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∎ ETRAYA MODS ∎ ([personal profile] etrayamods) wrote in [community profile] etrayamemes2025-05-30 09:20 am
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TDM 008


content warnings for this TDM include: gambling references, mild horror themes and suggestive content


⏵ arrival⏴

Arrival does not happen as Aurora usually plans for it. Newcomers generally find themselves waking up within the hospital, are given a brief overview of their situation, and sent on their way. Now? They wake up immersed in a game within The Gold Saucer. But it doesn't quite feel like a game: whether it's snowy mountains, riding a chocobo as you listened to the wind quickly pass by your ears, or in the middle of a battle with a beast, it feels utterly real.

It's only after the game concludes - either by winning or losing - that you find yourself back in the main game area. A bot, dressed as personnel in this lavish playground, approaches each arrival with an earpiece allowing them to communicate with those in their same situation. It also serves to inform them of their goal: collect enough gold saucer points (or GP) by playing the games to acquire a card fashioned to their own likeness from the game counter. Then, they must trade it for someone else's. Seems simple enough, right? Hopefully the cards aren't too expensive...


⏵ the gold saucer ⏴

The Gold Saucer is an ode to the very idea of fun. It’s huge, labyrinthine, colorful, and lively. Everywhere you look, there’s something to do. At the same time, it’s also impossible to tell what time it is. There are no windows to the outside, there are no clocks. This place is beyond such a thing.

There are games everywhere you look, ranging from the pseudo-gambling to sports to pixelated video games in cabinets. Yet no matter which boxing game, pinball machine, or skeeball machine you look at, the same creatures and themes arrive. Cactuars, chocobos, the fiercest Behemoth, the cuddliest Moogle… For those from the realms of Final Fantasy, this will feel natural- homey even. Everyone else will simply understand that there is a fairly strong central theme here about magic, machines, and monsters.

It’s hard to tell how long you spend here, and it seems to sit outside of the very concept of time. Still, there are many restaurants, lounges, and vending machines. There are shops and costume rentals. There are even little pharmacies with headache remedies if the partying gets out of hand. And when you grow tired, there is a hotel- though it is made up like a haunted house, you can count on getting some semi-restful sleep.


⏵ playtime ⏴
Interdimensional Games


At first, stepping through to play any of these games may make participants wonder if they have been teleported somewhere else entirely. But on closer inspection, all the skies above are merely well-constructed interiors with painted ceilings. After all, it always seems to be daytime during these games.

Snowboarding - Race to the bottom of the mountain, but avoid obstacles and complete as many tricks as possible!

Chocobo Racing- Race on Chocobo-back around a treacherous outdoors race track which can either be taking place in a desert, a swampy forest, or upon an island beach. Work in tandem with your rented bird and against your competition by throwing hazards in their way or utilizing buffs garnered on the track. Different colored birds will yield different advantages.

Yellow - Good All Rounder
Red - Fast, but hard to steer
Blue - Slower, but very easy to steer. Much easier to pick up items from them.
Green- Resilient against traps and sabotage

Colosseum Battle- Face off against the fiercest beasts around. Pair up with friends or rivals to Collaborate or Compete to do the most damage and deliver the final blow. These battles are synced to the comparative power of the one entering the competition.

We wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt unnecessarily, after all. And indeed, no one will get seriously, gruesomely, or permanently injured in these battles. Those without fighting capabilities can rent weapons outfitted Materia to assist them in their trial. These will allow anyone to cast spells, though not guarantee any better wielding of weapons. There are a hundred rounds, starting with fairly simple Spriggans, ranging all the way up to blood-thirsty Behemoths to challenge even the most battle-hardened hero.

Gold Saucer Games


Leap of Faith- Players are presented with an obstacle course that stretches a hundred feet into the air upon floating platforms and islands. Both are held aloft by magical crystals. Powers are entirely nerfed, though falling and hitting the ground is strangely painless. Those who collect the most silver and gold statuettes of cactuars placed at random throughout the course will be awarded proportionate GP; though there is a bonus for those that reach the very top first.

Triple Triad- Everywhere you look, people are playing this game on little 3 by 3 boards, or any surface with enough space. You will be given a loaner deck to play with. Are you clever enough to defeat your fellows.

