maesters

Maesters are members of the Order of Maesters, a scholarly and medical guild that serves the noble houses of Westeros and beyond. They are trained as physicians, scientists, librarians, tutors, and advisors, and are often called upon to interpret history, collect knowledge, and provide medical care. Maesters take vows of celibacy and service, renounce noble titles and family ties, and pledge to act for the good of the realm rather than for personal power. They are expected to avoid entanglement in political affairs, though they may counsel rulers and negotiate technical solutions when asked.

The backbone of the order is the Citadel in Oldtown, where novices study for years under Archmaesters before earning their chain. Each maester wears a chain of metal links, with additional links earned for mastery in specific subjects. Common fields include healing and medicine, history, law, science, astronomy, weather, and linguistics; other areas may be represented as the maester’s studies expand. The chain is both a credential and a badge of personal discipline.

Maesters serve houses by providing education, writing and copying manuscripts, preserving records, and offering medical care and practical advice. They are generally neutral in politics but can influence decisions through informed counsel. The Citadel's reach extends across the realm, and maesters often move between castles to supervise libraries, advise councils, or oversee medical matters. Notable gaps in magic and sorcery make maesters champions of empirical observation and rational inquiry within their world.