Oldtown, Seat of House Hightower (Blackfyre Timeskip)

[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

Hightower Biography 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 newcomers, allowing them to keep their influence, strength and power in what would become the Kingdom of the Reach. As the years passed, the Hightower’s influence and power grew and they slowly became one of the most powerful Houses in all of Westeros. When the Targaryens invaded and the Kingdom of the Reach was destroyed beneath the dragon’s flame, the Hightowers were nowhere to be seen, having refused to join the battle agains the Targaryens. They wisely held their forces out of the war, behind the mighty walls of Oldtown and under the guidance of the voice of the Seven, the High Septon himself, the Hightowers opened the gates of their city to Aegon the Conqueror and spared their city from a gruesome fate, allowing to Oldtown to continue to grow and thrive. The members of House Hightower rule over the second largest city in all of Westeros and one of its largest and wealthiest of ports, the city of Oldtown. The Hightowers are one of the wealthiest families 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. After the end of the Blackfyre Rebellion and the subsequent crowning of a Blackfyre as the King of Westeros, Westeros experienced a period of peace and prosperity and the Hightowers were one of the many Houses that benefited from it. Trade was ever flowing through Oldtown's great port and the yields of Hightower farmlands around the Honeywine river were as abundant as ever but all of this ended when the illness that would come to be known as the Great Spring Sickness arrived to Westeros from a destination unknown. Many have said that the disease originated from Essos and came to Westeros aboard the many trade ships venturing between the two lands, spread by both man and beasts in the form of rats that had stowed away in the vessels hulls. Whatever the cause, this new illness would ravage Westeros greatly and Oldtown was especially hit hard as tens of thousands of people in the city would soon die from the illness which did not care whether you were a commoner or noblemen, a thief or a Septon. It killed indiscriminately and caused great suffering throughout the land and House Hightower was no exception. Over half of the Highotwers would die during the Sickness, including the family's patriarch and the city's Lord, Rolland Hightower, the Tower Knight, who was one of the first of the ancient House to succumb to the disease. His death and the death of many others left Oldtown weakened with at least a tenth if not a fifth of Oldtown's population of 225,000 people having succumbed to the horrible plague. It was a catastrophic event for the city that would forever shape the fate of it's young Lord who rose to power after his parents' untimely death and who was scarred by the deaths of so many around him. Hightower Family Tree Red Names: denote that the character is dead Blue Names: denote current head of Household Bold Names: Denote that they are (were) a main character Italics: Denote that they are a current aux. Lord Edric Hightower - Lord of Oldtown and the Hightower. Born 145 AL. Died 209 AL. His wife, Lady Lyra Hightower (nee Redwyne) - Born 153 AL. Died 211 AL. His son, Lord Rolland Hightower "the Tower Knight" – Lord of Oldtown and the Hightower. Twin to Rupert Hightower. Ruled as Lord of Oldtown for only two years before he died during the Sickness. Born 170 AL. Died 211 AL. His wife, Kyra Lefford - Daughter of Lord Harmund Lefford. Died 211 AL. His son, Lord Baelor Hightower "the Vigilant" – Lord of Oldtown and the Hightower, wielder of the Valyrian Steel Blade Vigilance. Born 196 AL. ​His wife, Lady Maggy Tarly - Daughter of Lord Davos Tarly. Born 196 AL His son, Rolland Hightower - Born 221 AL. His daughter, Lyanna Hightower - Born 198 AL. Died 211 AL. His son, Ser Leyton Hightower – Born 199 AL. His son, Ser Mark Hightower – Born 200 AL. Died 211 AL. His daughter, Myrcella Hightower – Born 203 AL. His 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. Died 211 AL. His daughter, Bethany Hightower - Born 196 AL. Died 211 AL. His daughter, Merriane Hightower - Born 198 AL. Died 