Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Non-Wargaming Discussion => Chat & News => Topic started by: Leon on 07 March 2011, 01:35:26 AM

Title: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 07 March 2011, 01:35:26 AM
Starting on Sky Atlantic on April 18th:

Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Aquahog on 07 March 2011, 10:23:52 AM
And the book has a new release date! (again...)

Martin's announcement (http://grrm.livejournal.com/198122.html)
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Squirrel on 07 March 2011, 12:23:55 PM
I shall certainly give this a go - I'm not much of a Sean Bean fan .......... too wooden for my taste, but hopefully the story will carry him.

Cheers,

Kev
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: nikharwood on 07 March 2011, 07:05:48 PM
Another one to set the Sky+ for then... :)
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 07 March 2011, 07:07:01 PM
Yep, it looks like Boromir survived after all!  6 arrows, meh...
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Kassad on 16 March 2011, 01:59:20 PM
I'm very impatient and courious about the series. The books are beautifull (except Bran related-stories, very boring). I started last week a very long terms project: convert the "a games of throne" boardgame using 10mm figs stand. Pendraken' Norsemen and AngloSaxons are my Stark army.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Aquahog on 16 March 2011, 02:27:52 PM
Quote from: Kassad on 16 March 2011, 01:59:20 PM
I started last week a very long terms project: convert the "a games of throne" boardgame using 10mm figs stand. Pendraken' Norsemen and AngloSaxons are my Stark army.

Sweet! I'm thinking I'll probably paint up my Battles of Westeros set first but a miniature project has been growing in the back of my head for quite some time now. Must resist. :)
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 21 April 2011, 01:01:33 AM
Anyone watch the first episode?  I'm hoping things get clearer as it goes on, as I'm completely confused at the moment!
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Nosher on 21 April 2011, 07:00:08 AM
I watched the first thirty minutes more out of curiosity than anything and have to say that i found it even less watchable than The Pacific. There was no real introduction to the characters, Beans acting was a wooden as ever and the story seeemd to jump about more than my kids guinea pigs.

I also found the language offensive. I'm an ex squaddie so consider myself pretty hardened to that type of stuff but I dont think there is any place for it on TV.

Another HBO less than average programme preceded by Spartacus of a few weeks ago which was/equally as bad
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: nikharwood on 21 April 2011, 07:50:52 AM
Hmm - I've got it recorded, will watch tonight then...
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Maenoferren on 21 April 2011, 10:02:46 AM
Yep totally confused. I thought I must have missed an episode. Was surprised to see the tesco advert man as the king.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Arsenus on 21 April 2011, 11:31:18 AM
The books are difficult to begin but at the end of the first, many things are explained. I just watch the first episode and that look good to me.

Wait & see.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Luddite on 21 April 2011, 05:38:41 PM
The problem with this HBO stuff is its too long.

How many episodes? 

Cut it down to 6 and you can't go on a tedious rambling, half-baked journey - you actually have to fill each episode with story development and 'action'.

I found myself 30 mins in to the first episode and as usual with this HBO stuf started shouting at the screen 'GET ON WITH IT!'

Switched over never to return.




Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Sean Clark on 21 April 2011, 07:41:48 PM
Welll, having read the book I thought it was very good (aprt from the swearing which does jar somewhat).

This isn't fantasy in the traditional sense so no dragons and goblins. But greta characters and intrigue. Whoever said it was the 'Sopranos' with swords was spot on.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 21 April 2011, 10:18:22 PM
Quote from: salagam on 21 April 2011, 07:41:48 PM
Whoever said it was the 'Sopranos' with swords was spot on.

That's the bit that got me interested, cos The Soprano's is one my favourite shows.  But in this first episode, they tried to introduce too many characters at once, each with their own backstory, and it left me completely confused as to who was who and what was going on.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Kassad on 21 April 2011, 10:37:16 PM
I watched yesterday, with italian sub-titles. I like it!
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Squirrel on 22 April 2011, 11:40:31 AM
It was a bit confusing with so much going on, but hopefully all will become clear  ...........

Overall I liked the feel of it though, which surprised me to be honest. I shall certainly continue to watch.

