Difference between revisions of "House Velaryon"

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| Founded_in = prior to [[Years before Aegon's Conquest#Year 114 Before the Conquest|114 BC]]
 
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Alyssa's daughter Jocelyn was eventually wed to Alyssa's grandson, Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]], at the time the heir to the throne. Their child, Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]], was in turn wed to Lord Corlys, and gave birth to two children by him: [[Laena Velaryon|Laena]] and [[Laenor Velaryon|Laenor]], both of whom became dragonriders. During the [[Great Council]] of {{Date|101}}, Laenor's claim to the throne was presented before the lords of the Seven Kingdoms. Although primogeniture favored him, and his father's wealth, fame and reputation resulted is much support for Laenor, but in the end, he lost to Prince [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]],{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} causing a rift between the Velaryons and the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|TRP}} After Queen [[Aemma Arryn]] died, King [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]]'s [[Grand Maester]], [[Runciter]] suggested Corlys' twelve-year old daughter Laena as a new bride, but House Velaryon was passed over once more. In response, Corlys and his family shunned Viserys' wedding to [[Alicent Hightower]].{{Ref|TRP}}
 
Alyssa's daughter Jocelyn was eventually wed to Alyssa's grandson, Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]], at the time the heir to the throne. Their child, Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]], was in turn wed to Lord Corlys, and gave birth to two children by him: [[Laena Velaryon|Laena]] and [[Laenor Velaryon|Laenor]], both of whom became dragonriders. During the [[Great Council]] of {{Date|101}}, Laenor's claim to the throne was presented before the lords of the Seven Kingdoms. Although primogeniture favored him, and his father's wealth, fame and reputation resulted is much support for Laenor, but in the end, he lost to Prince [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]],{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} causing a rift between the Velaryons and the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|TRP}} After Queen [[Aemma Arryn]] died, King [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]]'s [[Grand Maester]], [[Runciter]] suggested Corlys' twelve-year old daughter Laena as a new bride, but House Velaryon was passed over once more. In response, Corlys and his family shunned Viserys' wedding to [[Alicent Hightower]].{{Ref|TRP}}
  
Corlys eventually befriended Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], with whom he [[War for the Stepstones|invaded]] the [[Stepstones]] in {{Date|106}}. When Daemon's [[Rhea Royce|wife]] died in {{Date|115}}, Corlys happily agreed to wed Laena to Daemon, following the death of Laena's betrothed. Laena's brother Laenor had married [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], the [[Princess of Dragonstone]], the year before. Although that marriage resulted in three sons, it was rumored that all three boys were [[bastard]]s, as they looked nothing like Rhaenyra and Laenor.{{Ref|TRP}} Laena gave birth to twin girls for Daemon, but died in childbirth several years later, in early {{Date|120}}. Laenor was killed shortly after.{{Ref|TRP}}
+
Corlys eventually befriended Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], with whom he [[War for the Stepstones|invaded the Stepstones]] in {{Date|106}}. When Daemon's wife, [[Rhea Royce]], died in {{Date|115}}, Corlys happily agreed to wed Laena to Daemon, following the death of Laena's betrothed. Laena's brother Laenor had married [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], the [[Princess of Dragonstone]], the year before. Although that marriage resulted in three sons, it was rumored that all three boys were [[bastard]]s, as they looked nothing like Rhaenyra and Laenor.{{Ref|TRP}} Laena gave birth to twin girls for Daemon, but died in childbirth several years later, in early {{Date|120}}. Laenor was killed shortly after.{{Ref|TRP}}
  
 
===The Dance of the Dragons===
 
===The Dance of the Dragons===
 
[[File:Even Mehl Amundsen Dragonstone Bannerman.JPG|thumb|350px|A Velaryon bannerman serving at [[Dragonstone]]. Illustrated by Even Mehl Amundsen. © Fantasy Flight Games.]]
 
[[File:Even Mehl Amundsen Dragonstone Bannerman.JPG|thumb|350px|A Velaryon bannerman serving at [[Dragonstone]]. Illustrated by Even Mehl Amundsen. © Fantasy Flight Games.]]
Corlys and his wife were major supporters of Rhaenyra during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], in which Rhaenyra's half-brother [[Aegon II Targaryen]] claimed the throne, despite the fact that Rhaenrya had been the proclaimed heir of Viserys I. Corlys used his fleets to blockade [[Blackwater Bay]]. However, [[Spicetown]] and [[High Tide]] were sacked after the blockade was broken in the [[Battle in the Gullet]], with the Velaryons losing nearly a third of their ships and Spicetown never rebuilt.{{ref|tpatq}}
+
Corlys and his wife were major supporters of Rhaenyra during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], in which Rhaenyra's half-brother [[Aegon II Targaryen]] claimed the throne, despite the fact that Rhaenrya had been the proclaimed heir of Viserys I. Prince [[Lucerys Velaryon]] traveled as an envoy to [[Storm's End]], where he was killed by Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]],{{ref|TPATQ}} and Corlys grew furious with Rhaenyra when his wife [[Rhaenys Targaryen|Rhaenys]] died at [[battle at Rook's Rest|Rook's Rest]]. Lord Velaryon was brought back into the fold by Rhaenyra naming him [[Hand of the King|Hand of the Queen]].{{ref|tpatq}}
Corlys grew furious with Rhaenyra when his wife died at [[battle at Rook's Rest|Rook's Rest]]. He was brought back into the fold by naming him [[Hand of the King|Hand of the Queen]].{{ref|tpatq}}  
 
