Cross Family

A crow will not pull out the eye of another crow

The Crosses are one of the oldest families in Ilyrium. Famous for their power, wealth, and moral ambiguity, the Crosses have been at the center of Ilyrium's political and social circles for centuries.

History

The Crosses (Roman gens Crux*) are an ancient Roman family, first recorded in the early Roman Republic. In 76 CE, the Crosses followed the Immortalium to United Britannia and Hibernia and helped found its capital, Ilyrium, thus becoming one of the illustrious Original Families. Because of this, the Crosses have enjoyed prestige and wealth for several centuries.
There have been several famous Crosses throughout history, but some of the most important are listed below.

• Portia Cross: Portia was the first Cross Council member; she also spearheaded the creation of the Council as a means of checks and balances against the Magisterium.
• Jovan Cross: In 492 CE, Jovan was the first Cross witch born with Dark Magic (then termed Occult Magic). He also created a multitude of Dark Magic spells.
• Julia Cross: Julia was the first Cross witch to kill someone with her Dark Magic in 999 CE. Since she was 7, it was ruled an accident, but this is thought to be the first recorded death caused by Dark Magic.
• Athan Cross: In 1692, Athan was the first witch to be executed by the Council for being born with Dark Magic (although he was not killed at birth, as the law had not been in effect then).
• Theolonius Cross: Theolonius was a very powerful potioneer in the late 19th century and cemented the Crosses' reputation as genius Potioneers.

Magic

The Crosses have a reputation for creating exceptionally powerful witches. Indeed, some of the most powerful witches in United Britannia and Hibernia's history have been Crosses. However, the Crosses also have a disproportionately higher incidence of Dark Magic, and as such, their reputation has been severely tarnished. (For example, in the 1700s, a Cross witch was executed for Dark Magic in five consecutive generations.)
The Crosses are most famous for Potion Magic, Elemental Magic, and Dark Magic. Conversely, the Crosses have very low rates of Psychic Magic and Nature Magic.
The Crosses also have high frequencies of multiple births.

Reputation

As mentioned, although the Crosses are prestigious, wealthy, and powerful, their reputation is poor due to their high rates of witches with Dark Magic as well as their often morally questionable business and magical dealings. Many witches will not associate with the Crosses, and if they do, they are often viewed poorly as well.
Although the last two generations of Crosses have given no reason to be vilified, most witches will still gossip about the Crosses' dark reputation.

Religion

The Crosses are very strong believers of the Old Religion and have been for two millenia. This is strengthened by Cross Manor's close proximity to the Elderwood.

Politics

For many centuries after founding Ilyrium, the Crosses were staunchly conservative. However, in the last few centuries, the Crosses have slowly become more liberal, largely as a result of their negative opinion of the Council and Magisterium. There has not been a Cross on the Council since the 1840s. Currently, the Crosses are very vocal about their dislike for UBH's government.

Current members

• Michael Cross: Mostly retired Potioneer m. Minerva Cross (née Keyes): Retired Astronomer
  • Aleksander Cross: Professor m. Marina Cross (née Drake): Magizoologist
    • Isaac Cross: Healer
    • Anya Cross: Owner of Aglaia's Jewelry
    • Celia Cross: Teacher
    • Vesper Cross: Librarian
  • Two brothers to Aleksander, with children, who live in Venta

FAMILY TREE NOT AVAILABLE

Corvus Oculum Covi Non Eruit

Founding Date

77 CE

Type

Family

Location

Ilyrium

Notable Members

• Aleksander Cross
• Anya Cross
• Celia Cross