Driftmark Westeros Map: A Comprehensive Guide

Driftmark, a strategically located island in the Narrow Sea, holds great significance in the history and politics of Westeros. Its proximity to Dragonstone and the Crownlands makes it a coveted prize, often contested by powerful houses and vying factions.

Geography and Key Features

Nestled between the Stepstones and the eastern coast of Westeros, Driftmark is roughly triangular in shape and approximately 150 miles from end to end. The island's landscape is diverse, boasting towering cliffs, sandy beaches, dense forests, and rolling hills.

Key Features:

• Blackstone Keep: The ancestral seat of House Velaryon, the lords of Driftmark, Blackstone Keep is a formidable fortress perched on a high cliff overlooking the sea.
• Hull: A major port town on the eastern coast, Hull serves as a vital trading hub and naval base.
• Dragonmont: A dormant volcano in the western part of the island, Dragonmont is believed to be of great significance to House Targaryen, who claim descent from the dragonlords of Valyria.
• Red Lake: A large freshwater lake in the center of the island, Red Lake is a source of fresh water and supports a thriving population of fish.

Historical Significance

Driftmark has played a pivotal role in Westerosi history, serving as a strategic outpost and base of operations for numerous factions.

• Ancient Valyria: Valyrian colonists established a trading post on Driftmark in the centuries before the Doom, laying the foundation for the rise of House Velaryon.
• Targaryen Conquest: During Aegon's Conquest, Driftmark became a key stronghold for the Targaryens, who used it as a staging point for their invasion of Westeros.
• Dance of the Dragons: The civil war between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Aegon II Targaryen embroiled Driftmark in a bitter conflict, resulting in the infamous Battle of the Gullet.
• Blackfyre Rebellions: Driftmark remained loyal to the Targaryen kings during the Blackfyre Rebellions, helping to quell the uprisings against the Iron Throne.

House Velaryon

House Velaryon, descended from the Valyrian dragonlords, has been the undisputed overlords of Driftmark for centuries. Known for their mastery of the seas, the Velaryons have produced renowned admirals and seafarers throughout history.

• Corlys Velaryon: The "Sea Snake," Corlys was a legendary admiral who expanded the Velaryon fleet and became one of the wealthiest men in Westeros.
• Daemon Velaryon: A skilled fighter and dragonrider, Daemon played a significant role in the Dance of the Dragons, eventually becoming King Consort to Rhaenyra Targaryen.
• Laena Velaryon: Laena was a dragonrider and a formidable warrior, known for her fierce spirit and loyalty to her family.
• Vaemond Velaryon: An ambitious and ruthless claimant to the Driftmark succession, Vaemond was slain by Daemon Targaryen during a confrontation at the Eyrie.

Strategic Importance

Driftmark's strategic location makes it a highly prized possession, particularly for houses vying for control of the Narrow Sea and the Seven Kingdoms.

• Naval Base: Driftmark's natural harbors and defensible coastline allow for the establishment of a powerful naval fleet, which has been utilized by numerous factions throughout history.
• Outpost: Driftmark's proximity to the Crownlands and Dragonstone provides an ideal base of operations for forces operating in eastern Westeros or the Stepstones.
• Trade Hub: Hull, Driftmark's major port town, is a flourishing trading center that connects Westeros to Essos and the Free Cities.
• Defensive Stronghold: The island's natural defenses, combined with its strong fortifications, make Driftmark a formidable stronghold and a difficult target for invasion.

Current Status

In the present day, Driftmark remains an important outpost in the Seven Kingdoms, held by House Velaryon. The island is undergoing a period of relative peace and prosperity, with fishing, trade, and shipbuilding serving as its primary industries.

House Targaryen's Claim: However, the recent death of Corlys Velaryon has sparked a bitter dispute over the succession to Driftmark. House Targaryen, through Rhaenyra's son Jacaerys Velaryon, claims the island as rightful inheritance. This conflict has the potential to ignite further tensions between the two houses and may have far-reaching consequences for the stability of Westeros.

Key Statistics

• Area: Approximately 1,200 square miles
• Population: Estimated at 100,000
• Major Industries: Fishing, trade, shipbuilding
• Historical Landings: 57 documented landings by various factions, including Targaryens, Velaryons, and Baratheons

Tables

Table 1: Key Historical Events on Driftmark

Table 2: Notable Velaryon Lords

Table 3: Driftmark's Strategic Advantages

Table 4: Current Situation on Driftmark

Tips and Tricks

• Visit Blackstone Keep: Explore the ancestral seat of House Velaryon and delve into the rich history of Driftmark.
• Sail the Narrow Sea: Charter a boat from Hull and witness the island's stunning beauty from the water.
• Sample the Local Cuisine: Driftmark is renowned for its fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
• Learn the Valyrian Tongue: Delve into the language of the Valyrian settlers and uncover the secrets of Driftmark's past.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strategic Location: Driftmark's geographical position makes it a valuable outpost and base of operations.
• Rich History: The island has a long and storied past, with connections to Valyria, the Targaryens, and the Velaryons.
• Natural Defenses: Driftmark's cliffs, forests, and coastline provide strong natural defenses.
• Economic Advantages: Fishing, trade, and shipbuilding contribute to the island's prosperity.

Cons:

• Dispute over Succession: The current dispute over the succession to Driftmark has the potential to escalate into conflict.
• Limited Resources: Driftmark's economy and population are relatively small compared to larger regions of Westeros.
• Exposure to Invasion: The island's proximity to the Narrow Sea and the Stepstones makes it vulnerable to invasion from both the east and west.
• Dependency on Sea Trade: Driftmark's economy is heavily dependent on sea trade, which can be disrupted by conflict or adverse weather conditions.