∎ ETRAYA MODS ∎ (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
etrayamods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
etrayamemes2025-03-28 09:16 am
etrayamods) wrote in etrayamemes2025-03-28 09:16 am
Entry tags:
TDM 007
content warnings for this TDM include: violence, potential death, body horror, physical transformation, loss of senses, loss of autonomy  ⏵ arrival⏴ Arrival does not happen as Aurora usually plans for it. New characters are introduced to the AI, then informed of a mission that they are required to participate in before they can return to their home base of Etraya. A world called Aphaia is falling apart, and while there is nothing they can do to resolve this broken world, they can participate in the Gamerunner's Stratagem. Their mission is simple: step through the glowing purple portal that Aurora creates once they've had time to listen to her, and survive until a similar portal reopens in front of them, allowing them to return to Etraya. The Gamerunner's Stratagem is something they have been working on building for quite some time. She informs all newcomers that they will not be present on this world that long: their exit will appear to them exactly when it's meant to, allowing them to meet the others who have been recruited to save their worlds. She provides each and every arrival with an earpiece, allowing them to communicate with the other Etrayans. Aurora suggests taking a bag full of supplies along with them, which she will fill with a few generic items as well as any specific items they may need: synthetic blood for vampires, protein bars for those who may burn through calories faster, medication for anyone who requires it.  ⏵ aphaia ⏴ Aphaia is a neon-lit, chaotic planet. Cameras are everywhere, every action and inaction is judged by the 'audience'. Towering holograms advertise upcoming events while flashing leader boards track the most "popular" players. Contestants are thrown into challenges, many of which are games of skill, survival, and deception all to keep the viewers entertained. Not participating is an option! However, avoiding playing along and not putting on a show will quickly cause participants' score to go down, and scores that reach zero? Well. Unfortunately, there are only so many resources left on Aphaia. Their wildlife has died off, their planet is falling apart, and most others in this galaxy were either destroyed from the inside out, or warring planets trying to gain control of remaining resources destroyed them to avoid others getting involved. Their natural resources are depleted, and only those who manage to keep their scores up are given the luxury of having any supplies. As soon as one steps foot on Aphaia, as soon as they breathe, they intake nanotechnology which tracks their oxygen consumption, their food, everything they do or need. As soon as their scores reach zero? They disappear. There one moment, and completely gone the next. Their communicators go offline, and while everything they were carrying will be left behind, no one will be able to find them. They are simply--gone, erased from existence. This is a death and counts as a death as outlined in the game FAQ! Please keep this in mind. "Points" that go towards their total score will be assigned to contestants from the moment they drop down on planet. This will be visible using the HUD on their earpiece, and will be randomized at the beginning. For the sake of the TDM, we ask that no one be assigned Paragon initially, but you're free to use other ranks! The possible rankings are: 100: PARAGON 99-80: LUMINARY 79-70: CHAMPION 69-50: CONTENDER 49-30: UNDERLING 30-0: SHADE Ranks may change daily, or even hourly depending on the kind of situation one has found themselves in. Are they having a very public break up in which it comes out that they wronged their ex? They may go from a Champion to a Shade before they can even blink. Did they save a defenseless reporter from the big bad villain of the week? They may find themselves quickly elevated up to Luminary and given all the benefits that comes with being upper class. The world is their oyster, they only need to figure out how they'd like to utilize it! Aphaia is broken up into four districts. The Colosseum is a dynamic battle arena where combatants fight for entertainment, with shifting environments controlled by the audience. Victories earn points, while losses depend on performance. The Symposium is a lavish social hub for top contestants, where alliances and betrayals are made under the audience’s watchful eye. The Agora is the public center of Aphaia, where contestants engage with the audience through polls, interviews, and challenges to maintain popularity. It also houses the contestants in high-rise apartments. And Backalleys provide hidden spaces with intentional blind spots for secret dealings, though the Gamerunner is always aware of what happens there.  ⏵ st★rlight soirée ⏴ Something special is happening in the Colosseum. Lights flicker as the arena shifts, rearranging itself into a grand, glittering ballroom - if a ballroom had stadium seating, paparazzi drones, and an ever-changing floor plan designed to disorient those within it. Silver chandeliers pulse with artificial starlight, their glow refracted through the crystalline floors. Music swells, but it sounds - unnatural. It thrums through your veins, setting your blood alight with the urge to dance. Why is the ballroom designed as if intentionally put together to throw off one's balance? Well, it's time for the Panopticon Prom, of course! The Panopticon Prom isn't just an adventure in dancing and impressing your most recent crush. It's a test of endurance, cunning, grace, and charm. The floor beneath your feet moves as if it has a mind of it's own, shifting to the beat like a living creature all of it's own. It tilts, undulates, even vanishing in sections to keep dancers on edge. After all, it's difficult to keep up one's pace if they're falling through a hole in the floor to the foam pit below. Drones zip through the air, catching every stumble, every misstep, and every attempt to throw off others on the dance floor. This is a competition, after all; and what fun is a dance battle without having the freedom to thwart someone else on their road to victory? The rules are simple:
