Liam Hightower

Liam Hightower is the second born son of Lucas Hightower and Cassandra Baratheon. He is the current heir to Oldtown until his brother produces one. He is also the Admiral of the Grey Fleet

## Appearance:

Liam Hightower is strong of body from years at sea. His sandy hair is almost sun bleached blond which pair with his green eyes leaves him strikingly handsome. The only flaw is a slight scar on his face that he received while reaving in the Iron Islands.

## History:

### Early Years

Liam Hightower was born in the year 105 AC. It did not take long for tragedy to enter the boy’s life, as before he was a year old his father was killed in a freak accident while touring the city. Liam of course has no memory of this and if it wasn’t for his mother and other caregivers he would not even know of it.

What Liam does know is that he and his brother Loras were inseparable as children. The two could often be found coming up with different ways to pull pranks on the other members of their household. More times than naught it was Liam who was spearheading these endeavors, but Loras would always stand by him even when they were caught.

After his father’s death Liam’s earliest memories were of his mother removing all who could and more than likely would make a claim for Loras position. Lady Cassandra was not a woman to take lightly and she and Liam would often argue over his choices as a child. It was these squabbles that sent Liam to grow close with his Uncle Leo, or as his mother would call him “the whore mongering drunk”. Liam did not care about his choices, he only cared that his Uncle Leo treated him like an equal.

As Liam and his brother grew up their mother’s choice of training for each truly showed how different they were. While Loras learned the comings and goings of the game of politics Liam learned lessons of a blade. His mother saw that even at a young age he had a knack when it came to naval warfare and had him focus his studies there. With this their mother took a step back in raising them but not in their punishments, often Liam would take his older brothers punishments causing him to grow strong of body.

### First Taste of Battle

115 AC brought the Ironborn who launched an attack on ships in the Redwyne Strait under the guise of fighting Cobbler Rebels. Loras under the guidance of Cassandra offered an ultimatum to the Ironborn: either the goods taken are returned and the Ironborn swear to never attack ships in the strait without express permission from the Hightowers or the Hightowers will rally their allies to assault the Iron Islands. The Islanders acquiesced to the demands and relations since have been relatively calm. Before the truce was declared Liam had joined a fleet of ships that had set off to intercept the Iron Fleet if they chose to attack again. This brought them into conflict with some smugglers and small skirmishes broke out. Though young Liam was allowed to join in as the battles were relatively small. This taste of battle at sea started a thirst for the sport.

### A Brother's Secret

As the years went on Oldtown would host many parties for members of the Reach. During these parties Liam noticed that his brother preferred the company of boys over the many beautiful girls. His suspicions were confirmed when in 116 AC he saw his brother kiss Lucien Tyrell. When Loras found out about this Liam promised it would stay between them stating, “Now I am the most eligible bachelor in Oldtown when it comes to pretty girls.” After the incident Liam would often help his brother sneak away when other Reachman would send suitors his way, most times indulging in the suitors himself.

### Riots in Oldtown

In 117 AC, violent riots broke out in Oldtown inspired by the Cobblers. Loras ordered his men to “offer no quarter to those that attacked them”. Liam joined the men that were sent out to protect the city. The fighting did not last long and Liam personally helped in the capture of many of the leaders. Like had been done in the rebellion in the Riverlands and Westerlands, lay participants were granted leniency. Because of this and other deeds Loras was well looked upon by the smallfolk who began calling him “Loras the Golden Hearted”. It was a nickname that Loras wore proudly and even after teasing from Liam, he used it in his own personal crest. While Loras was gaining fame for his kindness, Liam was gaining a different kind of fame. Rumor spread of his fighting during the riots. Even though he was young of age he crushed a rioter under his boot on the stones of Oldtown. Behind his back the men called him “Stoneheart”, the opposite of his Lord Brother. Liam would be the first to say that was greatly exaggerated and that the event never happened, but when he saw the respect that came with the tales he saw that the intimidation came with perks.

### Granting Duties

When Loras came of age and took over as Lord of Oldtown, Liam’s life also changed. For starters Loras granted him the Hightower ancestral Valyrain longsword, Vigilance, stating that “The person he trusts most should have the weapon good enough to protect him.” Loras also knew that Liam’s true passion was the sea and ordered him to work as an apprentice under their Master of Ships. Over the next few years Liam spent most of his time on the water mastering every inch of seafaring.

### Reaving at Sea

In 126 AC Liam left Oldtown for the Iron Islands. When Loras asked why Liam replied simply. “To be the best you must learn from the best.” Loras at first thought to argue against it but knew it was true. Liam had long ago surpassed his mentor.

Not much is known of what transpired with Liam during his time among the Iron Fleet. Even to this day Loras has only been able to get bits and pieces of the events from Liam. What is known is that upon his return Liam was far and away the best admiral in Oldtown, if not all of the Reach. Loras named him as the new Master of Ships of Oldtown.

### Current Events

After spending some time at sea fighting off smugglers Liam is returning to Oldtown under his brother’s order.

## Meta

Mastery: Admiral

Attribute: Bellicose

Skills: Leadership (CHA), Naval Warfare (MAR), Navigation (MAR), Privateering (STE)