Order of Maesters

The maesters are an order of men trained at the Citadel sworn to the pursuit of knowledge, as well as educating and advising the nobility, who in turn help fund the Citadel by paying a fee for their maester's services.

The maesters hold great value in the power of knowledge, sometimes being called the "knights of the mind." Any man can study at the Citadel, whether he is high born, low born, or a bastard. When someone of noble birth earns his chain, they are stripped of their last name, though many continue to use it. After taking his vow, a maester is assigned to a noble house, and is to serve the lord of that house to the best of his ability. In theory, the maesters do not have a political allegiance, though in reality some will continue to hold on to previous loyalties.

The maesters have trained ravens to carry messages, allowing news to travel much faster than it would if sent by rider. The Citadel keeps white ravens, to be used for sending important information, such as the changing of seasons

Classes in the Citadel are taught in lecture form, with novices and acolytes free to attend as they wish.

## History

The origin of the Citadel and the maesters is not known for certain, but most believe it to have been founded by King Urrigon Hightower, in honor of his brother Prince Peremore the Twisted, who greatly enjoyed the company of scholars and teachers. Since then, they have grown immensely, replacing the Alchemist's Guild as the chief advisors of Westerosi nobles at some point in the distant past.

## Ranks

### Novice

The first rank of study at the Citadel is the novice. These are the men who have just entered the Citadel. Novices often take general classes under each of the different subjects. When they are proficient enough in a particular area, a novice is tested to earn a link of the corresponding metal for their chain.

### Acolyte

Once a novice earns their first link, they are promoted to the rank of acolyte. Acolytes continue their studies, earning more links. They remain acolytes until they have enough links to where their chain around their neck. The night before they take their vows, an acolyte must stand vigil in a black room with only a glass candle.

### Maester

After taking their vows, a maester is assigned to a keep, and must serve the lord of that keep. Their duties often include educating the lord's children, advising the lord, tending to the ravens, and general maintenance of the household in some cases.

### Archmaester

The archmaesters are masters of their respective fields of study. Each is given a mask, ring, and rod made of the corresponding metal. The archmaesters make up the Conclave, the ruling body of the Citadel. Archmaesters are chosen by demonstrating outstanding expertise in a certain area of their subject. They are given the rank of Archmaester through a vote of the other Archmaesters. The Conclave elects the Grand Maester, and are the only ones that can remove his status. Each year, an archmaester is selected by lot to serve as the seneschal, who governs the everyday affairs of the Citadel. Most archmaesters dislike having the job, as it is tedious and distracts from real work.

### Grand Maester

The Grand Maester is ambassador to the realm from the Citadel. He serves in the capital as the maester of the king/queen. The Grand Maester has a seat on the Small Council, serving as an adviser to the king. His chain is made of every link available, symbolizing his leadership in the order. However, these do not necessarily represent his actual studies. He does not officially have any say in governing the Citadel, but traditionally has a powerful influence on policies

## Subjects

* Black iron - Ravenry
	+ Archmaester Edgar
* Bronze - Astronomy
	+ Archmaester Vickon
* Copper - History
	+ Archmaester Herodotus
* Electrum - Astrology
	+ Archmaester Gaelileus
* Yellow Gold - Economics
	+ Archmaester Addam
* Iron - Warcraft
	+ Archmaester Argrave
* Pale steel - Smithing
	+ Archmaester Smythe (Westerling)
* Silver - Medicine and Healing
	+ Archmaester Sallerion
* Valyrian Steel - Magic
	+ Archmaester Barristan
* Brass - Geography:
	+ Archmaester Jon (Wylde)
* Lead - Agriculture
	+ Archmaester Mosante
* Pewter - Household Management
	+ Archmaester Alfred
* Platinum - Foreign Cultures & Languages
	+ Archmaester Marcus
* Red Gold - Animal Husbandry
	+ Grand Maester Ryon
* Steel - Politics
	+ Archmaester Beron (Bolton)
* Tin - Philosophy
	+ Archmaester Con Yu

## The Order of Prince Peremore

The Order of Prince Peremore is the most prestigious group in the Citadel. It is made up of only the most intelligent and accomplished of maesters. In order to join, you must receive an invitation, which is only extended if the majority of members agree to it. They are given access to all areas of the Citadel. There are many traditions known only to members of the Order. Many Grand Maesters and Archmaesters have come from this Order. Often, if a new Archmaester or Grand Maester is not part of the Order already, an invitation will be extended to him out of respect.

## The Illuminated Ones

The Illuminated Ones are the most secret group in the Citadel, perhaps all of Westeros. It is made up precisely nine of the most intelligent and cunning of Archmaesters. In order to join, you must receive an invitation, which is only extended if the majority of members agree to it. They are given access to all areas of the Citadel, and secretly manipulate and rule the Conclave, having a majority at all times