Fashion Report- Theobold, familiar to some, stands by himself in a little booth with a dressing room and an incredibly expansive walk-in closet. He is a robot of distinguished fashion and strong opinions on those fashions. Do you dare subject yourself to his scrutiny? Come prepare in his wondrous closets to make the best outfit for the chance to win a prize. Please submit your fashion here!

There are Arcade Machines and activities galore. If you can think of it, it’s probably there- Just with that Final Fantasy pastiche on it, of course.


⏵ the beehive lounge ⏴

There are other places to eat at the Gold Saucer, but the vending machines and cafés all pale in comparison to the dinners at the Beehive.

For all the rave reviews, there is a dress code at the Beehive, and this is literal. If you step inside and are not currently wearing a dress, you will be ushered into a sideroom and appropriately made over.

However, this is only for those trying to go in through the normal doors. Around the side there happens to be an employee entrance, manned by a bot. He will only allow those in who seem like they intend to work— and therefore must be wearing at least one piece of the Bunnysuit Collection to trick the guard.

Once you are made over or have snuck in, you are free to relax inside with drinks, dine on a fine meal, watch the dancers, or participate yourself if you feel brave enough. Why would anyone ever dance here? Well, that’s simple. It pays really well. So if you’re sick of games, or terrible at them— you can always come dance for a shift. Though, don't get any unseemly ideas about freeing yourself of your clothing, this isn't that kind of establishment!


⏵ haunted house ⏴

When you grow too weary or drunk from a day of games, you may be directed to somewhere a little quieter to sleep. Up the elevator, and through the doors reveals a modest walk through some woods until a quaint, victorian hotel appears. It is always nighttime here, and the stars and moon twinkle above.

The receptionist, a bot in a rather bedraggled-looking chocobo mascot costume checks you in and shows you to your room. You can sleep here, especially if you can tolerate the hokey haunted decorations strung up around the place. Though sometimes, late at night, there will come a vigorous thumping on the door to startle sleeping patrons awake- Only for the culprit to vanish and be impossible to locate.



⏵ ticket counter ⏴


The prize counter is manned by a bot and has a sign posted overhead. Most prizes will be handed over inside an appropriately sized wrapped box, as the contents are a mystery.


Sparklers & Glowsticks 10 gp
Bunny Suit 300 gp
Bunny Stockings & Heels 150 gp
Animal Ears (Random) 500 gp
Kigurumi (Random) 100 gp
Chocobo Barding (Random) 1000 gp
Classic White Mage Robes 500 gp
Classic Black Mage Robes 500 gp
Plush Toy (Random) 100 gp
Wind-Up Minion (Random) 200 gp
Chocobo Mascot Suit (Random Color) 2000 gp
Triple Triad Booster Pack 50 gp
Triple Triad Card in your Likeness 10,000 gp


⏵ NOTES ⏴


This TDM may be treated as a mini-Mission. Time will not pass inside of it in relation to the world outside - meaning, this can be happening at any time between late May into early July!

This Gold Saucer is a bit of a mix between that of FF7's and FF14's, but it also has some things that neither have as well. Any inaccuracies are entirely intentional, aimed to make this rest within a space of uncanny valley for those who are familiar. While otherwise being a bit of a chaotic fantastical funhouse for everyone else! If there is something unlisted, chances are it will exist if it is in either of the other versions of the Gold Saucer.

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 to our mod queries comment!

FULL NAVIGATION

will_chase_balls: (Explaining)

[personal profile] will_chase_balls 2025-06-27 02:02 am (UTC)(link)
Warforged? Where I was taken from, they're these metal men made from mechanical parts and magic that were used as soldiers during the Last War. Well, not exactly where I'm from, because Karrnath never used warforged. We just use reanimated corpses for that kind of thing. But other countries in Khorvaire used them.
leastdramatic: (Waiting)

[personal profile] leastdramatic 2025-06-27 02:06 am (UTC)(link)
[Jason seamlessly follows Bruce]

Right now, yeah. But some of the others are around too.

[There's actually a lot that needs to be said but right now they're too exposed in public]
oblige: (Default)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-27 02:13 am (UTC)(link)
[ Dion eyes him in thoughtful silence for a measured breath. There is no reason for Ifrit to diminish himself in this way, yet Dion knows well enough that saying as much can be met with resistance rather than acceptance.

When just the right person regards one as not enough, never enough, it all but sinks into their bones. Dion knows it well. ]


I've no complaints regarding present company.

