A meeting at the Starry Sept

**Lord Dread** · June 12, 2016, 09:59 AM

Given the announcement of a new High Septon, given by the events within the capital,
Lord Rolland Hightower went towards the place along with a small household guard to meet the local Septon. With news of the King's death and given by what his sister Myrcella told him, the Lord of the Hightower was curious to meet this man, the new High Septon. Unlike the previous one this one seemed more ambitious, more threatening towards the Crown and perhaps the most logical response, which he would have expected from the Faith in eyes of the Great Sept being destroyed.
Nontheless he had to meet this man - for reasons of local politics as well as for the safety of Oldtown. It was known that the Hightowers were liberal when it came to their past, allowing both the Maesters and the Faith of the Seven to found their seat within Oldtown. But at the same time, House Hightower knew that they had to intercept, should the Faith bring more trouble than opportunities.

OOC: Lord Rolland has +3 Charisma in total, if the High Septon is an NPC.

**Pyrrhus the Molossian** · June 15, 2016, 10:05 AM

Lord Hightower is allowed within the Starry Sept, but his men are kept outside. He is led to a room with Zyre Vaith, the new High Septon, who is sat behind his desk working on a number of papers.

**Lord Dread** · June 15, 2016, 01:55 PM

Though not being pleased about the methods, which this new High Septon tend to use, as there was in his eyes no reason to distrust the Faith-loyal Hightower and his retiniue, Lord Rolland approached the man respectful.
"Your highness", he said solely, "As I see Oldtown has once again been chosen to become for the moment the center of Westerosi Faith. My condolences for what the Mad King did within the capital - the loss of the Great Sept is a fatal blow to the realm indeed."

**Pyrrhus the Molossian** · June 15, 2016, 02:06 PM

The lean, but tall High Septon looks up from his papers to answer the lord.

"Yes Hightower, in violent times such as these changes need to be made for the good of The Faith. The loss of the Great Sept, the death of my predecessor, heretics everywhere, and so many other things here are wrong in the eyes of the Seven here in Westeros. There is much that needs to be changed and the league of Holy Lords that has formed throughout Westeros will surely help to turn the kingdom back towards the Seven."

**Lord Dread** · June 15, 2016, 02:25 PM

"Dreadful news", the Lord replied while nodding - it was no surprise for him that Lords would rise for the cause of the Faith, "Yet reasonable. In times like these it is good that the Faith gets the protection it deserves, as the previous Targaryen King misjudged your rights.
Forgive me though my curiosity, if I may ask, when it comes to the succession of the Iron Throne. Aerys' offspring was dennounced openly by your letter, your highness, so it might raise the question who in eyes of the Seven will be worthy to claim the Crown to keep the Seven Kingdoms in charge. By chance of course a more wise man than previous Targaryens, who acknowledges the rightful status of the Holy Faith as a pillar of the realm - yet regarding the last letters the kingdom recieved, we do wonder about this question. House Hightower welcomes to see union returning back to the Reach with our reconcilation towards Highgarden, but we fear for the stability of the realm."
The question was no critique but a serious concern, Lord Rolland had. He assumed the High Septon being reasonable enough to have thought about this question already, though this whole crisis could only be the Faith asking for more rights while putting the current successor of the last Targaryen King under pressure. Time would probably tell, but it was nontheless better to be prepared.

**Pyrrhus the Molossian** · June 15, 2016, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by Lord Dread

"Dreadful news", the Lord replied while nodding - it was no surprise for him that Lords would rise for the cause of the Faith, "Yet reasonable. In times like these it is good that the Faith gets the protection it deserves, as the previous Targaryen King misjudged your rights.
Forgive me though my curiosity, if I may ask, when it comes to the succession of the Iron Throne. Aerys' offspring was dennounced openly by your letter, your highness, so it might raise the question who in eyes of the Seven will be worthy to claim the Crown to keep the Seven Kingdoms in charge. By chance of course a more wise man than previous Targaryens, who acknowledges the rightful status of the Holy Faith as a pillar of the realm - yet regarding the last letters the kingdom recieved, we do wonder about this question. House Hightower welcomes to see union returning back to the Reach with our reconcilation towards Highgarden, but we fear for the stability of the realm."
The question was no critique but a serious concern, Lord Rolland had. He assumed the High Septon being reasonable enough to have thought about this question already, though this whole crisis could only be the Faith asking for more rights while putting the current successor of the last Targaryen King under pressure. Time would probably tell, but it was nontheless better to be prepared.

