DOMINIC VERNIUS

'Earl Dominic Vernius' is one of the main characters of the ''Prelude of Dune''-trilogy, which takes place 40-16 years before the events of ''Dune''. He is the head of House Vernius, and a good friend of Duke Paulus Atreides, with whom he fought in the Ecaz-rebellion. He is married to the lady Shando Vernius and together they have the children Rhombur Vernius and Kailea Vernius.
Dominic is the ruler of Ix at the beginning of ''. He is the host to the young Atreides prince and na-duke Leto Atreides I who is sent to Ix for some time by his father to study politics with the Earl's son, Rhombur.