[ He offers this, tone gentle and even. ]

Am I any more suited than you?
her_own_rules: Babs (pic#17146338)

[personal profile] her_own_rules 2025-06-27 02:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ Barbara does locate him in the crowd even before he makes it to her through the throng: it's hard not to, when he happens to often be a few inches above the height of most people around him. But it's the sheer directness, more than that, that almost momentarily stops her. As familiar as it is entirely out of tune. ]

Convenient, that I don't have one of those yet, then.

[ Turning is effortlessly smooth, as is falling into step next to the man who looks like she's expected for a year—but a year is enough to have tarnished most expectation here, and hope (and the stalwart logic, that she isn't looking for any further kidnappings). She taps her smaller earbud once, allowing the retinal tracking program in her second HUD to scroll through several screens until she locates where Dick's tracker indicates he is currently. ]

When did you get here?
Edited 2025-06-27 02:16 (UTC)
oblige: (frown)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-27 02:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ It seems they continue circling the subject of what end this actually serves. What has entertaining Odin's horse-man to do with duty? Dion very nearly asks that very question, but the pointed comment sees him swallowing the words instead as he frowns deeply.

Many things are said of him, that is nothing new. It doesn't trouble Dion, a man about whom bards across the continent sing songs of questionable veracity, but it seems to him that all Sleipnir means to do is toy with him. Waste his time. ]


I've no interest in pointless diversions.

[ So he turns and strides off at a brisk pace, disengaging from whatever carousel of a conversation he'd run into. Sleipnir can find someone else to amuse him, surely. ]
Edited 2025-06-27 02:33 (UTC)
thelightshines: (mirror in the sky)

[personal profile] thelightshines 2025-06-27 02:45 am (UTC)(link)
[The serpent's head is abruptly sent upwards, right into the invisible barrier keeping them in. Energy pulsates from where the serpent had hit it as it starts to descend back down towards the water, letting out a pitiful cry.

Just as Sonic will start to fall, a hand will reach out and grab hold onto his. Even with only one working arm, he can keep a grip as they slowly start to descend back towards a pillar.]
Something's wrong.

[If they had truly defeated their foe, the arena should be starting to return to normal, but it hasn't. The water below instead starts to gather towards one side of the arena, almost as if...a massive tidal wave was forming.]
bluejustice: (96)

[personal profile] bluejustice 2025-06-27 03:33 am (UTC)(link)
Ha! Take that overgrown eel. [Good thing you caught him because he was about to plunge into the water below. His ears twitch at the sound of rising water, eyes widening at the wall of water forming.] Oh, c'mon! How many lives does this guy has?! [This was bad. How do you even cover against a tsunami? He has enough of a hard time staying afloat in a family friendly pool.]
Edited 2025-06-27 03:34 (UTC)
oblige: (lean)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-27 03:39 am (UTC)(link)
[ The term Eidolon sounds curiously like Eikon to Dion's ears, though he shouldn't assume too much likeness from only this. He nods along as Vivi speaks, following him through the door. ]

I see. They must be reliable allies, then.

[ Healers are a boon, especially if they see a great deal of battle. He hopes, as he and Ifrit had discussed, that this boy's world is likewise not afflicted by any curse upon its magic-users. ]

What are these "Eidolons" like?
fromfire: (where shadows creep)

it's all good o7 I GOT YOU

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-27 04:11 am (UTC)(link)
Cold?

[ A casual question despite the seriousness of them seeing one another. His eyebrows lift before he draws his gaze up toward the ceiling, musing over his own thoughts. ]

I couldn't tell you. [ His shoulders lift and lower helplessly. ] The last I remember I was erased with everything else. [ He hardly sounds somber or lamenting of his passing. ] I assumed -- [ He dips his chin down. ] -- she is back where she needs to be.

[ Verso wonders if Clea knows how he had been trying to prepare Alicia for the abrupt end of everything. He tried to do what he could to be "ready" to be without him. Of course, grieving takes time; he doesn't expect it to be immediate or for her to wake up ready to live without Verso. But he hopes he made it easier for her to take a small step. Just one. He has that hope in her.