  
When Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] offered the people of [[Dragonstone]] to attempt and claim a [[dragon]], to increase the number of dragonriders, [[Addam Velaryon|Addam of Hull]] and his brother [[Alyn Velaryon|Alyn]] made their attempt. Addam succeeded in claiming the dragon [[Seasmoke]], who had previously been ridden by Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]]. According to their mother, [[Marilda]], Laenor had fathered the two boys, which many found a dubious claim, as Laenor had preferred men. The court fool [[Mushroom]] suggests that Addam and Alyn had actually been fathered by Corlys, who had kept them far away from his fiery-tempered wife. With his wife now dead, and the paternity of his son Laenor's children in question, Corlys agreed to adopt both boys into House Velaryon, petitioning Rhaenyra to remove the taint of bastardy from them, enabling him to name them his heirs.{{Ref|tpatq}}
+
When Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] offered the people of [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]] to attempt and claim a [[dragon]], to increase the number of dragonriders, [[Addam Velaryon|Addam of Hull]] and his brother [[Alyn Velaryon|Alyn]] made their attempt. Addam succeeded in claiming the dragon [[Seasmoke]], who had previously been ridden by Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]]. According to their mother, [[Marilda]], Laenor had fathered the two boys, which many found a dubious claim, as Laenor had preferred men. The court fool [[Mushroom]] suggests that Addam and Alyn had actually been fathered by Corlys, who had kept them far away from his fiery-tempered wife. With his wife now dead, and the paternity of his son Laenor's children in question, Corlys agreed to adopt both boys into House Velaryon, petitioning Rhaenyra to remove the taint of bastardy from them, enabling him to name them his heirs.{{Ref|tpatq}}
  
However, when Rhaenyra became paranoid following [[Two Betrayers|the betrayal of the new dragonriders]] later on in the war, she ordered Addam’s arrest. Corlys objected, and when ignored, warned Addam, allowing him to flee [[King's Landing]]. Addam later fought at the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]], proving his loyalty to Rhaenyra by defeating her foes at the cost of his own life. Meanwhile, Corlys was thrown in the dungeon, and so the Velaryon fleet abandoned Rhaenyras cause.{{Ref|tpatq}} When King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] took the city, Corlys was freed.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} In exchange for a pardon,{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} Corlys would use his wealth and power to support Aegon II. However, he refused to accept the execution of [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]], and insisted that Aegon should be betrothed to Aegon II's only remaining child, Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], as a requirement for his support.<ref>asoiaf.westeros.org: [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/139166-aegon-ii-and-aegon-iii/&do=findComment&comment=7552930 Aegon II and Aegon III (April 23) - post 1]</ref> Corlys served on Aegon II’s [[small council]] until the King’s death.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
+
Corlys used his fleets to blockade [[Blackwater Bay]]. However, Jacaerys was killed and the blockade was broken in the [[Battle of the Gullet]]. The Velaryons lost nearly a third of their ships and the [[Triarchy]] sacked [[Spicetown]] and [[High Tide]], with Spicetown never rebuilt.{{ref|tpatq}}
Corlys acted quickly by sending envoys to Aegon II’s main supporters, but was arrested on the charge of poisoning Aegon II by Lord [[Cregan Stark]]. He was freed by his granddaughters and Lady [[Alysanne Blackwood]], and served the new king as a [[regent]] until his death in {{Date|132}}.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}  
 
  
===Decline of power===
+
When Rhaenyra became paranoid following [[Two Betrayers|the betrayal of the new dragonriders]] later on in the war, she ordered Addam's arrest. Corlys objected, and when ignored, warned Addam, allowing him to flee [[King's Landing]]. Addam later fought at the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]], proving his loyalty to Rhaenyra by defeating her foes at the cost of his own life. Meanwhile, Corlys was thrown in the dungeon, and so the Velaryon fleet abandoned Rhaenyra's cause.{{Ref|tpatq}} Prince [[Joffrey Velaryon]] fell to his death during the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]].{{ref|TPATQ}} Rhaenyra fled the capital, but was fed to [[Sunfyre]] after the [[fall of Dragonstone]].{{ref|TPATQ}}
Following the death of [[Jaehaera Targaryen|his first wife]], King [[Aegon III Targaryen]] married Lady [[Daenaera Velaryon]], the daughter of [[Daeron Velaryon]], a cousin to Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]]. Daenaera gave birth to five children: [[Daeron I Targaryen|Daeron]], [[Baelor I Targaryen|Baelor]], [[Daena Targaryen|Daena]], [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aegon III)|Rhaena]], and [[Elaena Targaryen|Elaena]]. Although both of her sons would rule as kings, both died childless. Through her daughter Daena, however, Daenaera is an ancestor of [[House Blackfyre]].
 
