Heralds of Faerûn

The Heralds of Faerûn, or simply the Heralds, were a quasi-independent group of historians and heraldists that took on the responsibility of recording, preserving, and policing the coats of arms, flags, standards, shields, badges, mottos, symbols and sigils of the nobility of Faerûn. Their impartiality and neutrality earned them the respect of nearly every nation, kingdom, city-state, clan, and tribe in civilized Faerûn.

Organization
The organizational structure of the Heralds was fairly hierarchical with three levels of authority: the High Heralds, the Heralds Pursuivant, and the local Heralds. The High Heralds debated among themselves and voted on official matters. The Heralds Pursuivant often served as personal assistants to, or itinerant representatives of, the High Heralds, traveling wherever they were needed to assert authority, deliver messages, or conduct secret or sensitive Herald business. This was part of their apprenticeship, along with learning the vast amount of lore required, to be eligible for a High Herald office should one become available.

The High Heralds are chosen from the ranks of the Heralds Persuivant.

Each chartered Herald had an office with a unique name.

Activities
As an adjunct to this, they collected and collated vast numbers of names, titles, genealogies, and historical claims, keeping detailed records for the preservation of history and arbitration of disputes.

Members
Each Herald of any rank might have clerks, scribes, runners, spies, guards, Harpers