Cheers,

Kev
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: johnny boy on 25 April 2011, 06:18:26 PM
I doubt that it will get any clearer. The books are interesting but jump about quite a lot. That makes filming a bit of a problem. The books make you want to read on and find out what happens...I wont say and spoil it for anyone. I worry that this will turn into a car crash of a series, even though the second series has been agreed and that the whole thing will fall on the inability of the producers to compress the story enough to keep casual watchers entertained and still get the story over. If you are confused now wait till a little bit later where characters seem to come out of the woodwork and their motives are not immediately clear.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leman on 25 April 2011, 07:17:37 PM
Well, well, well ....... wargamers with the attention span of a gnat and an inability to assess characters, nuances and plot. Seemed a bit of a walk in the park for me. Thought the language was great, but then I've never signed up to kill people for real and hopefully I'm too bloody (oops) old to be drafted now. And I thought I must try the books now. Incidentally, I think Sean Bean is great.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 25 April 2011, 11:34:48 PM
Tonight's episode seemed to fill in some of the blanks between the three different locations we're flicking between, which was good.  Is anyone else having trouble understanding what they're saying at times though?  (No Yorkshire accent jokes please!)  I'm not sure if it's just my TV.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Luddite on 25 April 2011, 11:59:50 PM
The wife's still watching which means i was sort of (while painting some bowmen).

All i can say is that i have absolutely no idea what's going on, who rhe main characters are or what the story actually is.

Some bloke who i think is some sort of king said (and i paraphrase) 'a war's coming, i don't know with who or why, but it's coming'.

For me that summed up what i've seen so far.

Oh and the gratuitous nobbing scenes are a bit much aren't they?


In general, i agree that American speech in these series is getting harder to understand.  Whole episodes of some things my wife watches (ER springs to mind) goes by without me having a clue what anyone is actually saying.

There are afew thing's i'd say to the producers of these things, especially the HBO productions...

1.  Get the actors to speak a bit clearer.

2.  Turn the bloody lights on.  TV is a medium of light.  Hospitals do not have mood lighting.  Get the lights turned up so we can see what's happening.  The first 5 episodes of Pacific were pretty much filmed in pitch darkness with the only light sources being muzzle flashes.

3.  Tell a story.  Figure out what story you're trying to tell, and GET ON WITH IT.

4.  22 Episodes in series 1 is insane. 

Frankly i find it astonishing that cobblers like The Tudors gets made while quality like Firefly gets cancelled.   >:(

Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Maenoferren on 26 April 2011, 03:27:36 PM
Was out in the black last night, so will try and watch it tonight
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Jim Ando on 26 April 2011, 06:23:36 PM
liked the bath scene then wandered off  and did something wargames related. I usually have a problem with all fantasy nonsense and this is no different.

Jim
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: johnny boy on 27 April 2011, 11:41:56 AM
Luddite, you might have hit the nail on the head for me.  :-bd
I am a fan of the books and they do tell the story, however he does take his time to build up the plot line. As I said previously this makes filming a problem, you know, too many words for the MTV generation to take in and retain and not enough gratuitous violence to keep their attention.  ;)
The Pacific was a similar series where, due to the multiple story lines, telling the story becomes difficult and because if this I felt almost no connection with any of the characters. The series showed well the horrors and hell of the pacific fighting and the viewer, I hope, understood how real war is not like the movies. Tht said, I am not a big fan of the series and think they might have been better following one of the main characters more closely over a smaller episode run.
A game of thrones is in danger of becoming the fantasy version of the pacific as it has all of the problems the pacific had due to the scope of the book. They have only shown three of the locations by the end of episode 2 and touched on a few of the characters who will have some direct input to the story. There are many, many more to be unveilled and as a fan of the books, each adds to the colour and depth of the tale.

Glad to see it made, but am worried it will be left incomplete at the end and that no other TV network will be able to pick it up to finish the story. Only if the writer ever finishes the last book  :D
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 27 April 2011, 01:26:38 PM
Quote from: johnny boy on 27 April 2011, 11:41:56 AM
The Pacific was a similar series where, due to the multiple story lines, telling the story becomes difficult and because if this I felt almost no connection with any of the characters. The series showed well the horrors and hell of the pacific fighting and the viewer, I hope, understood how real war is not like the movies. Tht said, I am not a big fan of the series and think they might have been better following one of the main characters more closely over a smaller episode run.