  
Alyn Velaryon, formerly Alyn of Hull, became of Lord of Driftmark upon the Sea Snake's death. During the time of regency for the young King Aegon III, Alyn was the greatest rival to Lord [[Unwin Peake]], then Hand of the King. Alyn was refused his grandfather's place as regent for the young king, and then was made to sail against the Stepstones, where he won a great victory at sea and earned the name Oakenfist. Alyn was later dispatched to the [[westerlands]] to defeat [[Dalton Greyjoy]], the Red Kraken. Lord Unwin had hoped that Alyn would fail, but instead, this expedition became the first of Alyn's six great voyages.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} Alyn later played an important role in the return of Aegon III's brother, [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]], having negotiated his release from captivity in [[Lys]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}  
+
Corlys was freed when Aegon II took King's Landing after the [[Moon of the Three Kings]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} In exchange for a pardon,{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} Corlys used his wealth and power to support Aegon II. However, he refused to accept the execution of Rhaenyra's surviving son, Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]], and insisted the boy should be betrothed to Aegon II's only remaining child, Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], as a requirement for his support.<ref>asoiaf.westeros.org: [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/139166-aegon-ii-and-aegon-iii/&do=findComment&comment=7552930 Aegon II and Aegon III (April 23) - post 1]</ref> Corlys served on Aegon II's [[small council]] until the king's death.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} Corlys acted quickly by sending envoys to Aegon II's main supporters, but was arrested on the charge of poisoning Aegon II by Lord [[Cregan Stark]]. He was freed by his granddaughters and Lady [[Alysanne Blackwood]], however, and served the new king as a [[regent]] until his death in {{Date|132}}.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}  
  
In {{date|157}}, Alyn took a decisive part in King [[Daeron I Targaryen]]'s [[conquest of Dorne]] as [[master of ships]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron I}} He commanded a fleet that broke the [[Planky Town]], and swept halfway up the [[Greenblood]] river while the main Dornish strength was engaged with Daeron in the [[Prince's Pass]].{{ref|adwd|17}} Alyn returned to subdue the Planky Town and the Greenblood in {{Date|160}} after the [[Dornishmen]] rebelled.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron I}}
+
===Decline of Power===
 +
Following the death of his first wife, [[Jaehaera Targaryen]], King [[Aegon III Targaryen]] married Lady [[Daenaera Velaryon]], the daughter of [[Daeron Velaryon]], a cousin to Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]]. Daenaera gave birth to five children: [[Daeron I Targaryen|Daeron]], [[Baelor I Targaryen|Baelor]], [[Daena Targaryen|Daena]], [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aegon III)|Rhaena]], and [[Elaena Targaryen|Elaena]]. Although both of her sons would rule as kings, both died childless. Through her daughter Daena, however, Daenaera is an ancestor of [[House Blackfyre]].
  
Alyn had an unknown number of children with his wife, Lady [[Baela Targaryen]], the eldest daughter of Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and Lady [[Laena Velaryon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}} Although he was married, he loved the Princess [[Elaena Targaryen]],{{Ref|AFFC|8}} and would have two bastards by her, the twins [[Jon Waters|Jon]] and [[Jeyne Waters]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Three_Maidens_in_the_Tower/ Three Maidens in a Tower], June 27, 2006</ref> Elaena hoped to marry Alyn, but he disappeared at sea.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}} Their son Jon earned knighthood, married, and had a son of his own who began a [[House Longwaters|line]] that [[Rennifer Longwaters|still remains]] in King's Landing to this day, albeit not in high regard.
+
Alyn Velaryon, formerly Alyn of Hull, became of Lord of Driftmark upon the death of Corlys the Sea Snake. During the [[regency of Aegon III]], Alyn was the greatest rival to Lord [[Unwin Peake]], then Hand of the King. Alyn was refused his grandfather's place as regent for the young king, and then was made to sail against the Stepstones, where he won a great victory at sea and earned the name Oakenfist. Alyn was later dispatched to the [[westerlands]] to defeat [[Dalton Greyjoy]], the Red Kraken. Lord Unwin had hoped that Alyn would fail, but instead, this expedition became the first of Alyn's six great voyages.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} Alyn later played an important role in the return of Aegon III's brother, [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]], having negotiated his release from captivity in [[Lys]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}
 +
 
