The Gobelin Faire

A plump and sprightly figure, stout and round, Emerges 'fore my eyes, with mirthful sound. With bouncy steps and melody profound, This jocund being springs from hallowed ground.
"Zounds!" I cried, in awe and deep surprise, Startled by his form, with fear in my eyes. Approaching, he draws near, this canine guise, But fear not, for he's quite the dapper prize.
"Don't fret," he murmurs, tipping his hat high, A dandy of a fellow caught my eye. A fortnight hence, a festival draws nigh, He joyfully exclaims, with words awry.
He twirls his cane, and winks, a playful sprite, Like fireflies, he vanishes from my sight. Left there I stood, alone in waning light, Intrigued by the invite, whimsical thoughts soon takes flight. -An Enounter with the master of the Gobline Fair by Renard Higgins bard of small repute
Hark! Hark! To my festival grounds ye must haste, Where merriment and beauty thou shalt taste. Feast upon wonders, both big and small, Try thy luck at games, and seize a prize for all!
For a modest sum, thou art heartily invited, With crimson coins of copper, so slighted. The festival is thine to joyously embrace, So come forth, and find thy solace in this place!
Artists and craftsmen, heed my joyful plea, Thou art welcomed, and rewarded handsomely! Thy creations, masterpieces faire, Shall be compensated, beyond compare.
So gather, good folk, without delay, Ere the summer solstice marks the Seelie's sway. For when the year hath passed, as time unspools, Thou mayst wait again, to witness my festival's jewels! -Toliwag Gildedtongue owner, propieter and creator of the Gobelin Fair

(Art by Midjourny)

History

The story of the Goblin Faire begins with a peculiar character named Toliwag Gildedtongue, affectionately known as Toli among his friends. Toli is a Fey Goblin, or Gobelin as they called themselves, who was often considered a failure by his own people. Unlike many Goblines who craved affluence and power, Toli had a different desire altogether—he yearned for fop and whimsy.
Toli fully embraced his Gobelin nature. He relished the bustling markets, always striving to outshine his fellow Gobelin with his stylish and bombastic presence. However, Toli had a genuine fondness for mortals. He found fascination in their strange and ever-changing world, unlike the static realm of the fey where time stood still and nature merely reflected the whims of noble rulers. This soft-hearted nature led Toli to be kind and even protective towards the mortals who visited the Gobelin Market. He would warn them about the hazards of certain purchases and steer them away from the more treacherous beings selling their wares. Instead of demanding malicious prices like many others, Toli would accept songs, trinkets, or works crafted by mortal hands in exchange for his own trinkets and wonders.
When Toli's fellow Gobelins discovered his unorthodox practices, they deemed him unfit for their ways. They accused him of conducting business in an un-Gobelin-like manner, involving ethics and morality. Toli, however, politely dismissed their collective opinions, bidding them to sod off. He turned his back on them and the entire Gobelin Market.
Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, the rotund little protagonist decided to venture into the mortal realm, armed with his life savings and a determination to prove that a Gobelin could attain riches without exploiting others. Soon, he found himself traversing the mortal realms with a merchant's cart and a pair of sturdy ponies to pull it. Toli embraced his love for art and crafts of all shapes and sizes, firmly believing that introducing art into people's lives enriched them.
During his travels, Toli encountered a mugger—a young woman desperate enough to stab him with a brass knife, unaware that such a material held no discomfort for a Gobline like Toli. With remarkable agility, he swiftly disarmed the mugger using his walking cane. Before the assailant realized it, she found herself lying on the ground, and the three-foot-tall, foppishly dressed, pug-faced being she had perceived as an easy target now sat atop her.
It turned out the mugger was an artist herself, facing dire circumstances with no means of support. She lacked a patron, a studio, and her hand-carved trinkets were dismissed by wealthy nobles due to her disheveled appearance. As Toli listened to her plight, an idea began to form in his mind—a delightful and mischievous idea.