 ⏵ casino royale ⏴ Out in the Agora, another popular quarterly event is being set up! The Casino Royale has been destroyed countless times, but it seems as if the Gamerunner just can't let it go - every time it gets knocked down, it gets rebuilt. There is one rule. One must take a turn at the revolving wheel just inside the door as their entry fee, and whatever the wheel lands on, they must maintain until they exit the building for the night. Sometimes, this is easier: an effect they have no control over and cannot undo even if they wanted to. Sometimes, this is more difficult: an assigned task they must complete. Failure to abide by the wheel once means receiving a penalty. Twice? Certain death if caught by any employee. The wheel's effects are as follows:
The casino is alive with the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the steady whirl of the roulette wheels. Golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over velvet-lined tables, where fortunes are made and lost with the flick of a wrist. But something feels. . . off. The dealers never blink. The cards never seem random. And the house always wins - always. Maybe it's just paranoia, or maybe this casino is something more than just a den of chance. Tonight, you're not here just to play; you're here on a mission. You've arrived dressed to kill, blending into the sea of bodies filling the casino's floors. But you're not here to win points or boost your social standing - you're here to win intel. Somewhere in this casino is a single flash drive containing information on just how Aphaia maintains their system. The only problem? The House knows someone is coming for it. After all, they're well-aware of the game: whoever retrieves the flash drive will obtain information on how to flip the script, to change the rules of the game to fit their wants and needs, rather than following the current Gamerunner. After all, this is the Gamerunner's Stratagem that Aurora has sent them out on! Many apply for 'employment' within the Casino Royale in hopes of getting insider information on where the flash drive is hidden and what it looks like. However, it seems that even the employees have no clue where it has been hidden. This is an extension of our Aphaia Mission! We have included enough information in this post that catching up to current in game logs isn't necessary to play with it, but you are welcome to use any part of the Aphaia setting in your prompts as you'd like. Current players are also welcome to bring the events from this TDM into their in-game threads. This mission can happen outside of time as needed! Incoming characters will find themselves introduced to Aphaia as they arrive. Current characters may find Aurora calling on them to visit Aphaia after the current mission for the Gamerunner's Stratagem. Characters already in game are welcome to post to the TDM, too! Please mark them as current characters in your header. Threads can be kept as game canon as long as both characters get into the game! Please direct all questions relating to this log to our mod queries comment! All other questions can be directed to our FAQ. |
no subject
what an annoying girl, so annoying and in her own head that shadow couldn't go too far. he now stands on the top of a nearby building watching where he had left fio only to make sure that nothing bad happens. normally, shadow would become aggressive and bare his fangs at the attempt of someone trying to intrude on what he's doing. though, fio seems like someone who engages in these situations, or maybe she's scared and will run. when she doesn't do the latter, he had thought that maybe the former was right.
he doesn't need the points, nor does he need her speaking of his good graces for she doesn't know that he's a horrible hedgehog with a violent streak. as much good as fio speaks, she's only wasting her breath.
what an annoying girl.
unfortunately for him, he knows better than to just leave her stranded, and while he wears a sharp expression glaring at the reporter for even being nosey. he already knows that she won't even know where to go, she'll get lost, run into another alien or someone will pick up the slack of where shadow leaves her behind at. no one around seems to have that thought in mind when the whole world is more so about entertainment and fun, it's why shadow remains on top of the building surveying fio's surroundings until she finishes up. ]
no subject
As much as she's uncomfortable with the reporter intruding on her space, she knows better than to flee in the same manner as when she first arrived. She hopes that she can give satisfactory enough answers before she presses on. Trying to appear excited for the broadcast is tiring and she's done enough of that during the earlier dance. Somehow, she continues to manage a meek smile throughout the interview.
A small crowd of aliens begin to gather nearby, a mix of those who recognize Fio from the dance battle and some who are simply just curious about the answers of one of the planet's contestants.
"Awww, sounds like you had a blast with the little fella! And my other question: what of your upcoming plans, hm? Gonna take up any more challenges?" ]
Well... I was hoping to find Darkie again. I know he's got a scary stare, but I'm worried he's a little lonely. Maybe I can help him out with... well, whatever he's gonna do next. Bet he's calling me foolish right now. [ There's some chuckles coming from within the crowd. ] Have any of you seen him? Black fur, red streaks... and shorter than me. He was walking this way... he must be far off somewhere else by now.
