The Council of Elders is the august and whimsical governing body behind The Festival at the Friars' Gate—a circle of wise and wildly competent stewards who shape, summon, and sustain the magic of the faire. Though garbed in robes, doublets, or high-vis vests (depending on the hour), their purpose is singular: to ensure the festival thrives in both spirit and structure.
They manage the balance of spectacle and structure.
The Council brings together entertainers, merchants, nobles, and commoners to form a cohesive and immersive world. They ensure each act has a stage, each booth has a home, and each jest has an audience. They write the unwritten rules that keep the chaotic magic orderly enough to function.
They are caretakers of tradition and champions of change.
Like true elders, they steward the festival’s legacy while welcoming new ideas. They refine the festival each year—not only fixing what faltered, but building upon what bloomed. Whether restoring the jousting field, updating safety plans, or expanding the Goblin Puppet Parade, their hand is in every evolution.
The Council of Elders is the sacred backbone of the festival—the keepers of the chaos, the lords and ladies of logistics, the merry magistrates of magic.
Without them, there would be no Friars’ Gate to pass through, no enchantment to remember, and no faire worth returning to.
Let's meet them, shall we?
1. Master of Muster
Overseer of Volunteers, Wielder of Rosters, Keeper of Good Cheer
“None enter the gates of revelry without first passing muster!”
Master of Muster sees to it that all willing hearts and able hands are gathered and guided. From dawn’s first crier to the last lantern lit, this noble soul ensures our volunteers are well-equipped, well-fed, and well-praised. If you’ve questions, queries, or find thyself lost—seek the Master of Muster, who surely has a map, a muffin, or a mission for thee.
2. Mistress of Mercantile
High Keeper of Booths, Arbiter of Ale, Merchant-Wrangler Supreme
“May the goods be plenty and the coin flow freely.”
She who governs the marketplace holds dominion over wares both wondrous and weird. Whether thou vendest velvet, sausages, spells, or soap—thy fate rests in her ink-stained scrolls. Need a booth, a barrel, or a banner? Seek the Chancellor, whose ledger is long, but whose favor is longer—if you pay thy fees on time.
3. Keeper of the Realm’s Green
Warden of Walkways, Baron of Banners, Sovereign of Sanitation
“Where thou treadest, thank the Keeper—for mudless paths and pristine privies are no accident.”
With rake in one hand and a list of maintenance tasks in the other, the Groundskeeper General commands the silent army of carts, buckets, flags, and hay bales. From mending tent lines to coaxing errant trash into barrels, this noble steward keeps the realm fresh, walkable, and photo-ready. If thy tent teetereth or the grass grows wild, summon the Keeper.
4. Marshal of the Chariots
Commander of Carriages, Herald of Horse-Carts, Bringer of Order to the Chaos of Wheels
“All shall park, and all shall find their steed again.”
This vigilant tactician of the gravel battleground ensures that carts, coaches, jalopies, and wagons of all eras find their rightful place. With the patience of a monk and the authority of a mounted knight, the Marshal wrangles both the early birds and the last-minute lords. From VIP chariots to hayride queues, the flow of traffic is their battlefield—and they always emerge victorious.
5. Revels Regent
Curator of Clamor, Sorcerer of Stage, Lord of Laughs and Lutes
“No fair is fair without a little flair!”
Jesters, jugglers, and jousters alike bow (or bounce) before the Revels Regent. This lively soul orchestrates the symphony of spectacle, scheduling stage acts, overseeing parades, and ensuring no trumpet sounds without purpose. If thou hast talent (or a loud instrument), petition the Marshal and prepare to dazzle.
6. Warden of the Gates
Shield of the Realm, Guardian of Goblets, Peacekeeper of Portals
“Keep thy blade sheathed and thy flask sealed—or risk the stocks.”
Ever-vigilant, the Warden patrols our merry kingdom with sharp eyes and sharper wit. Whether breaking up scuffles or guiding lost squires to their mothers, they keep the revels safe for all. Their whistle is law, and their glare—legendary.
7. Keeper of the Contests
Herald of Glory, Tally-Keeper of Triumphs, Orchestrator of Feats Both Noble and Nonsensical
“Step forth, brave soul, and prove thy mettle—or at least thy sense of humor!”
The Keeper of the Contests is the spirited steward of challenge and cheer, the one who fans the flames of friendly rivalry and keeps score with flair. From tug-o-war to the Turnip Toss, costume pageants to limerick duels, they summon the brave and the bold to earn their ribbons, tokens, or titles.
It is they who see that the axe-throwing targets are upright, the trivia scrolls legible, and the pie-eating table properly hosed down between bouts. Armed with a clipboard, a cowbell, and contagious enthusiasm, the Master ensures each contest unfolds with order, laughter, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.
With a booming voice and keen eye for mischief, they command the lists, call the crowd, and crown the victors—though often with a wink and a flourish rather than a scepter.
8. The Chancellor of Favor and Fellowship
Petitioner of Patronage, Scribe of Sponsorship, Marshal of Magnificence
“With ink and courtesy, I trade coin for dreams and bring renown to those who dare join our revels.”
The Chancellor of Favor and Fellowship is the noble envoy of goodwill and patronage, ever seeking worthy allies to uphold the festival’s glory. With silver tongue and golden parchment, the Chancellor forges bonds between guilds, merchants, noble sponsors, and wandering minstrels. Be it banners, baubles, or benefactors, all roads to renown pass through their chamber.
9. Steward of the Fair
Master of All, Balancer of Budgets, Juggler of Chaos and Coffee
“The parchment is mightier than the sword—though both are useful in a pinch.”
Above all thrones and under every tent, the Steward ensures the fair runs like a well-oiled trebuchet. With quill in hand and fire in heart, they manage every detail, from fife to feast. If the privies are pristine and the joust on time, thank the Steward. If not… blame the weather.