House Hightower

### Coat of arms

Smoke grey, a white stone watchtower crowned with green flame*(Cendrée, a tower argent, beacon inflamed gules)*

### Titles

Lord of the Hightower
Lord of Oldtown
Beacon of the South
Defender of the Citadel
Voice of Oldtown

### Founded

Dawn Age

**House Hightower of the Hightower** is one of the Noble Houses of Westeros. The Hightower is their seat of rule. Also recognized as House Hightower of Oldtown, stands as one of the preeminent noble houses in the Reach. Their primary residence is the Hightower, situated within the city of Oldtown. The distinctive sigil of House Hightower features a stone white watchtower, crowned with a blazing fire at its peak. Their guiding motto, "We Light the Way," exemplifies their commitment. Additionally, House Hightower possesses the Valyrian steel sword known as Vigilance.

Renowned for their ancient lineage and esteemed standing among the Great Houses, the Hightowers have traditionally favored trade over warfare. Their strategic support for the Faith of the Seven has often steered them clear of numerous conflicts. The legacy of House Hightower is woven with a rich tapestry of tradition, emphasizing diplomacy, commerce, and a steadfast allegiance to the Faith.

## History

### **Ancient Era: Dawn of Days - AC**

House Hightower's roots trace back to the early days when they were potentially descended from the First Men or pre-First Men seafarers. Residing in the black stone fortress of Battle Isle, they built wooden beacon towers before commissioning the legendary Hightower, a towering stone structure at the mouth of the Honeywine.

### **Targaryan Era: 1 AC - 305 AC**

During Aegon's Conquest, Lord Manfred Hightower wisely heeded the High Septon's counsel, avoiding the Field of Fire and preserving Oldtown. Welcoming Aegon the Conqueror, Manfred pledged allegiance, and Oldtown acknowledged House Targaryen's rule over the Seven Kingdoms.

In Maegor the Cruel's reign, House Hightower faced internal strife as Maegor took a second wife, straining relations with Lord Manfred. During the Dance of the Dragons, the Hightowers supported Prince Jaehaerys against Maegor, showing defiance against the Crown's wishes.

Throughout Targaryen rule, House Hightower maintained political prominence. They played roles in the Dance of the Dragons, supported both Targaryen and Blackfyre camps, and remained loyal during Robert's Rebellion. Their alliances with influential houses like the Tyrells and Florents strengthened their political standing.

### **Era of Reconstruction** **335 AC-389 AC**

In the dynamic and ever-evolving realm of Westeros, House Hightower remained steadfast and strong in their loyalties to both their allies and the family itself. During this era, both Oldtown and the hightower were subject to new construction and design, as a new generation took over Westeros. Born into the illustrious House Hightower in the year 335 AC, Manfred Hightower II emerged as a pivotal figure, ushering in a new era for the family that unfolded into the modern age. Manfred's decision to bring on a renaissance of reconstruction was welcomed by the residents of Oldtown.

### **Era of Stability and Growth: 390 AC - 402 AC**

In the post-Game of Thrones era, House Hightower continued to thrive in Oldtown, maintaining its status as a major noble house in the Reach. The family's influence extended beyond Westeros, engaging in lucrative trade and diplomatic endeavors. Bron Hightower, known as "The Restorer," and his beloved daughter and heir, Adryna, played a crucial role in rebuilding the family's strength and reputation. His legacy became one of resilience and leadership during challenging times. The physical symbol of House Hightower, the towering structure in Oldtown, underwent a symbolic and literal renovation during Bron's reign. The restoration of the Hightower became a metaphor for the family's resilience and commitment to rebuilding after internal strife throughout the centuries.

Their alliance with House Tyrell remained strong, further solidified through intermarriages that strengthened both houses' positions. As the new Targaryan dynasty rose, House Hightower, under the leadership of a wise and politically astute lord, remained neutral during the conflicts against King Robin Arryn. The Tyrell-Hightower alliance endured, offering stability in the Reach during times of uncertainty.

