Bravo: Welcome to Flavorville!

[CHIMERA]

Prologue:
Have you guys eaten at the new restaurant in Willingham? Have you pulled up to one of the over 600 seats at Flavorville U.S.A. Grill & Bar? Did you eat the food? Did you live to tell about the experience?

Did panic grip your soul as you stared into the whirling hypno wheel of the menu, where cuisines and dishes spin in a crazy vortex? When you saw a burger described as "Korean short-rib blended beef patty, LTOP (lettuce, tomato, onion & pickle), MDMA (melted Dubliner, mozzarella & Asiago), and Jonny's signature kimchi sauce on a sourdough pretzel roll," did your mind touch the void for a minute?

Did you notice all the ingredients listed on the menu in the food that you ordered? Did you taste the almond butter used to wrap your egg roll? Does your chicken fried steak taste lighter for being deep fried in avocado oil? Did you see a single clove in your Slayin' Garlic Brioche Loaf?

Why is one of the few items on the menu that you can eat without any sense of shame or regret - a brunch only share plate - the karaage fried ortolan bunting? And why does it come with a shroud?

Did you try the Blue Drink, the one that glows like a liquid aurora borealis? Or the watermelon sugar high ball? Any idea why it tastes like a combination of Axe body spray and zit cream?

How did spaghetti and meatballs, one of the simplest dishes in the American canon, become so busy? Why augment the noodles with risotto that overpowers everything with the taste of wild mushrooms? Why not simply cover the noodles with a hearty red sauce instead of drizzling them with a siracha nacho cheese? Did the meatballs themselves need to have that much cured meat in them?

Is this how you roll in Flavorville?

Why does the chicken Alfredo taste like Cajun blackened shrimp? And for that matter, why does the catfish and andouille jambalaya taste like seven vegetable couscous? Are all the vegetables illusions?

Did you get lost on your way to the bathroom and somehow end up in a different restaurant? Was that restaurant in the same time zone as Century Station? Did you look for your table on the fifth floor and suddenly end up at the bar on the second?

Does the restaurant observe Euclidean geometry?

Did you see the high-watt patron saint of big-flavor no-collar American cuisine, Sammy Hagar himself, wandering around the tables? Or were his bleached blonde locks trailing behind his creamsicle colored Camaro as he did donuts in the parking while going 50 m.p.h.?

Did you notice that you can add bacon to every vegetarian item on the menu? In what world is steak considered a side? Is there pork in the Blue drink?

How do you keep track of all the vastly different Jonny sauces slathered all over the menu, from a rustic horseradish-mustard to a sweet and sour ketchup to a habanero infused marshmallow fluff?

And really, who is Jonny, and why should we trust him to make sauce for us?

What is going on at this new restaurant, really?

[CHIMERA]

Act I: Apps and Margs
Omega Base, 616 Grayson Street, Retropolis
Date: Thursday, April 30th, 2043
Time: 4:30 pm
Weather: Sunny but mild afternoon (65 degrees Fahrenheit)

Around 3:00 pm, all the members of Bravo Squad receive a text message from Trent: 'MEETING IN THE WAR ROOM AT 4.' When the four heroes arrive, the find Trent and Amanda waiting in front of the big screen. They look at each other a little apprehensively.

"Thanks for being here, everyone," Trent begins. "I have an assignment that I think is perfectly suited to your team's skill set. However, we're waiting on someone before we can get started with the briefing."

Amanda sighs, "I should have gone to pick him up."

"I know," Trent says, "but Eddie insisted on going. You know he's a huge fan."

Trent looks back at the heroes, who might looked confused by what they're hearing, "You know, we can get started. I'm sure Eddie's just get caught in traffic."

"He can't drive 55," Amanda mutters under her breath.

Trent taps his tablet and the image of a large multi-story restaurant in the middle of dense city block appears on the screen. It is the base of your standard skyscraper, a frame of steel beams filled with tempered glass panes. Above the restaurant's four revolving door banks is a large stainless steel sign emblazoned with a neon multi-color eagle. Above the eagle are the words 'FLAVORVILLE U.S.A.', and below it reads 'GRILL & BAR'. "I'm sure some of you are familiar with Flavorville, the x-treme American comfort food restaurant franchise, but for those of you that aren't: Flavorville is a chain with over two dozen locations across North America. They specialize on taking classic American dishes and putting their unique 'international' twist on them. The decor, like the food, is big, bold, and gaudy."