I was like that with the Pacific, it took me about 4 episodes to get into it.  The main problem I found with that (and I can't see a way of fixing it!) is that during the combat scenes, you have no idea who is who, who's been shot, who's alive, etc.  So at the end of each battle sequence, I found myself doing a 'virtual' headcount of which characters had survived!

:D
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: johnny boy on 28 April 2011, 09:38:08 AM
Leon, your right.
Pacifics problem was unless you already knew the history quite well and knew of the main characters you never really connected with what was going on. A lot of 'is it as good as Band of Brothers' went on, but they are dogs of a different breed. Band of Brothers followed a very small group of characters allowing you to 'bond' with the characters. This was a feat that The Pacific never managed. The confusing night fighting scenes already mentioned, even when they culminate in the winning of the medal of honour, left you breathless but no further forward to knowing the characters involved.
As I said, I hope Game of Thrones manages to pull all the pieces together, but I am not sure it will. That being the case I can see the whole thing being dropped as viewing figures slump.

:D
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Squirrel on 21 June 2011, 06:01:17 AM
And so it's ended .............. and just as it was all kicking off and getting interesting! At least they bumped off Sean Bean :D

Wonder how long we'll have to wait for the next series?

Cheers,

Kev
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 21 June 2011, 06:17:29 PM
It grew on me as it went on, and despite still not having a clue how all the characters were related to each other, I really enjoyed it.  I'm considering giving the books a go now, I'm interested to see if the first book ends the same way, with so many loose ends left untied.

I'll have to go and check on the second series, cos I don't want to wait too long now!
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Squirrel on 21 June 2011, 08:14:15 PM
Quote from: Leon on 21 June 2011, 06:17:29 PM
despite still not having a clue how all the characters were related to each other,

That's the easy bit ....... they are all related to each other ......... or having relations at least :P Aren't they?

Cheers,

Kev
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 22 June 2011, 12:09:42 AM
Quote from: Squirrel on 21 June 2011, 08:14:15 PM
That's the easy bit ....... they are all related to each other ......... or having relations at least :P Aren't they?

:D

I got that the Queen was nobbing her brother, everyone seemed to have a b*stard son somewhere, and some old blind dude was some kind of heir to the throne?  And the blond girl in the desert is somehow tied to the rest of the story, but I assume that will become clearer in the second series?
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Squirrel on 22 June 2011, 06:14:03 AM
Quote from: Leon on 22 June 2011, 12:09:42 AM
I got that the Queen was nobbing her brother, everyone seemed to have a b*stard son somewhere, and some old blind dude was some kind of heir to the throne?  And the blond girl in the desert is somehow tied to the rest of the story, but I assume that will become clearer in the second series?

Ah ............... "the blonde girl in the desert" :D Mmmmmmm ........................... sorry, distracted for a moment there :P I think she's going to be a key player now she's got those tiny dragons - just what she needs fopr fighting imps. Might be wrong though as I've not yet read the books. Otherwise is sounds like you've got the hang of it!

Cheers,

Kev
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leman on 22 June 2011, 09:08:11 PM
Well, I didn't half enjoy that! To be honest I didn't find it half as confusing as some of the rulebooks I've come across over the years. Having read the first book now I think HBO did a really good job of it and Sean Bean was just right for a stiff, self-righteous and rather humourless character. This is the first fantasy stuff I've read and enjoyed since I read Lord of the Rings back in the 70s - bet that confused a few of the computer generation. Unless, of course, I count Cornwell's Arthur trilogy, which got me into Dark Ages gaming.Roll on series two!
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 22 June 2011, 11:32:24 PM
I might go see if I can find some kind of online family tree that shows how each character is related.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Squirrel on 23 June 2011, 06:24:28 AM
I need to buy the books and get reading - but that means diverting funds from the modelling budget :'(

Cheers,

Kev
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Dazza on 23 June 2011, 05:19:09 PM
Quote from: Leon on 22 June 2011, 11:32:24 PM
I might go see if I can find some kind of online family tree that shows how each character is related.