[ Several aliens in the crowd exchange confused glances. Some shrug. Just a little discouraging, but she won't give up. He's still on this planet somewhere!!! She responds, cheerfully: ]
That's okay! I'll just keep walking in the same direction I was going. Thanks, anyway. [ A pause. Right, her face is on the monitors all over right now... so maybe Shadow can hear her. She looks at the screen. ] Darkie! I'm gonna catch up to you soon!
[ Gosh, hopefully he heard that!
And she resumes her walk down the district, moving towards where she last saw the hedgehog. The interview doesn't seem quite over yet, especially with the audience she garnered."Miss Fio, Miss Fio! We have a few more questions!"
She's too friendly to tell everyone off, so she keeps walking along with a handful of aliens trailing both behind and alongside her... ]
no subject
it is somewhat one-sided as time goes on.
the smart choice is for them to grow bored of her and move on, but that's not what happens as he follows behind. they stay close, acting as if they're familiar with her throughout all their questions, and shadow stares at how persistent they are.
question after question, and he tires of it enough that he walks a little quicker to catch up, bumping into one of the aliens that does respond with a grunt as they turn to see what hit them. they sound a little disgruntled upon seeing who it is, referring to the hedgehog as a "pet" and even frowning because this would mean... ]
If you're going to follow me around, do better.
[ he doesn't acknowledge them because why would he? everyone is a nuisance that should be ignored unless there's something he needs from them.
his attention is on her, preparing himself for whatever expression creeps on her face when she turns around. shadow should have left her behind and went to mind his own business, but there's something oddly familiar in the way that she does things that it doesn't strike him as an immediate dislike.
all it does is make her even more tiring than anyone should be. ]
Don't waste my time.
[ in other, unspoken words: "come on". ]
no subject
Her ears pick up on some chatter from behind and a familiar voice which comes as a shock. Because she was accepting the hedgehog had already taken off too far ahead without her, that she would have to be the one to find him first. Whirling around, she's visibly surprised to see Shadow. She briefly casts a glance at the alien, the one that had called him a "pet". At the same time, she resists saying out loud that he's a "friend" instead. By now, she knows he won't like it. So all the alien gets is a quiet look of disapproval.
Then of course, she puts on a smile when turning to Shadow, though it's mixed with both exhaustion and relief. However, a far more genuine expression than the feign joy that she's been putting on for the monitors. ]
Guess you found me first, huh? I'm sorry, Darkie... I'll do better.
[ She slips away from the swarm of aliens, to close the distance between herself and Shadow. She still wishes to accompany him. ]
no subject
the only approval he has to offer is walking along so she can follow. there are some aliens who try to accompany, but another few who shake their head like it would be a bad idea. from the attitude that hedgehog gave, it's not the nicer one that's been around, and this is the one who sees very little in a living person.
the aliens hang back, some stopping, and others shocked that they had tempted fate.
as for shadow, he takes a detour to the left through an alley, and as maybe fio will be thrilled to see that this path takes them to a different part of the alien city, one where those with high points are treated like better than the individuals with nothing. besides, all the aliens here simply wish to drain them of their points in order to continue the entertainment that they seek.
shadow stops in front of a small shop, turning around to make sure fio is there. by the door is a small bench for her to sit if she's so inclined. ]
no subject
The walk through the alley is once again a silent journey. Fio keeps the same slow, easy pace as before. Finally, she rests her expression and allows her smile to fall.
Quietly, she observes the path ahead, taking note they're heading to a more luxurious area. To her, it feels strange that she's being permitted to wander into a place of luxury. Especially where she came from, she never really belonged in places like this...
Again, she ignores exhaustion, making no complaints. Shadow will turn to find that she's still following. Coming up to the bench, she sits, heaving out a sigh. She looks up at the shop. ]
...What's this place? Do you need something?
no subject
[ he turns towards the shop, walking inside as the doors open with a small jingle overhead. as he enters, he'll note all sorts of material items and consumption ones for anyone's needs. what he thinks about fio is that she should have enough points to get what she needs without struggle, and so she should take advantage of what's around her.
there's no need to check if she's behind him, he'll speak anyway. ]
Get what you need.
[ not to say make herself at home, but to survive, she'll need this and while the girl doesn't have to tell him she's exhausted. shadow can tell when someone's tired, when they push themselves so they don't worry anyone around them. his eyes are trained in catching on and she's no different, that's why they're here, because if she falls over while following him and cause him trouble, no one's going to like that.
splitting off from her, he moves to the material items instead, his eyes glancing over different accessories and clothes. ]
no subject
At the entrance, she has to pause and look on in wonder, eyes wandering about the shop at the selection offered for high rank contestants. The scarce supplies for Shades was a situation she was familiar with. The special treatment and the freedom to shop for whatever she wants is something she's never really had. She can't resist checking the nearest alien shopkeeper and monitors, as if they would raise an alarm. They don't, of course. She's rightfully here and doing absolutely nothing wrong.