The mere mention of the Targaryens ignites a fire in the High Septon's eyes that burns brightly.

"All who claim the name of Targaryen have been denounced by the Faith and are foul in the eyes of the Seven Hightower. Any Targaryen even thinking of assuming the throne would be well counseled to beg for forgiveness and prove with their actions that they are devoted to the Faith. The times of lawlessness in this land are over Hightower and any lord or king who wishes to have the support of the Faith must show himself loyal and true to the Seven alone. Heretics must be outed and punished, septs must be rebuilt, and the Faith must once more become pure. The issue of the succession is still to be decided, but for now know that any support of any Targaryen claimant will be met with disapproval and I will counsel the Holy Lords to defy the commands of any who support a Targaryen."

**Lord Dread** · June 15, 2016, 04:24 PM

Lord Rolland looked concerned, though nodding.
"I see", he answered, feeling that the man before him was driven by his anger - a reasonable reaction, while it seemed worrying, "In light of the recent deeds, being done by King Aerys II. , among them an appointment of a prior Lady Commander of the Goldcloaks, whom the earlier High Septon had denounced, we can see this choice and support it. Though we would advice to go a mild course with those, who don't believe within the Faith, especially in Oldtown. House Hightower nor the Citadel and the Faith, who lived prior for thousands of years within Oldtown before moving around 200 years ago to the capital have benefited from foreign seafarers, arriving at our ports, while smaller religions as the one of the Red God settled here for centuries as a smaller community without any negative excesses.
While I see this concept not working out in the capital due to the wrong management and the acknowledged high criminal rate of districts like Flea Bottom, Oldtown has always been a liberal haven of Westeros, while the Faith is still dominant within our walls. As I know you preached at the Starry Sept since the days prior to your appointment, you might share this opinion."
The Lord of Hightower paused again before coming to another subject, with which he wished to talk about.
"Regarding the safety of the Faith, the Targaryens have indeed proven that they do not honor the wishes of the Faith", he then continiued, "It was Baelor Targaryen, who built the Great Sept, but now that it is razed to the ground, it bears the question of whether the capital is still the best choice for the center of the Seven's representant. If your highness would encourage our politics, as the trade of Oldtown will as well benefit the Faith and your influence within Westeros, independent from the decisions of any Westerosi Kings who might follow now,
House Hightower would be willing to build a greater Sept within these walls, greater and more noble than the previous one. Given the knowledge of the Citadel and our finances and contacts within the Reach, we could afford the project with expanding this Sept into a jewel, which should outshine even the Sept of Baelor, in magnificence,
while it should nontheless resemble the modesty of the Faith, the firm belief towards the Seven while yet showing as well the strength, our common belief resembles. The Honeywine would be the perfect location for these plans, as it would restore the position the Faith once held within my families' walls. We shall be the shield and sword, which guards your location from any enemy of the Seven, attempting to murder you, if you demand so."

OOC: In other words, Hightower would expand your Sept to a size, which can compete with the Great Sept of Baelor, confirm your position within these walls as a local authority,
while securing that the High Septon wouldn't disturb Hightower's regular buiseness which they did since the Age of Dawn.
Basically it would strengthen both our positions, as it would allow you Hightower's loyality and protection, while the Hightowers would have more actual importance in Westerosi history again with the Faith returning permanently to Oldtown.
So it would be your own Vatican state within the walls of the city, whom Hightower would confirm in a treaty, to whom future Hightowers would have to keep - this way you grant future High Septons more influence, as they would be again outside the grasp of the King, while basing their power upon one of the most influential Reach Houses.