 +
In {{date|157}}, Alyn Oakenfist took a decisive part in King [[Daeron I Targaryen]]'s [[conquest of Dorne]] as [[master of ships]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron I}} He commanded a fleet that broke the [[Planky Town]], and swept halfway up the [[Greenblood]] river while the main Dornish strength was engaged with Daeron in the [[Prince's Pass]].{{ref|adwd|17}} Alyn returned to subdue the Planky Town and the Greenblood in {{Date|160}} after the [[Dornishmen]] rebelled.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron I}}
 +
 
 +
Alyn had an unknown number of children with his wife, Lady [[Baela Targaryen]], the eldest daughter of Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and Lady [[Laena Velaryon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}} Although he was married, he loved the Princess [[Elaena Targaryen]],{{Ref|AFFC|8}} and had two bastards by her, the twins [[Jon Waters|Jon]] and [[Jeyne Waters]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Three_Maidens_in_the_Tower/ Three Maidens in a Tower], June 27, 2006</ref> Elaena hoped to marry Alyn, but he disappeared at sea.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}} Their son Jon earned knighthood, married, and had a son of his own who began [[House Longwaters]].{{ref|AFFC|8}}
  
 
===Recent History===
 
===Recent History===
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==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
Lord [[Monford Velaryon]] answers [[Stannis Baratheon]]'s summons when he crowns himself king and calls his banners. Stannis comments to [[Davos Seaworth]] his disgust about having to sup with his lords, among them Monford, whom he expects to threaten to take his levies home unless they attack at once.{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}} Lord Monford's contribution to Stannis's fleet is the ''[[Pride of Driftmark]]'' and her three sister ships named ''[[Bold Laughter]]'', ''[[Harridan]]'', and ''[[Seahorse]]''.{{ref|ACOK|58}} When Stannis makes public the accusations of [[Joffrey Baratheon]] being born from incest, Monford states that only steel will decide the matter.{{ref|ACOK|42}}
+
Lord [[Monford Velaryon]] answers [[Stannis Baratheon]]'s summons when he crowns himself king and calls his banners. Stannis comments to [[Davos Seaworth]] his disgust about having to sup with his lords, among them Monford, whom he expects to threaten to take his levies home unless they attack at once.{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}} Monford's contribution to Stannis's [[royal fleet]] includes ''[[Pride of Driftmark]]'', ''[[Bold Laughter]]'', ''[[Harridan]]'', and ''[[Seahorse]]''.{{ref|ACOK|58}} When Stannis makes public the accusations of [[Joffrey Baratheon]] being born from incest, Monford states that only steel will decide the matter.{{ref|ACOK|42}}
  
When Stannis [[Siege of Storm's End (299)|besieges Storm's End]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]], Lord Monford urges him to storm the castle walls as soon as possible. Monford burns with his ship at the [[Battle of the Blackwater]].{{ref|ASOS|25}} Before sinking, the ''Pride of Driftmark'' manages to take down two ships of the royal fleet. When leading his sortie, [[Tyrion Lannister]] finds himself surrounded with Ser [[Balon Swann]] and Ser [[Mandon Moore]] by a circle of Velaryon spearmen.{{ref|ACOK|61}} Monford's half-brother, [[Aurane Waters]], the Bastard of Driftmark, is made prisoner during the battle and surrenders to King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]].{{ref|ACOK|65}}
+
When Stannis [[Siege of Storm's End (299)|besieges Storm's End]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]], Lord Monford urges him to storm the castle walls as soon as possible.{{ref|ACOK|42}} Monford burns with his ship at the [[Battle of the Blackwater]].{{ref|ASOS|25}} Before sinking, the ''Pride of Driftmark'' manages to take down two ships of the royal fleet. When leading his sortie, [[Tyrion Lannister]] finds himself surrounded with Ser [[Balon Swann]] and Ser [[Mandon Moore]] by a circle of Velaryon spearmen.{{ref|ACOK|61}} Monford's half-brother, [[Aurane Waters]], the Bastard of Driftmark, is made prisoner during the battle and surrenders to King Joffrey.{{ref|ACOK|65}}
  
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Monford is succeeded by his six-year-old son, [[Monterys Velaryon|Monterys]].{{ref|ASOS|36}} Despite Stannis's defeat at the Blackwater, the Velaryons are still counted amongst his supporters.{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
+
Monford is succeeded by his six-year-old son, [[Monterys Velaryon|Monterys]].{{ref|ASOS|36}} Despite Stannis's defeat at the Blackwater, the Velaryons are still counted among his supporters.{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
  