Checking the food options first, since the protein bars from Aurora won't last long. She picks out some packaged snacks for on the go, several pieces of fruit, and a small packed meal set that she can easily stuff away in her supply bag. The earpiece beeps, signaling a subtraction to her points. It remains high enough that she could afford to spend more.
Finishing up her food purchases, Fio moves to join Shadow further across the shop. Clothing, new footwear is something she really needs to consider too... ]
...You really sure you don't need anything? You could get a nice coat!
no subject
[ he ignores her while looking at the choices he has before him, there's a few hair clips, some a little on the expensive side and others that are right in the middle.
shadow doesn't waste time here for long, directing his attention to her. ]
Pick one.
[ this is his way of paying back, those points she had helped him with, the fact she spent her own... he returns her unneeded help in this way.
something simple without meaning, and the quickest way to burn these points. she has assisted him, and now, him to her. he's made the judgement call to take her to one of the apartments here to stay, something of a medium size that he can afford, and then he'll leave her there. ]
no subject
...hm? [ A small surprised noise. ] Um...
[ She nearly says something else, wanting to tell Shadow that he should pick something for himself. Except she's certain he'll remind her once again that he doesn't need anything. A thoughtful pause, then she gazes over at the selection.
Though she tends to regularly wear white, she considers something different. She briefly hovers a hand over the options before eventually pointing at a pair of flowery ribbon hair clips in red and black. Something to remember him by. Not just for when they eventually go their separate ways in Aphaia or Etraya. Because one day, she knows she'll have to go back to her desolate Earth.
A little smile. ]
This one, please.
no subject
... ]
My debt to you is officially paid.
[ she has given him enough points to stay afloat, as he isn't in the percentage where he could go missing. that was her worry initially, now with that out of the way, there's nothing else she needs to give him.
out of all the choices here, he doesn't understand the contrast to what she's already wearing. it stands out, even in her hair it's like a glaring imperfection. then again, that's how he was to maria, someone so pure.
that isn't the issue. ]
There are places to stay, you can find that on your own.
[ at least those with points are given information on where to go without much hassle. ]
no subject
Oh...
[ Frowning, her shoulders slump. Going by his words, that must mean they should be parting ways soon. She can search for a place to stay. She doesn't really want to right now, far more interested in keeping the hedgehog company despite his grumpiness. However, it would benefit her to find lodging with how exhausted she's noticeably been walking all the way from the colosseum, interacting with reporters, and stubbornly continuing to the shop... ]
...I wanna hang out some more!
[ "Hang out"—like she hasn't felt their interactions are only a business transaction. ]
no subject
[ shadow's like a therapy hog, his time with maria makes him more perceptive to the stamina of certain people and when they begin to tire. there are signs, yet he does not point them out to hold this advantage over her.
his gaze grows sharper, his voice stern in reasoning hidden within a single response, and he glances at the entrance of this shop. ]
You are a liability.
[ even as he says this, he has a feeling she doesn't even know what that means. probably another funny word to her, and this results in him having to find another way to explain.
his eyes return to her, then to that hairpin before frowning. he has a horrible attitude, but his actions do mean well. ]
I am the Ultimate Lifeform, you are not. That means you're unable to keep up with me.
[ it isn't a challenge at all either, to him it's fact, she will tire out where he does not. then her unconscious body will be on his hands. to prevent that scenario, he advises that she finds a place to stay, she has enough points. she must rest. there are others he's done this to. ]
no subject
She's tired. Her legs ache. And he's right. Shadow will make more progress without her weighing him down. Frowning, it looks like she wants to protest, but she's only silent for a long while before saying: ]
I don't want to be a lie ability.
[ That does sound like another funny word to her, but she once again makes a horrible attempt at both parroting and pronouncing the newly learned word. She doesn't know what it means, but from what she gathers from his words, it must mean she'll be a burden if she keeps trying to follow in her current state.
Their goals differ, but she wanted to help Shadow find a way home. And deep down, she continues to wish they can become friends. ]
I'll find a place to rest for a while. [ Another weak smile with the small amount of energy she has left. She continues, like this isn't goodbye. Just a little rest. She won't quit easily. ] And... if you're still looking for a way back home, I'll come and help!
no subject
[ a helpful, idiot child that isn't focusing on herself. she's tired, she couldn't go anymore if she tried, and she's not understanding that. ]
You'll die if you don't focus on what you need to do.
[ it's simple as that, he prioritizes the information that they have to her because while she wants to help, there's "scarier" things she should focus on. well, what should be scary to her. ]
If you die of natural causes, there's nothing saying what will happen.
[ they have an idea if points, but what's the death spectrum outside of that? if he has to point out the obvious then he will, but only because she's not thinking of them. ]
Keep yourself in mind, your life is no one's responsibility.
[ as rude as he is, the hedgehog is already walking away out the store and the doors slowly swing behind him once he does. ]