The Duchy of Twin Hills consists of the mortal geographic area from the Hills of Saratoga, all the way down to Carmel in an odd jagged design. As Duchies go, it is often thought of as a between point. With Golden Gate to the North, and Caer Angles and it's area to the South, it is a place of passage.
Despite the obvious power of the Commoners in a Fiona Kingdom, particularly around Berkley and other areas where rebellious dreams thrive, the true movers and shakers in the Duchy of the Twin Hills continues to be the Houses. Some influences are overt, other subtle; and in the end, for all their might, it maybe how the commoners see each that truly determines which Houses will prosper, and which will wither from the political vine.
Beaumayn-For now, the Caul of Silence tears slowly; but this House thrives. Thanks to the actions of Beaumayn such as Lady Sonnet, the House of the Dark Star is being given a chance "to redeem itself" as the Duke has mentioned. Countess Amber and Count Topaz (Twins seem not uncommon for the House) have won the right to rule the County of the Sun. Other Houses (save for Liam and Fiona) watch the Beaumayn carefully, but the commoners seem to adore them, for of all the 'Lost' Houses, only the Beaumayn seem to embrace reformist ideas.
Dougal-House Dougal has little influence in the Duchy. Most prefer the computer Industries outside of it in the Barony of Silicon to the North. This is not to say the members in the Duchy do not do it proud, at least one Knight of the House of Crafters is rightfully praised for his study of hydrodynamics and alternative energy sources. Whether or not the recent 'slow down' in some aspects of the technology will drive them to here or other lands, is yet to be seen. Still, for the most part, the Duchy seems too concerned with image or abstracts, and not the hands on sort of thing the Dougalites prefer.
Eiluned-The House of Secrets has recently taken a blow, though it has never been that strong in the Duchy. The exposure of the treacherous Baron Amkane and his part in the death of Duke Bastian, has harmed Eiluned's already shadowy reputation. Those Eiluned who make their way into the Duchy may find wary eyes upon them. Their Graces do not seem to hold the House responsible for the crimes of one member, the Sluagh are not so forgiving of one of their own being played for a Catspaw.
Fiona-The most populous, and influential House in the Kingdom, let alone the Duchy. However, House Fiona has recently had a splash of cold reality thrown in their faces. Trapped in the mood of hedonism and apathy, they had, perhaps, taken laissez-faire too far. Concerned mostly with pursuits of romance or pleasure, they've been shocked to find other Houses filling in the gaps they've been neglecting. Descending on the Court like a storm, Duchess Aurora had revitalized them with her reforms and radical change. A strong advocate of the Commoner cause, she reminded her House that passions maybe directed in positive ways. While as diverse (Some would say scattered) in goals as ever, almost every Fiona now adopts a personal crusade of his or her own. It is as if the lethargy that holds the Silver Lions of Pacifica(Some say even the Queen herself), has been fought off victoriously in the Duchy, her Grace's example leading the way even in death. Aurora's loss, has however, been a terrible blow to many Fiona who must now deal with Twin Hills being out of Fiona rule for the first time since it's founding. Gwydion-Fiona's reawakening was viewed with mixed feelings by House Gwydion. On one hand, many of the Falcon had grown annoyed being the 'only' House that seemed to be doing it's duty, yet at least it allowed a gradual shift of influence to them. The commoners both grew annoyed at their heavy handedness, and yet respected their Noblise Oblige. Initially delighted with a Gwydion sharing the Duchy; the members of the House learned quickly that Ewan holds no one to higher standards than his own brothers. What is most surprising is how the apparently idealistic Duke has seen through various machinations with apparent ease. "What the Hell did he learn in New Agengard?" whisper the more political of the Gwydions. Grudgingly, despite his odd past and perhaps too quick rise to power, the Gwydions of the Duchy find they do not all like their new Duke, but they grow to respect him. Now, many of the House have to consider how they feel about sharing the Ducal throne with the Daireann.
