I know RNG has a lot to do with this, but I wanted to share my overall experience with the new Herald system. I play soft core, offline, and rarely have hours and hours to dedicate to fighting Heralds. When the DLC came out I downloaded it day one but did read about the new TZ mechanics, so I knew what I was getting myself into.
Up until yesterday, I only encountered a small handful of T1 Heralds based on play time. Drops were meh and I resigned myself to just Pit and Countess runs with my level 89 singer barb. A few weeks ago, I finally got my first worldstone shard to drop in The Forgotten Tower. I randomly had a few more drop after that but was still just doing Pit and Countess runs.
Yesterday I was doing a TZ (I think it was The Stony Field) and got a T1 Herald to spawn. Immediately after I killed the Herald, I drew another ire. I decided to use one of my western worldstone shards to terrorize all of Act 1. I cannot believe how much fun it was. I did have the benefit of putting my laptop in hibernate a few times, so I was able to take my time clearing the entire act.
By the time I cleared the act completely, I had spawned a few T3 and T4 Heralds. First off, the ones with thorns aura are abysmal with my singer barb. Hazade would get like 3 hits in and die. I finally started using howl to scare off the minions and have the Herald follow me to a safe area with no other enemies. I'd then just spam warcy and chug mana potions, returning to town to replenish until the job was done.
I managed to snag Naj's plate, Horazon's boots and gloves, a Dreadfang, along with a bunch of stuff for chronicle. Really nothing too impressive, but I found it to be a really engaging experience. Each time I would see ire drawn would be a nice little rush. Then the "Herald is hunting you" was such a thrill.
Earlier today I finally had to save and quit to give the laptop a break. I hopped back on just a bit ago and started a TZ in Tamoe Highlands and Pit. Drew ire so headed to the next TZ in Lost City, Ancient Tunnels, and Claw Viper Temple. Drew ire again in tunnels, cleared Lost City and then got a T1 Herald in the Claw Viper Temple. To my surprise, a latent poison sunder dropped! While not in the same session where I terrorized Act 1, it was a great feeling seeing that unique charm land.
I remember a few weeks ago thinking that I'd never get a sunder to drop or really have any fun with the new Herald system, but it really was a blast. Looking forward to popping another worldstone shard soon.