Driftmark

Driftmark is the ancestral seat of House Velaryon in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. It is an island located in Blackwater Bay, northeast of Dragonstone and southwest of King's Landing.

Geography and Location:

Driftmark is described as being a relatively small island, dominated by a castle also called Driftmark. Its location in Blackwater Bay affords it a strategic position for maritime trade and naval power within the Seven Kingdoms. The waters surrounding the island are known to be treacherous, contributing to the island's defensive capabilities.

History and Significance:

Driftmark has been the seat of House Velaryon for centuries, predating the Targaryen conquest of Westeros. House Velaryon is of Valyrian descent, like the Targaryens, though they were not dragonriders. They traditionally held the title of Master of Ships and served as the principal naval power of the Targaryen dynasty. The wealth and influence of House Velaryon derived primarily from their control of the seas around Driftmark and their adeptness at seafaring and trade. During times of war, Driftmark served as a crucial naval base for the Targaryens, providing ships and experienced sailors. The fate of Driftmark is often intertwined with the fortunes of House Targaryen, and its control is strategically important within Blackwater Bay.