Oldtown, Seat of House Hightower

[Lord Dread]

Oldtown

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.

Small Council of Oldtown

Head of the Council: Lord Rolland Hightower Lord Marshal: /vacant Lord Admiral: Ser Edwynd Hightower Lord Commander of the Oldtown City Watch: Ser Edmund Hightower Lord Castellan of Oldtown: Ser Jory Mullendore 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

Regional Bonus

The City Watch of Oldtown: The city is defended and policed by a force of 2,500 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. A city of Influence: Home to one of Westeros' most influential families and one of the Seven's most important of Septs, the owners of Oldtown are granted with +1 charisma

Characters

Lord Quenton Hightower - Lord of Oldtown and the Hightower, High Lord of the Honeywine. Born 180 AL. Died 240 AL His son Lord Godric Hightower - Lord of Oldtown and the Hightower, High Lord of the Honeywine. Born 203 AL. Died 262 AL His wife, Lady Lyra Hightower (nee Redwyne) - Born 210 AL. His son, Ser Rolland Hightower - Born 235 AL, Lord of Oldtown and the Hightower, High Lord of the Honeywine His wife, Serra of Pentos - Born 238 AL His son, Gerold Hightower - Born 260 AL heir to Oldtown and the Hightower , gifted boy His daughter, Margaery Hightower - Born 265 AL His son, Ser Edmund Hightower - Born 238 AL, twin to Edwynd Hightower His son, Ser Edwyn Hightower - Born 238 AL, twin to Edmund Hightower His daughter, Myrcella Hightower - Born 240 AL His daughter, Emilia Hightower - Born 244 AL His son, Ser Patrek Hightower - Castellan of the Hightower, Born 210 AL His son, Ser Mason Hightower - Born 242 AL Lord Rolland Hightower Age: 30, Born 234 AL Titles/Rank: Lord of Oldtown and the Hightower, the Tower Knight Possessions: Vigilance, the ancestral long sword of House Hightower Traits: +2 Battles, +2 Duels, +1 wealth, +3 charisma (1 from regional bonus), +1 Joust, Marital Status: Married to Serra of Pentos Children: Gerold Hightower Bio: Ser Rolland Hightower is the eldest son of Lord Godric Hightower and the current Hightower heir. Ser Rolland is an athletic and tall young man who has been bred by his father into a mighty knight, the Hightower's Shield against those who would bring her harm. Rolland is a skilled swordsmen and competent horsemen who had briefly spent a year in Essos officially as the Hightower envoy to Pentos whom the Hightower's were trading with at that point in time. Through his appointment there, Rolland unofficially fought with the Long Lances in several minor skirmishes with them and the Dothraki. It was there, that Rolland was able to hone his fighting skills and master the use of his family's ancestral sword Vigilance. After hearing rumors of the Blackfyre resurgence in the Stepstone Islands, Rolland rushed back to Oldtown on the swiftest ship to prepare himself and his family, bringing with him his Pentosi bride. With Lord Godric dying at a high age, it is now on his side to continiue his legacy. Ser Edmund Hightower Age: 26 Titles/Rank: Commander of the Oldtown City Watch Possessions: Traits: +1 Battles, +2 Survival, +1 Scout, + 1 Joust, +1 Wealth,+1 Duel, +1 charisma (regional nonus) Marital Status: Not Married Children: None Bio: Ser Edmund Hightower is son of Lord Godric Hightower and the elder to his twin brother Edwyn. Having followed in his brother's footsteps as a gallant knight, Edmund served as the Hightower's primarily military commander while his elder brother was away in Essos. He has served his family well, scouring his family's lands of bandits and brigands and maintaining the peace. Ser Edwynd Hightower Age: 26 Titles/Rank: Admiral of Oldtown, Possessions: Traits: +2 Survival, +3 Naval Battles, +2 Pillager, +1 Charisma (regional bonus) Marital Status: Not Married Children: None Bio: Ser Edwynd Hightower is the son of Lord Godric and the younger twin to Edmund Hightower. Unlike his two elder brothers, Edmund choose a different path of his family, preferring to turn his eyes towards the sea instead of the galantry of the land. He was knighted only because he was forced to as a scion of the Hightower but in truth, the young man is more brigand and pirate then a virtuous servant of the Seven. Edmund has spent much of his time at sea, commanding the pathetically weak fleet that the Hightower called a navy and on occasion, partaking in not so legal activities in plundering a few trade routes here and there for his own personal gain. Having been recalled back to Oldtown at the start of this new Blackfyre conflict, Edwynd is prepared to serve his family in more noble means, albeit with some resistance and loyalties which are not yet known.

