Oldtown, Seat of House Hightower

[Honors Bastion]

The City of Oldtown and the Hightower, the Seat of House Hightower

Description of Oldtown with Map

The city of Oldtown is the second largest city in Westeros, second only in size and in wealth to Westeros’ capital city of King’s Landing. However, unlike King’s Landing, Oldtown is not affected by the squalor and filth of the capital city and Oldtown does not have vast areas devoted to the poor like the Flea Bottom. The city is filled with a myriad of winding alleys and passages ways of the many different buildings, homes, and apartments of its inhabitants. The city is ruled by House Hightower, the most influential and powerful family amongst all of the Reach’s lords. The city sits upon the mouth of the Honeywine River and is actually split into two sections by the river, with the large Aegon’s Crossing Bridge connecting the halves together, with a smaller bridge to the North.The Honeywine River gives the city of Oldtown an inexhaustible source of fresh water, allowing Oldtown and its surrounding countryside to prosper. The city’s location at the mouth of the Honeywine River gives Oldtown a magnificent harbor that is one of the busiest, if not the busiest harbors in all of Westeros. The harbor is quite large with many wharves on both sides of the Honeywine. The harbor is protected by a great chain that can be raised and lowered to allow access into the harbor. Any ships that try to pass through the chain would be shattered and their hulls broken. It serves as a viable defense mechanism for the city. Between the two harbors is a very large island. Dubbed Battle Island, and on it is the largest building in all of Westeros at 800 feet tall, the Hightower, the ancient lighthouse and fortified keep of the ruling House. Situated on its own island, the Hightower is quite secure and there is only one way on or off the island through the great bridge connecting to it, though there is a small dockyard where many Hightower warships rest. To the North of Aegon’s Crossing Bridge, there are a series of islands that together make up the Citadel, which is home to the Maesters, the keepers of knowledge and learning in Westeros. There are bridges which give access to the Citadel and they are protected and fortified. Petirioners who wish to see the maesters can only enter through the main bridge on the Eastern side. Oldtown was once the home to the Faith of the Seven and as such, the city is filled with dozens of shrines, septs, and other religious structures.(See Map) the most important Sept, the Starry Sept, was the former home of the Seven Faiths. The city of Oldtown even houses a small shrine to the Essosi Red God R’hllor near the city’s Merchant Square, which serves the religious needs of the many sailors from Essos. Oldtown is protected by strong walls and stout towers and the city has large force of City Watchmen to aid in its defense. Throughout the city, the barracks of the City Watch highlight the security of the city. In the Northern section of Western half of Oldtown lays the Hightower Military Complex which houses the military forces of House Hightower.