Toli couldn't help but feel that mortal nobles were nothing more than dim-witted reflections of the Sidhe Courtiers and Fey lords. In his eyes, they lacked true substance, mere displays of flash and pomp. Appearances and titles held more value to them than anything genuine. Having maneuvered among beings who could put mortal kings to shame with their intrigues, Toli found their ways tiresome and lacking depth.
To the defeated mugger, Toli proposed an offer. He believed that the mortal realm held greater potential than the shallow existence of nobility. "Work for me, young lady," he said, his voice tinged with conviction. "Help me navigate this mortal realm, and I promise you riches and a life of comfort." Toli's gaze bore into her, unwavering. "Say yes, and I shall make your dreams come true. Say no, and I will personally deliver you to the guards!"
Reluctantly, the woman named Lucy Hensfield agreed to the strange little man's proposal. Toli fulfilled his promise, providing Lucy with food, shelter, and the means to practice her art as a skilled sculptor. In return, she became his guide to the ways of the mortal world, sharing her knowledge and experiences.
Toli, ever the cunning entrepreneur, not only sold Lucy's exquisite creations but also crafted an identity for her as a mysterious and foreign artist. Local nobles were captivated by her work, eager to possess a piece and be associated with the enigmatic talent. Within a year of their fateful meeting, Lucy had become a wealthy woman, with lords and ladies practically begging for her artistic masterpieces.
As Toli witnessed Lucy's success, a profound sense of satisfaction washed over him, something he had rarely experienced throughout his long life.
On that fateful day, the Gobelin Faire was born, forever etching its place in Toli's recollections. Returning to the fey realm, he demonstrated an unwavering fervor and agility in moving resources and wealth, earning the respect of his fellow Goblines. Striking deals with fey lords and ladies, Toli even gained the esteemed title of Merchant Minister of the Arts to the Court of All Summer.
After indulging in courtly cuisine and savoring the pleasures of the fey realm, Toli reappeared, as foppish as ever, on a warm day in early summer near the city of Silverten. He set about sending invitations far and wide to crafters, artists, cooks, singers, writers, poets—anyone skilled in transforming objects or conjuring wonders from the ether. Rumors say he made a fae deal: all those who agreed to come and showcase their talents at the Goblin Faire would walk away with double their normal earnings or double their craft's investment.
Around a dozen individuals embraced Toli's proposition, and a fortnight later, the first Goblin Faire came to life. As if by Gobelin magic itself, tents, games, stages, and stalls sprouted overnight, enchanting the landscape. Even the humblest artists who had agreed to participate were adorned in resplendent garments, each having their own personal Gobelin barker.
The festival celebrating art, craft, music, and song surpassed even Toli's expectations. He had earned enough to fulfill his promise to the artists who had showcased their gifts and then some, allowing him to repay his investors and pave the way for another splendid fair the following year.
As time passed, the Gobelin Faire began to appear unpredictably in various corners of the world, always within reach of a city or town, and always providing a fortnight's notice to the locals. With vendors, crafters, and artists hailing from both near and far, the Faire grew to rival the fame of the Gobelin Market itself.
Toli remained the sole driving force behind the Faire, diligently enforcing a rule that no harm or unfair trickery should befall any mortal at the hands of the fey who participated. His fondness for pranking the rich and the empty-headed endured, as he relished dressing up impoverished and starving artists, allowing them to amass wealth from those with an excess of money and a shortage of wits.

Execution

The execution of the Faire, shrouded in mystery, remains a well-kept secret known only to Toli and his trusted team of Spriggan teamsters. These Spriggans possess an otherworldly ability to transform an empty plot of land into a fully realized fairground, regardless of its size or complexity, seemingly overnight.
Under the cover of darkness, when the world slumbers, the Spriggans work their enchantments. Guided by Toli's vision and unwavering determination, they toil tirelessly, their nimble hands and magical prowess weaving together a tapestry of tents, stalls, stages, and attractions.
With each passing hour, the fairground takes shape, as if borne from the very dreams of whimsical creatures. The vibrant colors of the tents unfurl against the night sky, and the air becomes alive with the melodies of unseen musicians tuning their instruments. Games of chance and skill are set up, their elaborate structures and decorations seemingly materializing out of thin air.
By the break of dawn, the transformation is complete. The fairground stands proud and resplendent, ready to welcome visitors to a world of wonder. The secrets of the Spriggans' mystical abilities remain tightly guarded, their methods hidden from prying eyes.

