Eldred’s Cross is ruled by the House of Eldred (crest is double dragons facing one another), a hereditary dukedom with over a thousand years of history.  Staunch defenders of the Imperium, the Eldreds are fiercely loyal to the Emperor, and the attitude of their city’s residents and soldiers reflects this.  At present, The Cross is governed by Duke Lucius Eldred, 2nd son to Dorian Eldred.  That venerable patriarch still lives, enjoying the life of an elderly, retired nobleman busy with grandchildren and painting with watercolors.  He has no official duties or claims to the dukedom.  Lucius has an older brother, a paladin who was to be Duke, but who abdicated in order to serve a life in the Pass Wars.  As Duke and Imperial Governor, Lucius exerts absolute control over every aspect of the city and its population.  His word is law.  The Eldred family has a tradition of selecting, training and supporting its own elite guard, known as the Caber Brigade.  These loyal troops guard the Royal Keep, bodyguard the ruling family, and at times assist other members of the government in carrying out the Duke’s wishes.  They are a common sight on the streets of The Cross, and are not to be meddled with.

The Governor is supported by advisors, a hand-picked cabinet known as “The Ministers.”  Their authority derives from the Duke, and they are the instruments of his policy.  Although each may have a personal agenda, all are loyal to the Dukedom.  These men are comprised of;