Liam-The Oathbroken House has never been powerful or influential, but that is changing here. As a rule, the Gwydions protect them, but make no pretense of seeing them as equals. The Fiona seem split, some despising them openly, others showing their 'openmindedness' and supporting the Liam causes. Both Dougal and Eiluned show little sympathy for the Liam, and much contempt. Fortunately, the last two are not much in number in the Duchy, and this, coupled with the Viscount Jude and his possession of a true Hold, seems to have coaxed more Liam out of the wood work. The Duke, if rumor be told, has sworn that House Liam will be welcome, and safe here. He has been rewarded for his honorable actions with strong support from the stable Liam House. The Blazon of the Barren Oak slowly reveals itself more and more openly.
Aesin- Wherever the Aesin are landing as they arrive in "Midgard", it is apparently not in Twin Hills. Given the independent mindedness of most Pacifican commoners, this is likely the best for all involved.
Ailil-The House of the Silver Dragon has suffered many ruinations of their plans. Ewan's blade, among other things, has allowed him to ferret out those Ailil hiding in Eiluned garb. Gradually, these Ailil in disguise were sent on 'Quests' or evidence of crimes against the Escheat found and they were punished for it by banishment. There are now almost no Ailil within the Duchy. Ironically, those that have been open and honest have fared better than those that hid.
Balor- Once, the Balor held the trods with vigilant, often glowing eyes. Their swaggering was considered harmless and the Gwydion were not enough in their protest to sway the other Houses in curtailing them. In a move to covertly increase power to the Commoners, the Duchess had replaced Balor Knights with Trolls of the "Knights of the Way", a ruling even her Traditionalist Husband heartily approved of. Even the Balor have been at a loss to explain the emergence of new (old?) and twisted dreams, creatures that it would be their charge to defend against. With each new tale of some unknown horror that slipped by them, the Balor lose prestige, and the area is passed to the Giants, who are more numerous, and, far far more trusted. With the recent failed attempt of a Duke of House Balor to take the lands, few of the serpent House dare show their faces.
Daireann-"Oh look, a colorful Liam" or similar comments have been voiced by ignorant commoners (and some nobles expecting the usual Liam avoidance of violence) when they spotted the silver and green oak symbol, often resulted in the speaker being challenged by the insulted and newly arrived Daireann. Now, the Daireann are quite well known. It's not a shy House to say the least. The Commoners don't know what to make of them anymore. The Daireann are traditionalist, vengeful, and perhaps overly proud. However, they are also brave, honorable (in their way) and gracious in hospitality. Most defer to their Bandiuc Darachua more the Duke, but honor both. A home in Concordia for their House has made the Daireann stalwart defenders of this land, even if they find it overly liberal.
Leanhaun- The Leanhaun became more prevalent for a time, rising in power. They fit in well with the party life style many equate with Pacifica, and the Lady Angelyna ap Leanhaun was one of Duchess Aurora's best friends. Duke Ewan is a strong supporter of weaning House Leanhaun from it's ties to Ailil and Balor with kindness. In this, he and his House are NOT united, as the other Gwydion warn that the Leanhaun's Rose has poisoned thorns. House Liam is also rightfully distressed, for rumors still color the House of the Harp as Ravagers. With the Duke distracted by matters of war, and the loss of his wife, the Leanhaun trickle into courts to fill the vacuum left by Ailil and Balor departures has finally stopped.
Varich-A new Sun blazes on the horizon among the Nobility. Not so long ago, Russia eyed the Pacific Coast of North America, and now, it seems the House it gave birth to does the same. It is rumored the Varich already have holds in Golden Gate. They seem eager to claim their share of the Twin Hills as well. A few Varich have made their way into the Duchy, some overtly, others more patiently, watching the patterns of fortune for now. One, Orel, for his tactical assistance in the destruction of the army of the banner black has been made the Duke's "Warlord". Who can tell what the Varich will make of this and other signs of acceptance?
Scathach- The House of Graywalkers lays low in this land. Many Nobles of the other Houses do not even know they still survive. Even the Houses that still consider them sidhe find them "odd". Still, on some nights, shining host garbed in grays, blacks and whites slip through the shadows, to protect those endangered, or to pass warning onto the nobles they deem worthy of the knowledge.