House Hightower Characters

House Hightower is one of the most ancient noble families in all of Westeros, descending from the First Men who ruled the area that would become the city of Oldtown as petty Kings during the Dawn of Days. When the Andals invaded Westeros, the Hightowers shrewdly allied with the newcomer, keeping their strength and power, becoming the most powerful of the vassal lords that would make up the newly created Kingdom of the Reach. When that Kingdom fell to the hands of invading Targaryens and their mighty Dragons, the Hightowers wisely held their forces back from the fateful battle and surrendered their city without a fight, saving it from destruction. The members of House Hightower rule over the second largest city in all of Westeros and one of its most powerful and wealthy ports, the city of Oldtown. The Hightowers are one of the wealthiest in all of Westeros, second only to the Lord Paramount of the land of Gold, the Lannisters. Members of this House are known for their loyalty and stalwartness as well as their caution and temperance. The Hightowers are devout worshippers of Faith of the Seven and have built many Great Septs in their city to show their dedication to the Seven Faiths. The Hightowers are the patrons of the great Citadel, home of wise and learned Maesters. The current ruling Lord of House Hightower is Lord Edric Hightower. Words: “We light the way” Hightower Family Tree Lord Edric Hightower - Lord of Oldtown and the Hightower. Born 145 AL. His wife, Lady Lyra Hightower (nee Redwyne) - Born 153 AL. Their son, Ser Rolland Hightower "the Tower Knight" - Heir to Oldtown and the Hightower. Twin to Rupert Hightower. Born 170 AL. His wife, Kyra Lefford - Daughter of Lord Harmund Lefford. Their son, Baelor Hightower - Future lord of the Hightower. Born 196 AL. Their Son, Lyanna Hightower - Born 198 AL. Their son, Ser Rupert Hightower - Admiral of Oldtown. Twin to Rolland Hightower. Born 170 AL. His wife, Tyene Tyrell - Daughter of Lord Raymond Tyrell. Born 171 AL. Their daughter, Bethany Hightower - Born 196 AL. The daughter, Merriane Hightower - Born 198 AL. Their son, Ser Patrek Hightower - Commander of the Oldtown City Watch. Born 175 AL. His wife, Lyara Cuy, daughter of Lord Florian Cuy Their daughter, Lynesse Hightower - Eldest daughter of Edric Hightower. Born 176 AL, Their daughter,Elys Hightower - Born 180 AL. Their daughter, Alys Hightower - Born 183 AL. His brother, Ser Duncan Hightower - Castellan of the Hightower. Born 155 AL. His wife, Seylese Hightower (nee Costayne) - Born 160 AL. Their son Ser Paxter Hightower - Born 179 AL. His wife, Sarah Blackbar, sister of Lord Jamie Blackbar Lord Edric Hightower Age: 63 Titles/Rank: Lord’s Bannerman Possessions: Traits: +6 Survival, +5 Income (Tier 3), +5 Siege Battles, +2 Assassinations, +3 Loyalty (Tier 2), 1 Counterspy Marital Status: Married to Lyra Redwyne Children: Many, see below. Bio: Lord Edric Hightower is the current patriarch of House Hightower and the ruler of the city of Oldtown, the second largest city in all of Westeros. Lord Edric is a wise and learned man who has devoted a large portion of his life to discovering the knowledge that is contained within the many ancient texts that lie in the depositories and libraries of the Citadel, the home of the Maesters. Lord Edric has used his new found knowledge to rule his city well, allowing Oldtown to prosper while many other cities would falter. Lord Edric is a naturally cautious man who refuses to enter a conflict unless he is assured that his beloved city of Oldtown remains unharmed. When King Aegon IV Targaryen died and his legitimized his Great Bastards and made them legal successors to the Iron Throne on his deathbed, Lord Edric predicted that there would be trouble if not outright war between the Great Bastards and the Trueborn Targaryens. With his prediction apparently fast approaching, Lord Edric Hightower has done his best to prepare himself and his family for the conflict to come. Ser Rolland Hightower "The Tower Knight" Age: 38 Titles/Rank: Heir to Oldtown and the Hightower, the Tower Knight Possessions: Traits: +3 Survival, +3 Field Battles, +3 Siege Battles, +2 Duels, 1 Loyalty Marital Status: Not Married Children: None Bio: Ser Rolland Hightower is the elder of the twin sons of Lord Edric Hightower, having been born a mere fifteen minutes before his brother. From a young age Rolland has received guidance and tutelage along with his twin brother from the Maesters of the Citadel. Rolland as the elder twin has taken up the mantle of the heir to House Hightower and he has done his best to ensure that his House is well represented by a fine swordsmen and a capable commander. Ser Rolland has been given the name the “the Tower Knight” due to emblem that he wears into battle, the sigil of House Hightower, and for the shape of his helmet which resembles the crenellations of a castle tower. Ser Rupert Hightower Age: 38 Titles/Rank: Admiral of Oldtown, Possessions: Traits: +3 Survival, +2 