England Endeavors RP

[Muzan Jackson Kibutsuji]

In the bustling town of Ashbourne, life never slows down. No matter where you go, the air is alive with the clamor of merchants haggling over prices, the occasional street brawl breaking out between rival factions, and passionate declarations shouted from soapboxes by self-proclaimed visionaries. The city pulses with energy, a place where opportunity and danger walk hand in hand. Whether you've arrived as a visitor, settled here to make a life for yourself, or found yourself trapped by circumstance, one thing is certain—it is a privilege to stand within the heart of the City of Fire Magic.

Ashbourne is famed far and wide for its unique and mesmerizing fire magic cooking. Nowhere else in the known world do chefs wield raw magical flames to char, sear, and roast their culinary creations to perfection. Food here isn't just sustenance—it's a performance, a sensory experience where flames dance in dazzling displays before hungry patrons. The aroma of sizzling meats, caramelized fruits, and crisped bread fills the air, luring in both nobles and commoners alike. Visitors flock to the city's renowned cooking districts, eager for a taste of something that cannot be found anywhere else.

Beyond its culinary marvels, Ashbourne is also a hub of industry and invention. Blacksmiths work tirelessly in glowing forges, their hammers striking metal in rhythmic precision, while alchemists and engineers whisper of untapped power sources. Some forward-thinking minds have even begun to experiment with the concept of harnessing steam as an energy source—a radical and almost laughable idea to traditionalists, yet one that just might shape the future.

Fire, ambition, and progress define Ashbourne, a city that hums with the dreams of those who call it home. So come and witness the spectacle, feel the heat of innovation, and immerse yourself in the relentless energy of a city that never sleeps!

 

[phibglib]

Henry was here, of course, in the interest of technological innovation. He was always a strong proponent of improving the world through reason. Besides, it was a good way to get his mind off His Highness' recent genocidal attacks on the elves.

And his sister, Mirabel, insisted on tagging along, because... well, just because. Because she's not the sort of woman who does things for reasons.

One of the deals they made was that soon after arriving in the city, they'd head to one of the city's famous restaurants, maybe see how the cooking is done. That's where they were right now. And later, they'd go and see the proposals the philosophers were making for steam power. Henry hadn't the slightest how that would work, but it seemed like a very interesting concept.

 

[Muzan Jackson Kibutsuji]

A chef arrived at your table, menu in hand and asked if you wanted anything. her hair seems to be made of fire, and her skin the color of mahogany wood. her eyes are also glowing like flames, but not hostile. still, she seems kind enough. she has a spatula in her hand and a pot in the other. the restaurant is absolutely packed, and it's a miracle you managed to snag a table.

 

[Lost Martian]

Aphan had come to loathe returning to civilization, his time in the wilderness of England having greatly changed him. The Dragonborn would be fine with just remaining among the trees and animals, living like his kin of old. But his search for his friend Sir Bertilak meant that he had to go to these places, inquiring if anyone had seen a warrior with green skin. And so that is what had brought him to Ashbourne.

Arriving at the gates to the city, Aphan was still clad in his furs and survival tools, a bag full of poached hares slung across his back. While Aphan did love making a nice stew with the hares, he had recently caught more than he could eat, so I figured that he might as well sell them for some coin, which he would use to restore his depleted goods.

Allowed into the city without problem, save an odd stare from the guard working the gate probably having never seen a Dragonborn before, Aphan would wander the streets, looking for information. Most of the villagers he attempted to talk to brushed him off, while those who did actually listen to his questions had never heard of a green man. Feeling a little defeated, Aphan would continue looking for leads for the next hour.

After repeated dead ends, Aphan would come across a fancy looking restaurant that doubled as a tavern. His stomach growling at the thought of food, Aphan would enter the establishment. While he was hungry, he also knew taverns were frequented by travelers, the kind of people who had perhaps heard of Sir Bertilak.

As Aphan entered the large restaurant, he would get a few odd looks, but most of the motley assembled people had no problem with him. Initially wanting to start asking people first about the Green Knight, the rumble in Aphan’s stomach led him straight to the counter. A Halfling server greeted him, Aphan ordering some ale and a meal, before taking a seat in the corner.

A few minutes later and Aphan would be chowing down on a plate of meat and potatoes. While he had this same meal plenty of times before, this particular dish was seasoned exceptionally well, a memory popping up in Aphan’s head of someone telling him that the restaurants in Ashbourne were excellent.

