Author Archives: Valkyrist

VoK 656: The Movie Passport #1 – Scottish Cinema

Posted on May 29, 2021 | Leave a comment

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:

2:52 – Sunshine on Leith (Dexter Fletcher, 2013)
14:57 – Dog Soldiers (Neil Marshall, 2002)
22:24 – Red Road (Andrea Arnold, 2006)
37:37 – 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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Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Board Games & Trivia, Fandom, Podcast

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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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Posted in Books & Novellas, Podcast, Science Fiction

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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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Posted in Books & Novellas, Podcast, Science Fiction

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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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Posted in Fandom, History, Movies, Philosophy, Podcast, Science Fiction

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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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VoK 489: Neuromancer (by William Gibson)

Posted on September 6, 2018 | Leave a comment


The Vassals jack into cyberspace for a review of William Gibson’s Neuromancer. Join Duncan (Valkyrist) and Dana (Taindana) for an indepth discussion of cyberpunk fiction, artificial intelligence and the dark side of technology.

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
Music from Eurythmics and Valve Corporation

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Links:
BBC Radio Production (2-hours)

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VoK 487: A Hymn for Spring (ASOIAF Essays) – Part 2

Posted on August 26, 2018 | Leave a comment


The Vassals return to the Tower of the Hand to address the state of the realm. Join Duncan (Valkyrist), Sara (DrBlood) and Wilson (WanderingProphet) for a review of A Hymn for Spring, a collection of essays on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. Essays covered in this podcast include:

09:08 – “Songs and Singers of Ice and Fire” by Amin Javadi
1:03:27 – “The Curse of Harren the Black” by Aziz and Ashaya
1:51:16 – “The Word Is Groleo” by Stefan Sasse
2:41:26 – Aftershow

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
“The Bear and the Maiden Fair” by christocakes
“Rhaegar’s Harp” by feliciacano

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Links:
Tower of the Hand: A Hymn for Spring (Amazon)
VoK 374: A Hymn for Spring (ASOIAF Essays)

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

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VoK 453: Movie Roundtable (Vol.4) – Australian Edition

Posted on March 13, 2018 | Leave a comment


The Vassals venture from the Outback to the dancefloor to the suburban sprawl in search of the cinematic heart of Australia. Join Duncan (Valkyrist), Sarah (Lady Weaver), Dana (Taindana), and David (davidhhh) as they discuss some of their favourite Australian films and mull over the state of the industry.

01:24 – Australian Cinema
22:19 – Wake in Fright (Ted Kotcheff, 1971)
55:20 – The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (Stephan Elliott, 1994)
1:25:26 – Strictly Ballroom (Baz Luhrmann, 1992)
1:44:17 – The Babadook (Jennifer Kent, 2014)

Warning: Contains #SPOILERS# for all four films

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
Audio clips owned by NLT Productions, PolyGram, M&A Productions and Causeway Films

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Posted in History, Movies, Podcast

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VoK 446: Video Game Roundtable (Vol.3)

Posted on February 17, 2018 | Leave a comment


The Vassals return once more to the pixelated roundtable to offer wise council and exchange valuable cheat codes. Join Duncan (Valkyrist), Zach (Alias), Katie (Lady Griffin), Bing (Shoeshiner), Paul (SerDinnerRoll), and Kevin (Gaiden) as they chat video games and gush over some of their favourite titles of all time.

01:14 – Recently Played
11:37 – Favourite Games (Round #3)
1:00:48 – Favourite Games (Round #4)
1:52:24 – Favourite Games (Round #5)
2:14:43 – Upcoming Games

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
Audio Clips owned by Valve and Toby Fox

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Links:
VoK 193: Video Game Roundtable (Vol.1)
VoK 338: Video Game Roundtable (Vol.2)

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Posted in Fandom, Podcast, Science Fiction, The Witcher, Video Games

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VoK 410: KrakenCast – “The Dragon and the Wolf” (S07E07 Review)

Posted on August 30, 2017 | Leave a comment


THE KRAKEN VANISHES BENEATH THE WAVES! Aussie vassals Duncan (Valkyrist), Dana (Taindana), and honourary krakens Bing (Shoneshiner) and David (davidhhh) review the seventh and final episode of Game of Thrones’ seventh season, entitled “The Dragon and the Wolf.”

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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KC

That concludes KrakenCast for this season of Game of Thrones. 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 405: KrakenCast – “Beyond the Wall” (S07E06 Review)

Posted on August 22, 2017 | Leave a comment


THE KRAKEN SHIVERS! Aussie vassals Duncan (Valkyrist), Sarah (Lady Weaver, and honourary krakens Bing (Shoneshiner), David (davidhhh) and Neil (Valyrian Neil) review the sixth episode of Game of Thrones’ seventh season, entitled “Beyond the Wall.”

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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KC

KrakenCast records Tuesdays at 8:00pm (AEST) / 11:00am (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.

Leave a comment

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

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