The ore-dukes, alternatively referred to as ore-barons, constituted a faction of nobility situated on the Mid Rim planet of Shu-Torun, a world renowned for its mining operations. Their territories, known as baronries, were frequently located within the most perilous regions of the planet's volcanic terrain, from which they extracted valuable minerals for transport to various spires across the planet for exportation.
When the Galactic Empire initiated demands for tribute, the dukes grew dissatisfied, a sentiment that turned the King of Shu-Torun against the Empire. Upon the arrival of Sith Lord Darth Vader on Shu-Torun as an representative of the Empire, the king orchestrated a formal gathering at the royal palace, ensuring the dukes were in attendance. Such courtly affairs, like the ball, served to foster a sense of inclusion among the dukes, deterring potential rebellions. Among the attendees was Rubix, who persistently pressed Vader to dance with his daughter, Bixene, until the Sith employed the Force to levitate and subsequently drop him onto the floor. During Vader's ball, agents under the king's command launched an assault on the Sith, causing panic among the guests, but ultimately failing to kill him. Subsequently, assassin droids deployed by Vader eliminated the king, leading to his replacement by his daughter, Trios. Before his departure from Shu-Torun, Vader informed the new queen that the Empire would provide support in suppressing any insurrections initiated by the ore-dukes.
The designation of ore-duke made its initial appearance in the comic book Darth Vader Annual 1, authored by Kieron Gillen and visually rendered by Leinil Francis Yu for its release in 2015.