211 AL. His son, Garth Hightower – Currently a lieutenant to and in training with the Commander of the Oldtown City Watch, Ser Tytos Cuy. Born 201 AL. His daughter, Lyra Hightower -– Named after her grandmother Born 208 AL. His son, Ser Patrek Hightower - Marshal of Oldtown. Born 175 AL. His wife, Lyara Cuy, daughter of Lord Florian Cuy. Died 211 AL. His son, Alester Hightower – Born 205 AL, currently serving as a squire to his cousin, Lord Baelor Hightower. His daughter, Lynesse Hightower - Eldest daughter of Edric Hightower. Married to Maekar Targaryen. Died 211 AL. His daughter, Elys Hightower - Born 180 AL. Died 211 AL. His daughter, Alys Hightower - Married to Maelys Targaryen. Born 183 AL. His brother, Ser Duncan Hightower - Former castellan of the Hightower. Born 155 AL. Died 211 AL. His wife, Seylese Hightower (nee Costayne) - Born 160 AL. Died 211 AL. His son Ser Paxter Hightower - Born 179 AL. Died 211 AL. His wife, Sarah Blackbar, sister of Lord Jamie Blackbar. - Died 211 AL. Lord Baelor Hightower “the Vigilant” Age: 28 (Born 196 AL) Titles/Rank: Lord of Oldtown and the Hightower, Lord’s Bannerman Possessions: Vigilance (Valyrian Steel Sword and Hightower heirloom) Traits: +2 Survival: +2 Income: +2 Battles: +1 Spymaster: Marital Status: Not Married. Children: None yet. Bio: Lord Baelor Hightower was only 15 years old when th Great Spring Sickness came to the city of Oldtown. In a matter of a few months, more than half of Baelor’s family members lay dead including his father, mother, one younger brother, and all but one of his sisters. Upon his father’s passing, one of his surviving uncles, Ser Paxter Hightower, quickly took charge of the situation and had the not yet knighted Baelor quickly anointed under the Seven Oils, knighted by his family’s ancestral longsword, and made the new Lord of Oldtown to ensure the people of Oldtown that there was still a Hightower ruling over them. This all came as a shock to young Baelor who was still dealing with his grief, which would forever mold the young Lord into a cautious and watchful man, earning himself the nickname “the Vigilant”. After his anointment, Baelor quickly got to work of trying to bring Oldtown out of the Sickness’ grasp. He ordered the city under quarantine for several months, closings the city’s gates and allowing only the vital ships into the city’s ports while doing whatever he could with Hightower’s vast wealth to ensure the survival of Oldtown. Through his actions and the aid of the Maesters of the Citadel, greater loss of life was prevented and slowly but surely, the city and its people returned to their normal way of life as prosperity slowly returned. However, his actions did come at a great cost for House Hightower. Their wealth was diminished, their military strength was weakened, and their city was ravaged and became partially decayed. The Sickness had cost the Hightowers much and it is now time for them to rebuild and restore their former strength. It is now the year 218 AL, three years after the last sighting of the sickness upon Westeros, and life for most part has returned back to normal. Oldtown has partially recovered but there is still much for Baelor to do to bring back his family to their pre-sickness days and restore the old bonds of friendship and trade that were ruined when the various regions shut themselves away from each other to prevent the Sickness’ spread. Ser Rupert Hightower Age: 54 (Born 170 AL) Titles/Rank: Admiral of Oldtown Possessions: None Traits: +3 Survival: +3 Naval Battles: +2 Charisma: +2 Counterspy: +1 Income: +1 Assassin: Marital Status: Not Married. Children: None yet. Bio: He is the uncle of Lord Baelor Hightower, having been the younger twin of Baelor’s father Rolland. He was away at the Red Keep when the Sickness took Oldtown and when he heard of the news, he was quick to return to the city. When he got there, he found his brother on his death bed and his young nephew, the future Lord, in shock and still grieving over the loss of his mother who had just died days before. Realizing that it was his duty as the eldest surviving Hightower to ensure his nephews ascendance as the new Lord, Rupert took swift action and had the young man knighted a top the Hightower