FAMILY TREE LINK  (http://distractionsoflola.tumblr.com/photo/1280/4736562133/1/tumblr_ljvomnekzJ1qa2ylw)

Something like this ?

or this :

2nd Tree Family link (http://www.mahia.se/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Families.jpg)
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 23 June 2011, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Dazza on 23 June 2011, 05:19:09 PM
FAMILY TREE LINK  (http://distractionsoflola.tumblr.com/photo/1280/4736562133/1/tumblr_ljvomnekzJ1qa2ylw)

Something like this ?

or this :

2nd Tree Family link (http://www.mahia.se/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Families.jpg)

Spot on!  Excellent, cheers for that Dazza, I'll be studying those when I get in, might clear up some of the questions I've got.

8)
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leman on 25 June 2011, 11:54:14 AM
Cheers Dazza, excellent link to family trees.
DP
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 05 June 2012, 03:13:11 AM
Has anyone been watching the second season of this?

I've just watched the final episode, and the whole thing has grown on me so much that this is now my favourite thing on TV.  The second series took a little while to get into again, as with the first they didn't fully explain who everyone was, so it took a few episodes to work out what was going on.  Aside from that though, it's a cracking series, and definitely something worth getting on DVD if you've missed it so far.

8)
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Derek H on 05 June 2012, 08:29:24 AM
Absolutely fantastic.  Just discovered it about two months ago and spent an entire Saturday watching series one in a single sitting.

Best programme on the box in a long time. 

Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: nikharwood on 05 June 2012, 08:35:44 AM
Totally agreed - superbly done.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: zaapark on 06 June 2012, 03:16:27 AM
Quote from: Leon on 23 June 2011, 05:26:57 PM
Spot on!  Excellent, cheers for that Dazza, I'll be studying those when I get in, might clear up some of the questions I've got.

8)

I see one small problem, not sure if any of the Lannister kids are Baratheon's.  :-\
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Syr Hobbs on 22 June 2012, 12:50:45 AM
Personally the last three minutes or so, has to be one of the coolest (no pun intended) things I've ever seen on TV.   The "White Walker" zombies are beyond creepy but the zombie master on the horse, yea, he was just awesome.  I've been trying to think which figure I would use to get that bad boy on the table.  lol

(http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg588/hobbsdrake/whitewalkers.jpg)



Great series.  My wife had read all the books and she thinks HBO has done a much better job keeping to the story line in the books then her other favorite HBO series (True Blood) .  The current king (Joffrey) will never act again after this show.  I just can't see him doing anything else, he's just too nasty.  Poor breeding I bet.

Duane

EDIT: Youtube link fixed.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Squirrel on 22 June 2012, 09:38:20 AM
They have done a great job with this series, can't wait for the next one now!

Loads of gaming inspiration.

Cheers,

Kev
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: SV52 on 22 June 2012, 11:42:47 AM
Books can be picked up cheap at Tesco on their 2 for a few quid offer.  On the whole I like it, too much gratuitous sex which does nothing to move the plot along but that's the modern world of publishing.  Just finished volume 2, if you thought the first one was complicated, read on...  Only seen TV#1, though I'm told by aficionados #2 is better.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Ben Waterhouse on 22 June 2012, 01:33:03 PM
Quote from: SV52 on 22 June 2012, 11:42:47 AM
Books can be picked up cheap at Tesco on their 2 for a few quid offer.  On the whole I like it, too much gratuitous sex which does nothing to move the plot along but that's the modern world of publishing.  Just finished volume 2, if you thought the first one was complicated, read on...  Only seen TV#1, though I'm told by aficionados #2 is better.

Wait until you get to the bonkfest in the latest volume....
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 22 June 2012, 02:10:56 PM
I keep gazing at the books when I walk past them in the shops, but with me enjoying the TV series so much, I don't really want to spoil it for myself by knowing what's going to happen, if that makes any sense to anyone?!

