Herald Impartiality

The role of a Herald. A simple question? Perhaps. A simple answer? Certainly not, and an issue that has plagued many, across ages and changes in the lands themselves. One might ask why the question need be answered, is it not a case that each must find their own answer. As with all things in this world, you can only find your own answer, and only that can be true for you. I am Caelis Aurelius, Son of the Aurelius line, and Academician of Herald, and this is my answer, maybe someday it will help you find your own.

I perceive the role of a Herald, first and foremost as to be an advocate for Knowledge. We live in a shattered, forsaken lands, and many would look to strength, or violence as the greatest way to advance themselves. Not I. Knowledge, I say again Knowledge is our greatest strength. When you learn more you can gain more, the cycle continues as you grow in knowledge, you grow in your ability to acquire knowledge.

But gaining knowledge for oneself is merely a small part of what makes a Herald. For me, what I aspire to in the Heraldry is to spread knowledge, to report the words that others do not hear, to educate all peoples of the world, that is the Service of a Herald, and that is what I shall write about today.

So if a Herald is an advocate, a champion perhaps, for knowledge, then what should they aspire to, what should be their goals? One truth remains above all for me, do not seek to judge. As a Herald I am impartial, as an individual I may hold opinion (and i most certainly do!) But as a Herald I hold to the principal that all knowledge is valuable, and that words of any of the lands can hold a secret I have yet to stumble upon. The true investigator believes everything, and believes nothing, accept everybodies works, but verify each of them with your own intellect.

The most visible, and most commonly thought of role for a Herald is the publishing of notes and communications to the world as a whole. For many this will be the only experience they ever have of the Heraldry. It is not glamorous, no great epics will be written about those who transcribe the words of others, however we must remember that for many, it is what is needed, and what they ask of us. I say again, for repetition will hopefully make clear my resolve on the matter, do not judge. Whether you copy the words of the simple man on the street, telling of his daily struggle, or the ravings of an insane Prophet of Chaos, describing the ends of the world, the same care and attention to accuracy must be applied.

The Heraldry has been, is, and must be, a voice of impartiality in an otherwise partial world. We do not fight the wars, we do not decide who rules the cities, nor undertake duels to the death over the fate of the world. Our place is a different one. We Chronicle, We Record, and We Educate. If we allow our personal bias to affect what is written, then we are not true that purpose.

It is, sadly, inevitable that we will draw the attention of other Factions. Our words carry weight and are heard by many, and the cold, accurate light of truth can be a punishing mistress for any, whether they be Good, Evil or of the Balance. We hold a mirror up the world, but we are not responsible for what it shows. Those who do not like what they see in a mirror will always seek to undermine us. They will attack us personally, or as an organisation, rather than accept the simple truth, if they do not like their actions being written about, then they should consider whether they should be undertaking them.

How should one respond when threatened with such? What is the appropriate response to Censorship, Coercion or attempted Influence. As I wrote initially, This is my Truth, I cannot write what is true for others, but I can write what is true for me.

In my heart, the Heraldry exists to share information, to publish the words of all who would be heard, without comment or bias. To investigate the issues that matter the most, and to chronicle the great events of these lands. This purpose can i only be met when we are free from all political responsibilities, and free to write whatever we feel should be written. We must respond directly to calls for Censorship, making clear that such is against our purpose. Whether it be the ramblings of a madman, or the flier of a budding rebellion, we write it, we publish it. If the evidence for a chronicle suggests specific action, of any sort from a member of any faction, we write it, we publish it.