The PCs meet with a mysterious stranger going by the name of Mr. Wednesday. He offers them a job, and proffers as payment information about how they can get their memories back.

The job is protecting an heiress and making sure she stays within the public's eye. She's been in the news recently, so this shouldn't be much of a problem, but Mr. Wednesday has reason to believe that she may be in danger soon. However, keeping her in the limelight is paramount, with her safety only a secondary concern. Mr. Wednesday believes that publicity will drive away whoever it is who has targetted the heiress, and keep her safer in the long term. He doesn't know much more, except that whoever is coming for her probably has contacts in the government, and may use them to try to spirit the heiress away in a manner that wouldn't raise much suspicion.

He will not reveal his true name under any circumstances, but will hint that he works for the girl's grandfather if pressed. She has recently been disinherited, but the man still wants her to be safe.

He will also be very circumspect in naming a name until the PCs have accepted his bargain and sealed it with a round of mead. The barkeep (or shopkeep, or cashier if the meeting doesn't take place in a bar) will bring from behind the counter a small keg of the ale and enough crystal glasses for everyone to have a glass. Until then he'll be very cagey about the name, asking if it really matters who she is, and assuring anyone who worries that she isn't connected to anything illegal.

Her name is Paris Hilton, and he will hand them a folder with some information on it when they accept the job. He knows she'll be at a party in Hollywood in a week, and also knows the host. He can get the PCs onto the guest list, but it will be up to them to get close to Ms. Hilton.

What's Really Happening

Mr. Wednesday is really Odin, the All Father. Paris Hilton's on-again off-again relationship with the press, and her status of being famous because she's famous, have made her a bruise on the face of Media. He'd like this to continue as long as possible to both weaken Media's credibility and distract her from his true plans. It also presents itself as a useful test of his newly acquired assets' caliber.

Location

This can happen anywhere, but is most likely to happen at the bar where the last episode ended. If for some reason the PCs avoided the place or left before Odin arrived, he will meet them wherever they go.

Opening

Odin has already entered and started his conversation prior to the adventure starting (see The Escape). He'll get right down to business.

NPCs Present

Odin, the All-Father: Mr. Wednesday has come to the group for help and to test them in order to find out if they are going to be useful weapons in his coming war with the new American Gods. He'll be as circumspect with information as he can, claiming ignorance or his ficticious employer's privacy whenever possible.

He'll offer just their memories and a small amount of travel funds ($500) at first, but will go up to $1,000 if pressured (+$100 per success on a Manipulation or Charisma + Presence roll by the asker). This too is a test, aimed at their negotiation skills and self-reliance.

Bar personnel and patrons: These will vary depending on how things unfolded in the escape.

Mr. Wednesday - "Well, seeing as it definitely my day, you may as well call me Mr. Wednesday. Although with the way it's coming down out there, perhaps it should be Thursday instead."

The Band visits a party being thrown by Bacchus in an attempt to get themselves ingratiated with Paris Hilton so they can protect her and keep her in the limelight. While they are there, two members of The Agency (Mr. House and Mr. Road) raid the party disguised as DEA agents, with several police officers in tow. Ostensibly they are looking for traces of an experimental new drug, and will use small blood testers (they look like blood sugar monitors) to test the guests. Meanwhile another Agent, Mr. Cart, will attempt to dose Paris using a small syringe. It is up to the PCs to stop him from doping her without getting arrested.

Location

Bacchus's mansion in Beverly Hills is a huge building with stately columns, exquisite statuary, and all the social amenities one might expect from the God of Wine and Celebration. If the players ask around, they'll learn that the home owner makes his living by throwing the best parties anywhere. The host has rented this party to Paris' friends as a celebration of her recent release from jail. Under the name of Dion Nicholas, he makes his way through the house ensuring all guests are happy.

Opening

The PCs arrive at the mansion as the party is in full swing. After a short run in with the gate gaurds they're let in. Inside they're free to wander the house, but will eventually come to a large living room. On one side is the palacial divan that Dionysus sprawls out on when he is not seeing to his guests. Around it sit six of his currently favorite girlfriends, each one high on a different drug.