Sea Captain, +2 Duels, +1 Loot, +3 Income, (1 Unspent) Marital Status: Not Married Children: None Bio: Ser Rupert Hightower is the younger of the twin sons of Lord Edric Hightower. Like his father, brother, and all other Hightowers before him, Rupert has received training from the Maesters of the Citadel. While his brother has turned to mastering the world of land combat, Rupert has turned to understanding and controlling the sea. He has become an experienced sailor and has been made the commander for Oldtown’s fleet. Auxiliary Characters: Hightower Family (Aux) Lady Lyra Hightower (nee Redwyne) Age: 55 Bio: She is the wife of Lord Edric Hightower and the sister of Lord Redwyne, the ruler of the Arbor. Ser Duncan Hightower Age: 53 Bio: He is the younger brother of Lord Edric Hightower and is the current Castellan of the Hightower Ser Patrek Hightower Age: 32 Bio: He is the third son of Lord Edric Hightower and the current Commander of the Oldtown City Watch Lynesse Hightower Age: 32 Bio: Lynesse is the eldest daughter of Lord Edric Hightower. She is an independent and mature lady. She is married to Prince Maekar Targaryen. Elys Hightower Age: 28 Bio: She is the second daughter of Lord Edric Hightower. She is said to be a very pretty lady who is quite shy. Alys Hightower Age: 25 Bio: She is the youngest daughter and youngest child of Lord Edric Hightower. She is said to be the fairest of the Hightower daughters and her father is very protective of her. Seylese Hightower (nee Costayne) Age: 48 Bio: She is the wife of Ser Duncan Hightower and the sister of Lord Mark Costayne of Three Towers. Ser Paxter Hightower Age: 29 Bio: He is the only child of Ser Duncan Hightower and his wife Seylese Costayne. He currently serves as sworn sword to his uncle, Lord Edric Hightower. Baelor Hightower Age: 12 (Born 196 AL) Bio: He is the eldest son of Ser Rolland Hightower and his wife Kyra Lefford. Bethany Hightower Age: 12 (Born 196 AL) Bio: She is the first child of Ser Rupert Hightower and his wife Tyne Tyrell. Lyanna Hightower Age: 10 (Born 198 AL) Bio: She is the first daughter of Ser Rolland Hightower Merriane Hightower Age: 10 (Born 198 AL) Bio: She is the second daughter of Ser Rupert Hightower. Leyton Hightower Age: 9 (Born 199 AL) Bio: He is the second son of Ser Rolland Hightower. Mark Hightower Age: 8 (Born 200 AL) Bio: He is the third son of Ser Rolland Hightower Elaena Hightower Age: 8 (Born 200 AL) Bio: She is the third daughter of Ser Rupert Hightower. Mrycella Hightower Age: 7 (Born 201 AL) Bio: She is the third daughter of Ser Rolland Hightower Garth Hightower Age: 7 (Born 201 AL) Bio: He is the first son of Ser Rupert Hightower Hightower Retainers and Household (Aux) Hightower Household Archmaester Raymun – He is the personal Maester of House Hightower and he also serves as the personal liaison between the Lord of Oldtown and the Citadel. Born 155 AL. Age - 53. Maester Tibault - He is the successor to the now deceased Archmaester Raymun. He serves as the primary liaison between the Citadel and the Hightower - Age 38. Ser Thomas Flowers – He is the current spymaster for House Hightower. He works closely with the Oldtown City Watch to create a strong counterspy network to prevent intrusion from the Hightowers enemies. Born 160 AL. Age 48. Ser Arlan Costayne – He is the commander of Lord Edric’s Household Guard and the younger brother of the Lord of Three Towers, Lord Florian Cuy. He is loyal man who will happily give his life to protect Lord Hightower. Born 175 AL. Age 33. Ser Olymar Beesbury - He is the top financial adviser to Lord Edric and the current Master of Coin for the Hightower. Born 165 AL. Age 43. Ser Casper Blackbar - He is the harbor master for Oldtown and he has control over the flow of ships in and out of Oldtown. Born 165 AL. Age 43. Ser Elwood Mullendore - He is the personal bodyguard and close personal friend of Ser Rolland Hightower. Ser Elwood serves the Hightower family with loyalty and dedication. He is the younger brother of Lord Aron Mulldendore of the Uplands. Born 170 AL. Age 38. Ser Janos Bulwer - Hailing from the city of Blackcrown, Ser Janos is the lieutenant of Ser Rupert Hightower. The two were friends since they children. He works with Ser Rupert Hightower to ensure that Hightower Fleet is well led and well prepared. Born 170 AL. Age 38. Ser Mace Peake - He is the master of arms for the Hightower, having served as the personal mentor of the sons of Lord Edric Hightower since they were children. He is a good friend of Lord Edric and the uncle of the current lord of Torrentpeak, Lord Colmar Peake. Born 150 AL. Age 58. Ser Gilbert Beesbury - He is a knight who has sworn his sword in serving House Hightower. He acts as the personal aid of Lady Lyra Hightower (nee Costayne) and her personal bodyguard. Born 160 AL. Age 48. Septon Thoren - He is the close friend of the Hightower family and a mighty religious ally of theirs. His Sept is none other then the ancient and great Starry Sept. Born 155 AL. Age 53.

