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House Velaryon is an ancient and proud house of Valyrian origin. The Velaryons left Valyria before the Targaryens did, and settled on Driftmark in the narrow sea, where a seat by the same name was constructed. They filled their coffers from trade in the narrow sea and Blackwater Bay, and ruled the middle reaches of the narrow sea together with their allies of House Celtigar, while House Targaryen supported them with their dragons.

The Velaryons and Targaryens frequently intermarried, and so the Velaryons gained a prominent place at the Targaryen court. Lord Daemon Velaryon became the first master of ships during Aegon's Conquest, and so many Velaryon's followed him in that office that at times the office seemed hereditary. The house counts several prominent members. Lady Alyssa Velaryon became the wife and queen of King Aenys I Targaryen, and ruled as regent for her son, Jaehaerys I, during his minority. Lord Corlys Velaryon, also known as the Sea Snake, gained wealth and fame by making nine great voyages by ship. He used his wealth to build a new seat, High Tide, replacing the damp castle Driftmark. During the Dance of the Dragons, Corlys gave support to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, his former daughter-in-law, and played an important role in war's end. His bastardborn grandson – or son, depending on the source – Alyn Velaryon, inherited the rule of High Tide and rose to fame when he was victorious in the Stepstones, earning the name "Oakenfist". Together with King Daeron I Targaryen, his cousin, he planned the an attack on Dorne, and played an important role in the conquest that followed. Read more…