"You don't sound like a fan," Amanda quips.

"It's not where I'd take a first date," Trent replies. "Anyway, have any of you heard of the Flavorville Hangover? It's a weird phenomenon where the area around a Flavorville restaurant seems to take a sudden dive: violent crime increases within a two city block radius; neighboring storefronts go out of business and are replaced with payday loan agencies and the like; rent and property values go down; even the average life expectancy in a neighborhood will noticeably drop within a year of a Flavorville opening. The location in Willingham is no different, so the City Council has taken a special interest in its annual health inspection."

The image on the screen changes to that of a middle aged white man wearing glasses, his boyish face has become puffy as he has gotten older and his black hair, a standard bureaucratic flattop, has a few gray strands. "This is Agent Troy Boyson, he was sent to inspect Flavorville on Monday. He was found sleeping on the sidewalk outside of Flavorville the following morning. Instead of filing his report as soon as possible, he called in sick, which is odd, because he has been spotted at Flavorville every night this week. That's where you all come in."

Before Trent can expand on this, everyone can hear Eddie returning with the Omegas' special guest. Eddie opens the door and then bows reverently as he ushers in no one's (except maybe Eddie) favorite lead singer of Van Halen, the Red Rocker himself, Sammy Hagar! For a 95 year old man, Sammy looks pretty good, healthier than Kieth Richards or Ozzy Osborne 20 years ago. He swaggers into the War Room with a gait that is about 50% arthritis and 50% stage presence. ("He's still got it!" Eddie whispers to himself.)

"What's happening people!" Sammy makes sure to shake hands with everyone in the room. Each greeting is an elaborate ritual of fist pumps, back pats, a few filler sayings like 'it's an honor to be here' and 'thank you for your service', and even some awkward dance moves.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Hagar," Trent says unfazed, "I was just briefing my team on your restaurant."

"I don't see why you need to bring in a band of capes to investigate my restaurant. It feels like you guys are just looking for a reason to shut me down."

"We just want to understand the odd phenomena that happen around your restaurant. I'm sure it's just a series of odd coincidences; this is Century Station. Your cooperation will make it easier to clear this up, and then you can get back to serving banh mi tacos and poutine arepas." Trent then looks back to the Omegas. "As I was saying, we are sending you to Flavorville to spend the night. We would like you to go into the restaurant and try to find out what happened to Agent Boyson. What caused him to pas out?"

"I'm sure it was just three too many Cabo Wabo slushie!" Sammy suggests with a chuckle.

"I'd also like to know what he would have put in his report if he wasn't still out sick. Maybe talk to him if you see him having dinner there." Trent gives Sammy a suspicious glare. "Mr. Hagar will escort you to the restaurant. Out of the kindness of his heart, he has offered to treat you all to dinner. After the meal, he will escort you to the back of the restaurant so you can investigate further. Do you have any questions?"

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?

[Diomedes]

Perception: 1d100: [24] = 24 vs 41% +30% vs Vampires/Undead, +20% Demons/Monsters
JIC: 1d20: [19] = 19 , 1d100: [82] = 82

• Natural AR: 13
• H.P..: 290/290
• S.D.C.: 107/107
• P.P.E.: 296/296
• Spd: 75'/action

• Omega Suit | S.D.C. - Main Body 250/250, Arms 90 each, Legs 100 each, Body Camera 15 | Currently worn
• Omega Field Kit | Currently worn

Diomedes' voice booms as he arrives at War Room 4. "Hello! It is I, Diomedes! Friend Amanda! Friend Trent! I am here after another successful morning traveling Century Station by Bus. Friend Dottie sends her greetings to all of you and a thank you for helping keep the streets of Century Station safe. Phil down at the entrance said to report here."

Diomedes doesn't have a phone, nor the funds to purchase a phone/data plan. Is one provided by the Omegas?

Beneath his mask is a wide smile as he nods and greets his new team and finds his place at the table.

When Eddie and Sammy come in, Diomedes welcomes them. "Friend Eddie, welcome! Who is this that you have brought?" Diomedes has no idea who the special guest is, or his significance. Perhaps this is one of the residents of Willingham who can share some insight on the changes that have of occurred since this Flavorville eatery was opened. As Sammy greets everyone, Diomedes realizes his mistake, Ah, he is the owner. From his behavior, despite Trent's description of what these restaurants cause in the neighborhood, he doesn't believe his restaurant is the cause of these negative changes.