Trade Summary

Trade Resource (House Trading with): Resource Effect Fruits. +600 Militia Points, +1 to any rolls to convince an AI character to do something (Includes calling your vassals to war) (Own Resource) Furs (House Mormont). +5% Income, +1 to any rolls to convince an AI character to do something (Includes calling your vassals to war) Grains (House Tully). +1,200 Militia Points Restricted (Merchant Trade Route)

Buildings within Oldtown

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 militia points, +10% income Large Dockyard: +750 naval militia points, 5% cheaper naval mercs, +5% income Major Dockyard: +1,000 naval militia points, 10% cheaper naval mercs, +5% income ------------------------------------------------ Militia Armoury: +500 Militia Points ------------------------------------------------ Wall Defense Placeholder ------------------------------------ Siege Defenses Placeholder ------------------------------------------------ Keep Expansions Placeholder ------------------------------------------------ City Watch Quarters: 400 Light Infantry permanently stationed in your home territory. Cannot be moved elsewhere. ------------------------------------------------ Whisper House Placeholder

Current Edicts

Militias. 10,000 Dragons. +1,000 militia points. Military Infrastructure. 10,000 Dragons. +1,000 militia points.

WiP

[Pontifex Maximus]

A raven arrives from the Twins requesting trade between House Frey of the Twins and Oldtown

[Zeus Almighty]

I had trade with house Hihtower when they were HB's, I suppose now that they are yours I should ask if you want to keep that open

[Lord Dread]

OOC: Aye, I keep all the trade lanes, HB established. Only thing I did new are the finances, as I couldn't find the previous Vault, when I started to sign up.

[Zeus Almighty]

Ser Axel Tully arrives to speak with Lord Hightower.

[Lord Dread]

The Knight of Riverrun is granted audience towards the solar of Lord Rolland, who formerly served as the knight and Lord Marshall of House Hightower, when it was on his father to rule the city. Among his side sat Lady Serra from Pentos, his wife, while his heir, the young Godric was sitting next to her. His Essosi heritage was definitly recognizable, while in the eyes of the 5-year old seemed to be something as if he was daydreaming, though it was only for a glimpse visible.
Lord Rolland himself was discussing apparently a few things with his family, when Ser Axell was announced. With a gesture towards the Lady, she took with a smile the young heir on the hand, while bowing politely towards Ser Tully before leaving the room.
Coughing a bit, but nontheless formal Lord Rolland offered his hand towards the man.
"It is always good to see a Tully during these times in Oldtown", the Lord began, Vigilance at his belt glancing for a second due to the sun shining upon it for a brief second, "Though recent wars occured during the last time, I assume the reasons which brought you here are better news than what happened to the eternity of the Reach."
At least it would surprise the Hightower to imagine worse news than what the King told the last remaining Tyrell son within the capital.

[Zeus Almighty]

Ser Axel bowed in return. He was a simple man and generally used as more of a grunt, his new role was very different to him. He like that.
Lord Hightower, my family has always had a high respect for your House. Even in the recent conflicts, my brother has respected your Houses decisions. Maybe not agree but respected. We have maintained trade with your House and hoped one day to forge a bond with your family. Today I am here to request speaking with yourself about your cities engineers and enlisting their aid . I have been placed in charge of building a new keep on a river. Your city is one of the grandest with intricate design. Your engineers must be of the highest caliber just maintaining it.

[Lord Dread]

Lord Rolland noted the implied marriage proposal, while nodding appreciating. He had heard rumors about the King planning to build and rebuild more castles, among them being Summerhall.
Thus his curiousity was given indeed.
"Go on further, Ser Tully", he gave as an answer, while taking a cup of wine, which one of his servants already had brought, offering another cup from the same caraffee towards Ser Axell as well, "Whatever support we can grant, with our contacts to the Citadel and our craftsmen it might be a pleasant opportunity. So yes, I assume them being the best men the Seven Kingdoms could probably offer, even if Oldtown grew over Millenias to the size of nowadays. I'm certain during the Ages of Hightower Kings this place was perhaps a generic town, while it was thanks to the Maesters and the former High Septons within the town that we could afford our current position."

[Zeus Almighty]

Much obliged my Lord. My Keep will be nearly smack in the middle of the Kingdom. Should the Maesters require or want a waypoint on their journeys to Lords or for any other reason, I can arrange for safe passage and more than adequate lodging. It is also meant for merchants to have a safe passing accross the Blackwater River. I do appreciate the aid my Lord.

Axel bowed his head. He looked Lord Hightower in the eyes after. In his gleamed the eyes of the last unmarried Tully man, and one looking to make a name for himself.

