Tower of the Hand

GRRM's Not a Blog gets a new URL. Update your bookmarks: George R. R. Martin's "Not a Blog" has moved to a new address: http://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/

All of GRRM's previous blog entries have been migrated to the new URL and GRRM already has an inaugural post on the new site, writing about one of his favorite topics: the NFL draft. (Some of you may recall why Not a Blog was originally founded, nearly thirteen years ago. GRRM had discovered that some of his readers weren't happy with the content of the "updates" he had been giving on his official website. Not a Blog gave him a new outlet to discuss non-ASOIAF related topics, which fans could read or ignore -- or read and ignore, and wonder aloud, "When is the next book coming out?" Some things will never change.)

Aside from changing the URL and the banner graphic, the new site looks functionally similar to the old one, though the slight redesign is more in keeping with the style of GRRM's Official Website. Also, GRRM notes on Twitter that his team will be trying out a new platform (WordPress, if I'm not mistaken), so it appears that he's moving on from LiveJournal in more ways than one.

A Game of Thrones Online Role-playing. A new community-run Game of Thrones Online Role-playing session has just begun and it's looking for new players. If you enjoy role-playing games, or you're intrigued by the prospect of running a noble house of Westeros, or you're simply looking for new ways to pass the time until the next installment of A Song of Ice and Fire comes out, this game might be for you. Here's a brief description of what's involved:

Players are just now choosing their houses, so look over the rules and resources and figure out what kind of house you'd like to lead. Thanks to DireWolf for extending the invitation!

The best multimedia reviewers for Season 6. In case you haven't gotten your fill of Game of Thrones recaps, reviews, essays, and roundtables from us here on Tower of the Hand, we want to remind you to visit a few of our friends for a fuller multimedia experience. As they have done and will do for every Game of Thrones episode, A Podcast of Ice and Fire and Vassals of Kingsgrave have their podcast reviews of "The Red Woman." Race for the Iron Throne's Steven Attewell has also posted his weekly video review.

We also want to draw your attention to two new video reviews, started just this season. GoT Academy has contributed some great video essays to Tower of the Hand, so we're excited to see them expand their coverage. Also, Lord Bloodraven has been one of our most valued (and patient) members, so we want to share with everyone his new video reviews: FreyPiesForSkagos. Please enjoy their analyses of "The Red Woman," and subscribe to their channels, too, so you don't miss their new reviews.

Supreme Court of Westeros celebrates 100th ruling. For the past two years, Stefan Sasse and Amin Javadi have served as arbiters advocating for and arguing against various A Song of Ice and Fire theories in a fun series they call "The Supreme Court of Westeros." Over the years, they've invited readers to submit questions and even join their panel as guest judges. Today the Supreme Court of Westeros celebrates its 100th ruling with a special podcast that also features frequent contributors Sean T. Collins and Steven Attewell. Congrats to everyone at the Supreme Court for reaching this milestone!

Tyrion Lannister's Man Cave. Get a glimpse of "Tyrion Lannister's Man Cave" through this unique, interactive model of Tyrion's bed chambers. Find all the objects within that speak of his more significant moments throughout the series. Thanks, Sebastian, for sharing this with us; we hope you're thinking about other characters and locales that might get the same treatment.

TeeFury's Game of Tees Giveaway. TeeFury.com works with independent artists to create a range of limited edition products that celebrate every fandom. To mark the occasion of Season 5's debut, TeeFury is holding a huge giveaway this week, April 13 to April 20. The three big prizes are Jon Snow's sword, the Hound's helm and a set of dragon eggs (all officially licensed). TeeFury is also giving away ten shirts a day, from their collection of Game of Thrones inspired tees. Find out how to enter here. Good luck!

Game of Thrones: The Compendium. Throughout the years, Tower of the Hand has been privileged to showcase some of your talents, whether they be essays or artwork or some other clever inspirations. Today HBO opens up an official resource where fans can share their work, too: Game of Thrones: The Compendium. On this new site, artists, craftsmen, musicians, foodies and more are invited to literally write the book on Westeros; a few notable VIPs will handpick selected contributions to be curated into a printed book. Learn more about the collaborative project in the press release below and check out the site to see how you can submit your work.