A Great House (tlhIngan Hol: tuqmey Dun) was a family of Klingon nobles that, collectively, ruled the Klingon Empire. The 24 most influential Great Houses each sent one representative to the Klingon High Council. Houses were named after its head. (DS9: "The House of Quark") Each Great House maintained its own fleet; Klingon admirals often commanded House fleets. (Ship Recognition Manual, Volume 3: Ships of the Klingon Empire)