Small Council of Oldtown

Head of the Council: Lord Edric Hightower Lord Marshal: Ser Rolland Hightower 'the Tower Knight' Lord Admiral: Ser Rupert Hightower Lord Commander of the Oldtown City Watch: Ser Patrek Hightower Lord Castellan of Oldtown: Ser Duncan Hightower Lord Commander of the Household Guard: Ser Arlan Costayne Master of Coin: Ser Olymar Beesbury Master of Whispers: Ser Thomas Flowers Maester Representative: Maester Raymun

Oldtown Regional Bonuses

The City Watch of Oldtown: The city is defended and policed by a force of 250 men, which the owner does not need to pay for. These help protect against spying and assassination rolls in the city, and also are used in defense battles. -2 to spying, assassination and escape rolls for foes in the city, plus 250 extra troops in seige defense . The Citadel, home of the Maesters and learning: The owner of Oldtown has access to a Maester to help in childbirth and healing, even if the city is owned by a minor house. Bustling Port: Oldtown is the second largest port in all of the Seven Kingdoms, second only to King's Landing itself. Traders from all corners of the known world come here to sell and buy wares, allowing the owner one additional trade route. Oldtown: Large city - may garrison an additional 200% of the levy. Requires at least 1,000 men to defend or a -1 siege defense modifier is applied.

Oldtown Trade Summary

Trade Resourece (House Trading with): Resource Effect Fruits (House Hightower) - Increases levy infantry size by 2.5% and increase stability by 1 anually (non-stackable) Stone (House Arryn) - decreases castle upgrade costs by 10% Grains (House Darry) - Increases levy infantry size by 10% Timber (House Manderly) - 15% reduced cost for ships Perfumes (House Darklyn) -+2 Stability annually (no double bonus) Placeholder

Oldtown Building Upgrades

Market Square: +10% income Merchant's Square: +10% province income Trade Hub: Allows owners of the province to gain an additional trade route. ------------------------------------------------ Religious Shrine (Sept): Adds +1 to your stability level (annually) Large Religious Shrine (Sept): Adds +1 to your stability level (annually) Grand Shrine (Sept): adds an additional +1 to your stability level annually, for a cumulative total of +2 stability each year. ------------------------------------------------ Dockyard: +10% naval Levy, +10% income Large Dockyard: +10% naval Levy, 5% cheaper naval mercs, +5% income Major Dockyard: +10% naval Levy, 10% cheaper naval mercs, +5% income ------------------------------------------------ Militia Armoury: +10% Levy Town Watch: +10% Levy, 5% cheaper professional troops. Barracks: +10% Levy, 10% cheaper professional troops. ------------------------------------------------ Wall Reinforcements: +1 Siege Defense rolls Citadel Towers: +1 Siege Defense rolls Holdfast: +2 Siege Defense rolls Fortress City: +2 Siege Defense rolls. If the walls fall your garrison retreats to the Holdfast where the siege continues, albeit with what's left of the garrison confined to this single imposing keep. The Holdfast enjoys a +4 to Siege Defense rolls (it is the tier 3 upgrade). While confined within the Holdfast the enemy are regarded as controlling the province, but must keep up the siege of the Holdfast in order to prevent you retaking it immediately when they depart. This upgrade therefore gives you a second chance in a siege if the attack on the walls is not repulsed. ------------------------------------------------ Keep Expansions I: +25% castle garrison size permitted Keep Expansions II: +50% castle garrison size permitted Keep Expansions III: +100% castle garrison size permitted. ------------------------------------------------ Prison Cells: 8/20 chance for escape. ------------------------------------------------ Whisper House: -2 on Spying and Assassination rolls in this province when conducted by enemies, +2 when conducted by province owner. ------------------------------------------------ Crime Control Placeholder