Across the room, standing by a floor to ceiling window looking out onto a olympic size pool, are Paris and several of her friends. They're drinking, chatting, and studiously ignoring their boy toys.

NPCs Present

Dionysus: Dionysus will watch the festivities, but will not intervene. He's unhappy about having this encounter in his home, as he was hoping to avoid contact with the new pantheon for as long as possible. But he believes Odin when he says a war is coming, and hopes that the young new Scions will pan out so that he can watch it from the sidelines.

Paris Hilton: She's Paris Hilton. She will initially want to avoid any but the most charismatic or beautiful of characters, but if made aware of the threat against her could be persuaded to leave. Mostly though, she's a spoiled brat. If she thinks that being Paris Hilton will get something done for her, she'll try.

She'll put up a fuss when asked to bare her finger, as she doesn't like needles or pain. She'll bat her eyelashes, coo seductively, and work her feminine wiles as much as she can, but it'll fail miserably to Mr. House and Mr. Road's stoney visages. This could leave her feeling dejected and less feminine though, with the reactio being that she'll be more inclined to try to get to know other men at the party, especially any that act kindly towards her through this "horrific ordeal." If arrested, she'll instantly metamorphose from vapid party girl to pissed off brat.

Partygoers: There are approximately 30 people at the party, 8 of which are with Paris's retinue. Much like her, they are spoiled and willful children masquerading as adults.

Agents House and Road: Mr. House and Mr. Road lead the police officers in the mock bust. Their goal is to arrest Paris Hilton after she has been dosed by Mr. Cart. They will then weather the brief storm of reporters and make sure she is sent before the Judge on Monday. The judge will sentence her to rehab, where she will drop off of the media's radar.

Agent Cart: Mr. Cart's sole purpose at the party is to dose Paris Hilton. He will watch her from afar (perception + Awareness difficulty 3 to notice a seemingly intense fascination). If she goes to the restroom he will try to discretely follow (same difficulty). If he is spotted and followed he'll break off and try again when she goes to get a drink. If both attempts are foiled, he will be desperate to reach her when the raid starts. The difficulty to notice him will be only 2, but he will not stop just due to the presence of witnesses. The PCs can still stop him, but they'll have to be more overt about it.

If necessary, The Agency can tamper with any witnesses who saw him dose her, but they'd prefer a light touch.

Officers: Officers Beecher, O'Rieily, Nathan, and Hill are typical beat cops, on loan to "the DEA" from the Beverly Hills Police Department. Their stats are avialiable in the core rulebook pg 282.

Officer Beauchamp: Beauchamp is a big guy, who likes to make out as if he were smarter than he looks. He isn't, but his reaction to words like "stupid" and "dummy" tend to keep anyone from trying to point that out. Outside of that though, he's a good guy to have on your side, who sticks up for his friends when they need it. He's also bisexual, and any attractive Band members could put this to their advantage should they find themselves in trouble.

While he can't get them out of major trouble (such as a gun fight), and wouldn't want to if he could, he might be persuaded by an attractive and/or charismatic individual to let them go for a minor infraction such as not having any identification. He'll happily trade the minor favor for a phone number, and pay for it by telling Mr. House that he knows one of the PCs, and vouches for them. The Agents are focused on Paris, and will let it slide.

If the phone number the players give is real, and a friendship (or other relationship) is sparked, they could gain a valuable contact in the force. He's not a major player by any means, but could be useful in gathering minor data and making tickets disappear. If the number given is fake, he'll be angered by the trick, and the PC in question may find his car towed or booted, random building inspectors looking into his property, and other legalistic hassles coming their way.

Beauchamp is in most respects a typical Beat Cop (core pg. 282). He has a strength of 4 and an Appearance of 4, which set him apart from his fellows.

Paris - "I’m an actress, a brand, a businesswoman. I’m all kinds of stuff."

Paris - "You should live everyday like it's your birthday."

