House Barkann

House Barkann

Leader: TBD (Must be pun related. Byte Barkann?)

Province: Houndwich

Economy: House Barkann’s wealth is drawn from its renowned kennels and breeding yards, known across the Oligarchy for producing some of the most aggressive and obedient war dogs in the land. These beasts are massive, muscled hounds bred for battle, patrol, and execution, are sold to Noble Houses, used in executions, and deployed to patrol Serf communities under Barkann’s control.

Their dogs are trained in packs to respond to High Speak commands only, ensuring that no Commoner or Serf can ever turn one against its master. The most vicious litters are kept for the house’s own use, often deployed during raids or to quell unrest. Barkann’s war dogs are as much a symbol of their authority as their black gauntlets.

Beyond the kennels, Barkann also profits through control of grain stores, forced labor, and toll roads. They exact heavy levies on those seeking passage through their lands, particularly displaced serfs and minor merchants. Many of these duties mimic those exacted by House Gha'ard, whose militarized authoritarianism serves as Barkann’s ideological blueprint.

Military: Though they maintain a sizable standing force, House Barkann’s greatest military asset is the Warpack Legion. A unit of lightly armored infantry paired with trained war dogs. These houndmasters and scouts are used for border control, suppression of unrest, and hunting fugitives. Their ability to track, isolate, and intimidate entire villages has made them a feared presence across Houndwich. Standard troops are drilled relentlessly and selected for loyalty over skill. Many are conscripted serfs given one chance at "redemption" through violence. Those who hesitate are fed to the dogs they once feared. In more dire times, Barkann soldiers have been known to chain up entire hamlets as bait for their dogs. This is done to remind others what happens to those who resist.

Culture: House Barkann venerates discipline, obedience, and domination. Their worldview is simple: the strong lead, the weak obey, and those who falter are to be culled. Every Barkann noble is trained in animal command and military strategy from an early age. Their family homes echo with barking and the stink of blood and offal. Dogs are always fed before serfs, and often better.

The noble class communicates exclusively in High-Speak. To hear a serf mimic the tongue of their betters is a punishable offense, as with much of the oligarchy but they often take far more joy from it than would be seen as usual. Barkann also discourages laughter, displays of mercy, or unnecessary conversation among their lower ranks. Efficiency, discipline and silence are highly valued.

While House Scalbie is tolerated for their coastal utility, Barkann views them as little more than witch-touched scavengers. Relations with House Nacioun are actively hostile. Barkann’s leaders consider Nacioun’s elevation of serfs and alliance with outcasts an unforgivable breach of divine order.

History: House Barkann began centuries ago as hunters and hound-breeders in the southern reaches of what is now Houndwich. They served the early Gha'ard warlords as scouts and beastmasters during their bloody rise. In reward for this loyalty, they were granted rulership over the inland province and tasked with keeping its people in line.

When Sunshelter fell to the storm, Barkann responded by doubling down on control. They unleashed the Warpacks on starving villages that resisted rationing or questioned the food tithe. Some said their dogs ate better than the soldiers.

Though famine and failure have thinned the province, Barkann's grip has never loosened. They rule not by wealth, but through fear, pain, and the knowledge that there are always more dogs in the kennels.