When the mission is outlined and they are told they are going to the restaurant, Diomedes raises his hand. "Friend Trent. Perhaps, Steiblah and I should visit Agent Boyson while team leader Edison and Jeremy go to the restaurant directly with Mr. Hagar. We can join them after we've learned what happened to Agent Boyson?"

[Jeremy Lancaster]

Perception: 1d100: [11] = 11 /30%
JIC: 1d20: [3] = 3 / 1d100: [35] = 35

"Wha's up Diomedes." He says after the Atlantean makes his entry.

"Flavorville? Didn't think I'd ever be." He thinks allowed to hearing the location they'll be investigating. The Red Rocker entering reinded him they were waiting on someone before really getting into the operation. He shakes Sammy's hand when he comes around "Nice to meet you."

He tries to make Sammy feel better about the situation when the Red Rocker deflates, "Pretty sure we're not here to close the restaurant, we're trying to... save it." He has to take a moment to come up with words for the Omegas task.

"I think it was... marketing? that would be a okay place to start." He takes a moment to think back on when he was in the pizza industry.

his head turns to Diomedes at his suggestion. "I was gonna suggest I look for the missing agent, but going to Flavorville is probably a better idea. I would know what I'm looking for after delivering pizzas."

[Steiblah]

-----------------------------------
Perception: d%: [59] = 59 | 81%
JIC: 1d20: [10] = 10 | d%: [54] = 54
-----------------------------------

Steiblah Character Sheet

• Nightvision 120 ft, keen normal vision, see the invisible
• Turn into mist at will
• Track by smell 45% (+15% to track a blood scent)
• Dimensional teleport 51%
• Bio-regenerates 3d6 MDC (HP or SDC) per melee round
• Resistant to cold (half damage); impervious to toxic gases, heat, and fire (plasma/MD/magic fire does half damage)
• Self and up to 300 additional pounds up to five miles away at will, 73%+3%/level
• Magically speaks and understands all languages at 98%
• Can shape change into any living creature, intelligent or animal, as long as it is no smaller than one foot and no larger than 10 feet. Impersonation skill is 96% if the subject is in her presence, 82% if very familiar with the individual or working from photos/video, 40% if working from memory and with little personal knowledge of the subject. The Raksasha may use her shapechanging abilities to alter or improve the disguise at any time.
• 94% if the Raksasha is very familiar with the individual, 80% if working from a good sound recording, 30% if working from memory or with little knowledge of the subject.
• Silver weapons do equivalent MD. In SDC worlds: Weapons made of, or coated in, silver do double damage.
• • Increased Range by 50%: All the ranges of super powers, psionics, magic, senses (even mundane ones) receive the +50%
  • Increased S.D.C. by 50%
  • Increased ISP by 50%:
    plus recovers 9 per hour of meditation, 3 per hour of rest/sleep
  • Increased PPE by 50%: plus recovers 15 per hour of meditation, 8 per hour of rest
  • Increased Healing: rolled 2+1=3. x3 multiplier
  • Incredible ISP Recovery [Mega Psi Power]: recovers ISP at 6 per minute of meditation or rest, 1 per minute of activity.
  • Achilles Heel: Extremely Bound to Good Karma Needs to act according to good karma (GM discretion). Without the aid of good karma, the hero has all combat bonuses reduced in half, loses one attack, and skills are -35%.

• PPE: 850/900
  ISP: 1050/1050
  HP: 78/78 +5 (SoM)
  SDC: 45/45
  Natural AR: 10

Saving Throw Bonuses
Coma/Death: +28% (SoM)
Toxins (15+): +10 +2(SoM)
Magic (varies): +11 +2(SoM)
Lethal Poison (14+): +10 +2(SoM)
Non-Lethal Poison (16+): +10 +2(SoM)
Insanity (12+): +7
Psionics (10+): +7
HF: +12
Possession: +2 (additional)
+4 to all other saving throws

Steven Resch, human psi-healer.

Conditions

• • Presents as level 2.
  • No alignment alteration.
  • Psychic ability: Show ISP level to be lower, ~50-100 total ISP.
  • Conceal amount of base PPE. Only 1-2 points.
  • Conceal the presence of magic.
  • Attributes appear to be 1/2 of what they really are.
  2hrs 2.75 min.
• Enhanced Perception. 11.50 min. +15% Perception, +1 strike, +2 parry/dodge, +10% to any skill that relies on basic senses. +50% to all natural senses.