As Aphan enjoyed his meal, he kept an eye on the door, silently wishing that Sir Bertilak would step through, or at the very least someone that had heard of him. The Silver Dragonborn was still hopeful that he would find his friend, despite the fact that no one had seen the Green Knight since his challenge in King Arthur’s court.

 

[Muzan Jackson Kibutsuji]

Emyrs pendragon was tired. he needed a break from the constant activity of this city, and decided to head towards the fire magic restaurant. it was good that no one recognized him for who he really was, or their would be some sort of conspiracy that would end with his head on the royal gate. he would need to be careful. for now he was going by his alias, renard vulpis. (renard is french for fox, and vulpis is latin for fox. he likes foxes.)

still, the scenery was certainly nice. he saw many colorful faces around him, and felt it a shame he couldn't stay for long. a waiter arrived, and he asked for something with meat, an uncommon taste among half-elves, or elves in general. he got some sort of... he did not know what it was or how to eat it, but it was called a beefburger, and he had no clue what to do. his confusion was visible, and the waiter chuckled, then simply left.

 

[phibglib]

"Does this establishment serve the meat of the deer?" says Henry. "If so, then I'd like to have it, and some good wine. My dear sister–"

"Shall have the lamprey!" Mirabel interrupted with a giggle and a theatrical flourish.

"Yes," said Henry with a roll of the eyes. "And we would also see just how the meal is cooked, if you would let us."

 

[Muzan Jackson Kibutsuji]

the cook smiles, yells to someone in the back, "THEY'LL HAVE THE SHOW!" and she goes back to the kitchen. a 6'11 tall azer comes out in a chef outfit and he casts a spell to enchant your table, and you, with fire immunity. he throws the food on the table, cuts it, then with an artistic flourish, he casts firebolt on each item, then fireball on the table.

you feel like your skin about to burn off but you are unharmed. so is Mirabel. also just for giggles, I'm gonna say a spark flies in one of your guys' eyes. the food is now thoroughly cooked and ready to eat. he bows, and leaves the table. people are clapping for him as he goes.

 

[phibglib]

"God's teeth!" Henry exclaims as a spark flies into his eye, holding up a hand on it. "You might have warned me about that," he says in irritation. Mirabel giggles and says, "Ah, brother. Seems t'was always you who had misfortune fall on your shoulder." She turns back toward the staff. "This was truly a wondrous thing you have shown us! I thank you, truly!"

 

[Muzan Jackson Kibutsuji]

the azer, who has nearly left completely, hears your praise and bows. he returns to the kitchen and the tavern returns to a semi-normal noise level.

 

[Muzan Jackson Kibutsuji]

emyrs is suprised at the display. he is still trying to eat the beefburger.

 

[phibglib]

"Brother, don't tell me you're going to let such a small mote of frustration ruin such a marvelous display!" says Mirabel as they begin their feast.

"No, I agree with you," says Henry. "You know how enthusiastic I am about all things related to magic. It is indeed such a great boon that Nature has given us."

"Nature? Do you not mean God?" says Mirabel.

Henry hesitates. "Yes. Of course."

 

[Lost Martian]

Aphan quietly finished up his plate of meat and potatoes, slowly becoming aware that he had ordered perhaps the most basic dish at this restaurant. The displays of fire magic cooking at the other tables around him told Aphan that he had perhaps ordered a pauper’s meal, not spending enough coin for the full display. But Aphan was fine with it, as how he was raised taught him to be content with the bare minimum.

Gulping down the rest of his ale, Aphan would see several other people enter the restaurant. First was a pair that looked alike, perhaps being siblings, then a half-elf entered the establishment. Aphan was surprised to see someone with elf blood in this part of the world, as the stories Aphan had heard on the road was that King Arthur had been wiping out the elves who lived in England. But this newcomer seemed to have no problem walking about Ashbourne, a big city where people were bound to talk.

Once his meal was finished, Aphan left the required coinage on the table before standing up. Remembering the reason that he had entered the restaurant, Aphan looked for someone who could possibly have the knowledge he was seeking. However something would draw the Silver Dragonborn to the recently arrived siblings and the half-elf.

Approaching the two close tables with the newcomers, Aphan would ask, “Pardon my interruptions, but have you seen or heard word of a knight with green skin?”

