Game of Thrones doesn't offer its characters a lot of paths to power. The obvious options are attaining a noble birthright or killing someone and taking their spot. Skilled warriors could fight their way to knighthood. Pious souls can join the Faith of the Seven. The scholarly sort has only one perfect path. They can study at the Citadel and wear a maester's chain. The highest office among the maesters is the Grand Maester, and their position is critical.