A long time ago, the ancient clan Ankoun roamed the lands as nomads and vagabonds. The ambition of their leaders was great however. Tired of roaming the land aimlessly, tired of mistreatment, insult and rejection by the nobility, and tired of having no lands to call their own, the vagabonds became conquerors. The Ankoun Clansmen were known for their skill in combat and military strategy, and were often used as mercenaries in the so-called Dance of Dynasties. The nobility however derogatorily called them the Dogs due to their use different Canidae species as their symbols and banners.
When it became apparent that the nobility will pay no heed to their requests for a settlement, the clan decided to take what they desired. They picked their target carefully and set their sights on the lands of what was once called the Sheoul County. Its Count was a savage, cruel man that was despised by the people of Sheoul. He taxed heavily, tormented without prejudice, and demanded the right of First Night from all newlyweds on his lands. The Count of Sheoul earned the ire of his people, and the Ankouns knew whoever rids these people of their beast will not face opposition from within.
In a moonless night, the so-called Dogs of war spread through the Count’s lands, and decimated his militia. No fat, filthy, half-drunk guard could stand against an Ankoun warrior in single combat, and the Count’s lack of combat strategy spelled his end. The battle was fierce, but short, and at the end of it all, the tyrannical count of Sheoul was dead, and his family imprisoned. The Ankoun clan stood victorious and their chief, a man named Robern, claimed the Count’s title for himself, and founded the house of Ankoun. He even changed the name of the lands to Leyankoun.
His first act we to abolish the right of First Night within his lands and lowering the heavy taxation and opening the dungeons and setting their occupants free. He then demanded challengers to his claim to step forward, and none did. The people were content. The Duke however, would not tolerate such an act of aggression and would not legitimize their claim. The former count was a relative of his, and he feared their military strength and the possibility of rebellion against his authority. The duke raised an army to oust the usurpers but not all the other counts heeded the call to arms. The Count of Sheoul didn’t have many admirers and the Counts were disinterested in going to war with a band of seasoned warriors for the sake of the Duke’s feral cousin. The Duke’s forces were still considerable despite not having all his Vassal Lords next to him, and he engaged the forces of House Ankoun, now bolstered with appreciative peasant and former prisoners. The battles were fierce and they battled for three months. At the end, the Duke found himself low on provisions, men and support, while House Ankoun has the people behind them and the overflowing coffers of the former Count. They reached an accord. In exchange for a portion of their lands, and the vow of loyal service, he would recognize Robern Ankoun as rightful Count of Leyankoun County.
Upon exiting the camp after the signing of the accord with the Duke, Robern Ankoun was quoted as saying "Demand what is owed, take what is denied." Those words became the Motto of Robern's house for generations to come.
The Ankouns always used different Canidae as symbols and banners. But they never had to worry about crests, colors, coat of arms, it was all new to Robern but he was not deterred. He chose the wolf as his county's crest, his shield bore the mark of the wolf, the fox as was the tradition of the Ankouns, though, over time, the bear and the dog where added to the shield. His colours were Blue and White, a contrast to the black they commonly used.
House Ruler: Count Pride son of Lyndus (Ankoun)
Count Pride Ankoun (Ankoun)
Baron Loyheta Vulpini(Loyheta)
Baron Domer Valaethar
Taeh Ankoun, Sister of the Count (TBA) Mawton Ankoun, Brother of the Count (TBA)
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