near in the same room of the Hightower’s flame, breaking with tradition that the man destined to be the next Lord Hightower be knighted before the walls of the Starry Sept and sparring him from catching the disease himself from the suffering city below them. The knighting was not too soon as Lord Rolland died that very night and Rupert had his body and the other bodies of the fallen Hightowers burned within the Lighthouse’s flame and Baelor made the city’s new Lord. In the years that followed, through his sense of loyalty to his family, Ser Rupert served his nephew as a mentor and friend, doing what he could to help him grieve and deal with all of the deaths around him. Even now, he stands by Lord Baelor’s side, ready to act out Lord Hightower’s will and ensure the survival and prosperity of their ancient family. Ser Patrek Hightower Age: 49 (Born 175 AL) Titles/Rank: Marshal of Oldtown Possessions: None Traits: +3 Survival: +2 Battles: +2 Duel: +2 Logician: +1 Charisma: +1 Counterspy: Marital Status: Not Married. Children: None yet. Bio: He is the second uncle of Lord Baelor Hightower and the current Marshal of Oldtown. When the Great Spring Sickness came to Oldtown, Patrek was serving as the Commander of the City Watch, a job and title that he held much pride in. Under his command, the Watch had become a fearsome and respected force, ever vigilant and ready to protect Oldtown from any human menace. But of course, he is and his Watch were never prepared to deal with the terrible fate that the Sickness brought to Oldtown. Once the illness arrived, it quickly took its hold on the city and as more and more refugees arrived, hoping to seek help from the Maesters fot he Citadel, his watch was overrun and the Sickness quickly spread throughout the city. He too was affected by the Sickness, having bedridden for days before he eventually recovered. Unable to stop the Sickness’ spread, Patrek left Oldtown in shame of his failures. He spent several years in exile, traveling the countryside and serving as a lowly hedge knight, gaining some experience fighting as a real soldier and not just a City Watchmen. After a few years, he was finally contacted and convinced by one of his brother’s agents to return to Oldtown and help his family once more, having been informed by the man that his family did not blame him for the outbreak in Oldtown. There was nothing that he could have done and that the city and most importantly his family wanted him back. With his return, Patrek has resolved to make up for his failures by serving his nephew in whatever he sees fit. He is no longer the Commander of the Oldtown City Watch, not because Lord Baelor has no faith in him. Rather, the Lord wants to use Ser Patrak's skills gained durign his exile by making him the commander of all of House Hightower's military might, the Marshall of Oldtown. Ser Leyton Hightower Age: 25 (199 AL) Titles/Rank: Knight, current heir to House Hightower Possessions: None Traits: +2 Survival: +1 Duels: +1 Joust +2 Battles +1 Income: Marital Status: Not Married. Children: None yet. Bio: Ser Leyton is the younger brother of Lord Baelor Hightower and since his his brother is still childless, he is the heir apparent of the Hightower for now. Leyton was only twelve years old when the Great Spring Sickness took Oldtown under its terrible grasp and only twelve years old when the Stranger came for many of his family members. Under his brother’s orders, Leyton and his younger sister were mostly shielded from the gruesome effects of the plague as they were quarantined in an unaffected section of the Hightower under strict guard. This shielding affected Leyton as he never had to deal with trying to rule the city of Oldtown while dealing with his mother’s and father’s death in his own arms like his brother Baelor did. This allowed Leyton to grow up to be a much more open and carefree man compared to the cautious and somber-minded brother. Now knighted and anointed under the s even oils, Leyton is now ready to loyally serve his elder brother and hopes to one day get him to loosen up just a tad. Hightower Family (Aux) Lady Myrcella Hightower Age: 20\1 (Born 203 AL) Bio: She is the younger and only surviving sister of Lord Baelor