House Hightower Military

Oldtown City Watch: 250 Men Oldtown Land Levy Basic Levy: (5,000 Men): Raised 2,200 Light Inf 1,000 Heavy Inf 500 Polearms 500 Archers 550 Light Cavalry 250 Heavy Cavalry Levy Modifiers: + 30% Cavalry (Building Bonus: 30%, Resource Bonus: 0%) + 45% Light Infantry, Archers, Polearms (Buildings Bonus: 30%, Resource Bonus: 15%) + 45% Heavy Infantry (Buildings Bonus: 30%, Resource Bonus: 15%) Additional Levies (2130): 990 Light Inf 450 Heavy Inf 225 Polearms 225 Archers 165 Light Cavalry 75 Heavy Cavalry Total Levies (7,130): 3,190 Light Inf 1,450 Heavy Inf 725 Polearms 7255 Archers 715 Light Cavalry 325 Heavy Cavalry Hightower Professional Soldiers Total: 16,000 600 Hightower Honorguard (Household Knights) 1,600 Hightower Champions (Reachmen Lancer's) 4,200 Hightower Preservers (Hightower Axemen) 2,400 Hightower Guardians (Merc Polearms) 3,000 Hightower Marskmen (Merc Crossbowmen) 3,000 Hightower Watchmen (Night Watchmen) 1,200 Hightower Outriders (Outriders) Hightower Naval Forces Basic Naval Levies: 75 Ships Unraised 30 Levy ships 20 Dromonds 15 Heavy Galleys 8 Oldtown War Galleys 2 Grand Warship 3 Grand Warship I will keep you updated on what the mods say and if nothing happens by Thursday evening, I will give you permission myself. Additional Naval Levies: 23 Ships (30% Building Bonus) 9 Levy ships 6 Dromonds 5 Heavy Galleys 2 Oldtown War Galleys 1 Grand Warship Professional Warships: none Total Warships: 98 39 Levy ships 26 Dromonds 20 Heavy Galleys 10 Oldtown War Galleys (The Warrior's Might, The Stranger's Grasp, The Father's Judgement, the Smith's Hammer, the Crone's Wrath, the Mother's Vengeance, the Maiden's Fury, the Maester's Wisdom, The Tower's Strength, The Septon's Inquisition) 3 Grand Warship 3 Grand Warship (Honor of Oldtown, Valor of the Hightower, Pride of the Honeywine)

House Hightower Vassal Information

House Costayne of Three Towers: Lord Mark Costayne House Beesbury of Honeyholt: Lord Hugh Beesbury House Mullendore of the Uplands: Lord Aron Mullendore House Bulwer of Blackcrown: Lord Ralph Bulwer House Cuy of Sunflower Hall: Lord Florian Cuy House Blackbar of Bandallon: Lord Jamie Blackbar House Peake of Torrentpeak: Lord Colmar Peake Very Small: 500 200 Light Inf 50 Heavy Inf 50 Polearms 100 Archers 50 Light Cavalry 50 Heavy Cavalry Naval Forces The Three Towers - Coastal Province - High Levy - 50 Levy (30 levy ships, 15 Dromonds, 5 heavy galleys) Blackcrown - Coastal Province - Small Levy - 20 Levy (10 Levy Ships, 5 Heavy Galleys, 5 Dromonds) Bandalon - Coastal Province - Very Small Levy - 10 Levy (6 levy ships, 2 Dromonds, 2 Heavy Galleys) Sunflower Hall - Coastal Province - Very Small Levy - 10 Levy (6 Levy ships, 2 Dromonds, 2 heavy galleys)

[Adamat]

A raven from the Eyrie arrived.

To Lord Hightower,

My Lord Hightower, I write you this letter in response to your request for trade. I regret to inform you that the merchants of Arryn are already busy handling trade with the Dorne. They could take on one more trade request, but House Arryn's stone is needed everywhere, it seems. Should you explicitly wish to negotiate a trade lane, please send a retainer to the Eyrie to talk.

Done in the light of the Seven,

Lord Garrett Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Lord Paramount of the Vale, Lord Protector of the East

[M. Laveur]

An old man arrived to Hightower. By his looks, he is a maester of the Citadel. He was escorted by 2 acolytes, and requested an audience with Lord Edric, he identified himself as Maester Mandon.

[Honors Bastion]

Maester Mandon’s request is granted and he is personally escorted by Ser Duncan Hightower, the brother of Lord Edric and the Hightower’s Castellan, into the personal solar of Lord Hightower. When he arrive sthere, he is met by Lord Edric Hightower who is sitting at his desk, with his head immersed in the pages of an ancient and slightly decaying tome. The Lord’s deask is cluttered with many tomes, stacks of papers, and piles ancient scrolls, all of which appear to have been recently read and handled with.

