Game of Thronesis one of the most beloved fictional properties of modern times, andHouse of the Dragonhas reminded fans why Westeros and its surrounding areas are so special. From Dorne to north of The Wall, it’s densely packed with memorable locations and families, with diverse characters and politics taking center stage. Thenew series focusing on House Targaryenhas done well to shed more light on other personalities and abodes that greatly expand the property’s already huge scope. One such place is Driftmark and the historic House Velaryon, led by the Sea Snake, which has a significant sway in the realm before the War of the Five Kings takes place.
Driftmark has a significant role to play in theDance of the Dragons, and the leader of the house is a man who has perhaps seen more of the known world on the water than anyone else. Known as the Sea Snake, Corlys Velaryon is wise, measured, and extremely well-travelled, with his exploits at sea making him a fascinating character to study in finer detail. The disheartening development cycle ofSkull and Bonesis a reminder that gamers want more of the naval combat that started gaining popularity inAssassin’s Creed 3, and Corlys Velaryon fromHouse of the Dragoncould be a great, and popular reentry point into a game mechanic that is universally understood to be great.
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Naval Combat is Assassin’s Creed’s Best Export
Though the franchise is one of the most popular single-player-centric series' of all time,Assassin’s Creed 3is sometimes considered a disappointment in comparison to its predecessors. The setting didn’t lend itself well to parkour-based traversal and the story was arguably lacking, but it introduced a mechanic that has gone on to define the franchise’s later years. Naval combat was fresh, unique, and very satisfying, but asAssassin’s Creedis set to take a detour to Baghdadin 2023, the potential for sea skirmishes is limited.Skull and Bonesis trying to offer an alternative, but several delays have caused hesitation among fans about the quality of the title.
Exploring the high seas is something that plenty of games since have replicated,fromSea of ThievestoAbzu. The ocean is fascinating, and the thrill of traversing it while narrowly avoiding dangers makes it ripe for video game adaptations. A game that takes advantage of Corlys Velaryon’s expertise could allow players to see the setting as a veteran seafarer would, and the waters around Westeros and Essos are some of the most fascinating in all fiction. From the Stepstones to Slavers Bay and back again, the worldGame of Thronespresents sits within vast, but detailed waters, andAssassin’s Creed-style naval combat could make it all the more accessible to both gamers and fans of the George R.R. Martin property.
The Sea Snake is Westeros' Most Seasoned Sea Captain
Introduced inHouse of the Dragonas the Master of Ships underthe rule of King Viserys, Corlys Velaryon’s stoic intellect and quiet ambition is felt from the off. He’s the wealthiest man in Westeros, and his marriage to Princess Rhaenys means he’s never far from the tumultuous Targaryen family affairs. As the head of House Velaryon and Lord of the Tides, he’s at home on the water, and his exploits out at sea have become legendary in Westeros.
There are few places in the known world ofGame of Thronesthat Corlys Velaryon hasn’t sailed to. His early voyages to Pentos were just the beginning, as his “Nine Voyages” aboard the Sea Snake ship took him beyond the Jade Gates to Yi Ti and Leng, as well as Asshai to the far east. He’s seen more of Westeros and Essos than almost everyone in the history of the franchise, and getting from place to place relied on his proficiency as a sea Captain and sailor.Corlys Velaryon’s whole lifehas been spent out at sea, so if there’s anyone who has enough character development and seafaring experience to prop up naval combat in gaming, it’sHouse of the Dragon’s Sea Snake.
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