Robert's Rebellion
The Velaryons frequently served as master of ships—so often that at times the office had seemed hereditary—and provided much of the Iron Throne's royal fleet.[1] Lucerys Velaryon served as master of ships for King Aerys II Targaryen, being one of the king's bigger supporters against his son Rhaegar, the Prince of Dragonstone.[29]
After Robert's Rebellion, the new king, Robert I Baratheon, granted the castle Dragonstone to his brother Stannis. The Velaryons have been sworn to House Baratheon of Dragonstone ever since.[30]
Recent Events
A Clash of Kings
Lord Monford Velaryon answers Stannis Baratheon's summons when he crowns himself king and calls his banners. Stannis expects Monford will threaten to take his levies home unless they attack at once.[30] Monford's contribution to Stannis's royal fleet includes the large ships Pride of Driftmark, Bold Laughter, Harridan, and Seahorse.[31] When Stannis makes public the accusations of Joffrey Baratheon being born from incest, Monford states that only steel will decide the matter.[32]
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.[32] Monford burns with his ship at the Battle of the Blackwater.[33] 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.[34] Monford's half-brother, Aurane Waters, the b*stard of Driftmark, is made prisoner during the battle and surrenders to King Joffrey.[35]
A Storm of Swords
Monford is succeeded by his six-year-old son, Monterys.[36] Despite Stannis's defeat at the Blackwater, the Velaryons are still counted among his supporters.[37]
The seahorse arms of House Velaryon are spotted by Jon Snow during the attack by Stannis on the wildling camp north of the Wall.[38]
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.[7] 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.[39]
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.[40] Once he receives notice of Cersei's imprisonment, however, Aurane flees to sea and disappears. Grand Maester Pycelle believes the b*stard of Driftmark has the idea to set himself up as a pirate in the Stepstones.[40]