Paris - "I'm totally normal. I think it's obnoxious when people demand limos or bodyguards. I eat at McDonald's or Taco Bell. My parents always taught us to be humble. We're not spoiled."

Agents - "Please be calm, form a line, and present your right index fingers to Mr. House. This will only take a moment."

Officer Beauchamp - "Hi there. No ID, huh? That's a shame. I'd hate to have to take someone as cute as you downtown. I live uptown."

Dionysus - "It was never more true than it is today: quid quid latine dictum sit, altum sonator. Drink and be merry!"

Paris has heard that there are are children in Africa who cannot read, and in her distress rushes to the public library to donate several old crates filled with Style, People, and similar magazines. Thoth, under the guise of Mr. Ibis, works at the library and is being bother by Agents. As the PCs leave backup arrives, the Agents having recognized an opportunity and called for backup. A car chase ensues.

Location

It starts in the library, then continues into the streets of L.A.

Opening

"Like, oh my gawd! Those poor kids!" Paris is up and ready to go to the library like a shot. If the PCs are around she'll enlist their help in loading the car with the magazines, insistent that not only should they learn to read, they should also learn how to dress and where to hang out.

Setting Details

The Beverly Hills Public Library is a grand affair. The outside is austentatious, and the inside nearly devoid of customers. Behind the counter, being bothered by a Suit, is Mr. ibis, a.k.a. Thoth. He is talking to the Agent completely calmly, and his right hand never stops writing in a small notbook. As Paris approaches and tries to shoulder her way past, Mr. Ibis finishes that book, tucks it carefully under his desk onto a small pile of spiral notebooks, and pulls another from a drawer, immediately beginning writing again.

Alert characters (Perception + Investigation (3), or Perceptoin + Awareness (4)) can catch a glimpse of the story he is writing. It is about a boy who goes hunting in the woods with a slingshot. He manages to stalk up on an elk and take a shot, but his only ammunition is a cherry pit, and it appears to have bounced off. Next season, that same boy is hunting and he comes across the elk, which now has a small cherry tree growing from it's head.

Eventually, the car chase will begin careening through Beverly Hills and its surrounding areas. The PCs need a total of 20 successes to escape, while the Agents need 20 successes to force the car to the side of the road.

NPCs Present

Mr. Tree: Mr. Tree is here to recruit Mr. Ibis, and doing a horrible job of it. He will be overheard threatening someone name Mr. Jackyll, and making ominous overtones about an upcoming storm, and how it's always good to stand under a tree when the rain comes. He will recognize Paris, and mumble under his breath for backup, hand over his ear Secret Service-style. Mr. Tree has typical Mr. Place stats.

Mr. Ibis: Mr. Ibis is Thoth, Egyptian God of Knowledge. He speaks crisply and cleanly, with an academic perfection to his words, and never says anything other than exactly what he means. Although he also never says everything that he is thinking. He constantly writes in his journals, chronicling the ongoing supernatural events in the world. It is his only remaining tie to the Old Times beyond Mr. Jackyll, and he will become visibly distressed if prevented from keeping his records. He will refuse to join with Mr. Tree, professing neutrality. Mr. Ibis remains unstatted, but even as a non-combat focused deity of demi-god level he has more than enough power to end or escape any combat started in the library.

Mr. House and Mr. Road: Mr. Tree's backup will arrive as the group leaves, and attempt to pull them over. If arrested, Paris will make her way into rehab in severe danger of becoming a washed up celebrity, while PCs will tortured, interrogated, and shipped to Quantico. Mr. House and Mr. road have typical Mr. Place stats.

Paris - "I don't think there's ever been anyone like me that's lasted. And I'm going to keep lasting."

Paris - "This is like O.J., but the sexy white woman's not dead."

Mr. Tree - "Sir, I hope you understand that you can't make it alone anymore. Look out there," he waves towards the giant glass doors, "this is the world of the new. There's a storm coming, and it pays to have a Tree to shelter you."

