Council of Heralds

The Council of Heralds is the final arbiter over all disputes involving titles in Orlais.

Background
Though the titles and heraldry of the Orlesian nobility were banned by Emperor Kordillus Drakon I, the nobles of Orlais would not give up centuries of culture and tradition so easily, and instead found themselves mired in conflicting claims of birthright and inheritance. Emperor Reville's habit of handing out new titles to his supporters only made the situation worse. When Judicael I inherited the political turmoil left by his father, which had already cost the life of his brother Emperor Etienne II, he created the Council of Heralds in an attempt to win over the nobles of his court. The Council would be the final arbiter over all disputes involving titles, including that of emperor.

When Emperor Florian died without naming an heir in 9:19 Dragon, the Council was called upon to choose who between Celene Valmont and Gaspard de Chalons would inherit the throne. Though Gaspard was the eldest of Emperor Judicael I's surviving grandchildren and Celene the youngest, they gave the throne to Celene.

Membership
The Council of Heralds is comprised of seven members, who belong to some of the oldest and most powerful families in Orlais. The title seems to be hereditary. The current members of the Council of Heralds are :
 * Marquise Mantillon
 * Duke Cyril de Montfort
 * Marquis Etienne de Chevin
 * Comte Lothair Doucy
 * Comtesse Solange Montbelliard
 * Duke Laurent de Ghislain
 * Duke Germain de Chalons

Trivia

 * According to Marquise Mantillon, Duke Cyril is the youngest and most persuadable of the Council members while Duke Germain is the oldest.