A Great House is a family of Dynasts that forms the ruling class of the Scarlet Empire. In total they are called the Scarlet Dynasty. They are usually founded by a Dragon-Blooded with direct descent from the Empress. The first name of these founders then makes up the family name.

1. House Cathak: fire-aspected; militant expansionists; very disciplined.
2. House Cynis: wood-aspected; idle hedonists and politicians.
3. House Iselsi: water-aspected; almost exterminated; sneaky survivors and spymasters.
4. House Ledaal: air-aspected; far-thinking strategists.
5. House Mnemon: earth-aspected; devout believers; strongest family.
6. House Nellens: no aspect; scorned for their common-tainted blood.
7. House Peleps: water-aspected; conniving merchants, politicians and sailors.
8. House Ragara: earth-aspected; financiers with everyone in their debt.
9. House Sesus: fire-aspected; militant and specialized.
10. House Tepet: air-aspected; recently suffered a devastating military loss.
11. House V’neef: wood-aspected; adaptable; the youngest House.