Mr. Ibis - "Sir, I would as soon show you my puffy red hind quarters as count to three, only with more conviction and less remorse."

Mr. House (through bullhorn if their chase roll pulls to within 2) - ""

A string of subtle attacks by Media coincide with Mr. Wednesday's request for a recruitment drive, forcing the PCs to split their resources, stay on their toes, and react creatively to keep Paris in the public eye.

• Attempted bulking up and mentally destabilizing by the cook.
• Mr. Wednesday needs a man named Czernobog to agree to join the cause.
• Joe Christian woos Paris, changing her focus from the limelight to family
• She returns from a trip to the gynocologist a little ill, and the next day is covered in weeping sores
• News stories about her are replaced with stories about the generosity and caring of a new media darling: Keira Knightley
• Nicole Richie shows up to drag Paris down the road to druggie burnout

All of the events will occur either at the same time or one after another, filling the scene with things that need to be done and things that need to be stopped. In order to be completely successful, the PCs must:

• Neutralize the cook without causing a scandal
• Get Czenobog to agree to join
• Negate Joe Christian's influence on Paris
• Diagnose and cure her sores without the public finding out
• Push Paris into outrageous situations while thwarting Keira's good publicity
• Avoid letting Nicole drag Paris into drugs, preferably while using the reunion as PR fodder.

To be partially successful, the PCs need only keep Paris in the media through any means necessary, although making a "real" story (such as a kidnapping or murder) would be less than ideal.

"I've never done steroids in my life, now go away I have to cry."

Chef Anton Bordeaux worked for the Hiltons for four years before he defected to follow their granddaughter to Beverly Hills. He's loved her since he met her, and wants only the best for her. Of course, his vision of the best differs from hers in that he feels the media is dragging her down.

A few days ago he found a package in his room. Inside were several pill bottles with falsified lists of their side effects, and a letter telling him that a calmer and heavier Paris would fall off the radar and have a chance at a normal life. The attached sheets and bottles use the chemical, not commercial, names and the letter is signed Richard Hilton (forged). Since then he's been slipping Paroxetine (Paxil), Escitalopram (Lexapro), and Prednisone into her meals. The chemsheets with their side effects (and the real side effects they produce) are as follows:

Lexapro: weight gain, mood stabilization (antidepressant), nausea, calm thinking (somnolence)

Paxil: weight gain, mood stabilization (antidepressant), (bipolar-esque mania), dry mouth, (suicidal ideation)

Prednisone: immune system booster (immunosuppressant), weight gain (true, but as an unwanted side effect, not a primary cause), insomnia (letter says it will counteract the Lexapro's somnalence, but will really result in a sleep-deprived zombie, (mania), frequent urination

Paris will begin displaying signs of the drugs slowly, starting with the mildest and working her way towards an intense mania which will result in a blowout in front of the media (preferably involving the PCs somehow). While it will at first appear to be a major spike, when coupled with the other events it will give her a momentary publicity boost followed by a plummet to obscurity. It will also act as an excellent hook for Joe to use to puul her into mediocrity. His charm combined with a sessation of all drugs will make her feel like he was sent to save her from herself.

Anton does not know where the package came from, but knows it was signed by Paris's father, so does not suspect anything. It really came from The Agency, and was placed in his room by one of the Spanish-speaking housemaids.

"He's in Brooklyn."

Mr. Wednesday will call with an urgent matter. He is willing to pay in money or future favors to see it gets done without sidelining the Hilton mission. A man named Czernobog lives in East New York, Brooklyn, in a small apartment nestled in a large tenement building: the Helmold. Wednesday needs the man's assistance in a matter of no small import. He won't tell the PCs what the business is, but assures them that Czernobog knows.

Czernobog himself is an ancient Slavic deity of darkness, and lives with his three half-daughters, the Zorya. Czernobog is a strong old man, his arms still rippled with muscle from his days in the slaughter business. He can be talked into it, but the PC will have to come up with a good reason for Czernobog to move out from the midst of his seat of power.