When Lord Edric notices the approaching Maester, he immediately makes a note of the last page that he was currently reading before closing the tome and standing to address the Maester. He says “You must be Maester Mandon of the Citadel. Please, have a seat. My brother tells me that you seek an audience with me. Tell me wise Maester, what is that you need of me and how can I help?"

[M. Laveur]

The old maester sat down, flanked by his accolytes, who remained standing,

"I am indeed, Master Mandon. Thank you for your hospitality, my Lord. If I may be so bold, may I request a glass of water?" he asked. He had a deep voice, contrasting with his thin, elongated body. He had the square, prominent jaw of the Rowans, yet it was not so noticeable, as it was covered by a grey long beard that hung down to his chest.

As he waited for the water, he continued speaking.

"I have come here to request a favor from your lordship. As you may be aware of, maesters often dedicate their lives to the study of a given area of knowledge. As such, while I can claim to own a chain with all metals that exist within our order, the true nature of my studies mostly revolve around the observation of stars, planets and other celestial bodies..."

He paused, as if thinking of how to phrase his next words.

"four and twenty and two thousand years ago, Archmaester Theomore reported that he observed an odd phenomenon in the sky, in which, I quote "the day turned into night, and the sun and moon covered each other for a period of over an hour. Two and sixty and one thousand years later, Grandmaester Edwyle and his colleagues witnessed the same phoenomena... Can you see the pattern there, my Lord?"

he took a sip of water.

[Honors Bastion]

“What you speak of Maester Mandon appears to be a solar eclipse. From my studies, if I recall correctly, when one occurs, it coincides with great turmoil in our world. Tell me, how does a solar eclipse play into this favor that you ask for? What would you have me do?” asked Lord Edric. His interest was peaked as few men knew about the darkening of the sun by the moon.

[Xion]

A small galley flying no flags approaches the port of Oldtown, while a raven is sent to the Hightower, requesting a meeting between Lady Greyjoy and Lord Hightower if the lord so wishes.
--
Carolei and Morrigan sit in the captain's quarters of the galley, both reading a book until the captain enters, bowing. "My lady, we have sent the raven and hopefully will receive permission to dock soon enough." "Very well." "What about flying a banner?" "Flying the Kraken may have resulted in us being accosted by the Shield Lords or more..overzealous lords who may have mistaken this diplomatic mission for a reaving." "Despite this ship being completely unsuitable for reavings!" Carolei adds, smirking. Morrigan waves her hand, dismissing the captain to finish preparations to dock and resumes reading.

[M. Laveur]

“What you speak of Maester Mandon appears to be a solar eclipse. From my studies, if I recall correctly, when one occurs, it coincides with great turmoil in our world. Tell me, how does a solar eclipse play into this favor that you ask for? What would you have me do?” asked Lord Edric. His interest was peaked as few men knew about the darkening of the sun by the moon.

"Well..." he spoke, softly, thinking of how to explain himself. Maester Mandon was a man of reason, and in some way saw such superstitions about omens from the stars as delusions from religious folk, poor and uneducated.

"My intents are to, if your lordship allows, use Hightower as an observatory to watch the changes on the stars, the sun, moon and planets before and after this event, and perhaps understand more about our world. In exchange I would be glad to aid in whatever way your lordship feels fit."

[Honors Bastion]

It was a quiet summer’s day in Oldtown, when a lone runner burst through the doors of the Great Hall of the Hightower carrying a letter of great importance. He runs in the hall towards Lord Hightower and his kin, who are sitting at the table enjoying a late breakfast, and says in between gasp of air“My Lord Hightower … a raven has arrived … from the Greyjoys. They request ....an audience with your lordship.”

“What? Give me letter. What do the Ironborn want with us?” responds Lord Edric as he takes the letter from the messenger. After reading the letter, he says “Duncan, Casper, Janos, go take the Honor of Oldtown, the Warrior’s Might, and the Father’s Judgment out and escort these Ironborn into the harbor. Have them dock at Battle Island where the Honor would normally rest. Tell the men that the Ironborn are not harmed or molested. Patrek, round some of the Watchmen and have them meet us here on the docks. Arlan, do the same for my guard. Now, let us go see what this Lady Greyjoy wants.”

