Several days ride from King's Landing, Dukensdale is one of the larger towns of Westeros. The fortress and set of House Rykker is called the Dun Fort. Originally the seat of House Darklyn, Dukensdale was granted to House Rykker after the incident that became known as the Defiance of Duskendale which also resulted in the destruction of House Darklyn. The Darklyns had the distinguishing characteristic of having had seven of its family members in the Kingsguard, which was reflected by seven white shields in their coat of arms.

Ser Jaremy of House Rykker was a member of the Night's Watch who was killed by a wight at Castle Black. During the War of the Five Kings Duskendale was assaulted by forces under the command of Helman Tallhart and Robett Glover. This was ordered by Roose Bolton in a ploy to inflict losses on the bannerman that showed strong loyalty to King Robb Stark in preparation for the treason at the Red Wedding.