 

[Muzan Jackson Kibutsuji]

Emyrs eyed the dragonborn with unease, pondering whether he should lie to keep the man from inspecting him further. he said, "Unless you mean a zombie knight, I'm afraid I am of no service to your current predicament." he watched the siblings to see their response. this 'green knight' concept does intrigue him after all, as all oddities do.

 

[phibglib]

"Nay, we've not," says Henry, his brow furrowed. "Pray, why do you ask this of us?"

Mirabel gasps excitedly. "Ah, would you like our assistance, mayhaps?"

 

[phibglib]

"I do recall there being such a knight in the court of the King," says Henry, "but I cannot say I have interacted with him personally, nor have I heard any indication of him being presently in this city."

 

[Muzan Jackson Kibutsuji]

emyrs was reluctant to give out this information as it would have given his identity away. arthur had interacted with him, and he seemed good enough by arthurs standards, but that meant nothing to emyrs. arthur meant nothing to emyrs.

 

[phibglib]

Henry was reluctant to give help to this stranger as well, though for different reasons. As far as he was concerned, the King was a mass murderer, and anyone who had pledged loyalty to him was suspicious to Henry for that reason. Though he knew too little about the situation to say whether his interference would help or hurt. However, he couldn't voice his concerns directly – all around him would certainly see that as treasonous. Which meant he had to draw attention to the topic of the elves more subtly. "His Highness King Arthur has brought peace to the land, as they say. And so perhaps you are right to look here. But if his war on the elves was still ongoing in any significant capacity, I might expect this Green Knight of yours to be, at this moment, on his horse in the battlefield. Does that seem like it would be so to you as well?"

 

[Lost Martian]

Aphan wasn’t surprised when the half-elf viewed him with apparent distrust. Dragonborn were rare in this part of Europe, some people in England still viewing them as monsters and not an intelligent species. However it didn’t bother Aphan too much as he didn’t put much stock into what others thought of him, unless they were someone Aphan deemed himself close to.

“Unfortunately I don’t mean a zombie,” replied Aphan, “Rather a knight who was enchanted by a sorceress, turning his skin green.”

The male sibling then began to speak, saying he had no knowledge, only for the apparent sister to ask if Aphan required assistance.

“Nay, this is my bond to him that drives me. I wouldn’t place that on anyone else,” stated Aphan.

The brother then mentioned King Arthur’s court, “No my friend, Sir Bertilak was never a part of the court of Camelot. I knew at one time he was there, but I seemed to have missed him, his trail growing cold after that. For all I know he might have left the shores of England, but something inside me tells me that he is still within these lands.”

It seemed like the three of them had no real knowledge of Sir Bertilak, which was the case in most cities that Aphan visited. Occasionally he would hear rumor of someone spotting a green skinned man in the wood, but these leads never panned out, Sir Bertilak remaining as elusive as ever. In truth Aphan was getting ready to give up the search, but his inner resolve was telling him to at least give the search a few more months, as he hadn’t been to every corner of the kingdom yet.

 

[phibglib]

Henry chose not to bring up the fact that Aphan had just contradicted himself (this knight was never in Arthur's court but at the same time he was?).

"Do you speak true, friend?" said Mirabel. "My brother and I would gladly help you on this quest, for we both account ourselves heroes! Is that not so, brother?"

Henry nodded. "Aye, it is so. I am Henry Potter, who faced the Dark Lord Voldemort at age eleven, and yet survived. The following year, Mirabel and I played a large role in the defeat of William Cifra, a demon of the dream realm, who threatened our entire world. I say this not as a boast, but to impress upon you that we are quite clever and accomplished."

 

[Lost Martian]

Aphan realized that his wording might have been confusing, mentioning both that Sir Bertilak had not been in service of the King of England, but had also gone to Camelot at some point. But Aphan didn’t linger on his faux pas as the sister jumped in, asking again about aiding the Dragonborn.

“Perhaps I could use some aid,” replied Aphan, “I’ve been searching for nigh on a year without luck. He is a dear friend of mine and I wanted to make sure he is OK.”

But then the brother spoke, revealing that he was no ordinary adventurer. Aphan had heard some tales of Voldemort, one of the few remaining Dark Lords, though Aphan was sure he was the only one to operate in England. Apparently this Henry had survived an encounter with a Dark Lord at age eleven, an impressive feat. While Aphan himself had already been sent off to battle at that age, he had been fighting regular soldiers, not a powerful wizard.