After the small galley is escorted into the harbor and allowed to dock on Battle Island the galley’s passengers are undock and depart their ship. They are met by Lord Edric Hightower, his guard Commander Ser Arlan Costayne, and his son Patrek, along with twenty of his Household Knights and fifty of Oldtown’s City Watch. The soldiers appear to have worried expressions on their faces as many of them know what the arrival of Ironborn had meant in the past. When the Lady appears before him, Lord Edric steps forward and says “My Lady Greyjoy, by what do I owe the honor of this visit. And forgive me for the added security. Our past relationship has not been ... on exactly friendly terms.”

[Xion]

"Well, it seems these Reachmen really know how to welcome us, I suppose. I'm surprised those ships didn't shoot at us." "Quiet, cousin." The whispered exchange over, Morrigan walks forward and bows, although a faint smile is on her face upon seeing the soldiers' expressions. "Of course, my lord Hightower. But I believe my proposal could change that. A trade route between Pyke, and by association Lordsport and Oldtown. The fruits and other exotic goods that flow into your fair city for the iron and other products the Islands can produce. I believe such an agreement would collect ten thousand dragons per year for Pyke while your city would receive a greater sum due to the quantity of trade that passes through the Whispering Sound." She calls for a guard to present a sample of several types of the iron mined on the Islands. "It may not be as lucrative as Westerlands gold, but it does make good weaponry to arm your men with, my lord."

[Honors Bastion]

Immediately after Lady Greyjoy finished speaking and right before his advisers and nobles began to object Lord Edric said “Lady Greyjoy, I will accept your offer of trade. With conflict looming on the horizon, I will soon have need of a reliable source of iron to arm my men and since I know of no other source that can provide me with iron of high quality.”

He paused for a moment to give his men a stern look before he continued and said “My Lady, I am sure that you must be tired from journey here to Oldtown from Pyke. If you so wish, I would be glad to offer to you the hospitality of the Hightower to allow you to rest and recover before you return to your home.”

[Xion]

Immediately after Lady Greyjoy finished speaking and right before his advisers and nobles began to object Lord Edric said “Lady Greyjoy, I will accept your offer of trade. With conflict looming on the horizon, I will soon have need of a reliable source of iron to arm my men and since I know of no other source that can provide me with iron of high quality.”

He paused for a moment to give his men a stern look before he continued and said “My Lady, I am sure that you must be tired from journey here to Oldtown from Pyke. If you so wish, I would be glad to offer to you the hospitality of the Hightower to allow you to rest and recover before you return to your home.”

Morrigan smiles, and relaxes a bit. She had thought the Lord's advisers and others in his retinue would convince him against the proposal. "Excellent, thank you." She mentally notes the remarks about the potential conflict approaching the lands.

She bows. "I would be honored to accept the hospitality of the Hightower, my lord."

[Hengest]

A raven arrives from Winterfell

Sons of the First Men! The North would trade with you, our timber would surely embolden your renowned fleet. My maester reckons our trade would make your shipbuilding 15% cheaper.
Signed in the name of the Old Gods, Steward Beron Stark.

[Hengest]

A second raven from Winterfell

Understood. I thank you for your future proposal. I will send a dispatch rider south with the finest Great Blackbear pelt we have hunted this last season, it will make a fine cloak for any of your noble house.

Signed in the name of the Old Gods, Steward Beron Stark.

[jacb547]

A raven arrives from Darry Castle:
"Lord Hightower, in this letter I propose trade between our houses so we both may prosper.
Done in the light of the seven,
Lord Danos Darry"

[Honors Bastion]

Lord Edric nodded and turned towards his advisers and said “Duncan, have rooms for the Lady and her men prepared. Remember, all of you, what we discussed about earlier during the council meeting.”

He then turned his attention back to the Ironborn and said “If you would follow me Lady Greyjoy” He led the Lady and her cousin through the gates of the Hightower to Bastion Hall where a table was set up and filled food and drink. “Help yourself my Lady. My hospitality is yours”

[Xion]

Lord Edric nodded and turned towards his advisers and said “Duncan, have rooms for the Lady and her men prepared. Remember, all of you, what we discussed about earlier during the council meeting.”