Hightower. She was only seven years old when her mother and father died during the Great Spring Sickness and this event somewhat scarred her as she was forced to face the ugly reality of death at such a young age. This event has made her a shy and guarded young women. She has long golden hair and pretty blue eyes. Her brothers are very protective of her and they will do anything within their power to ensure that she is both safe and will live a good life. Ser Garth Hightower Age: 23 (Born 201 AL) Bio: He is the only son of Ser Rupert Hightower and he is currently the lieutnenat of and in training with the Commander of the Oldtown City Watch. When he is deemed to be ready to command, he will be the next successor to this position of great importance. Lyra Hightower Age: 16 (Born 208 AL) Bio: She is the only surviving daughter of Ser Rupert Hightower. She was born only a year before the Great Spring Sickness began and she was named after her grandmother Lyra. She is less shy than her cousin Myrcella but she too is well guarded by her father’s watching eyes, a result of him losing his other two daughters to the sickness. Alester Hightower Age: 19 (Born 205 AL) Bio: He is the son of Ser Paxter Hightower and is now serving as a squire to his cousin Lord Baelor Hightower. He is an intelligent young man who has yet to reach his potential. The future is bright for him, at least as bright as it can being the only son of the third son of the former lord. Rolland Hightower Age: 3 (Born 221 AL) Bio: He is the first son and heir of Lord Baelor Hightower. He has inherited his father's blond hair. Gerold Hightower: Age:1 Bio: He is the second son of Lord Baelor Hightower. He has his mother's brown hair. Emilia Hightower Age: 0 Bio: She is the first daughter of Lord Baelor Hightower. Hightower Household Maester Edwyle Age - Born - 180 AL (44) Bio - The Maester is an important member of the Hightower Household, having served as a mentor and adviser for Lord Baelor in how to manage the running of Oldtown. He has chains in yellow gold, two of the, silver, copper, and black iron. He is a survivor of the Sickness, having contracted the illness while trying to aid the afflicted at the Citadel and he still bares the scares from the horrible ordeal. Ser Tytos Cuy Age - Born 185 AL (39). Bio - He is the current Commander of the Oldtown City Watch and a member of House Cuy, the rulers of Sunhouse, a Hightower vassal. He is only a cousin of the ruling and he has decided to come to Oldtown where he could provide his continued service to his family's overlord. Ser Raymond Flowers Age - Born 188 AL (36) Bio - Head of the Hightower Intelligence Corps who are tasked with keeping Lord Hightower on anything and everything that could jeopardize the safety, health, or prosperity of Odltown int hat order of importance. Ser Denys Osgrey Age - Born 176 AL (48). Bio - He is the commander of Lord Baelor's Household guard and a veteran of Blackfyre Rebellion wars, having served with distinguish in both the capture of King's Landing and the siege of Nightsong. Originally hailing from Coldmoat in the lands held by House Rowan, Ser Denys has come to Oldtown to serve House Hightower after witnessing firsthand the honor that Hightower men-at-arms displayed during the capture and subsequent sack of King's Landing where no Hightower soldier laid their hands upon an innocent civilian under orders of death by their commander, the now deceased and then Ser Rolland Hightower. Even after Lord Rolland Hightower's death, he continues to serve the Hightowers as a loyal knight within their ranks. Ser Jory Mullendore Age - Born 193 AL (31) Bio - Ser Jory is a recent newcomer to the Hightower court havign only recently arrived in Oldtown to serve Lrod Baelor as the Castellan of the HIghtower. Originally hailing from the Uplands, Ser Jory left his home to serve the Hightowers. He had no prospects there being the youngest of four sons of Lord Imry Mullendore with his elder brother already having a son of his won. His diplomatic skills were immediately noticed by Lord Hightower and he was made the Castellan after the retirement of the previous Castellan due to old age and him not being able to climb the HIghtower's many steps anymore.