8-}
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 22 June 2012, 04:03:07 PM
They are a good read, and having not seen the TV series (I refuse to get Sky!), think it might help to sort out the plot.

IanS
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Syr Hobbs on 22 June 2012, 04:37:08 PM
I'm with you, I prefer the surprise but then again if I get confused I can ask my wife questions and she knows not to spoil it for me.  Question is do you have the will power to read only half way through the second book until next summer? :)

Duane
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 22 June 2012, 05:24:00 PM
Quote from: Syr Hobbs on 22 June 2012, 04:37:08 PM
I'm with you, I prefer the surprise but then again if I get confused I can ask my wife questions and she knows not to spoil it for me.  Question is do you have the will power to read only half way through the second book until next summer? :)

Willpower?  No, not at all!

Do I have the time to even get to the second book before then, now that's another matter...!   :D
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: FierceKitty on 24 June 2012, 01:28:21 AM
Quote from: Dour Puritan on 25 April 2011, 07:17:37 PM
Well, well, well ....... wargamers with the attention span of a gnat and an inability to assess characters, nuances and plot. Seemed a bit of a walk in the park for me. Thought the language was great, but then I've never signed up to kill people for real and hopefully I'm too bloody (oops) old to be drafted now. And I thought I must try the books now. Incidentally, I think Sean Bean is great.
What's really offensive in language in wargamers' chronic dysfunctional relationship with the harmless necessary apostrophe. Tho' I suppose the hubris of pontificating about words that have played their part in conversation and literature for the last millenium goes hand in glove with illiteracy.
Agree about Mr Bean, but I fear that if this series goes on, he may never get a real acting role again.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: GordonY on 25 June 2012, 06:51:59 AM
FK, it doesnt matter if the series goes on, I'm afraid that Sean loses his noggin in S1E9,  :-\ but on the upside, his acting after that is a little less wooden.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Rubicon on 25 June 2012, 07:48:26 AM
Quote from: Leon on 22 June 2012, 02:10:56 PM
I keep gazing at the books when I walk past them in the shops, but with me enjoying the TV series so much, I don't really want to spoil it for myself by knowing what's going to happen, if that makes any sense to anyone?!

8-}

I'd recommend the books - I'd read, and loved, the first 2 books before seeing any of the TV series. I quite liked the TV show but more from a "I wonder how well they'll portray this character or that scene", which, inevitably perhaps, meant I was in for some disappointment...
That said, the books do represent a considerable investment of time which could possibly be better spent painting miniatures/commissioning new ranges/playing games... :D ;D

One of my daughter's teachers told her recently that Cersei attended her school in Huddersfield and that was where she first got into drama/acting..

Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 25 June 2012, 08:52:23 AM
I've read all the books, superb, but stil not seen the series, have I missed much?!  :D
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: FierceKitty on 25 June 2012, 09:09:25 AM
Quote from: GordonY on 25 June 2012, 06:51:59 AM
FK, it doesnt matter if the series goes on, I'm afraid that Sean loses his noggin in S1E9,  :-\ but on the upside, his acting after that is a little less wooden.
Your point, sir.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: GordonY on 25 June 2012, 03:36:09 PM
The remainder of the series has no impact on Mr Bean's chances of getting work.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: FierceKitty on 26 June 2012, 02:49:27 AM
Yes, I posted too soon. Mea culpa.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Ben Waterhouse on 26 June 2012, 11:16:43 AM
Quote from: GordonY on 25 June 2012, 03:36:09 PM
The remainder of the series has no impact on Mr Bean's chances of getting work.

Mwahahaha!
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Luddite on 26 June 2012, 12:25:31 PM
Wait is Sean Bean an actor?

Are you sure?

That explains a lot then.  I wondered why he kept cropping up in various movies.  I figured he was a tea boy they kept forgetting to edit out.

He makes Keanu Plank look like an RSC luminary...

I got 10 minutes in to Episode 1 of Gam of Thrones before abandoning it as a bad job so can't comment on 'two by four' Bean's 'performance' in that , but his relentless, brutal murdering of the Boromir character in Lord of the Rings was heartbreaking to watch (although thankfully overshadowed by endless, character destroying hideous blubbing of the woman playing Samwise Gamgee).

