Adryna Hightower

**Adryna Hightower** is a noble lady and head of House Hightower, a prominent family and vassal to House Tyrell based in Oldtown. Born in 383 AC, she is the beloved daughter and heir of Lord Bron "The Restorer" Hightower and Lady Clarissa Wylde. At the age of 17, Lady Adryna played a crucial role in the rule of House Hightower and the restoration and resurgence of Oldtown and the Hightower itself.

## Physical Appearance

Lady Adryna Hightower possesses a regal and striking physical presence that befits her noble lineage. Standing at a slender 5 feet 6 inches, she commands attention with a graceful posture and a dignified air. The rich hues of her auburn locks complement the warmth in her sea-blue eyes. Delicate, arched eyebrows add a touch of refinement to her expressive eyes. Her regal demeanor is complemented by the intricate gowns and jewelry that befit her noble status, often in shades of grey, green, and gold. Though her countenance may hide the scars of the tumultuous times, her bearing reflects a resilience that adds to her allure.

## Personality

Known for her intelligence and diplomatic finesse, Lady Adryna is a shrewd strategist. She possesses the Hightower charm but also harbors a deep sense of responsibility toward her house. Raised as a graceful and poignant young lady of the court, she maintained a confidant elegance to her demeanor, often charming her way out of her troubles and manipulating the tides to suit her favor. She has a talent for reading people, discerning their motives, and exploiting information to her advantage. Those who interact with her must tread carefully, for Adryna's wit and perceptiveness make her a formidable player in the game of thrones. Behind her polite facade lies a mind constantly at work, calculating every move to ensure the prosperity and survival of House Hightower.

## Biography

### **Early Life**

Adryna's formative years were marked by lessons in diplomacy, statecraft, and Westerosi politics. Her close bond with her half-cousins, Florus and Raina, and the careful guidance of her parents prepared her for the responsibilities that awaited her. Because of her close vicinity to the Citadel, as well as having familial-like relations with the maesters and their teachings, she spent most her young life studying in it's halls. There, she found a desire for discovering the unknown and quickly acted to satisfy her taste for adventure. When she wasn't in her pursuit of knowledge at the Citadel, her feet were firmly planted on the decks of the fishing and trading boats at port, exchanging gold tokens for gruesome stories of a world beyond the horizon. She could often be found with her close confidante and relative, Raina Tyrell, who pushed even her limits sometimes.

### **Family**

At the heart of Oldtown, the venerable House Hightower stands as a bastion of power and legacy, its story woven through generations of resolute leaders. Lord Manfred Hightower, the formidable patriarch, emerged as a transformative figure who steered the house through both triumphs and tribulations.

**Manfred Hightower II: The Patriarch-** The patriarch of the current generation of Hightowers, Manfred's leadership has been marked by a careful balance of tradition and adaptation. Unknowingly causing a shift in family dynamics within the coming years, Manfred had 2 wives, separating the family through the testament of succession. Manfred married his first wife Lady Melara Costayne, Bron's mother who died in his youth. Following her death, He married a noble lady of the Reach, having three children: Samantha, Ormund, and Amelia.

**Lord Bron Hightower: Architect of Renewal-** Lord Bron, the eldest among his half-siblings, Samantha, Amelia, and Ormund, assumed leadership at a pivotal juncture. His indomitable spirit fueled a vision of renewal for House Hightower. The restoration of the iconic Hightower itself became a testament to his sagacity and commitment. Through meticulous planning and unwavering determination, Lord Bron reconstructed not only the ancestral seat but also the very essence of the house, solidifying its position among Westerosi nobility.

**Lady Clarissa Wylde:** **The Pillar of Love and Support-** Beside Lord Bron stood Lady Clarissa Wilde, a woman of grace and warmth who became the heart of House Hightower. Born into a cadet branch of House Baratheon, Lady Clarissa brought not only her noble lineage but also an unwavering devotion to her family. Her loving presence served as a steady anchor during times of tumult, fostering unity and resilience within the Hightower family.

**Samantha, Amelia, and Ormund: Siblings in Unity-** Samantha, Amelia, and Ormund, Lord Bron's half-siblings, stood by his side as pillars of support. Their collaborative efforts played a crucial role in the house's restoration, each contributing their unique strengths. Samantha's diplomatic finesse, Amelia's charisma, and Ormund's martial prowess complemented Lord Bron's vision, creating a legacy that steered House Hightower through its revival.

**Jaubert Hightower: A New Generation at the Helm-** In the wake of his sisters' passings, the mantle of leadership transitioned to Jaubert, Lady Adryna's cousin. A testament to the enduring legacy of House Hightower, Jaubert faced the challenges of leadership with determination, inheriting not only the responsibilities but also the resilience that defined his predecessors.

**Wilhelm Hightower: The First of a New Generation-** Wilhelm, the son of Samantha Hightower, emerged as the trailblazer of a new generation. His ascent to the head of House Hightower marked a significant change in the family's succession dynamics. Wilhelm's tenure brought about adaptations and challenges as the house navigated the complexities of evolving leadership. His reign, though met with trials, set the stage for the subsequent shifts in power within the family.