Small Council of Oldtown

Head of the Council: Lord Baelor Hightower Lord Marshal: Ser Patrek Hightower Lord Admiral: Ser Rupert Hightower Lord Commander of the Oldtown City Watch: Ser Tytos Cuy Lord Castellan of Oldtown: Ser Jory Mullendore Lord Commander of the Household Guard: Ser Denys Osgrey Master of Coin: Ser Leyton Hightower Master of Whispers: Ser Raymond Flowers Maester Representative: Maester Edwyle

Oldtown Regional Bonuses

The City Watch of Oldtown: The city is defended and policed by a force of 2500 men (divided into 1,500 Light Infantry, 500 Heavy Infantry and 500 Archers), 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 2,500 extra troops in siege defense. 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 its 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) - +600 Land Levy, +1 to any rolls to convince an AI character to do something (Includes calling your vassals to war) (own Resource) Perfumes - +2 to any rolls to convince an AI character to do something (Includes calling your vassals to war) (Route 1) Gold - Increases land income by 10% (Route 2) Restricted (Route 3 - Tier 3 Econ Requirement) Perfumes - +2 to any rolls to convince an AI character to do something (Includes calling your vassals to war) (Regional Bonus Route) Restricted (Merchant Trade Route)

Oldtown Building Upgrades

Hightower Vault: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...8#post14160758 Market Square: +10% income Merchant's Square: +10% province income Trade Hub: Allows owners of the province to gain an additional trade route. Center of Trade: Your province income is increased by 40,000 dragons. ------------------------------------------------ Dockyard: +500 naval points, +10% income Large Dockyard: +750 naval points, 5% cheaper naval mercs, +5% income Major Dockyard: +1,000 naval points, 10% cheaper naval mercs, +5% income ------------------------------------------------ Militia Armory: +250 Land Levy Points Town Watch: +250 Land Levy Points, 5% cheaper professional troop hire. Barracks: +500 Land Levy Points, 10% cheaper professional troop hire. ------------------------------------------------ Wall Reinforcements: +1 Siege Defence rolls Citadel Towers: +1 Siege Defence rolls Holdfast: +1 Siege Defence rolls. Holdfast acts as a second castle within the first, which has the basic +siege bonus plus the Tier I and Tier II bonuses. Will survive a 6 month (3.5 day) siege from when the outer castle falls. ------------------------------------------------ Keep Expansions: +25% castle garrison size permitted ------------------------------------------------ City Watch Quarters: 400 Light Infantry permanently stationed in your home territory. Cannot be moved elsewhere. City Watch Barracks: 200 Archers permanently stationed in your home territory. Cannot be moved elsewhere. City Watch Fortifications: +2 to detection rolls against enemy armies entering your home territory. 100 Heavy Infantry permanently stationed in your home territory. Cannot be moved elsewhere. ------------------------------------------------ Whisper House: -2 on Spying and Assassination rolls in this province when conducted by enemies, +2 when conducted by province owner.

Current Edicts

Militias: +1,500 land points Press Gangs: +1,000 naval points

House Hightower Military

Oldtown City Watch: 3,200 Men 600 Oldtown City Watch Men at Arms (500 from regional bonuses, 100 from buildings) 700 Oldtown City Watch Bowmen (500 from regional bonuses, 200 from buildings) 1,900 Oldtown City Watchmen (1,500 from regional bonuses, 400 from buildings) Oldtown Land Levy Raised Basic Levy: 7,500 Points Levy Modifiers: + 3,100 points Fruit Resource: +600 Points Building Upgrades: + 1,000 Militia Edict: 1,500 points Total Levies: 10,600 points, 7,800 Men 2,500 Light Infantry 1,300 Heavy Infantry 1,000 Polearms 1,500 Archers 1,000 Light Cavalry 500 Heavy Cavalry Hightower Professional Soldiers Total: None Hightower Naval Forces Raised Basic Naval Levies: 1,500 Points Ships Additional Naval Levy Points: +3,250 Building Upgrades: +2,250 Press Gangs:+1,000 Professional Warships: none Total Warships: 147 Ships (4,750 points) 58 Levy ships 45 Dromonds 26 Heavy Galleys 14 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) 4 Grand Warship (Honor of Oldtown, Valor of the Hightower, Pride of the Honeywine, Bastion of the South)

House Hightower Vassal Information

House Costayne of Three Towers: Lord Phillip Costayne House Beesbury of Honeyholt: Lord Leobald Beesbury House Mullendore of the Uplands: Lord Imry Mullendore House Bulwer of Blackcrown: Lord Bryce Bulwer House Cuy of Sunflower Hall: Lord Ormun Cuy House Blackbar of Bandallon: Lord Meryn Blackbar Small Levy: 1,000 points 100 Heavy Infantry 250 Light Infantry 130 Polearm Infantry 150 Archers 100 Light Cavalry 35 Heavy Cavalry Total: 765 men Total Men from the Six Provinces: 100% of Levies: 4,590 men, 6,000 points 600 Heavy Inf (1,200 points) 1,500 Light Inf (1,500 points) 780 Polearms (1,170 points) 900 Archers (900 points) 600 Light Cav (600 points) 210 Heavy Cav (630 points) 90% of Levies - Spring/Summer/Fall: 4,131 men, 5,400 points 540 Heavy Inf (1,080 points) 1,350 Light Inf (1,350 points) 702 Polearms (1,053 points) 810 Archers (810 points) 540 Light Cav (540 points) 189 Heavy Cav (567 points) 75% - Winter: 3,443 men, 4,500 points 450 Heavy Inf (900 points) 1,125 Light Inf (1,125 points) 585 Polearms (878 points) 675 Archers (675 points) 450 Light Cav (450 points) 158 Heavy Cav (474 points) 10% - Garrisons (per Province): 92 men, 100 points 10 Heavy Inf (20 points) 25 Light Inf (25 points) 13 Polearms (20 points) 15 Archers (15 points) 10 Light Cav (10 points) 4 Heavy Cav (12 points) Naval Forces - 4 Coastal Provinces (Bandallon, Blackcrown, Three Towers, and Sun Flower Hall (Sun House)) Total Warships per Province: 51 ships, 1,500 points 23 Levy Ships (230 points) 15 Dromonds (450 points) 8 Heavy Galleys (400 points) 4 Reachmen War Galley (320 points) 1 Grand Warships (100 points) Total Vassal Fleet: 204 ships, 6,000 points 92 Levy Ships (920 points) 60 Dromonds (1,800 points) 32 Heavy Galleys (1,600 points) 16 Reachmen War Galleys (1,280 points) 4 Grand Warships (400 points)

