The Rise of the Sea Snake

This thread traces Corlys Velaryon’s voyages, wealth, and ambitions, which turn a minor maritime house into a major force in Westeros.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Sailor from Childhood

The Sea as a School Learning Every Task Corlys sails from an early age, working on decks and learning navigation rather than traveling as a noble passenger. Ambition Takes Shape His experience at sea becomes the basis for a life built around exploration, trade, and the expansion of House Velaryon.

The Nine Voyages

Wealth Beyond Westeros Routes to the East Corlys sails to Yi Ti, Leng, Asshai, and other distant ports, returning with valuable cargoes. A House Transformed The profits make the Velaryons exceptionally wealthy. Corlys’s fortune enables new ships, settlements, and political influence.

High Tide Replaces Driftmark

A New Seat for Power A Castle Built by the Sea Corlys raises High Tide as a grand seat suited to his wealth and maritime vision. Trade Follows His Ships Hull and Spicetown grow around Velaryon shipyards and ports, increasing the family’s influence over maritime commerce.

A Claim to the Throne

Corlys Backs Laenor A Grandson’s Claim Corlys and Rhaenys argue that their son Laenor should inherit the Iron Throne after Jaehaerys. A Defeat by Vote The council chooses Viserys overwhelmingly. Corlys accepts the immediate result but remains ambitious for his descendants.

A Hand at War’s End

Corlys Survives the Dance A Dangerous Counsel Corlys advises reconciliation and helps secure pardons, even after Rhaenyra imprisons him. A Final Political Role He returns to the council and helps unite the rival branches before dying in 132 AC. His career links maritime ambition to dynastic politics.

During Corlys’s youth

Before 90 AC, during Corlys’s adulthood

Before the Great Council of 101 AC

101 AC, during the Great Council

131–132 AC, after Aegon II’s death