Czernobog runs the tenement, which is filled to capacity with other Slavic families. Although the people who still burn candles to his icons don't know that he is near, he hears them, and strikes out at their enemies for them. The neighborhoods are clear of crime around the Helmold (named after a german priest who first wrote of Czernobog).

"Til slow and boring death do we part."

Joe Christian, Scion of Media, has been seen to make Paris Hilton into a boring woman. Ostensibly a charming and charitable Protestant minister with a faithful following, Joe Christian truly only worships at the altar of himself. He cannot wait to successfully perform this job so he can divest himself of the brainless bimbo and begin his meteoric rise to fame.

His knacks and skills should allow him to easily fool the PCs into believing he really is what he says he is, and that he could truly be an inspiration and a blessing in Paris's life. The test is if they would want to break that up for the sake of the mission. If so, they'll have to somehow break his spellbinding hold over her and get her involved in some whacky on camera hijinx.

"Ewww! Is that a mutant zit?"

It starts with a mad and unsuccessful dash to the bathroom. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small bowel that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals of all ages. The combination of Chef Anton's Prednisone "treatments" and an increased wheat diet will cause the diseae to present itself in Paris. Symptoms include pale and malodorous diarrhea, bloatedness, mouth ulcers, fatigue, and weight loss. The weight loss will be counteracted by the weight gain of the other medications, but if those are stopped could become medically dangerous. Most notable of the symptoms will be dermatitus herpetiformus, characterized by weeping sores at the elbows, knees, back, and buttocks. The name, although suggestive of herpes, does not actually indicate a sexually transmitted disease. Of course, the media will leave that part out when they show pictures of the heiress's sores and ulcers.

Medical diagnosis is difficult, as the disease is mostly restricted to those of Indo-European stock and diet. A Perception + Medicine (7) roll can diagnose it on site, with a failure by more than 4 indicating a misdiagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A full examination allows a Perception + Medicine (4) roll to be made. Paris's doctor, though handsome and charming, is not at the height of his field. He will misdiagnose the disease and proscribe an antidiarrheal. It will control that portion of the problem, but the rest will continue to worsen over the course of a week.

Proper diagnosis followed by an Intelligence + Medicine (3) roll indicates that the best treatment is to switch immediately to a gluten free diet. Succes by 4 or more indicates that there are current medicines awaiting approval by the FDA that would allow the patient to break down glutanates in the duodenum and enjoy a normal diet.

"Sexy pirate to the rescue."

As Paris begins her medical and behavioral downfall, Media's second phase begins. The young actress Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean) starts making headlines. However, instead of being scandalous, she is truly trying to help the world. Where Paris donated a few boxes of old magazines, Keira opens a library, and the press will be sure to draw the parallel. As time progresses Keira's deeds become more and more grandiose: she donates the entire proceeds of signing on for The Edge of Love to the Literacy Foundation, hosts a fund raiser for Save the Children in her home, etc.

No matter what hijinx Paris pulls (and she'll pull a lot to regain the public eye) her stories will constantly be bumped by Keira Knightley, Media's new "It Girl." Only by coupling brash and stupid acts with an assult on Knightley's reputation will the PCs be able to keep Hilton in the show. Knightley's residence being near London's Hyde Park could make that a difficult proposition. Wednesday can get two tickets (coach) on such short notice.

"Damn, her daddy must be proud."

Nicole Richie, one time friend and simple Life costar will reappear in Paris's life at the same approximate time as Keira's rise in status. Though the two will fight at first, Paris will quickly spiral into drug use and debauchery with her. In addition, Nicole's desire to be a true friend will make her want to help, but that help will take the form of convincing Paris that she's ok, and that there's no reason she should be ashamed to show up in public, despite her hideously diseased skin.

If not stopped, it won't take long before Nicole's well meaning advice lands Paris in a drunk driving case, drug possession wrap, or other one-way ticket to rehab and out of the limelight.

NPCs Present

Chef Anton: The Hilton family chef is a man much younger than his name would indicate, clocking in at only 32. He has long had a crush on Paris, and even left her grandparents' employ when she moved out. He is convinced she could do much better with her life if only she would step out of the spotlight and start thinking about who she wants to be.