[Xion]

A galley flying the banner of the Darklyns approaches Battle Island, carrying a small diplomatic party led by Rhae Darklyn and Maester Karyl. A raven is sent to the Hightower requesting to dock at Battle Island.

[Honors Bastion]

The ship is allowed to dock at the island and the diplomatic party is brought into the Hightower's former throne room, where Lord Baelor Hightower was holding court for the day. Upon the new visitor's arrivals, Lord Baelor brushed aside his other petitioners to greet his new noble guests. "Welcome to the Hightower members of House Darklyn. What cna the Lord of the Hightower do for you today?"

[Xion]

Rhae walks forward and bows. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Baelor. I have come to present you with an offer of trade between Duskendale and Oldtown, as I believe my mother and your house had such an agreement before the Sickness happened and she would like to reestablish the agreement if it pleases you."

[Honors Bastion]

Rhae walks forward and bows. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Baelor. I have come to present you with an offer of trade between Duskendale and Oldtown, as I believe my mother and your house had such an agreement before the Sickness happened and she would like to reestablish the agreement if it pleases you."

"Ah yes, I do recall there being a trade agreement between Oldtown and Duskendale before the Sickness' arrival." said Lord Baelor. "If I recall correctly, it was quite a valuable trade route, brining much wealth to the Highotwer. I am more than happy to see to it being restored Lady Rhae. Tell your mother that we have trade again between our two great Houses."

[Xion]

Rhae smiles, and bows. "Of course, and thank you, my lord. Seven willing it shall be as profitable as it was before the Sickness."

[Honors Bastion]

Rhae smiles, and bows. "Of course, and thank you, my lord. Seven willing it shall be as profitable as it was before the Sickness."

"Yes, let us hope that it will be as profitable. My vaults and I'm sure your vaults as well could use the extra income to repair the damages inflicted upon us by the Sickness." replied Lord Baelor. "Tell me Lady Rhae, how did Duskendale fare during the Sickness? I'm sure the entire realm knows about the fate of Oldtown, how my city was ravaged and ten of thousands had died but what was the fate of Duskendale? Were you spared the Sickness' grasp?"

[Oznerol]

A great carrack escorted by ten similar warships arrived to the Harbor of Oldtown, requesting an audience with Lord Baelor Hightower. The flagship displayed an impressive array of banners, the sails were gold and red with a great roaring lion. The prow was adorned by a golden lion and a golden dragon. The whole carrack was painted in bright colors, red and gold. Lord Tybolt Lannister himself had come to the proud seat of Hightower.

[Oznerol]

"Understandable. My calves are fit and hardened enough, Ser Rupert, led me to your Lord I can endure the steps"

[Honors Bastion]

"Understandable. My calves are fit and hardened enough, Ser Rupert, led me to your Lord I can endure the steps"

"Very well, Lord Tybolt. If you follow me." Rupert led the Lannister Lord all the way up the Hightower, stopping every so often to allow the Lord to catch his breath. Even for the fittest knights, climbing the Hightower's many steps was a daunting and exhaustive task and only those who lived or worked in the Hightower are truly ready to experience the long climb to the very top. When the two reached the top of the Hightower, they were met with a sight that could leave a man utterly speechless. In every direction, you could see the lands surrounding Oldtown for miles and miles with flat plains and farmlands to the north and northeast, the distant shapes of mountains to the east and the miles of coastline and the open ocean to the south and west with even the outline of the Arbor, the islands of House Redwyne in the distance.

When the two men arrived to the top, a voice called out to them from a figure who was lounging under a small awning, protecting him from the sun but shrouding him in shadows. The figure said "Lord Lannister I presume? I saw your ship entering my harbor and I knew immediatley who was on it."

The figure then stood up and walked out of the shadows to reveal himself as Lrod Baelor Hightower. "Welcome to Oldtown Lord Tybolt Lannister. I am Lord Baelor Hightower. What can I do for you today?"