Components and tools

Within the enchanting realm of the Gobelin Fair, a seemingly endless array of festival foods, arts, and crafts awaits those who step foot upon its hallowed grounds. The offerings are a harmonious blend of local talents and skilled artisans, carefully handpicked and hired by Toli from nearby regions. These dedicated individuals bring forth their creations, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of their craft to the delight of fairgoers.
Yet, the treasures of the faire extend beyond the mortal realm, as fae donations and the investments of fae nobles contribute to the grandeur of the event. The fae, with their otherworldly sensibilities and innate connection to the magical, infuse the fair with their own brand of wonder and brilliance. Their ethereal contributions add an extra layer of enchantment, captivating the senses and igniting the imagination.
For the discerning traveler, the Gobelin Fair offers a cornucopia of delights. From delectable treats that tantalize the taste buds to exquisite handcrafted creations that delight the eye, the fair presents a bountiful selection of goods and experiences. No desire is left unfulfilled, as one ventures through the vibrant stalls and charming displays. It is a place where dreams take shape and possibilities abound.
To partake in this realm of marvels, fairgoers are asked to contribute a small entry fee, a humble token that opens the gates to a world of endless possibilities. Once within the fairgrounds, one's desires are brought within arm's reach, beckoning to be explored, experienced, and cherished.
Within the pulsating heart of the Gobelin Fair, one can find the true essence of a magical celebration. It is a place where mortal and fae mingle, where creativity intertwines with enchantment, and where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary.

Participants

Toli, the mastermind behind the Gobelin Fair, holds the esteemed positions of owner and chief barker, guiding the festivities with his irrepressible charm and foppish flair. However, he recognizes the importance of a diverse and dedicated team to bring the fair to life. His employment extends to a wide variety of workers, encompassing both local folk and ethereal fey beings.
Young and eager Gobelin barkers find their start at the fair, captivated by Toli's showmanship and drawn to the magical atmosphere. These budding talents learn the tricks of the trade, honing their skills in captivating visitors and enticing them to explore the wonders of the fair.
Sprightly and surly Spiggan laborers play a vital role, utilizing their strength and agility to move heavy objects with ease. Their tireless efforts ensure that the fairgrounds are transformed with efficiency and precision, allowing the enchantment to flourish.
In the Ale tent, a lively Faun takes charge, not only serving refreshing drinks but also enchanting guests with her flirtatious nature. With hooves and hairy legs, she embraces her unique charm, captivating those unbothered by societal expectations.
The fairgrounds come alive with the ethereal presence of sprites and pixies, dancing and flitting about, their radiant energy infusing the air with a magical ambiance. Their whimsical movements and mischievous presence add an extra layer of enchantment, captivating the hearts of fairgoers.
Rarer fey folk, such as Sidhe and other mystical beings, lend their talents and expertise to ensure the magic of the Faire reaches its full potential. Their contributions, rooted in ancient wisdom and mystical powers, breathe life into every nook and cranny of the fair.
True to Toli's heartfelt desires, the mortal artists, crafters, and creators take center stage as the true gems of the Gobelin Fair. It is their works that occupy the prominent spots in the vendor stalls and perform on the stages, capturing the attention and admiration of fairgoers.
Toli's unwavering passion for artistry and craftsmanship shines through in his deliberate curation of the fair. He ensures that the mortal acts of creation are given the spotlight they deserve, allowing their talents to shine brightly amidst the enchanting atmosphere.
While the games, fey vendors, and magical displays play their supporting roles in creating a captivating experience, they never overshadow the mortal artists and their creations. The fairgoers are immersed in a celebration of the ingenuity, skill, and imagination of these mortal talents, who are cherished and celebrated as the true heart and soul of the Gobelin Fair.
Through Toli's vision and unwavering commitment, the fair becomes a platform for mortal artists to showcase their creations to a wider audience. Their artworks, crafts, and performances become the centerpiece, captivating the hearts and minds of those who witness their magic.

Observance

Indeed, the Gobelin Fair unfailingly commences on the first day of summer, like clockwork, regardless of the whims of weather or the demands of mortals. It appears in a different location each year, chosen seemingly at random from various corners of the world. The locals of that chosen place are granted forewarning, through means known only to Toli and the powerful fey magic that envelops the fair. Whether through invitations, whispered rumors, or subtle signs, the message spreads, alerting the people that the fair will open its gates a fortnight hence.
This unchanging tradition is an inherent part of the Goblin Fair, bound by some mystical force that transcends the desires of mortals and fey alike. Rain or shine, in times of joy or sorrow, the fair stands resolute in its commitment to its set time and place. It is a testament to the unyielding nature of the fey magic that governs this enchanting event, granting it an air of mystery and wonder.
The arrival of the Gobelin Fair has become a cherished and eagerly anticipated event for both locals and visitors alike. The allure of the fair, shrouded in its unpredictable nature, adds to its appeal, drawing people from far and wide to experience the marvels it holds. It has woven itself into the fabric of the world, becoming a whimsical tradition that captures the imagination of all who encounter it.