Attempts to merge the Adventure and RPG genres have been sparse throughout history. Though both genres revolve around one or more prominent player-characters that embark on a quest, defeat adversaries, resolve mysteries, save the day and go through some development on the way, the mechanics provide the difference. In place of detailed character and combat systems typically featured in RPGs, Adventure games traditionally focus on puzzles and dialogue – with contemporary examples placing even greater focus on narrative in lieu of traditional elements.

What makes The Council stand out is the way it attempts to marry these two mechanical worlds. This is primarily an Adventure game, yet the first thing you will do upon starting the game is to choose a character class for Louis de Richet – the affable, thoughtful protagonist – who can be a Detective, Diplomat or Occultist, each featuring own skills, such as Diversion, Conviction, Subterfuge and Vigilance. De Richet also possesses traits and talents, and starts off at Level 1. An adventure game, but already in deep RPG territory.

De Richet's search for his missing mother following the heist of an occult artifact finds him rubbing shoulders with the who's-who of the 18th century, including historical figures such as George Washington and Napoleon Bonaparte, all invited to an island by a mysterious figure named Lord Mortimer.

Gameplay runs along two modes: traditional puzzles, some of which are quite involved, as well as dialogue-based encounters, in which de Richet attempts to persuade, mollify, or extract information from these figures. For the puzzles, the skill system acts both as the gatekeeper of certain solution paths (such as when de Richet is unable to pick a lock), and also as a glorified hint system, where passing a skill check grants de Richet with a helpful insight.