[Oznerol]

Even for the nimble Tybolt that was an exhausting experience, he had to recover his breath. But he lost it again when he saw the sigh unfolded before his eyes. Oldtown was glorious and the land of Hightower plentiful, blessed. As wealthy as the West, but a different wealth, the treasure of the land laid on its surface, not below it.

"Indeed the rumors that speak about how Lord Hightower sees everything weren't exaggerated, neither were those who spoke about the beauty of your Land, Lord Hightower"

He smiled, a sharp smile, with white teeth.

"I come here to join our Houses, my Lord. I come to request the hand of your sister in marriage, for Lady Myrcella is the sole woman in Westeros worthy of becoming my wife and Lady of the West"

[Honors Bastion]

"I see." replied Lord Baelor without a look of surprise on his face. His sister had sent him a letter about her visit to Casterly Rock and the acceptance of the trade offer and from it, Lord Baelor had infered that such a proposal was about to come to him. He had been thinking about it for days now and we was still undecided.

"The hand of my sister in marriage is not something that I will readily give up my Lord, not even for a Lord Paramount who is as wealthy or as influential as you Lord Lannister." Baelor paused for a moment to clearly formulate what he was going to say before he said "I know you have wealth, I know you have power Lord Tybolt but I do not know who you are. Tell me my Lord, why should I give you my sister's hand in marriage?"

[Oznerol]

"I see." replied Lord Baelor without a look of surprise on his face. His sister had sent him a letter about her visit to Casterly Rock and the acceptance of the trade offer and from it, Lord Baelor had infered that such a proposal was about to come to him. He had been thinking about it for days now and we was still undecided.

"The hand of my sister in marriage is not something that I will readily give up my Lord, not even for a Lord Paramount who is as wealthy or as influential as you Lord Lannister." Baelor paused for a moment to clearly formulate what he was going to say before he said "I know you have wealth, I know you have power Lord Tybolt but I do not know who you are. Tell me my Lord, why should I give you my sister's hand in marriage?"

Indeed, those Hightowers were astute, cautious and wise. Not everyone would dare to say what Lord Baelor did.

"Because I understand you, Lord Hightower. When my mother died he left behind my two sisters, few cousins and myself. But the Sickness killed my youngest sister and since only my sister and I remain. She's the only one I can trust, the one I love tenderly, don't think giving her hand to one of my vassals was easy! I understand your Lordship because we share the same feelings towards our sisters. I think that's a good reason, for no pain or disgrace would fall upon your sister if she becomes my wife"

[Honors Bastion]

Indeed, those Hightowers were astute, cautious and wise. Not everyone would dare to say what Lord Baelor did.

"Because I understand you, Lord Hightower. When my mother died he left behind my two sisters, few cousins and myself. But the Sickness killed my youngest sister and since only my sister and I remain. She's the only one I can trust, the one I love tenderly, don't think giving her hand to one of my vassals was easy! I understand your Lordship because we share the same feelings towards our sisters. I think that's a good reason, for no pain or disgrace would fall upon your sister if she becomes my wife"

OOC: Sorry, got really busy today with Uni.

Lord Baelor nodded while he contemplated what Lord Tybolt said. "There is no doubt Lord Lannister understands my care and worry for Myrcella. He experienced the same thing as I did and I have no dobut that he may very well treat her in the same way but is that a good thing? Do we want my dear sister married to a man who has experienced such grief or would I rather have her married to someone else who lived with happier outlook on life then my own sadness?" he thought.

He continued to think for a few minutes more before he finally spoke and said "I see. It is tough to lose a love one isn't it? My mother and father among others died in my own arms drign the Sickness. It was an awful to see the I loved the most entire world and the other person who was inspiration be wracked by the Sickness and taken from me so swiftly. And that is why I am hesitant to accept the offer Lord Tybolt, not for my own sake, but for my sister's. My family has suffered much in the last ten years and I will not force a my sister to marry someone who she cannot be happy with."

[Poach]

An emissary from the Crownlands arrives bearing word from the Whispers, which proposes a trade of Perfumes for Fruits between Oldtown and the Whispers. The perfumes are highly valued and popular among the nobility of all Westeros, giving Lords who have it ample supply the ability to have gatherings and parties that are more memorable and influential than those that don't...

