Religion and Maester systems

**jakev2** · June 11, 2012, 03:56 PM

Currently the rulesets allow a character to be a member of one of three faiths (The Seven, R'hllor, Drowned God), as well as a maester. However there are no systems in place to make RPing such a character worthwhile or interesting, besides being the High Septon or something. While it might be interesting to RP a maester, there are no rules regarding what a character needs to do to become a maester. This was a process which took years of training in the Citadel, as an acolyte had to forge enough links, earned through examplary knowledge in a field, to make a full chain. However, there is currently no system for earning these links and forging your chain. This thread is for the discussion of this problem, so that we can hopefully put our heads together and come up with a good solution.

**Bonez** · June 11, 2012, 05:12 PM

Hmm, I see a few problems and want to clarify them.

We need to create a new rolls system for getting from Acoylate Maester to to Maester.
The religion will be ruled by those higher up in religion (they get their own hierarchy almost)
We should make clearer what those of a religion can do.
And we need to make a way so that player Maesters cannot just be ignored by players who want to do it their way while Maesters are there to advise.

**jakev2** · June 11, 2012, 05:46 PM

That's pretty much it, but I don't think there should be a direct "punishment" for ignoring a maester, besides the fact that it may have been good advice and not following it may have consequences.

**Bonez** · June 11, 2012, 05:56 PM

No, not a punishment but I would prefer a way for them having to listen.. But alas we can't so I suppose that is out the window...

**Adamat** · June 12, 2012, 05:05 AM

maesters could sometimes recieve special information, and either tell it to the lord they serve, keep it to themselves, or inform the enemy of his lord for more personal gain.

**Bonez** · June 12, 2012, 05:15 AM

Yeah, they are taken into special meetings a lot.

**Shankbot de Bodemloze** · June 12, 2012, 12:13 PM

Also they 'control' the ravens.

The idea of forging chains seems good... although how would it work? Of course, one Maester would need to start off so the others could learn from him. (me?

)

I'm about to start RP'ing a Maester, and to be honest if I was a maester to someone who didn't 'play along' at all, and I'm sorry if this is frowned upon' but I'd just move on.

I'll look forward to seeing what you guys agree on.

**Shankbot de Bodemloze** · June 14, 2012, 02:34 PM

Also, maybe opening up a 'home thread' for Maesters i.e. The Citadel - this would then provide a training ground, if you will, for future Maesters, and a place for the travelling Maester to call home.

Your thoughts?

**jakev2** · June 14, 2012, 03:20 PM

Seems like a very good idea, it would make playing a maester seem much more interesting.

**Adamat** · June 14, 2012, 03:26 PM

I support that idea.

**Shankbot de Bodemloze** · June 14, 2012, 03:33 PM

Shall I open one up? Or do we need a certain number of supporters?

**Adamat** · June 14, 2012, 03:34 PM

I say open it.

**Shankbot de Bodemloze** · June 14, 2012, 03:36 PM

I would like to agree, but I've just thought; I think we should have one of the RPs mods support first.

EDIT: Some thoughts:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

- I understand you guys utilize this dice rolls for evens etc. Well perhaps this would be a good way to 'see' if an Acolyte passes the test to forge a chain?

- The title of Seneschal is chosen by lot from the Archmaesters, and is held for a year, so (if we have enough Maesters) that could also be done on a roll, a number representing an Archmaester, after all it is "a thankless task that takes them away from their true calling"

- For Archmaester I presume it would just be who ever forged the chain in that particular area of study first, until all the Archmaester roles have been taken. Archmaesters are the senior members of the Order and are given the right to sit on the Conclave. The Conclave is the governing body of the Citadel and is the same body that elects the Grand Maester.

- All the meetings of the Conclave are confidential in nature and conducted behind closed doors at the Citadel only. This could be done through the use of PMs? Or just having non-archmaesters to ignore it.

- Maesters begin their training as novices in the Citadel. Once they begin their study and have been seen as proficient in a particular course of study they are tested and awarded a link of a certain metal to reflect their skill and knowledge. A student with a link is known as an acolyte until he has a full chain; it is not until he has completed extensive study in various subjects and has earned enough links to form a chain (to be worn around the neck) that he is considered worthy of advancement to the title of Maester, no longer a student but a peer. (I don't no why I put this hear, just some information.)

Spoiler for List of known chains::