The Night's Cast

Feeling a little lost with all the prequel talk of "the Age of Heroes" and other Westeros history? Have no idea who Lann the Clever is? Why does that Stark sigil we glimpsed from the set look different? Not to worry -- school is in session! The Night's Cast is your visiting maester for a couple of episodes we're calling Summer School at the Citadel, in which we dive into any and all Westeros (and some Essos) history that might be relevant to the upcoming spinoff. This week, join Vanessa, Petra and Samantha for lesson number one on the Dawn Age, early Starks and more.

Get hype for the brothers Clegane, and examine their dysfunctional family dynamic and brutal rivalry. Was the conclusion to their longstanding grudge inevitable, or could it have been avoided? Was it satisfying, or do Ser Gregor and his little brother deserve so much more? Featuring Axechucker and Oz of Watchers on the Wall, Sean Pink of History of Westeros, and Jason Concepcion and Mallory Rubin of Binge Mode.

Alys Karstark and Meera Reed, Sansa Stark and Dacey Mormont. From Bear Island to White Harbor, the North is comprised of some of the most badass ladies in ASOIAF. Join Britt of Scavenger Squad Cosplay and Samantha of Watchers on the Wall as they celebrate the Northern ladies of the past, present and future!

The Targaryens are the most well-known inhabitants of Valyria to settle in Westeros, but they're not the only ones. House Velaryon and House Celtigar also left the ancient city across the sea and headed west. Let's explore these great and oft-forgotten houses of Valyria. Featuring Samantha of Watchers on the Wall, John (Hamfast42), Laura (MissMatchedEyes) and Toemas Pappas.

One of the most shocking scenes in television history, the Red Wedding, became a pop culture phenomenon. Relive the wildest reactions with fellow fans and discuss why it had such a lasting impact on us all. Featuring Axechucker and Bex from Watchers on the Wall, Samantha Adolfo and Lindsey Romain.

Common-born characters such as Davos, Missandei, Bronn, Gilly and others play the game of thrones very differently than their noble counterparts. Some even play it better! Let's discuss why this may be and what we can learn from these differences. Featuring Luka Nieto and David Rosenblatt from Watchers on the Wall, Daphne Olive and Michael (bookshelfstud) of Maester Monthly.

Dragons continued to hatch until after the Dance of the Dragons in 129 AC, but there were troubling signs well before that their health and vitality were declining. What, exactly, caused the Targaryens' powerful creatures to die? Featuring Samantha and Vanessa from Watchers on the Wall and GreyArea.

One of the many likenesses between George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and Shakespeare's plays is the presentation of villainy. This panel examines why villains are important in literature and also compares several villains in ASOIAF and their Shakespearean counterparts, including Tyrion/Richard III, Littlefinger/Iago and Cersei/Lady Macbeth. Finally, our panelists will lead a discussion on how these particular character arcs might differ in the books as opposed to the show. Featuring Samantha of Watchers on the Wall and Lauren, the mind behind @shakesofthrones.

In the "At Journey's End" series, we look back on eight seasons of character development for our favorite major characters. In the panel, we'll examine how Brienne of Tarth has survived her adventures and retained her honor against all odds. Featuring Jason Concepcion and Mallory Rubin of Binge Mode, SueTheFury of Watchers on the Wall, BeautyBrienne, and Chris Wright.

In the "At Journey's End" series, we look back on eight seasons of character development for our favorite major characters. In this panel, we reminisce about Arya's journey from adventurous child to fearless assassin. Featuring Samantha of Watchers on the Wall, Azor Ahype, Liz Bistline and Jocelyn Womack.