**Pyrrhus the Molossian** · June 15, 2016, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by Lord Dread

Lord Rolland looked concerned, though nodding.
"I see", he answered, feeling that the man before him was driven by his anger - a reasonable reaction, while it seemed worrying, "In light of the recent deeds, being done by King Aerys II. , among them an appointment of a prior Lady Commander of the Goldcloaks, whom the earlier High Septon had denounced, we can see this choice and support it. Though we would advice to go a mild course with those, who don't believe within the Faith, especially in Oldtown. House Hightower nor the Citadel and the Faith, who lived prior for thousands of years within Oldtown before moving around 200 years ago to the capital have benefited from foreign seafarers, arriving at our ports, while smaller religions as the one of the Red God settled here for centuries as a smaller community without any negative excesses.
While I see this concept not working out in the capital due to the wrong management and the acknowledged high criminal rate of districts like Flea Bottom, Oldtown has always been a liberal haven of Westeros, while the Faith is still dominant within our walls. As I know you preached at the Starry Sept since the days prior to your appointment, you might share this opinion."
The Lord of Hightower paused again before coming to another subject, with which he wished to talk about.
"Regarding the safety of the Faith, the Targaryens have indeed proven that they do not honor the wishes of the Faith", he then continiued, "It was Baelor Targaryen, who built the Great Sept, but now that it is razed to the ground, it bears the question of whether the capital is still the best choice for the center of the Seven's representant. If your highness would encourage our politics, as the trade of Oldtown will as well benefit the Faith and your influence within Westeros, independent from the decisions of any Westerosi Kings who might follow now,
House Hightower would be willing to build a greater Sept within these walls, greater and more noble than the previous one. Given the knowledge of the Citadel and our finances and contacts within the Reach, we could afford the project with expanding this Sept into a jewel, which should outshine even the Sept of Baelor, in magnificence,
while it should nontheless resemble the modesty of the Faith, the firm belief towards the Seven while yet showing as well the strength, our common belief resembles. The Honeywine would be the perfect location for these plans, as it would restore the position the Faith once held within my families' walls. We shall be the shield and sword, which guards your location from any enemy of the Seven, attempting to murder you, if you demand so."

OOC: In other words, Hightower would expand your Sept to a size, which can compete with the Great Sept of Baelor, confirm your position within these walls as a local authority,
while securing that the High Septon wouldn't disturb Hightower's regular buiseness which they did since the Age of Dawn.
Basically it would strengthen both our positions, as it would allow you Hightower's loyality and protection, while the Hightowers would have more actual importance in Westerosi history again with the Faith returning permanently to Oldtown.
So it would be your own Vatican state within the walls of the city, whom Hightower would confirm in a treaty, to whom future Hightowers would have to keep - this way you grant future High Septons more influence, as they would be again outside the grasp of the King, while basing their power upon one of the most influential Reach Houses.

The High Septon listened to Hightower as he outlined his plan and his face broke into a smile by the end of it.

"Truly the Seven has blessed the Starry Sept here within your city of Oldtown Hightower. The seat of the Faith will remain within Oldtown in the generations to come to escape the clutches of those who would burn our septs within the capital. If you will grant us the land, capital, and labor required we will build the Starry Sept and surrounding area into a bastion of the Seven, independent of the lords of this realm as it should be. Your offer is acceptable and I will sign the documents as sok as you can have them made up. Construction should begin immediately if we are to get this project moving. However, you must not allow heretics to try to convert the faithful of the Seven. They may come to trade and those few that live here are fine, but this is a land of the Seven."

OOC: He accepts your offer with a few conditions.

1. Heretics are allowed in to trade, live in small numbers, etc. But anyone trying to convert others must be converted or expelled.
2. The Starry Sept and land you give them is to be fully outside the realm of lordships. The example of the Vatican is a good one.
3. You're to provide land, money, and labor to improve the Starry Sept.

Agreeable?