And Sharpe is only good because the supporting cast keep things going.  

He's the England World Cup team of Hollywood...

Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Chad on 26 June 2012, 12:29:56 PM
I've read all the books and just started watching the series on DVD.

I don't find this a disadvantage in watching the series, although I do have to be careful not to spoil things for other members of the family.

I also think after about volume 3 of the books, it is seems fairly clear who the central characters are and that they may survive to the end.

Chad
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Ben Waterhouse on 26 June 2012, 12:32:34 PM
Quote from: Luddite on 26 June 2012, 12:25:31 PM
Wait is Sean Bean an actor?

Are you sure?

That explains a lot then.  I wondered why he kept cropping up in various movies.  I figured he was a tea boy they kept forgetting to edit out.

He makes Keanu Plank look like an RSC luminary...

I got 10 minutes in to Episode 1 of Gam of Thrones before abandoning it as a bad job so can't comment on 'two by four' Bean's 'performance' in that , but his relentless, brutal murdering of the Boromir character in Lord of the Rings was heartbreaking to watch (although thankfully overshadowed by endless, character destroying hideous blubbing of the woman playing Samwise Gamgee).

And Sharpe is only good because the supporting cast keep things going.  

He's the England World Cup team of Hollywood...


Mind you he's still sharp....
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Luddite on 26 June 2012, 12:40:25 PM
Quote from: Chad on 26 June 2012, 12:29:56 PM

I also think after about volume 3 of the books, it is seems fairly clear who the central characters are and that they may survive to the end.



;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Shouldn't that be fairly clear in the first chapter?

I'm afraid i'm rather brutal in that regard. 

If a book hasn't gripped me by the end of page 4, its pretty much not getting finished.  If it's more than one book its got to be pretty darned excellent!

;D

Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: robert on 26 June 2012, 01:24:04 PM
Well - I pleaded with SWMBO and got all 7 books from Morrisons on the cheap and have read five of them but last night realised that not only was I completely bewildered by the changing scenes and characters in every chapter but I was sick of the violence on every page - very graphic detail of said violence - no wonder I have not been sleeping too well!

Everyone gets killed or tortured, including all the early characters you start to follow.  This is a very dark and gruesome world he has created and will no longer be bedtime reading for this old boy.

Frankly I summarise the books as being sadistic - the violence only being lightened by intriguing sex scenes but even that palls after a while.

The maps are awesome and would make a great setting for ancient/medieval campaigns.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: robert on 26 June 2012, 01:25:34 PM
So - if anyone wishes to make me an offer to buy all seven paperbacks in excellent condition......................
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Techno on 26 June 2012, 05:26:49 PM
No thanks Rob.

I'm struggling with the DVDs (Which a very kind friend gave me as a prezzie.)
I've got through one and a bit episodes so far, and it wasn't truly holding my attention. :-\
I shan't give up yet .....Even though (as some have already mentioned) the 'nobbing' scenes are well over the top...and (for me) far too frequent, and don't really add a damn thing to the story.
Like I say...I shall persevere..... and give it a chance.

I think this is a 'Marmite' series.

Cheers - Phil.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: fred. on 26 June 2012, 05:49:32 PM
I'm in the middle of book 4 (which is probably actually book 6 as there are a couple of double books!) I read books 1-3 around Christmas, then took a break and started book 4 last week. They are certainly page turners, which is good considering the number of pages. I do like the multi view point chapters, but it can take a bit to get your head round who's who after a break.

There is certainly a lot of violence, and a lot of, apparently, main characters end up dead, I don't think after the first chapter you could guess who would be dead by the end of book 1 let alone book 3. There is a fair bit of sex too. The writing could do with some editing (OK quite a lot of editing) there is a lot of "grease dripping down chin" phrases, and "gorget" (neck armour) crops up far too often - rather as if the author has found a word for a specific bit of armour and just wants to use it (its not like he uses technical terms for other bits of armour)! The first book mainly annoyed me for how the nobles spoke and treated each other - I had been lead to believe it was based around the Wars of the Roses, but the characters seem to behave more like Vikings in their interactions - but I have noticed this less (either I've got used to it, or the style has changed)

Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Ben Waterhouse on 26 June 2012, 10:14:35 PM
Agreed - The War of the Roses as told by the Marquis de Sade.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: FierceKitty on 26 June 2012, 11:13:20 PM
Quote from: fred  12df on 26 June 2012, 05:49:32 PM


I had been lead....



