The Maester’s Path

Elmo Iscariot sent over a link to this promotional kit/ARG token for HBO's upcoming adaptation of George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones". It's a well done piece of work that appeals to me on a number of levels, from my love George R.R. Martin's writing to the prop's integration into an alternate reality game.

In the novels a Maester is a multi-disciplinary scholar. Every time they advance down the "Path of the Master", demonstrating competence in a particular field, a link forged from a specific metal is added to their ceremonial necklace. The prop kit recreates one of the steps in the process. Other props will presumably pop up in the future to allow players of the alternate reality game to progress along the path.



Inside the box, which looks to be custom made, are a collection of scent vials, funnels, perfumers strips, mixing bottles, and scrolls. The idea of mixing base scents to recreate the smell of particular locations in the story is a clever way of introducing the setting to anyone that's not already familiar with it. You can't get much more immersive than that.



Head over and check out the full post for an in-depth look at the entire package.