**Maelora Hightower: Architect of Change-** Maelora, the eldest of Jaubert's sisters, etched her name into the annals of House Hightower's history through a daring coup that overthrew Wilhelm's leadership. Her strategic brilliance and determination allowed her to ascend to a position of influence within the family. Maelora's calculated moves shaped the trajectory of House Hightower, leaving an indelible mark on the family's narrative.

**Isabella Hightower: The Radiant Ingenue-** The youngest among the new generation, Isabella, Maelora and Jaubert's sister, brought a breath of sweetness and innocence to the sometimes tumultuous halls of House Hightower. Her gentle nature and genuine kindness endeared her to the family, offering a counterbalance to the political intricacies that surrounded them. Isabella's presence served as a reminder of the softer aspects of familial bonds, grounding the family in moments of joy and warmth.

### **The Targaryan Uprising and Self-Exile to Essos**

#### Diplomatic Meetings with the Targaryan Ambassador

\*Recorded by the Citadel Maesters, as is tradition for official and ceremonial Hightower councils\*

*"In the grand halls of House Hightower in Oldtown, Lady Adryna Hightower, resplendent in the traditional garb of her noble house, awaited the arrival of the Targaryen ambassador. The outcome of the negotiations could shape the destiny of House Hightower. As the Targaryen ambassador, Daenora Targaryan, entered, bedecked in the regal colors of House Targaryen, Adryna greeted her with a composed nod. The negotiations to unite their houses in the wake of the Targaryans return to Westeros commenced, and each word carried the weight of the house's legacy. Adryna, armed with her cunning intellect, sought to navigate the treacherous waters of diplomacy and secure the best terms for House Hightower. However, the negotiations proved to be more challenging than anticipated. The Targaryen ambassador, unyielding and shrewd, presented conditions that threatened the autonomy and integrity of House Hightower. Adryna fought valiantly, but the talks reached an impasse. The ambitions of House Targaryen clashed with the unwavering pride of House Hightower. The discussions unfolded with a delicate dance of diplomacy, resulting in a favorable outcome for House Hightower.*

*However, even in the glow of success, shadows crept in from the corners of Westeros. Whispers, not of failure but of opportunism, reached the ears of the Hightower family. Rumors circulated that the Targaryan uprising sought to manipulate the resurgence of House Targaryen by using the influential Hightowers as political pawns."*

#### Self-Exile to Essos

*"Recognizing the peril that surrounded his daughter, Lord Bron Hightower, with a heavy heart, insisted that Adryna leave Westeros. The potential for her to be used as political collateral, a bargaining chip in the hands of rivals, was too great a risk for her father to bear. The very qualities that made her a formidable negotiator—the sharpness of her mind, the depth of her commitment—now painted a target on her back.*

*Reluctantly, Lady Adryna bid farewell to the familiar halls of House Hightower, leaving behind the legacy she had fought so hard to protect. Her departure wasn't a matter of choice; it was a strategic move, a sacrifice made for the greater good of House Hightower. As she embarked on her journey to Essos, the weight of her duty to her family and the uncertainty of the political landscape weighed heavily on her shoulders. In Essos, Adryna, now far from the tumultuous intrigues of Westeros, navigated the complexities of a new land while remaining vigilant against potential threats.*

### **The Death of Lord Bron Hightower and Change in Succession of House Hightower**

In the somber halls of House Hightower, a shift occurred shortly after Lady Adryna's departure for Essos. Lord Bron Hightower faced an unrelenting ailment that had quietly taken root. The weight of leadership, coupled with the complexities of his familial situation, had left an indelible mark on his health. As Adryna traversed the distant lands of Essos, word reached her that her father, Lord Bron Hightower, had succumbed to the relentless grip of illness.

In the wake of Lord Bron's passing, the mantle of leadership transitioned to his half-sister, Samantha Hightower. Samantha assumed the title of Lady of the Hightower. Under Samantha's capable guidance, House Hightower continued its legacy of resilience and adaptability. Adryna, now officially settled into the abundances Essos had to offer, faced a relief as her claim to the seat of Hightower no longer rested on her shoulders. However, she couldn't resist the urging call and the grief of leaving her family to succumb into themselves under power to return to Westeros and resume her family's legacy as the rightful heir.

### **The Return of the Lost Hightower**

Adryna eventually made her return across the Narrow Sea back to Westeros after 4 years in Essos. Reuniting with her beloved half-cousin, Lady Florus Tyrell, the joy of family was tempered by the heart-wrenching news of Raina Tyrell's passing—Adryna's cherished friend. In the face of personal loss, Adryna reached out to forge new alliances among Westerosi nobility. In engaging with the realm and its happenings, she formed connections with new lords and ladies, enhancing House Hightower's standing in the realm.

She reclaimed the seat of House Hightower as the rightful heir in the line of succession in 408 AC, and reassumed the title of Lady of the Hightower. Lady Adryna's return was met with a warm reception from many members of the Reach, and her assertion to reclaim the seat of House Hightower was supported by many lords and ladies, most prominently the Lady Paramount, Florus Tyrell.