Czernobog: Czernobog is the ancient Black God of Slavic myth. He bears no ill will towards Odin, but won't join the cause without something in return. He currently lives there under the slow trickling of a meat packer's pension, and talks fondly of his days as a stunner on the line, wringing his hands as he does. A promise of violence may work, as could beating him at checkers (Intelligence + Academics, difficulty 5 for the PC). However, he won't wager his aid without huge stakes, preferably involving blood.

The Zorya: The Zorya are gaurdian deities. It is they who hold back the Titan Simargl and keep him trapped and the constellation of ursa minor safe from being eaten. Should they fail, it is said that the end of the world will begin. Their role here is not so dire though, appearing merely as Czernobog's family. They take the guise of the prototypical female triumvirate: beautiful young lady, strong middle aged woman, and wizened grandmother. All are friendly unless there are overt hostilities, and even then they will try to calm the situation if it seems possible.

They will never be up and about at the same time. Utrennyaya (the maiden) will be up in the morning before anyone else, preparing the house for the day. Vechernyaya (the mother) watches over the house in the evening, preparing it for sleep. Unless they take The Zorya up on their offer to stay the night, the PCs will not meet Zorya Polunochnaya (the crone). She only comes out of her room in the night. However, if they meet her, and one of them has proven himself through word and deed to be of kind heart and valorous soul, he may be gifted with a coin by Zorya Polunochnaya (see below), who will reach into the night sky on the balcony and seemingly pluck the moon from the sky when it fades behind a cloud.

Joe Christian: Joe is a Scion of Media. He has only recently been Visited, and longs for a chance to live under his new mother's auspices. To do so, he must prove himself by removing Paris Hilton from the news. He believes that making her boring and having her settle down to a life of dull parentage and trivialities will work, and he is correct.

As such he has taken it upon himself to wear the burden of taking the dumbest celebrity in America as his bride. He has adopted the guise of a Los Angeles preacher with a moderately sized following (25 extras from various walks of life), and will orchestrate a meeting between himself and Paris as she leaves a store on Rodeo drive. He is there seeking donations for the Literacy Foundation, and doing a very good job thanks to his epic attributes.

If not stopped, the relationship will rapidly spiral to a media-less (by his insistance) wedding. Within months, once she no longer matters, Paris's death will be the springboard that launches Joe's career.

Nicole Richie: Paris' "The Simple Life" costar is, perhaps, dumber than Paris Hilton/ She's also less famous, and hates it. She's come back to the scene to party with Paris and life the good life again. Although she's not actively a part of the Wednesday / Media feud, she could cause major damage if not neutralised.

Her appearance at first will not be dangerous, as she and Paris will mostly fight over silly things that happened on The Simple Life. However, with time Paris will forgive Nicole, and they'll have a massive party to celebrate. This may be an opportunity for another Agency raid, or just a chance for Paris to get in a car for a beer run and wind up in rehab. In any case, the troubles will escalate as long as Nicole and Paris remain friends.

Keira Knightley: The up and coming young starlet is a paragon of charity, faith, and love. Her history as a daughter of the British theatre gives her great pull amongst the Britophiles and Literati that flock to movies such as The Edge of Love and Doctor Zhivago. He roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Domino bring in the younger crowd. She even has The Jacket under her belt to showcase her psychologicla thriller talents. With all these facets, she made an excellent choice for Media as a replacement It Girl. Bringing someone of substance to the forefront of Hollywood stardom could legitimize such enterprises as E! and The Hollywood Minute, at least until Brittney Spears says something stupid again. But that should be long enough to get Paris to fade away.

Paris - "I'd imagine my wedding as a fairy tale... huge, beautiful and white."

Paris - "All British people have plain names, and that works pretty well over there."

Paris - "I like it, but it's yellow, and I'm like, I didn't want yellow for my engagement ring."

Nicole - “Have a nice rest of your life.”