**Lord Dread** · June 16, 2016, 05:17 AM

Lord Rolland nodded, being pleased about the turn of events - so after all a reasonable man, which stood in front of him.
"We will respect your decision and instruct the City Watch to do so", he replied while lowering his head respectful, "We will work out a treaty, given these conditions as we hope to offer the Faith in times like these a protection from lordly powers. At the same time we hope that worldly conflicts can get avoided with your word, your highness. The aftermath of the Burning of the Great Sept is a loss for the crown and one it does deserve rightfully in the eyes of the realm.
Otherwise we intend to plan in around 200,000 Gold Dragons for the actual build, while cooperating with the Citadel and local architects. The new Starry Sept shall be practical to avoid any larger masses from entering the Sept, should these forces somehow get through the walls and through the lines of Hightower City Guards
and we hope it to reach the same magnificence, which the Great Sept once provided."
He mused while thinking of a potential design.
"Perhaps we can safe space as well by building a large tower next to the Sept, with entrances leading into the Sept and one minor one directly towards the Wall section", he then said, "I heard that the Faith is willing to recruit armed men for their cause - this way we would avoid the Starry Sept looking too militaristic, while the tower fits into the local build of the Hightower and the towers of the Citadel. And provided, we have to fight a common enemy, this fortress could provide an exit, allowing your men to get upon the walls quickly, while at the same time providing you and your forces an escape way, should the inner city fall, while our forces can at least hold the walls and evacuate the city.
It seems more practical than a wall section around the Sept itself, as against marauder forces like the Goldcloaks the tower would provide you a better protection in times of need."
Though Lord Rolland doubted something similiar to happen in Oldtown like in King's Landing. His men were disciplined and stood under Hightower command, an ancestral House who provided the Faith millenias ago protection behind their walls without major incidents. Thus a small stronghold would be enough to prevent an outright slaying of any Septon and his followers, while it would not make the motives of the High Septon too suspicious.

OOC: As I posted on your post, it's what I intend to do, aye.

**Pyrrhus the Molossian** · June 16, 2016, 05:35 AM

Originally Posted by Lord Dread

Lord Rolland nodded, being pleased about the turn of events - so after all a reasonable man, which stood in front of him.
"We will respect your decision and instruct the City Watch to do so", he replied while lowering his head respectful, "We will work out a treaty, given these conditions as we hope to offer the Faith in times like these a protection from lordly powers. At the same time we hope that worldly conflicts can get avoided with your word, your highness. The aftermath of the Burning of the Great Sept is a loss for the crown and one it does deserve rightfully in the eyes of the realm.
Otherwise we intend to plan in around 200,000 Gold Dragons for the actual build, while cooperating with the Citadel and local architects. The new Starry Sept shall be practical to avoid any larger masses from entering the Sept, should these forces somehow get through the walls and through the lines of Hightower City Guards
and we hope it to reach the same magnificence, which the Great Sept once provided."
He mused while thinking of a potential design.
"Perhaps we can safe space as well by building a large tower next to the Sept, with entrances leading into the Sept and one minor one directly towards the Wall section", he then said, "I heard that the Faith is willing to recruit armed men for their cause - this way we would avoid the Starry Sept looking too militaristic, while the tower fits into the local build of the Hightower and the towers of the Citadel. And provided, we have to fight a common enemy, this fortress could provide an exit, allowing your men to get upon the walls quickly, while at the same time providing you and your forces an escape way, should the inner city fall, while our forces can at least hold the walls and evacuate the city.
It seems more practical than a wall section around the Sept itself, as against marauder forces like the Goldcloaks the tower would provide you a better protection in times of need."
Though Lord Rolland doubted something similiar to happen in Oldtown like in King's Landing. His men were disciplined and stood under Hightower command, an ancestral House who provided the Faith millenias ago protection behind their walls without major incidents. Thus a small stronghold would be enough to prevent an outright slaying of any Septon and his followers, while it would not make the motives of the High Septon too suspicious.

OOC: As I posted on your post, it's what I intend to do, aye.

The High Septon nodded sagely as he replied.

"This design sounds wonderful Hightower. Truly we embark upon a building project greater than what was required to build the Great Sept of Baelor itself! The tower idea you propose is a good one and it shall have my full blessing going forward. Let us begin upon the construction this very day so that the Faith can feel more comfortable in times of crisis. And surely the Seven will bless you mightily for your contributions to the Faith Hightower. The Seven look upon you and smile for they see a loyal son of the Faith."

OOC: Your building projected is endorsed and construction begins ASAP.