 
The seahorse arms of House Velaryon are spotted by [[Jon Snow]] during the [[Battle of Castle Black|attack by Stannis]] on the [[wildling]] camp north of the [[Wall]].{{ref|ASOS|73}}
 
The seahorse arms of House Velaryon are spotted by [[Jon Snow]] during the [[Battle of Castle Black|attack by Stannis]] on the [[wildling]] camp north of the [[Wall]].{{ref|ASOS|73}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[Aurane Waters]] wins the favor of Queen [[Cersei Lannister]], who finds that Aurane reminds her of Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] due to his Valyrian appearance.{{Ref|aFfC|12}} Regardless of his youth and Ser [[Jaime Lannister]]'s objections, Cersei names Aurane as the new [[master of ships]]. In that position, Aurane proposes the construction of [[Cersei's dromonds|dromonds]] and also suggests to crew them with thieves and poachers.{{ref|AFFC|17}}
+
[[Aurane Waters]] wins the favor of Queen [[Cersei Lannister]], who finds that Aurane reminds her of Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] due to his [[Valyria]]n appearance.{{Ref|aFfC|12}} Regardless of his youth and Ser [[Jaime Lannister]]'s objections, Cersei names Aurane as the new [[master of ships]]. In that position, Aurane proposes the construction of [[Cersei's dromonds|dromonds]] and also suggests to crew them with thieves and poachers.{{ref|AFFC|17}}
  
When [[Margaery Tyrell]] is accused of adultery, Aurane suggests setting the ships on the [[Blackwater Rush]] to impose order and be an unspoken threat against Margaery's father, Lord [[Mace Tyrell]].{{fact}} Once he receives notice of Cersei's imprisonment he flees to sea and disappears. Grand Maester [[Pycelle]] believes that he has the idea to set himself up as a pirate in the [[Stepstones]].{{ref|AFFC|43}}
+
When Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] is accused of adultery, Aurane suggests setting the new ships on the [[Blackwater Rush]] to impose order and be an unspoken threat against Margaery's father, Lord [[Mace Tyrell]].{{ref|AFFC|43}} Once he receives notice of Cersei's imprisonment, however, Aurane flees to sea and disappears. Grand Maester [[Pycelle]] believes that he has the idea to set himself up as a [[pirate]] in the [[Stepstones]].{{ref|AFFC|43}}
  
 
==House Velaryon at the end of the third century==
 
==House Velaryon at the end of the third century==

Revision as of 14:19, 20 April 2017

House Velaryon of Driftmark
House Velaryon.svg
The Old, the True, the Brave
Coat of arms A silver seahorse on sea green
(Aquamarine, a seahorse argent)
Seat Driftmark
Head Monterys Velaryon
Region Blackwater Bay, the crownlands
Titles
Overlord House Baratheon of Dragonstone
Founded prior to 114 BC

House Velaryon of Driftmark rules the island of Driftmark, the largest island of Blackwater Bay in the crownlands. Their castles include Driftmark and High Tide.[1] The head of House Velaryon is titled Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark.[2] The Velaryons are sworn to Dragonstone.[3] Their arms depict a silver seahorse on sea green.[4][5][N 1] Their words do not appear in the books, but according to semi-canon sources they are "The Old, the True, the Brave".[6] A traditional name of the Velaryons is Jacaerys.[7]

Culture

Traits

House Velaryon is of Valyrian descent, and as such its members often have Valyrian features; silver hair, purple eyes, and a pale skin.[8]

History

Origins

House Velaryon is an ancient and proud house, with the blood of old Valyria in its veins.[4][8] The Velaryons left Valyria before the Targaryens,[1] and settled on the island of Driftmark, where they constructed a castle by the same name, where they housed their ancient high seat, the Driftwood Throne, which according to legend had been given to them by the Merling King to conclude a pact.[1] Their close proximity to the Gullet enabled the Velaryons to fill their coffers off the passing trade. They allied with House Targaryen from Dragonstone and House Celtigar from Claw Isle, both houses of Valyrian descent; While the Velaryons and Celtigars dominated the middle reaches of the narrow sea with their ships, the Targaryens ruled the skies with their dragons.[9]

Aegon's Conquest

The close relations between House Velaryon and House Targaryen resulted in multiple marriages between the houses, both before and after Aegon's Conquest. From one of such marriages before the Conquest, Valaena Velaryon was born.[9] She married Aerion Targaryen, the Lord of Dragonstone, with whom she had three children: Visenya, Aegon I, and Rhaenys.[9] When Aegon began his Conquest, House Velaryon allied with him. Lord Daemon Velaryon was made master of ships by Aegon after the mouth of the Blackwater had been secured. Lord Daemon died later during the Conquest, in the battle in the waters off Gulltown.[9]

