Otto Hightower

Name: Otto Hightower Titles: Ser, Hand of the King Allegiances: House Hightower, Culture, Reach Born: 76 AC Age: 44-45 years old Place: Oldtown from birth, King's Landing as Hand of the King. Spouse: Unknown Children: Alicent Hightower, Gwayne Hightower

Physical appearance: Hair: Graying auburn hair, neatly combed back, showing signs of age but well-maintained. He has a short, well-trimmed beard that adds to his dignified and authoritative look. Eyes: Deep-set, piercing green eyes that often carry a calculating or scrutinizing expression, reflecting his ever-watchful nature. Face: Sharp and angular, with prominent cheekbones, a defined jawline, and a slightly furrowed brow that gives him a stern and commanding presence. His face carries the weight of experience, often displaying a controlled yet intense expression. Body: Lean but not frail, standing with a posture that exudes confidence and authority. His stature is that of a seasoned statesman—upright, composed, and rarely displaying physical weakness. Clothes: As Hand of the King, Otto wears dark, richly embroidered robes with the sigil of House Hightower subtly woven into the fabric. His attire is always dignified, favoring deep greens and blacks, reflecting both his noble status and his somber, calculating nature. He often wears the Hand of the King pin, a symbol of his authority and influence.

Character: Personality: proud, haughty, blunt, and domineering, cautious, methodical, ambitious while also calm and calculating. He was resented and envied by many. Appears dutiful in his role as Hand of the King and showed loyalty to King Viserys I. But his ambition to have a member of his own family sit on the Iron Throne eventually outweighed his loyalty to King Viserys. He showed that he valued judiciousness and dignity. Qualities: Cautious & Methodical – Otto is a strategic thinker, carefully planning his moves rather than acting recklessly. His patience and ability to assess situations make him an effective political player + Dutiful & Loyal (to Viserys I) – As Hand of the King, Otto genuinely believes he is acting in the best interest of the realm, remaining devoted to his position and his duty to the throne + Calm & Calculating – Unlike those who let emotions cloud their judgment, Otto remains composed, making decisions with a level-headed and pragmatic approach + Valued Judiciousness & Dignity – Otto is intelligent and values wisdom, preferring diplomacy and careful governance over chaos. His sense of dignity allows him to maintain an image of respectability. Flaws: Proud & Haughty – Otto sees himself as superior in intellect and governance, often dismissing the perspectives of others, especially those he deems beneath him. His arrogance contributes to political rivalries + Blunt & Domineering – While his directness can be effective, Otto’s commanding nature often comes across as controlling and overbearing, particularly in his attempts to steer the king’s decisions + Ambitious – Although ambition can be a strength, Otto’s desire for power and influence often leads him to manipulate events in favor of his own house, prioritizing personal gain over pure duty + Underestimates Emotional Bonds – Otto fails to fully grasp how strong personal ties can override politics, especially in the case of Rhaenyra and Viserys.

Behaviour: While loving to his daughter Alicent, Otto was not above using her to seduce Viserys in order to advance his own plans. Manipulating the King to put his line on the throne and to do what he thinks best for the realm. Beliefs: The Stability of the Realm is Paramount + House Hightower Must Rise + Daemon is a Threat + Viserys is Weak but Manageable. Goals: Secure Aegon’s Claim to the Throne + Control the Succession Through Alicent + Remove Political Threats + Maintain Power as Hand of the King.

Strengths & Skills: Master of Political Manipulation + Unwavering Patience + Strategic & Calculating + Commanding Presence & Authority + Persuasive & Articulate. Fears & Weaknesses: Losing Influence – Otto’s greatest fear is being powerless + A Realm in Chaos – Whether out of pragmatism or genuine belief, Otto fears a war of succession if Rhaenyra takes the throne, believing it will shatter the realm + Underestimating Emotional Bonds – Otto struggles to anticipate decisions made out of love or personal loyalty, often miscalculating how others will act when driven by emotion rather than logic + Overconfidence in His Manipulations.

Note: Otto Hightower was a knight from House Hightower of Oldtown who served as Hand of the King. Considered a man of great learning in his time. Otto's greatest rival was Prince Daemon Targaryen.

History: In 101 AC, after the death of Prince Baelon Targaryen, the son and heir of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and Hand of the King, Jaehaerys called upon Ser Otto Hightower to be his new Hand. Ser Otto brought his wife and children to court in King's Landing, including his fifteen-year-old daughter Alicent. King Jaehaerys was devastated by the deaths of Baelon and his beloved wife, Queen Alysanne Targaryen, becoming grief-stricken, and with his health failing he became bedridden. Otto effectively ruled the Seven Kingdoms as Hand in the final two years of Jaehaerys's reign, while his daughter Alicent nursed the ailing king. Otto continued as Hand to Viserys I Targaryen, Jaehaerys's grandson, who succeeded to the throne in 103 AC. The longer Otto serves, the more arrogant he become, and many lords resents him and envy his access to the king. Otto became a bitter rival of the king's brother and presumptive heir, Prince Daemon Targaryen, who had been named master of coin. Otto convinced the king to remove Daemon from office, and did so again when Viserys named Daemon master of laws. However, Otto came to regret this when Daemon was named commander of the City Watch, as this put two thousand men under Daemon's command and the prince thrived in this new office. Otto feared Daemon would become a second Maegor the Cruel if he ever ascended to the Iron Throne, sharing his fears with his brother, the Lord of the Hightower. Thus, at this time, Otto wished for Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen to succeed her father (despite the decision of the Great Council of 101 AC, which many believed had established the precedent that the throne could not pass to a woman). Viserys often tried to make peace between Otto and Daemon, but the acrimony between the two still continued.