Earl Matthe'i Salphoris (MAT-thee-eye sal-FOR-iss) was a scion of a Force-strong noble house when he was picked for Force training by Emperor Xal Shun in 10 BBY. His education included administration, diplomacy, statecraft and military command. At the age of 29, he became an Earl, inheriting his family estate on one of the worlds in the Isen Sector, as well as a level of responsibility in Shun's administration and Force hierarchy. One of his close allies was Duke Karak Ror, who would eventually become the Jade Empire's representative on the Sojourn.