And what scale had you been? 10mm, 15mm, or what?
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Techno on 27 June 2012, 07:51:31 AM
Oh....Leaf hymn a loan....Otherwise yule bee find !  ;)
Cheers - Phil.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Squirrel on 28 June 2012, 07:23:14 AM
Quote from: robert on 26 June 2012, 01:24:04 PM
The maps are awesome and would make a great setting for ancient/medieval campaigns.

There is indeed an RPG based on the 'Game of Thrones' series, available through RPGnow.

http://www.rpgnow.com/product/101026/A-Song-of-Ice-and-Fire-Roleplaying%3A-A-Game-of-Thrones-Edition (http://www.rpgnow.com/product/101026/A-Song-of-Ice-and-Fire-Roleplaying%3A-A-Game-of-Thrones-Edition)

Reviews are good, and I shall probably pick it up sometime.

Cheers,

Kev
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leman on 29 June 2012, 11:37:01 AM
I have to admit this constant substituting the noun lead for the past tense verb led is extremely wearying in the wargaming literature world; almost as bad as banana's 80p lb.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Ben Waterhouse on 29 June 2012, 01:00:20 PM
Quote from: Dour Puritan on 29 June 2012, 11:37:01 AM
I have to admit this constant substituting the noun lead for the past tense verb led is extremely wearying in the wargaming literature world; almost as bad as banana's 80p lb.

"A" or "The"?  :-\
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: nikharwood on 28 July 2012, 11:41:56 AM
Found this - useful... :D

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IZc7PvOZZkA/UAKwi14JlSI/AAAAAAAACtI/5SB6neC8xAs/s903/4485295_460s%5B1%5D.jpg)
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: mollinary on 28 July 2012, 01:33:08 PM
Is it just me, or did anyone else think that Jon Snow and Fat Friend were suspiciously like Frodo and Samwise Gamgee? And I've never seen them in the same room together  ;) :-\

Mollinary
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: robert on 28 July 2012, 02:35:44 PM
It's just you
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: mollinary on 28 July 2012, 02:50:21 PM
Thanks Robert, that's OK then!

Mollinary
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: nikharwood on 03 August 2012, 12:28:25 PM
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5OFAj-zMTYk/UBu-N2YCHBI/AAAAAAAAYp4/GCRSTpjsQQI/s588/292351_507600842587235_278142056_n.jpg)

:D
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Syr Hobbs on 03 August 2012, 09:10:55 PM
Good stuff, had to share with the wife.  She liked it as well.

Duane
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 04 June 2013, 02:40:31 AM
Is anyone still watching GoT?  And have they watched the latest episode?!  What the hell?!     :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: HPFlashman on 04 June 2013, 10:31:29 AM
Gonna watch the rerun tonight, read the books so no suprises... ;-)
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 04 June 2013, 03:10:19 PM
Quote from: HPFlashman on 04 June 2013, 10:31:29 AM
Gonna watch the rerun tonight, read the books so no suprises... ;-)

:-$  :D
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: HPFlashman on 04 June 2013, 07:56:40 PM
Seen...  :o  :o
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Luddite on 04 June 2013, 10:31:59 PM
Still watching.

Absolutely brilliant.

And i haven't read the books so its all a surprise!

Last (S3 Ep9 'the red wedding')

(http://www.gifsforum.com/images/image/omg/grand/omg-eccbc87e4b5ce2fe28308fd9f2a7baf3-1478.jpg)

Me and the wife were screaming at the screen...NO!!! MAKE IT STOP!!!

Utterly brilliant.

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: barbarian on 05 June 2013, 12:07:57 AM
I didn't care at all about these characters.
I had absolute zero emotional link with them.

