Can someone explain Heralds and CoH please?

I can't get this to work right, and I'm not sure if I am missing something obvious, thanks in advance.

1. Heralds (HoA HoI HoT) are kind of like mini-auras (Hatred, Anger, Wrath) but just for you -- right? They don't need to be hooked up to an active skill, they apply to all skills you do (but not your totems or your minions)-- right?
2. Curse on Hit: you have to link this to an active skill so that when that skill (only) hits, it applies the curse.
3. So I see people link CoH and a curse to a Herald, let's say HoI. Does this mean ANY skill you use will apply the CoH (because the cold bonus from HoI will apply it)? I'm not sure I am getting this right.

Thank you for your help

1) no. they apply a buff that adds some damage to your attacks and spells (= to your totems too as they use your offensive stats). second part of the effect require your kills to be procced

2) curse on hit has to be linked to herald gem, then the ice explosions or storms will apply the curse. HoA cant do that, as it does not hit

3) no. when you link some on hit effect to herald of ice, it will work only with heralds hits, not the hits from other skills. other skills do not have CoH linked, do they?

Thank you.

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Ludvator wrote:

2) curse on hit has to be linked to herald gem, then the ice explosions or storms will apply the curse. HoA cant do that, as it does not hit

Ah so I must do enough cold or lighting damage to be able to shatter or stormshock, and THEN they get cursed? So it doesn't necessarily proc all the time or even often, depending on the setup, right?

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Ludvator wrote:

3) no. when you link some on hit effect to herald of ice, it will work only with heralds hits, not the hits from other skills. other skills do not have CoH linked, do they?

Usually they do not.

I was confused because I see one pro had linked their Herald up in a 6L to their main attack and a CoH (but I think that person had 2 6Ls and could afford to do that?). But otherwise it is not necessary to link your Herald to an attack skill (right)?

When using curse on hit with herald of ice or thunder then its only the secondary effects of the heralds that can apply the curse. So for herald of ice the small aoe explosion on monster death will apply the curse to targets who get hit by it.
With thunder you need to proc those lightning strikes that come down, each hit will apply the curse.

The added cold/light dmg to your skills do not apply the curse, which is why using orb of storms is a much better way to apply curses for example.

I dont know what you have seen but "linking Herald to main attack" does nothing. the person has probably the main skill in other 6L and multiple other things in that 6L with heralds

yes, you have to kill shocked enemies or shatter to proc the secondary effects that are able to apply curses on hit. added damage from herald itself is not sufficient to freeze/shock.