Nicole - "“I would never put my own personal marriage on television."

Keira - “I think every girl is looking for her Mr Darcy."

Keira - "Katharine Hepburn and Vivien Leigh are my heroes. Not because of their ability, but because of their perseverance."

Chef Anton - "Non! I would never hurt her. She is la chanson de mon âme." (the song of my soul)

Chef Anton - "Is there anything spéciales I can fix for you? Miss Hilton's tastes are very grounded, so I get little chance to stretch my muscles."

Joe Christian - "The Lord will provide."

Joe Christian - "Is it not better that you do good works and not be seen, than be well known for doing nothing?"

Czernobog - "I got a job in the meat business. On the kill floor. When the steer comes up the ramp, I was a knocker. You know why we are called knockers? Is because we take the sledgehammer and we knock the cow down with it. Bam! It takes strength in the arms. Yes?. . . .Is not just strong though. There was an art to it. To the blow. Otherwise the cow is just stunned, or angry. . . ."

Czernobog - "What would you wager?"

Zorya Utrennyaya (the maiden) - "Is there anything I can get for you, sir?"

Zorya Vechernyaya (the mother) - "Hush, Czernobog. You'll worry the poor boy."

Zorya Polunochnaya (the crone) - "Long are the days, and longer still the nights. May this trinket help you continue to see them change."

Other

Media is tired of the disruption and the inability to end it through normal means. She sends what looks like a film crew to finish the job.

Location

This scene can happen anywhere, but if a little public display sounds like it would be fun, perhaps Media decides to make a stunt of it and goes for Paris while she's on Rodeo Drive getting a pedicure. The location should involve traffic, bystanders, and other scenery.

Opening

Two white vans pull up, one labelled In Media Res FX and the other In Media Res AV Squad. The AV van will disgorge its occupants: a camera crew composed of two men with tripods and large Hollywood Cameras. The FX van will release its payload as well: three slavering cyberdogs and a muscular man in a too-tight business suit. The dogs will follow the man calmly until the group is closer to Paris (who will stand watching with curiosity). At that point one of the drivers, who has sat up a director's chair and plopped into it, will shout "Action!" The dogs will make a bee line for Paris, with the man travelling close behind. The man will call out "Mr. Drax sends his regards, Dr. Goodhead!" and attack as well.

NPCs Present

Jaws: The Scion of Media playing the role of Jaws is a 7'2" monstrosity with steel teeth. His goal, apart from killing Paris, is to look scary doing it. A guy's gotta get his Legend somewhere.

Cameramen: The two camera men are more than just onlookers, although recording the fight for further study is part of their task. If given an opening, they will use the single shot hidden guns in their lenses to take out one or two of the opposition. They are standard extras, but the hidden nature of their weapons will require the target to make a Perception + Awareness (2) roll or be caught unaware by the shot.

Director: Ramone Rivera will be calling directions to his crew the entire time (using Charisma + Cammand to coordinate attacks with a 4 dice pool. Apart from an increased Command skill he is a normal humen (non-extra). He will not fight, choosing to flee if possible and surrender if not.

Dogs: The dogs are cybernetically enhanced, and then further modified by the In Media Res Fx team to make them more visually disturbing. They are completely hairless, and appear to have no flesh. Their hind legs and lower jaws have been replaced with cybernetics which look much more threatening than they are.

Quotes

Ramone Rivera - "His name's Jaws. He kills people."

Ramone Rivera - "Action!"

Jaws - "Grrrrr!!! How was that Mr. Rivera? Scary enough?"

Ramone Rivera - "Shut up you dolt! It will be scary when you bite someone's arm off!"

Jaws - "Sure thing, boss."

Other

Mr. Wednesday gives the PCs their payment, in the form of knowledge about where their memories can be found.

