of HBO’s Game of Thrones

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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KCKrakenCast records Tuesdays at 7:00pm (AEST) / 10:00am (GMT).

This time is meant to cater for Australian and Asian-Pacific fans, but everyone is welcome. Just let us know on the “Call to Arms” thread HERE, if you’d like to join us for an episode.

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Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, Podcast, TV Shows

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VoK 501: A GameShow of Thrones (ASOIAF Trivia)

Posted on December 19, 2018 | 3 comments


The vassals continue their 500 revelry with a heated round of ASOIAF trivia! Join Duncan (Valkyrist), Casey (blue-eyed-queen), Zach (Alias), Greg (claudiusthefool), Michal (inkasrain), Adam (drownedsnow), Patrick (Ser Patrick the Tall), and Nadia as they go head to head in a battle of wits, wills and White Walkers.

Who will be crowned champion and who will be fed to the dogs? There’s only one way to find out…

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Board Games & Trivia, Fandom, Podcast

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VoK 500: The Dance of the Vassals V

Posted on December 15, 2018 | 1 comment


The curators of Vassals of Kingsgrave celebrate their 500th episode!! Join Casey (blue-eyed-queen), Zach (Alias), Greg (claudiusthefool), Michal (inkasrain), Adam (drownedsnow), Patrick (Ser Patrick the Tall), Duncan (Valkyrist), Glen (Dagos_Rivers), and Nadia as they answer listener-submitted questions about the books, the podcast and the fandom of A Song of Ice and Fire.

Topics include: our favorite episodes, meetup experiences, Westerosi survival tips, best and worst tinfoil theories, dream podcast guests, stalking George, how the series has affected our lives, and what the future holds.

Stick around for the Aftershow (at 2:31:51) for an interview with Amin Javadi from “A Podcast of Ice and Fire,” in which he elaborates on the early years of the ASOIAF fandom and the origins of VOK.

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
Music from Age of Empires

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Links:
Full VOK Episode Archive

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Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, Fandom

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VoK 495: The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu series) – Season 2

Posted on October 18, 2018 | Leave a comment


Praise be! The Vassals have delivered us a blessed review of the second season of The Handmaid’s Tale. Join Michal (inkasrain), Stephanie (gsdg), David (davidhhh), Duncan (Valkyrist), Matt (Varley), and Adam (drownedsnow) for  a sermon on female agency, radicalisation, systems of oppression, and symbolic wolves. Under his eye…

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
Music from Malia J and Goldfrapp

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