Early Targaryen reign

House Velaryon kept an influential position at the court of the Targaryen kings during the first two centuries of the Targaryen reign. In 10 AC Ser Corlys Velaryon became the first Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.[10] Lord Aethon Velaryon[11] had a Targaryen wife, and became master of ships for Aegon I.[12] He fought against Sargasso Saan, a pirate-lord, in the Stepstones.[11][13] His daughter Alyssa was married to Prince Aenys Targaryen, heir to the throne, in 22 AC, with whom she had six children (Rhaena, Aegon, Viserys, Jaehaerys, Alysanne, and Vaella).[12] Alyssa became Queen at her husband's coronation. She outlived Aenys I, and became a prisoner of Aenys' brother, Maegor I Targaryen, on Dragonstone, when Maegor claimed the throne over Aenys' sons by Alyssa. Alyssa managed to flee in 44 AC, in the confusion that followed the death of Dowager Queen Visenya Targaryen. Her last surviving son by Aenys, Jaehaerys, put forward his claim for the throne. Lord Daemon Velaryon, Maegor's admiral of the fleet, who had previously supported Maegor, turned against the king, and many of the great houses of Westeros joined with him.[14]

Alyssa's son Jaehaerys became king at the age of fourteen, and Alyssa ruled as his regent, aided by Lord Robar Baratheon.[1] After Jaehaerys reached the age of majority, the regency ended, and Alyssa married Robar,[15] giving birth to two more children: Boremund and Jocelyn Baratheon.[16] The rule of over Driftmark was eventually inherited by Lord Corlys Velaryon, also known as the Sea Snake, who rose to fame with his many voyages across the seas of the world. He accumulated so much wealth that House Velaryon became the richest house in the realm, and himself the wealthiest man in the Seven Kingdoms. Because their ancestral castle, Driftmark, was damp and crowded, Corlys constructed a new seat for the Velaryons, High Tide.[1]

Alyssa's daughter Jocelyn was eventually wed to Alyssa's grandson, Prince Aemon Targaryen, at the time the heir to the throne. Their child, Princess Rhaenys, was in turn wed to Lord Corlys, and gave birth to two children by him: Laena and Laenor, both of whom became dragonriders. During the Great Council of 101 AC, Laenor's claim to the throne was presented before the lords of the Seven Kingdoms. Although primogeniture favored him, and his father's wealth, fame and reputation resulted is much support for Laenor, but in the end, he lost to Prince Viserys Targaryen,[1] causing a rift between the Velaryons and the Iron Throne.[7] After Queen Aemma Arryn died, King Viserys I's Grand Maester, Runciter suggested Corlys' twelve-year old daughter Laena as a new bride, but House Velaryon was passed over once more. In response, Corlys and his family shunned Viserys' wedding to Alicent Hightower.[7]

Corlys eventually befriended Prince Daemon Targaryen, with whom he invaded the Stepstones in 106 AC. When Daemon's wife, Rhea Royce, died in 115 AC, Corlys happily agreed to wed Laena to Daemon, following the death of Laena's betrothed. Laena's brother Laenor had married Rhaenyra Targaryen, the Princess of Dragonstone, the year before. Although that marriage resulted in three sons, it was rumored that all three boys were bastards, as they looked nothing like Rhaenyra and Laenor.[7] Laena gave birth to twin girls for Daemon, but died in childbirth several years later, in early 120 AC. Laenor was killed shortly after.[7]

The Dance of the Dragons

A Velaryon bannerman serving at Dragonstone. Illustrated by Even Mehl Amundsen. © Fantasy Flight Games.

Corlys and his wife were major supporters of Rhaenyra during the Dance of the Dragons, in which Rhaenyra's half-brother Aegon II Targaryen claimed the throne, despite the fact that Rhaenrya had been the proclaimed heir of Viserys I. Prince Lucerys Velaryon traveled as an envoy to Storm's End, where he was killed by Prince Aemond Targaryen,[17] and Corlys grew furious with Rhaenyra when his wife Rhaenys died at Rook's Rest. Lord Velaryon was brought back into the fold by Rhaenyra naming him Hand of the Queen.[17]

When Prince Jacaerys Velaryon offered the people of Dragonstone to attempt and claim a dragon, to increase the number of dragonriders, Addam of Hull and his brother Alyn made their attempt. Addam succeeded in claiming the dragon Seasmoke, who had previously been ridden by Ser Laenor Velaryon. According to their mother, Marilda, Laenor had fathered the two boys, which many found a dubious claim, as Laenor had preferred men. The court fool Mushroom suggests that Addam and Alyn had actually been fathered by Corlys, who had kept them far away from his fiery-tempered wife. With his wife now dead, and the paternity of his son Laenor's children in question, Corlys agreed to adopt both boys into House Velaryon, petitioning Rhaenyra to remove the taint of bastardy from them, enabling him to name them his heirs.[17]

