Status: House Major
Symbol: Helix
Army: Regular Great House
Uniform: Unknown
House Colours: Purple and Copper
Planets: Ix and several other unidentified planets
Ruling Title: Earl
A relatively young house, by the time the events of House Atreides (book) takes place they're only a few centuries old. A fire red ruby ring from Hagal is the sign of their Earl. House Vernius specializes in technological innovations. After an intense economic war with House Richese they won the right to manufacture the lucrative Heighlineres for the Spacing Guild.
Reign under Earl Dominic Vernius
While still a young man, Dominic lent Ixian forces to the Padishah Emperor Elrood IX in putting down the Ecazi Revolt and restoring the Archduke Ferdinand Ecaz to the Mahagony throne. It is during this time that he met and befriended Duke Paulus Atreides of Caladan. As a reward for his loyal service, the Emperor expanded House Vernius' fief to include several more planets.
Fall from Grace
After the war, Dominic stole Lady Shando from the Emperor and earned his undying enemity. They had two children, Rhombur and Kailea Vernius. Years later Tleilaxu forces siezed Ix with the help of the Suboid working class with assistance from the Emperor. Ixian ambassador Camaar Pilru attempted to garner Landsaraad support in retaking his planet but the Tleilaxu accused the Ixians of creating thinking machines and therefore justifying their acts. House Vernius was forced to go renegade while Sardauker forces landed on Ix to "keep the peace". The children were sent to Caladan under the care of Paulus Atreides. Lady Shando was executed by Sardauker forces while Dominic hid on Arrakis with some loyal men. Eventually he was caught and he detonated a stone burner, ending his life.
Return to Ix
After almost 25 years Gurney Halleck and Prince Rhombur Vernius returned to Ix to conjure a rebellion to help the soon to arrive Atreides forces to liberate the planet. After a brief but bloody battle with the Sardauker, the allied forces won and Prince Rhombur went to the Landsaraad to formally restore House Vernius. He ascended and became Earl Rhombur Vernius of Ix.
Continuity issues
It is said in Frank Herbert's books that Ix is ruled by a council.