Henry would then add onto this tale of heroics by mentioning that his sister and him were a part of the defeat of a demon lord. This began to stretch credibility, as Aphan wondered if perhaps the young man had too much to drink at the restaurant and was just attributing stories he heard to himself. Henry would end his introduction by saying that he wasn’t boasting, just to show their pedigree.

Aphan would pause for a few seconds, unsure of how to approach the young man. While it was true that legendary heroes of the realm did indeed walk upon English land, the chance that Aphan just ran into one at a random restaurant was a little bit doubtful. However, even if they weren’t heroes of the caliber mentioned, Aphan thought the siblings could be of use.

“I had not heard the name Henry Potter before, but now I shall remember it,” said Aphan, “Since your sister has offered the aid of two veteran adventurers, I suppose it would be wise to take it.”

 

[phibglib]

Are we truly going to accept this quest? said Henry's Inner Critic. Let me remind you that we know precious little about the situation, and did we not have plans in the city?

And let me remind you that we chose to accept the mantle of a hero, said Henry's Gryffindor side, and how can we claim to be one if we do not act the part? Ignorance is no reason to decline; rather, it simply means we would do well to gather more information.

Outwardly, Henry simply nodded.

"First, however, we must finish our lunch!" said Mirabel. "Food is precious–it is life, even! And I would not much like to be the poor soul who would part Mirabel Pines from it!"

"Do not leave, though," said Henry. "In fact, would you care to join us? I would like to know more about your history together."

 

[Lost Martian]

For a brief few seconds, the young hero did not respond to what Aphan said. Wondering if all Henry had mentioned was just bluster and he wouldn’t really be of any use on Aphan’s mission, the Dragonborn would be surprisingly pleased when Henry nodded, accepting the quest.

This positive outcome did help lift Aphan’s spirit, as he was beginning to lose hope in ever finding the knight who saved his life. Perhaps having two proper adventurers and not just a washed up warrior like Aphan would lead to more favorable results. Anything would be better than Aphan repeatedly finding dead ends in whichever settlement he tried looking in.

The sister, apparently named Mirabel, would then state that they should finish their meal first. Aphan then realized how rude he must seem to be, interrupting their meal just as the special fire magic cooked food arrived. The Dragonborn had spent so long in the wilderness that he sometimes forgot basic manners, civilization and its norms not always present in his mind.

Henry would then offer a seat, asking to learn more about the history of Aphan and the man he was searching for. Obliging the request, Aphan would sit down on one of the empty chairs, his massive frame a lot smaller when he was sitting down.

“I thank you for the promised help,” stated Aphan, “The tale of myself and my friend Sir Bertilak almost dates back two years, when I first arrived on the shores of England. I found myself alone, lost in the wilderness. I surely would have died of hunger and the elements if not for a lone knight I came across. His name was Bertilak, a knight in service of no crown. He would teach me the ways of the wilderness, as he had spent many a year there himself. We would become each other’s companion, a strong friendship forming. That was until we met the witch Morgan le Fay. The vile sorceress would cast a spell on Sir Bertilak, turning his skin green and gaining control of his mind. She would then send him to Camelot, as part of some challenge to King Arthur. I would attempt to follow him, but I would miss him by a few days, no one at Camelot wishing to talk about what Sir Bertilak had done while there. Since that I’ve been trying to track his movement, hoping to find him so that I may somehow undo the spell. I’m hoping that you might be able to help.”

 

[Muzan Jackson Kibutsuji]

emyrs also nodded, but mostly because his curiosity caused him to cave in. he also wanted to help this green knight.

 

[phibglib]

"The last you knew of him," said Henry, "he was at Camelot, then? Even if, as you say, no one would speak of him there, he may well still be within in the city of London, or someone in London may know of him. Or is there someone else who knew him? Do you know of anyone related to the court of Camelot whom you have not yet spoken to?"

 

[phibglib]

"Might we not also seek out Morgan le Fay?" said Mirabel. "She was, after all, the one who laid the curse upon the poor fellow."

"Aye, I'd thought of that as well," said Henry. "'Tis a dangerous road, however, and I would not walk it until we'd exhausted our other options."