Corlys used his fleets to blockade Blackwater Bay. However, Jacaerys was killed and the blockade was broken in the Battle of the Gullet. The Velaryons lost nearly a third of their ships and the Triarchy sacked Spicetown and High Tide, with Spicetown never rebuilt.[17]

When Rhaenyra became paranoid following the betrayal of the new dragonriders later on in the war, she ordered Addam's arrest. Corlys objected, and when ignored, warned Addam, allowing him to flee King's Landing. Addam later fought at the Second Battle of Tumbleton, proving his loyalty to Rhaenyra by defeating her foes at the cost of his own life. Meanwhile, Corlys was thrown in the dungeon, and so the Velaryon fleet abandoned Rhaenyra's cause.[17] Prince Joffrey Velaryon fell to his death during the Storming of the Dragonpit.[17] Rhaenyra fled the capital, but was fed to Sunfyre after the fall of Dragonstone.[17]

Corlys was freed when Aegon II took King's Landing after the Moon of the Three Kings.[18] In exchange for a pardon,[18] Corlys used his wealth and power to support Aegon II. However, he refused to accept the execution of Rhaenyra's surviving son, Prince Aegon the Younger, and insisted the boy should be betrothed to Aegon II's only remaining child, Princess Jaehaera, as a requirement for his support.[19] Corlys served on Aegon II's small council until the king's death.[18] Corlys acted quickly by sending envoys to Aegon II's main supporters, but was arrested on the charge of poisoning Aegon II by Lord Cregan Stark. He was freed by his granddaughters and Lady Alysanne Blackwood, however, and served the new king as a regent until his death in 132 AC.[20]

Decline of Power

Following the death of his first wife, Jaehaera Targaryen, King Aegon III Targaryen married Lady Daenaera Velaryon, the daughter of Daeron Velaryon, a cousin to Lord Alyn Velaryon. Daenaera gave birth to five children: Daeron, Baelor, Daena, Rhaena, and Elaena. Although both of her sons would rule as kings, both died childless. Through her daughter Daena, however, Daenaera is an ancestor of House Blackfyre.

Alyn Velaryon, formerly Alyn of Hull, became of Lord of Driftmark upon the death of Corlys the Sea Snake. During the regency of Aegon III, Alyn was the greatest rival to Lord Unwin Peake, then Hand of the King. Alyn was refused his grandfather's place as regent for the young king, and then was made to sail against the Stepstones, where he won a great victory at sea and earned the name Oakenfist. Alyn was later dispatched to the westerlands to defeat Dalton Greyjoy, the Red Kraken. Lord Unwin had hoped that Alyn would fail, but instead, this expedition became the first of Alyn's six great voyages.[20] Alyn later played an important role in the return of Aegon III's brother, Viserys, having negotiated his release from captivity in Lys.[20]

In 157 AC, Alyn Oakenfist took a decisive part in King Daeron I Targaryen's conquest of Dorne as master of ships.[21] He commanded a fleet that broke the Planky Town, and swept halfway up the Greenblood river while the main Dornish strength was engaged with Daeron in the Prince's Pass.[22] Alyn returned to subdue the Planky Town and the Greenblood in 160 AC after the Dornishmen rebelled.[21]

Alyn had an unknown number of children with his wife, Lady Baela Targaryen, the eldest daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon.[16] Although he was married, he loved the Princess Elaena Targaryen,[23] and had two bastards by her, the twins Jon and Jeyne Waters.[24][25] Elaena hoped to marry Alyn, but he disappeared at sea.[24] Their son Jon earned knighthood, married, and had a son of his own who began House Longwaters.[23]

Recent History

The Velaryons had often served as master of ships &ndash so often that at times the office had seemed herititary &ndash and provided much of the Iron Throne's royal fleet.[1] However, towards the end of the Targaryen dynasty, the power of House Velaryon had been much declined. Although Lucerys Velaryon served as master of ships for King Aerys II Targaryen, being one of the king's bigger supporters against Prince Rhaegar Targaryen,[26] the Velaryon fleet under Aerys' successor, Robert I Baratheon, was nowhere near the size it had once been.