Location

Wednesday will ask to meet at the Scarlet Lady Saloon in Culver City, just outside of L.A. The name suggests something out of the Old West, but the classy interior speaks more towards the late 50's. Daytime customers nurse beers and watch the races until the light bleeds out of the sky and the evening shift of regulars trickle in for Monday Night Football. The only thing out of place is a foot tall stone statuette of a lion-headed woman propped against the register. Intelligence + Occult (4) recognizes it as an idol of Sekhmet. A botch will falsely identify it as Bast. should a player falsely label it Bast themselves, allow a roll at difficulty 3 to avoid maintaining the wrong idea. Identifying the statue incorrectly to either goddess could have unpleasant results.

Opening

The PCs come into the bar to find Mr. Wednesday and another man sitting at a table. Wednesday is sipping at a dark and frothy drink, while his companion has several glass mugs turned upside down on the table next to him, dribbling Guinness onto the table. Wednesday's celebratory cigar is puffing away and he's got one for everyone. He's in boisterous spirits, having just won a bet with the Scarlet Lady and gained her help in the upcoming war. Mad Sweeney is woozy but not too far along (yet).

Events

• The Scarlet Lady will come and offer drinks. She is a sturdy woman with short black hair, olive skin, and green eyes. She'll be friendly to everyone as long as they make no attempt to perform or discuss criminal acts.
• Mr. Wednesday will buy a round, shaking hands and clapping people on the back. If anyone successfully engaged the services of Czernobog in Scene 4 he'll give them a welcoming shake of the shoulders and gentle, cupping clap on the cheek, reminiscent of a mafiosa calling someone paisan.
• Mad Sweeney will ramble about being a leprechaun, despite being at least 6' 2". If anyone disbelieves him openly, he'll challenge them to fisticuffs. If nobody does, Sweeney will get more and more belligerent, eventually picking a fight with the strongest PC present, preferably one of Nordic persuasion. Rather than stop the fight, Sekhmet will clap to draw everyone's attnetion and clear off some floor space. A little brawl now and then is welcome as long as nothing gets damaged.
• Sweeney, full of pride or put in his place, will calm down. If beaten, he'll look at the winner's bruised face and/or knuckles and say in a very sober voice, "I'm sorry fer that me bucko. Per'aps I can make it up to you." As he finishes, he'll wobble around, waving his hands, then slapping one against a table like a man playing quarters. Despite the empty hand, a golden coin the size of a silver dollar will bounce up and into the winner's drink. It's an antique gold eagle worth at least $1,000 on the open market.
• Mr. Wednesday will tell the PCs that their pasts can be found back at Braintec, the building they escaped to get in this situation. Braintec is a front for the Government, and if the PCs would be so kind as to ruin their work, Mr. Wednesday will make it worth their while. He'll be as circumspect as possible when mentioning how he'll pay them, but it will involve reuniting them with their long lost families. If needbe (and only if needbe) he'll offer up a favor to be determined after they have their memories and know better what they want.

NPCs Present

Sekhmet: Sekhmet, also known as the Scarlet Lady, is the Lion-headed goddess of war for the Pesedjet. She owns the bar, and there is never any trouble here. Local gangs and lowlifes have learned to keep their distance, and because of that the Saloon has many customers from all walks of life despite.

Mr. Wednesday: Still acting in his guise as Mr. Wednesday, Odin is happy and feeling generous. He doesn't have a lot on him, but if asked for more he'll offer to cut the inquirer in on his next job, which will involve staking out a bank all night and bilking night depositers out of their hard-earned funds. He won't explain it in the saloon though, as Sekhmet might break their bargain or try to break something else.

Mad Sweeney: Mad Sweeney really is a Leprechaun, or at least has access to a source of wealth he calls "the vault." He can reach into thin air and pull out coins from the vault. He's a wild man at heart ("free spirit" in his eyes). But he can also be a valuable friend and ally. He has the modern knowledge to make a good •• guide, or the strong fists of a ••• follower. That he's a constant source of wealth and excitement also adds to the long list of reasons why Wednesday can sometimes be seen travelling alongside the boisterous bloke.

Sekhmet - "Fists are fine boys, but if you bring out a blade, so will I."

Mr. Wednesday - " "

Mad Sweeney - " "