To say it properly :
"I don't give a sh*t !"
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 05 June 2013, 01:34:14 AM
There's another wedding next week, so I've no idea what's going to happen now.  All bets are off!  :o
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: GordonY on 05 June 2013, 04:31:16 AM
Read the books Leon, otherwise it'll be 2016 before the series catches up.

Mind you the books stop abruptly too, cant wait fr the guy to write the next one.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: clibinarium on 05 June 2013, 10:39:46 AM
I'm currently listening to audio of the books while I work, and haven't seen any of the series. Can anyone tell me (without spoilers) where the series is in terms of the books? I'm about half way through Storm of Swords
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Techno on 05 June 2013, 12:08:00 PM
I still haven't managed to go back to the DVDs of the first series ('Wot I woz given as a prezzie)....
I just got put off by all the gratuitous bonking...Still only watched the first two episodes of series One.
Does that ever stop, or at least cut down ?
Cheers - Phil.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: HPFlashman on 05 June 2013, 12:29:54 PM
Quote from: clibinarium on 05 June 2013, 10:39:46 AM
I'm currently listening to audio of the books while I work, and haven't seen any of the series. Can anyone tell me (without spoilers) where the series is in terms of the books? I'm about half way through Storm of Swords

If I recall correctly, they are dabbing with books two and three.

The Stark storylines are from book two and the Khaleesi and Snow storylines are spinning around book three. This is going on memory alone and when I think about it, it may be book three and four with the same breakdown of storylines.

First time I read them, I read book 1 and 3 (Birthday prezzie, received in a FOB, no easy way to get nr 2 before finishing off those I got), then 2, 3 and 4.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: clibinarium on 05 June 2013, 02:48:23 PM
By coincidence I have just listened to part that Leon refers to, and I had much the same reaction.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: mart678 on 05 June 2013, 06:25:20 PM
Had Books 1 and 2 then my son for christmas got the next 2 books 5 and 6 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: sixsideddice on 10 July 2013, 10:14:39 PM
Absolutely love the HBO series...  absolutely adore the books.... absolutely inspired by Battles of Westeros, both as it stands (including expansions) and by replacing the minis included with bigger group stands of appropriate 10mm guys.... all in all, a total win/win situation for me :)


Six  :D  8)  :-\
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: nikharwood on 21 February 2014, 12:20:28 AM
Threadomancy....but worth it  8)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GI5060WHB2s/UwUdaB80P9I/AAAAAAABn9c/5VUIB3_2FEI/w958-h475-no/disney_princesses_as_game_of_thrones_by_djedjehuti-d770lzw.jpg)
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leon on 21 February 2014, 12:35:09 AM
Not long until the new season kicks off now, can't wait!

<:-P
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: GordonY on 21 February 2014, 11:17:10 AM
I must re-watch from the beginning, there's way too many in that piccy that I cant put a name or a face to.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: get2grips on 21 February 2014, 01:11:20 PM
Quote from: GordonY on 21 February 2014, 11:17:10 AM
I must re-watch from the beginning, there's way too many in that piccy that I cant put a name or a face to.

You know nothing John Snow ;)
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: GordonY on 21 February 2014, 03:33:43 PM
I also wish the lazy bugger would bring out the next book..
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: get2grips on 21 February 2014, 05:35:05 PM
Quote from: GordonY on 21 February 2014, 03:33:43 PM
I also wish the lazy bugger would bring out the next book..

;D ;D ;D

Quote of the day ;)
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Aquahog on 23 February 2014, 06:53:11 PM
Wonder what he'll do when the television series catches up with the books?
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: GordonY on 24 February 2014, 08:04:01 AM
Ad lib????

Sorta "Who's line is it anyway?" with gratuitous sex and bondage.  :) ;) :D ;D
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Leman on 25 February 2014, 02:16:11 PM
Just finished series three. I imagine more Lanisters will get bumped off in series four. Really could do with the next book before I forget what happened at the end of book 5.
Title: Re: Game of Thrones
Post by: Aquahog on 25 February 2014, 09:41:08 PM
Quote from: GordonY on 24 February 2014, 08:04:01 AM
Ad lib????

Sorta "Who's line is it anyway?" with gratuitous sex and bondage.  :) ;) :D ;D

;)