Recent Events

A Clash of Kings

Lord Monford Velaryon answers Stannis Baratheon's summons when he crowns himself king and calls his banners. Stannis comments to Davos Seaworth his disgust about having to sup with his lords, among them Monford, whom he expects to threaten to take his levies home unless they attack at once.[27] Monford's contribution to Stannis's royal fleet includes Pride of Driftmark, Bold Laughter, Harridan, and Seahorse.[28] When Stannis makes public the accusations of Joffrey Baratheon being born from incest, Monford states that only steel will decide the matter.[29]

When Stannis besieges Storm's End during the War of the Five Kings, Lord Monford urges him to storm the castle walls as soon as possible.[29] Monford burns with his ship at the Battle of the Blackwater.[30] Before sinking, the Pride of Driftmark manages to take down two ships of the royal fleet. When leading his sortie, Tyrion Lannister finds himself surrounded with Ser Balon Swann and Ser Mandon Moore by a circle of Velaryon spearmen.[31] Monford's half-brother, Aurane Waters, the Bastard of Driftmark, is made prisoner during the battle and surrenders to King Joffrey.[32]

A Storm of Swords

Monford is succeeded by his six-year-old son, Monterys.[33] Despite Stannis's defeat at the Blackwater, the Velaryons are still counted among his supporters.[34]

The seahorse arms of House Velaryon are spotted by Jon Snow during the attack by Stannis on the wildling camp north of the Wall.[35]

A Feast for Crows

Aurane Waters wins the favor of Queen Cersei Lannister, who finds that Aurane reminds her of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen due to his Valyrian appearance.[8] Regardless of his youth and Ser Jaime Lannister's objections, Cersei names Aurane as the new master of ships. In that position, Aurane proposes the construction of dromonds and also suggests to crew them with thieves and poachers.[36]

When Queen Margaery Tyrell is accused of adultery, Aurane suggests setting the new ships on the Blackwater Rush to impose order and be an unspoken threat against Margaery's father, Lord Mace Tyrell.[37] Once he receives notice of Cersei's imprisonment, however, Aurane flees to sea and disappears. Grand Maester Pycelle believes that he has the idea to set himself up as a pirate in the Stepstones.[37]

House Velaryon at the end of the third century

The known Velaryons during the timespan of the events described in A Song of Ice and Fire are:


Unknown
woman
 
Unknown
Velaryon
 
Unknown
wife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aurane
Waters
 
Monford
 
Unknown
wife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Monterys
 


Historical Velaryons

Historical Velaryon tree

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corwyn
 
Unknown
wife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corlys
 
Rhaenys
Targaryen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Son
 
Unknown
wife
 
 
 
 
 
Son
 
Unknown
wife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Laena
 
Daemon
Targaryen
 
Rhaenyra
Targaryen
 
Laenor
 
Marilda
of Hull
 
Vaemond
 
Unknown
wife
 
Malentine
 
Rhogar
 
Three sons
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jacaerys
 
Lucerys
 
Joffrey
 
 
Hazel
Harte
 
Daeron
 
Daemion
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Addam
 
 
 
 
 
 
Daenaera
 
Aegon III
Targaryen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rhaena
Targaryen
 
Baela
Targaryen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alyn
 
 
Elaena
Targaryen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Laena
 
Child
 
Jon
Waters
 
Jeyne
Waters
 


Notes

  1. "Sea green" can actually refer to a range of colors from teal to dark green, and George R. R. Martin has not specified through official artwork which exact shade he intended.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I.
  2. A Feast for Crows, Appendix.
  3. A Game of Thrones, Appendix.
  4. 4.0 4.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 10, Davos I.
  5. Citadel. Heraldry: In the area of the King's Landing.
  6. The Citadel. House Mottoes
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 The Rogue Prince.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 12, Cersei III.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I.
  11. 11.0 11.1 Sons of the Dragon: Reading at London 2014 - (Spoilers) Sons of the Dragon Reading at LonCon Today (full report)
  12. 12.0 12.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I.
  13. Sons of the Dragon: Reading at Loncon 2014 - Sargasso Saan
  14. 14.0 14.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I.
  15. The World of Ice & Fire, The Stormlands: House Baratheon.
  16. 16.0 16.1 The World of Ice & Fire, Appendix: Targaryen Lineage.
  17. 17.00 17.01 17.02 17.03 17.04 17.05 17.06 17.07 17.08 17.09 17.10 17.11 17.12 17.13 17.14 The Princess and the Queen.
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II.
  19. asoiaf.westeros.org: Aegon II and Aegon III (April 23) - post 1
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III.
  21. 21.0 21.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Daeron I.
  22. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 17, Jon IV.
  23. 23.0 23.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 8, Jaime I.
  24. 24.0 24.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I.
  25. So Spake Martin: Three Maidens in a Tower, June 27, 2006
  26. The World of Ice & Fire, The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring.
  27. A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
  28. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 58, Davos III.
  29. 29.0 29.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 42, Davos II.
  30. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 25, Davos III.
  31. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 61, Tyrion XIV.
  32. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 65, Sansa VIII.
  33. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 36, Davos IV.
  34. A Storm of Swords, Appendix.
  35. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 73, Jon X.
  36. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 17, Cersei IV.
  37. 37.0 37.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 43, Cersei X.