[Oznerol]

"The only I can give your as a warrant of her future happiness is my word, Lord Baelor, nothing else; promises are like leaves in the wind nowadays, but I swear your sister's life won't be disgraceful if she marries me"

[M. Laveur]

On a quiet afternoon, a vessel from Lys arrived to Oldtown, departing a week later, leaving behind 3 travelers. The three of them, a tall blond man in his thirties, and two young women, one a servant, the other her master, walked to the tower of the Lord of Oldtown, and requested an audience with him.

[Honors Bastion]

"The only I can give your as a warrant of her future happiness is my word, Lord Baelor, nothing else; promises are like leaves in the wind nowadays, but I swear your sister's life won't be disgraceful if she marries me"

Lord Baelor nodded again before he said "Of course and I would expect nothing less from you but the final choice will not be mine. I am sorry that I cannot give you an immediate answer Lord Lannister, but until my sister returns from her diplomatic endeavors, the deicion will need to be postponed until then."

On a quiet afternoon, a vessel from Lys arrived to Oldtown, departing a week later, leaving behind 3 travelers. The three of them, a tall blond man in his thirties, and two young women, one a servant, the other her master, walked to the tower of the Lord of Oldtown, and requested an audience with him.

The travelers are escorted into the Hightower and they are met by the keep's castellan, Ser Jory Mullendore who says to them "Welcome travelers to the Hightower. I hear that you want to speak to Lord HIghtower. Your audience has been granted but before you do so, I will need to know who you are."

[M. Laveur]

The travelers are escorted into the Hightower and they are met by the keep's castellan, Ser Jory Mullendore who says to them "Welcome travelers to the Hightower. I hear that you want to speak to Lord HIghtower. Your audience has been granted but before you do so, I will need to know who you are."

"We appreciate your acceptance for our request, sir," spoke the pale, blond man, with a deep Lyseni accent. "My name is Vardis Nerusar, of Lys, son of Craghas Nerusar. I am here to escort these to women to safety to the land known as the Northmarches."

As he finished, he turned to the lady next to him, a slim, gorgeous girl, with light blue eyes, and curly, dark blonde hair, close to brunette. She took a step forward and gave Ser Jory a friendly smile, as she introduced herself.

"We have arrived from Lys, where I have lived for most of my life. As my escort comments, I am on my way to the north of the Reach, where my brother lives. This lady is my handmaid and friend, Kyra." she continued, waving her hand towards the girl next to her, a short, dark haired girl with tawny skin, who seemed to have Dornish origins.

"My name is Alia, daughter of the former Highlord of the Northmarches, Eddard Rowan, and sister of the current lord, Phillip."

[Honors Bastion]

"We appreciate your acceptance for our request, sir," spoke the pale, blond man, with a deep Lyseni accent. "My name is Vardis Nerusar, of Lys, son of Craghas Nerusar. I am here to escort these to women to safety to the land known as the Northmarches."

As he finished, he turned to the lady next to him, a slim, gorgeous girl, with light blue eyes, and curly, dark blonde hair, close to brunette. She took a step forward and gave Ser Jory a friendly smile, as she introduced herself.

"We have arrived from Lys, where I have lived for most of my life. As my escort comments, I am on my way to the north of the Reach, where my brother lives. This lady is my handmaid and friend, Kyra." she continued, waving her hand towards the girl next to her, a short, dark haired girl with tawny skin, who seemed to have Dornish origins.

"My name is Alia, daughter of the former Highlord of the Northmarches, Eddard Rowan, and sister of the current lord, Phillip."

Although Ser Jory was surprised about the identity of those who were before him, he did not show it and calmly said "Thank you my Lady. I shall take you to Lord Hightower at once." He then led them through the Hightower's great and into a room behind it where Lord Baelor appeared to be waiting for them, sitting a top an ancient throne that was carved directly into the the stone wall behind it. "My Lord Hightower, I bring to you Lady Alia, the sister of Lord Rowan, High Lord of the Northmarches and Lord of Goldengrove. She says she has just returned from Lys."

Lord Baelor stood up from his seat and walked towards them, stopping right in front of them before he said "My Lady Rowan. It is a pleasure to have you here in my castle. How may I be of service to you and if I may ask, why have your returned from Lys, my Lady. It is rare to see someone form the Reach beside a member of my own House or that of the Redwynes travel to lands of Essos?"