Hear ye, hear ye, citizens of Westeros, Essos, and beyond: did you know there’s a new season of Game of Thrones on the horizon? (Of course you did.) The HBO fantasy epic has a fourth iteration banked and ready for our viewing pleasure premiering April 6th at 9 PM ET/PT, but who’s counting? Which can only mean one thing: tons and tons of news. Promotional materials, video spotlights, trailers, and even late-breaking casting announcements have all been dispersed across the Interwilds in celebration of the series’ return. Luckily, we gathered all our best ravens, forced them out into the world, and refused their return until they came back with the latest bits, all compiled into one single post for your viewing pleasure. (We’re nothing if not thoroughly obsessive.) So let’s get to it, shall we?

Highlight: The Costumes
We’re all obsessed with the costumes on Game of Thrones, right? Even non-cosplayers out there lust for the opulence and grandeur of Michele Clapton’s creations. And there’s even a shot of THE WEDDING DRESS (y’know the one), which looks equal parts badass and beautiful. From the crowns to the gowns and even the golden hand, detail is the name of the game, making this video a must-watch for fans and fashion-hounds alike.

Highlight: The Bastards
No doubt this season will find the bastards of the Realm coming majorly into their own as the political impact of their existence throughout the Realm is further dissected. With four major players in this upcoming season — Jon Snow, Ramsay Bolton, Ellaria Sand, and Gendry (to say nothing of King Joffrey and his siblings) — all bastard born, it’s important to know the details and the history of bastards in George R.R. Martin’s series. Check out the video below for some knowledge-dropping:

News: Is Sigur Rós is Heading to Westeros?
Do you know the Icelandic band Sigur Rós? if you don’t you’re about to, as the fanciful and nymph-like band is set to appear on the series this season. According to Entertainment Weekly, the group is currently in Croatia filming a scene. Now, this is all just speculation (and feel free to do the same in the comments), but perhaps they have the honor of being the wedding band at King Joffrey and Margaery Tyrell’s nuptials? Crooners of “The Dornishman’s Wife”? “The Last of The Giants”? Only time will tell what David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have in mind for one of their favorite bands. In the meantime, here’s a song of theirs that already feels as though it was made for the series’ soundtrack:

Game of Thrones: The Exhibition at SXSW
And finally, a video highlight of the Game of Thrones Exhibition’s time at South By Southwest. This is worth watching for the .5 seconds of Hodor spinnin’ the ones and twos (seriously):

Are you ready for season four to just hurry up and get here already? Let us know in the comments. And don’t forget to join the fantasy fantasy league!