### **Targaryan Uprising and "The Cousin's Coup" : 403 AC - 405 AC**

Rumors of the Targaryans' intentions to reclaim the Iron Throne stirred concern in House Hightower. Cognizant of their close ties to the throne and council, the family, in a strategic move, decided to ensure the continuity of their line by establishing a presence in Essos. This decision aimed to safeguard their interests and assets, allowing the Hightowers to adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape. After rumors reached Oldtown from King's Landing that the Targaryans were indeed rising to the iron throne, the small council gathered by Lord Bron quickly decided that Adryna and the Hightower line would be better protected in Essos. Tragically, shortly after her departure, Bron succumbed to death, leaving his half-sister Samantha as the Lady of Hightower and altering the house's succession.

Samantha Hightower, quickly thrust into a position of leadership, betrayed her Lady Paramount Florus Tyrell through political disloyalty of a vassal house and joined the Night's Watch. Wilhelm, her son, took over as the head of House Hightower amidst his mother's fall from grace. The family navigated a precarious political landscape as Wilhelm assumed control, facing both internal and external challenges.

Discontent with Wilhelm's rule, Maelora, the daughter of Samantha and Bron's half-brother Ormund, rallied support for a coup against her cousin. The atmosphere within House Hightower had become increasingly tense, with Wilhelm's rule marked by negligence and discontent among the people of Oldtown. The uprising successfully overthrew Wilhelm, prompting a change in the line of succession once again. Maelora's actions reflected the ongoing turbulence within House Hightower. The aftermath of the coup left House Hightower in a state of flux. Maelora, now at the helm, faced the daunting task of consolidating power and navigating the complex web of allegiances and resentments left in the wake of this familial upheaval. The coup not only changed the trajectory of House Hightower but also served as a defining chapter in the family's history, leaving an enduring legacy of internal strife and the ever-shifting dynamics within the noble house.

### **The Abduction of Lady Isabella Hightower and its Aftermath: 406 AC - Present**

Lady Isabella Hightower, the youngest sister of Maelora and Jaubert and daughter of Ormund Hightower, received a dark turn of fate when she was kidnapped, her disappearance sending shockwaves through Oldtown and beyond.

The circumstances surrounding Isabella's abduction remained shrouded in mystery, causing anxiety and fear within House Hightower. The family mobilized all available resources to locate her, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the once-prosperous household. The very foundations of House Hightower quivered as the search for Isabella intensified. After a period of agonizing uncertainty, Isabella was eventually found, but the jubilation that briefly accompanied her return quickly turned to sorrow. The ordeal had taken a toll on her health, and she succumbed to a debilitating illness that had taken root during her captivity. The tragedy of Isabella's fate resonated deeply within House Hightower, adding another layer of grief to their already tumultuous history. The echoes of Isabella's tragedy reverberated through the Hightower, intertwining with the broader narrative of loss, betrayal, and shifting allegiances that characterized this turbulent era in Westerosi history.

As House Hightower grappled with the aftermath of the coup and the lingering sorrow from Isabella's tragedy, Maelora, burdened by grief, found herself unable to escape the emotional turmoil that had engulfed her family. The weight of leadership, coupled with the haunting memories of Isabella's suffering, became an insurmountable burden for Maelora. Driven to the brink by the ceaseless waves of sorrow, Maelora, the once-ambitious architect of change within House Hightower, succumbed to the overwhelming grief that had taken root in her soul. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a melancholic glow over Oldtown, Maelora flung herself from the ancient tower.

In the wake of Maelora's death, Jaubert assumed the mantle of leadership, becoming the de facto head of House Hightower. His ascension, tinged with the lingering grief that permeated the air, marked a solemn turning point for the family. The responsibilities that fell upon Jaubert's shoulders were weighty, and the once-mighty House Hightower faced an uncertain future. As Jaubert assumed the position of the last remaining Hightower in Westeros, he faced the daunting task of restoring not only the family's prestige but also the sense of unity that had been fractured by years of internal conflict.

The narrative of House Hightower, now shaped by grief and Jaubert's determination, entered a new chapter—one where the last ember of a once-great house flickered against the backdrop of a changing Westeros.

## Household Members

##### Player Members

* Adryna Hightower
* Samantha Hightower
* Wilhelm Hightower
* Maelora Hightower
* Jaubert Hightower
* Isabella Hightower
* Ser Harlan "The Shining Sentinel" Hightower

##### NPC/Lore Members

* Manfred Hightower II
* Bron "The Restorer" Hightower
* Ormund Hightower II
* Amelia Hightower