He then turned his attention back to the Ironborn and said “If you would follow me Lady Greyjoy” He led the Lady and her cousin through the gates of the Hightower to Bastion Hall where a table was set up and filled food and drink. “Help yourself my Lady. My hospitality is yours”

The two Ironborn follow Lord Hightower to Bastion Hall, and both appear to be tired from the climb. "Thank you, my lord." Carolei bows and picks up a goblet of water. "I can see why this could be considered a fortress. The entire time enemies are climbing up, the defenders can rain down projectiles on them or throw something to knock them off the stairwell. But, thank you, my lord." She sits next to her cousin and the two begin to enjoy the provided food and drink. "I would imagine the Hightower has a impressive view of the city and the surrounding areas, my lord."

[Honors Bastion]

"Well..." he spoke, softly, thinking of how to explain himself. Maester Mandon was a man of reason, and in some way saw such superstitions about omens from the stars as delusions from religious folk, poor and uneducated.

"My intents are to, if your lordship allows, use Hightower as an observatory to watch the changes on the stars, the sun, moon and planets before and after this event, and perhaps understand more about our world. In exchange I would be glad to aid in whatever way your lordship feels fit."

“It is done. I will happily give you my permission to use the Hightower for your studies Maester Mandon and I require nothing from you. I am always willing to help someone in the ducational pursuits. I shall have my servants bring everything that you will need up to the top of the Hightower. I will also arrange for you to have your own quarters and those of your acolytes close to the top so that you do not need to climb up the Hightower all the time.” said Lord Edric. “I even join you up there from time to time.”

The two Ironborn follow Lord Hightower to Bastion Hall, and both appear to be tired from the climb. "Thank you, my lord." Carolei bows and picks up a goblet of water. "I can see why this could be considered a fortress. The entire time enemies are climbing up, the defenders can rain down projectiles on them or throw something to knock them off the stairwell. But, thank you, my lord." She sits next to her cousin and the two begin to enjoy the provided food and drink. "I would imagine the Hightower has a impressive view of the city and the surrounding areas, my lord."

“Yes, the climb up here can be very arduous. It gets harder the more steps you climb as the stairs do become a little steeper as you reach the top. The view from atop the Hightower is indeed beautiful my lady. There, at a height of over eight hundred feet, you can see for miles and miles in every direction with the ocean on one side and the heart of the Reach on the other side.” said Lord Edric. He took sip of his water before he said “If you wish, when you are rested, I will lead you up to the apex of the Hightower. Be warned, it is a long climb but it the view is completely worth it if you can reach the top.”

[Xion]

“
“Yes, the climb up here can be very arduous. It gets harder the more steps you climb as the stairs do become a little steeper as you reach the top. The view from atop the Hightower is indeed beautiful my lady. There, at a height of over eight hundred feet, you can see for miles and miles in every direction with the ocean on one side and the heart of the Reach on the other side.” said Lord Edric. He took sip of his water before he said “If you wish, when you are rested, I will lead you up to the apex of the Hightower. Be warned, it is a long climb but it the view is completely worth it if you can reach the top.”

Morrigan takes a small sip from her glass before replying. "It reminds me of crossing the rope bridges of Pyke in inclement weather. The view sounds wonderful, and I will gladly accept your offer, my lord." Carolei shakes her head, dismissing the idea. "If you will excuse me, I will remain here. The scenery sounds magnificent but I feel I would be unable to make it to the apex." She then opens a book and begins reading, stopping every so often to take a measured sip from her goblet.

[Honors Bastion]

Morrigan takes a small sip from her glass before replying. "It reminds me of crossing the rope bridges of Pyke in inclement weather. The view sounds wonderful, and I will gladly accept your offer, my lord." Carolei shakes her head, dismissing the idea. "If you will excuse me, I will remain here. The scenery sounds magnificent but I feel I would be unable to make it to the apex." She then opens a book and begins reading, stopping every so often to take a measured sip from her goblet.

Lord Edric led Lady Greyjoy up to the top of the Hightower, giving her a few chances to rest along the way. When they arrived at the top, he said slightly out of breath “Well, here you are Lady Greyjoy, the apex of the Hightower. It was a long climb but it always has been worth it.”