The Council of Heralds

= The Council of Heralds = Established by Emperor Judaciel I in a bid to sate the nobles and quell the political chaos left in the aftermath of his father, Reville the Mad’s tumultuous reign. The Council of Heralds was created to be the final arbiter in all disputes involving titles and inheritance within the Empire. When speaking with one voice the council even had the authority to overrule the Emperor or Empress in such matters. Though a wise council rarely ever refuses a direct order from the Empire’s ruler, with a united voice the council can exert considerable influence on the Empire's throne.

The council was formed from the heads of seven of the oldest and most influential noble families in Orlais, with many of them being able to trace their bloodline all the way back to the time of Emperor Drakon himself. In exchange for their positions on the council, each of the council’s members had to swear an oath of loyalty to the Throne of Orlais - regardless of whom sat upon it.

The creation of the council was met with widespread approval from the nobility and the Imperial court. For it was seen as a more fair and just system, with their peers having control over titles and inheritance, rather than the throne. Though it was also met with envy as the Councillors were raised to lofty positions of power and still are seen as gatekeeper’s of the Game because of the power and influence they wielded. Many a noble aspires to be on the council, but all of the seven seats are hereditary, passing on from generation to generation.

Currently the Council loyally (though some whisper, fearfully) serve Emperor Just La Guerry, a man whom they rose to the throne after the Valmont Dynasty failed. Most notable acts the Council has undertaken at the Emperor's command was the abolishment of the powerful title of Baron, the creation of the Protecteurs of Orlais and reorganising the role of Grand Duke’s in Orlesian society, crafting them into positions of real power, second only to the Emperor.

Now, along with the Emperor and the Grand Duke's, the Council of Heralds are the three pillars that hold aloft the Orlesian nobility.

Aside from their official duties, the Council of Heralds are also the Gatekeepers of the infamous and deadly Game. While each member is a Master player in their own right, the Council is revered as the very pinnacle of the great Orlesian pastime, even setting them above the Empire's Ruler. For it is the Council's decision, who goes up and who goes down. Their word alone can see player may rise through the ranks of the game and society, just as easily as they can crush the ambitious and see them go tumbling down. But such is the capricious will of the Council of Heralds as it is the nature of the Grand Game.

= Current members of the Council of Heralds =
 * Duchess Adeline de Ghislain - leader of the council of Heralds (Ghislain)
 * Lord/Lady ???? (Mantillion)
 * Lord/Lady ???? (Monfort)
 * Lord August Michel de Louvencourt - then Lady Emmaline Aveline-Revann de Louvencourt (Val Chevin)
 * Comte Evram Florian Doucy (Monsimmard)
 * Lord/Lady ???? (Chalons)
 * Lord/Lady ???? (Montebelliard)