Herald of the Thirteen

"Me? The next Herald? You must be joking!" Branra set down her hammer staring at the silver knight in disbelief. She expected him to start laughing any second. She was only a smiths apprentice, and not even a very good one if her master was to be believed. She even skipped church at least once a month. There was no way the oracle had named her. But the knights face remained dead serious. He proclaimed: "The Oracle of the Smith has spoken, your fate is inevitable."

Qualifications

To become a god's Herald, one must only fulfil one requirement, but that is the hardest requirement of all: One needs nothing less, and nothing more, than the favour of the gods because he or she is chosen by the Great Oracle. All other abilities and knowledge are taught to the Herald between his selection and at his inauguration ceremony.

Appointment

Each of the Thirteen appoints one Herald. At any point in time, a god may speak to his current Herald through the Great Oracle to announce his successor. This does not end the current Herald's term—he holds the title for life—and usually happens long before his death. The newly named person holds the title of Subherald until his time comes. Should there, however, already be a Subherald, he is replaced by the newly named person and the old one is handed to the Inquisition because he must have done something to anger his god.
This occasion is honoured with a special service to that god within the next hours. While the preparations for this service are still running, the Silver Guard sets out to find the newly announced Subherald and bring him to the Island of Gods. This is not always easy. Firstly, the directions of the gods tend to be vague and the chosen person might even change location in the meantime. Secondly, the chosen person is completely unaware of the fact that he has been named Subherald and might not even be a servant of the church thus far. As such, he might not believe that he has indeed been chosen. Multiple occasions are reported where someone did not want to give up their normal life in change for a life entirely in the service of a god.
During his time as Subherald, the person is prepared for their future occupation as Herald. This includes being taught history, politics, and important past prophecies as well as other secret knowledge of the respective god. He may also be assigned minor tasks in the daily administration of the church at the discretion of the current Herald.
A Subherald is promoted to Herald with the death of his predecessor. This occasion is once again honoured with a special service to the respective god. During this inauguration ceremony, a special bond between the new Herald and his god are formed which makes him the only person to speak the language of the god and bestows unmatched magical powers upon him. After this ceremony, he or she immediately takes over all of a Herald's duties.

Responsibilities

The by far most important duty of the Herald is sitting on his marble throne in the main room of the Great Oracle awaiting prophecies of his god. Being the only person to understand his god, he is also the one who translates and interprets them. Only the translated versions are archived.
Besides this, the Herald is also tasked with all decisions regarding the worldly affairs of his church and its organizations. He may delegate some or all of these tasks to the Subherald at his own discretion. He may only leave the oracle for a prolonged time if the god has allowed him to. Thus, appearances of a Herald outside the Island of Gods are very rare.

Benefits

Each Herald has a private palace in the direct vicinity of the Great Oracle, including private servants, guards and everything he desires. His word is highly valued among the mighty of the world, especially among those who are devout followers of his god. Should he wish to speak to someone in person, that person is brought to him.

Accoutrements & Equipment

The Herald is garbed in a golden silk robe which carries the symbol of his god in the back in silver. He wears this robe for all official occasions.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

A Herald is chosen by his god for lifetime. There are no other means for a man to remove a Herald, even the attempt of implementing such a mechanism would be heresy. Should, however, the god deem a sitting herald unworthy of the position, he has all means to take his life.

Heretic Insinuations

Heretics see many ways to manipulate the process and the position of the Herald. No normal man is allowed in the Great Oracle and the Herald is the only one who understands his god. Thus, there is no way to ensure he is actually carrying out divine orders and not his own private agenda, including choosing a successor he deems suitable. They say, he has any means to abuse his power. However, these allegations are heresy and only spread by the followers of The Cunning to shake up the faith of the followers of the Thirteen.
Anyone who utters such lies is to be reported tot he Inquisition (under the lead of the Herald of the Radient).

Type

Religious, Clerical

Creation

In accord with the last orders of the gods before leaving in year 0.

Source of Authority

Divine

Length of Term

Lifetime

Related Locations

• The Great Oracle