Herald

Heraldics are not the most common of subjects for people to study, but valuable in many nations. They are a mix of archivist, genealogist, and even matchmaker. They trace lineages for nations with hereditary rule, but also trace lineages to see who might be likely to sire offspring with sorcerous power. Herald Choden of Huin successfully stopped the Liminit Succession War by providing evidence of co-rulership in previous generations and providing documentation supporting two of the leaders in the war.
One of the more successful organizations is the Society of the Name, which branches around the realms. While each chapter is captained by a different Herald, they generally agree to do things is a compatible fashion. The chapters in Tillman and the Land of the Great Tree are especially well funded and taken care of.

Career

Qualifications

To become a qualified herald, the trainee must have a thorough knowledge of history and documentary practice. Generally this looks like a multi-year apprenticeship. With the first 4 years focused only on learning and the next four on under-herald duties with their work checked by another herald.

Payment & Reimbursement

Depending on local conditions and ruling benefactors the reimbursement can vary wildly, and in some it is a duty relegated to remote monasteries and wandering recorders who are more poor clergy than anything else.

Perception

Social Status

While pay may vary, heralds are perceived as an important cultural phenomena. Even in strictly caste societies the profession is open to the lower caste, and like wizardry is an escape for the poor who are intelligent and diligent.

Operations

Tools

memorization, pen & paper, books and ledgers. Indeed many heralds use special formulated inks and paper to prevent damage and smearing in a wide variety of conditions. Such inks and paper are waterproof and called Recorders Ink and Registrars Paper.

Alternative Names

Bard

Demand

Varies