Having become fairly comfortable with the form of ‘Steve the psi-healer’, Steiblah enters the War Room meeting in human form. The reformed Raksasha then quietly takes a seat but remains keenly aware of the conversation around him.

Trent and Amanda are worried about Eddie on a pick-up. Simply because he is delayed or something deeper?

The image on the screen changes to that of a middle aged white man wearing glasses, his boyish face has become puffy as he has gotten older and his black hair, a standard bureaucratic flattop, has a few gray strands. "This is Agent Troy Boyson, he was sent to inspect Flavorville on Monday. He was found sleeping on the sidewalk outside of Flavorville the following morning. Instead of filing his report as soon as possible, he called in sick, which is odd, because he has been spotted at Flavorville every night this week. That's where you all come in."

The moment the image of Agent Troy Boyson appears on the screen, Steiblah suspects the possibility that this individual needs to be found and so instantly focuses his psychic energies on scrying for his location ((Psionic Seeking. R25 pg78. -6 ISP. 6 mile range. 30.00 min. d%: [92] = 92 | 70%. Even if the character fails the roll to find the person or item, he will be able to sense whether or not the object is within range.)).

As the heroes are briefed on the suspected situation associated with Flavorville USA and Sammy Hagar makes his entrance, Steiblah is able to piece together a little more regarding their concern. Eddie is meeting an idol of his. And they suspect this idol may be involved in suspicious activity. So they do not want him to become corrupted or unduly influenced. Smart. But there may be little that can be done at this time. Unless of course this Sammy Hagar individual is either a demon in disguise or has made a pact with some malevolent force to… extend his life?

Inherently paranoid and suspicious, Steiblah can’t help but tap his psionics yet again to try to confirm his suspicions ((Sense Supernatural. -3 ISP. 140 ft range. 12.00 min)). At the same time, he knows that there are ways that such supernatural individuals can mask their supernatural nature. And so he does not expect a black-or-white answer to his query.

When the mission is outlined and they are told they are going to the restaurant, Diomedes raises his hand. "Friend Trent. Perhaps, Steiblah and I should visit Agent Boyson while team leader Edison and Jeremy go to the restaurant directly with Mr. Hagar. We can join them after we've learned what happened to Agent Boyson?"

his head turns to Diomedes at his suggestion. "I was gonna suggest I look for the missing agent, but going to Flavorville is probably a better idea. I would know what I'm looking for after delivering pizzas."

”I have no objections with visiting Agent Boyson with Diomedes.” Steiblah confirms.

[Edison]

Perception: 1d100: [30] = 30 /56%
Just in Case: 1d20: [15] = 15 ; 1d100: [53] = 53
Conditions: None.

Edison Mk. 2: AR: 19; S.D.C.: 350/350; Shield: 200/200
Armored Undersuit: AR: 12; S.D.C.: 40/40
AR-15 w/ Masterkey: Payload: 5.56: 20/8; 12 Gauge: 7/7
MP950 Payload 50/50
Sentry Gun: Payload: 100/97

Edison sits in on the meeting listening to first Trent and Amanda give the mission briefing, before Eddie and Sammy arrive. Edison nods as he puts together who the man is. My father and grandfather loved his music. Edison thinks. Edison shakes the elderly rockers hand. "Nice to meet you Mr. Hagar." Edison says in polite tones.

Edison listens to the rest of the briefing, taking a few notes in his leather journal.

"Friend Trent. Perhaps, Steiblah and I should visit Agent Boyson while team leader Edison and Jeremy go to the restaurant directly with Mr. Hagar. We can join them after we've learned what happened to Agent Boyson?"

"I was gonna suggest I look for the missing agent, but going to Flavorville is probably a better idea. I would know what I'm looking for after delivering pizzas."

”I have no objections with visiting Agent Boyson with Diomedes.”

Edison shakes his head. "While splitting the team up is certainly an option, I don't think it's really necessary, we'll all go together that way no one misses something they might have otherwise, besides Agent Boyson likely will come to us if we're there already, given he apparently eats there daily now." Edison says. "Anyone have any real objections to this plan?" Edison asks.