[Lord Dread]

Hightower nodded benefitial.
"I will arrange a meeting at the Citadel, if possible and see what I can do", Lord Rolland replied then, "House Hightower has always been a friend of safe trade passages, so of course - we will support the new castle being built."
Curiously he eyed the man, assuming that he might have more to say.
"Anything... else I could do for you?", he asked curious.

[Zeus Almighty]

That is more than enough as far as my Lord Brother is concerned my lord! As for myself, I am yet unmarried and as a Tully, family is quite important. If you were to keep that in mind, I think it would go a long way in helping show some cooperation by the Reach and Riverlands. I am a third son...

He said unsure of himself. This, in truth, had been the most he had spoken to anyone outside of his family in a long time. Now, with business aside, he was begining to feel slightly awkward.

[Lord Dread]

"I guess in days like these more the Honeywine and the Riverlands", Rolland sighed while looking outside the solar window, "but no matter the sons, I know to honor a marriage proposal of your side, should it regard our House. Tully is an old and established family, while House Hightower hopes to remain one, even in uncertain times like these. The Reach feels now like in the old days, I assume, when borders were controlled by minor or mightier Petty Kings. I guess if we want to maintain our survival, while keeping what we got, an offer from your House is always welcome. Not to mention that it benefits our trade buiseness probably as well, if Tully children share the same blood with us."
He made a small pause.
"My sister Emilia would be around your age, a fair maiden of twenty namedays", he then added briefly, looking thoughtful as if it was a mere suggestion.

[Zeus Almighty]

It is an honor to even be considered. House Hightower has for generations been arguably one of the strongest of Houses of the Reach with the strongest of cities. A union between our Houses might ensure peace in all the lands from our southern borders to all the way down to Oldtown. Your station is supported by the King and my Lord brother. I would be honored to meet the lady, and hope that she finds me a reasonable match.

Middle children, many times they have a bit of a complex.

[Lord Dread]

The Lord benefitial, while telling one of his servants to call for the lady.

Minutes later she would arrive at the solar, looking in appearence similiar to her older sister Mycella, but a bit younger. Gentle she nodded towards Ser Axell, unsure whether to speak a word or not. It was notable though, that she seemed to muster him from head to toe.

[Zeus Almighty]

My Lady Emilia, I am Axel Tully, brother of the current Lord Warrick Tully. I have come to speak to your Lord Father about my new position building a new keep. The topic of my availability arose, and now here we stand. My features are hawkish, my hair lighter red than my brothers, my build is slighter. But I am quick, I am calm, and I have spoken too much.

He chuckled and then looked to the ground.

How do you find me?

[Lord Dread]

Emilia wasn't sure what to respond, but found Ser Axels joke amusing, granting him a slight smile. With a pleased look, Lord Rolland decided to leave the room.
"If you need me, I'll be at my office", he only said with a fond smile, before he was away.

"It's... hard to tell, Ser Axel", she then began, a bit uncertain, but with a curious look, "But I guess that's better qualities than I have to show. I'm a mere maiden and my sister has bigger tits - probably also shouldn't have said that."
She made a brief pause, wondering how he would take her respond.
"So, a keep?", the lady of House Hightower asked wondering, "Where is it located? It's interesting to hear about it... or... should I not ask about it?"

[Zeus Almighty]

Axel blushed at the young ladies mention of tits. He tried hard to follow up quickly,

It will be at the edge of Gaunt and Footly lands. Near the middle of the Kingdom. Ask if you wish, it is no secret. I warn you, nerves are what have me talking right now, I am usually the quiet type of man.

Family is important to a Tully, I am sure you must know this.

[Lord Dread]

"Ah alright", Emilia responded with a curious look, while musing, "And... you will rule the keep at this point?"

[Zeus Almighty]

Axel paused for a moment. He truthfully didn't know the answer to that question. On one hand he could assume he would keep control of it, on the other, was that set in stone?

Honestly my lady I do not know. My brother asked me to set upon this task, I never thought to ask abut when it was completed.

[Lord Dread]

"Hmm, I see", she replied, while dropping the topic, "Nontheless, with or without the keep you seem to be an honest and polite man, Ser Axel."
Emilia offered him his hand.
"Mind if we take our time to walk through the city?", she then asked him directly, "Since my brother left us, we probably have a lot of time, whatever your buiseness is here, and to be honest, I'm a bit bored about sitting idle. Being a Hightower is great and probably even without the Lord Paramount status something, of which you can be proud of, as you're not any High House noble! Nontheless it's sometimes dull and a burden with a nearly perfect household - so getting some fresh air could be nice for both of us, don't you think?"