His head tilts to the side as he feels a lopsided smile appear and disappear. ]


It may be that I was pulled here before I was officially erased. [ His shoulders lift and lower. ] Isn't that just the way? [ A dead man still not allowed to rest. He crosses his arms but keeps his distance; he can imagine how difficult it must be to see him. Although, she's the one of the few Dessendres that sees him. ]
Edited 2025-06-27 04:12 (UTC)
strumpet: (pic#17866002)

[personal profile] strumpet 2025-06-27 04:29 am (UTC)(link)
( as they continued walking forward, she thought about his words a bit more before answering. in retrospect, yes two months and some time was barely anything at all for most people. for most adults where time went faster than when they were children, but to a woman like inara who was in control of every aspect of her life, who had gotten used to a specific routine aboard the serenity well...

it felt like a lifetime. especially being alone. perhaps that's why she reached out— because truthfully she didn't need to do that. she didn't need to make connections or friendships, she wasn't scouting for clients after all.

so what was she doing helping this stranger? was she truly that kind or perhaps the loneliness of being the only from from her world was eating at her. these were the thoughts she had as she looked at renoir with a soft gaze and nodded at his words. despite his peculiarities he seemed like a kind enough man. perhaps lost? she wasn't sure. )


It's been.....complicated. I think I've gotten myself wrapped up in some questionable affairs.

( a certain doctor came to mind but for now she simply smiled at him. )

But, rest assured most people here are very kind. There's no malice or ill will from most. You'll be safe here for the most part.
thelightshines: (Players only love you)

[personal profile] thelightshines 2025-06-27 04:45 am (UTC)(link)
[He grits his teeth. Holograms or not, the injuries are still real, and he's been losing blood. With all the rain and water, the blood dripping onto Sonic might be missed. The creature has to be hiding behind that wall of water though, preparing to strike once the tidal wave is unleashed upon them.]

I'm getting us through it. Be ready! [There's a loud rumbling as the tsunami is finally let go, heading in the direction of the two hedgehogs. If Sonic wanted to protest, Shadow is going to ignore it. As orange and golden sparks spread from his body, even his red highlights flare up. They start to speed towards the massive wave until....the world suddenly begins to stop.

It almost felt like when Sonic went super fast and the world would slow down, but this was different. It felt more like time had stopped, all the sounds became muffled and the colors of the world were washed out. There's a sensation of being tugged somewhere, down a tunnel. To the unexperienced, all of one's senses comes into question as gravity doesn't work right, a sense of vertigo as up becomes down.

It all will eventually stop, the world coming back together and revealing they've passed through the tidal wave. The serpent was there to greet them, still frozen in time.]
Go! [He tosses Sonic skywards with all of his remaining strength, as the world gradually starting to move once more. The serpent will only see the black hedgehog as time starts again. Light sparking from his right hand, creating one last spear. Intentionally, he stays on the side of it's good eye, keeping the creature's attention on him.]
strumpet: (pic#17865791)

— the beehive

[personal profile] strumpet 2025-06-27 04:53 am (UTC)(link)
( after nearly avoiding stepping on a small woman running about the grounds of the beehive, inara began to make her way through to finally observe the place properly because much like bruce, there was at least one other person in this strange world who made it her mission to take note of everyone and everything.

for what reason? self-preservation and protection really. her eyes sauntered from side to side, a glass of wine between her lips as she casually walked along. she was probably one of the few people here with a outfit that allowed her to walk right into the beehive without much issue.

what caught her eye was that she wasn't the only one dressed smartly. seated near the wall, equally observing all and giving off a unique energy, he wasn't hard to miss at all. so it didn't take inara long to find a way to make her way over, a rather flirtatious smile on her face as she sat down and placed her glass on the table. )


So did you come with this location, or do you always dress this nice?
sabigoe: (⚙ 11)

[personal profile] sabigoe 2025-06-27 05:14 am (UTC)(link)
[ She can see that air head pat, and she grins, tiptoeing just a little to acknowledge it. ] It's all right. I do like "little miss". [ Somehow it makes her feel like a noble or a princess. In a different life, maybe she could have been something like that. ]

And that's a word I learned from Darkie!

[ Speaking proudly, with an unwavering smile as she speaks of... "Darkie". That is clearly one of her many childish nicknames for somebody. Good luck to Verso if he ever meets this person. She's been trying to flex some of her new vocabulary a little, but it's obvious when it's learned from another person. Of course he could tell it's from someone else. Of course anyone could tell, with the little pauses she makes in between syllables. She's been picking up all sorts of words from people. Including a couple of "bad" ones... ]

He's a friend I made here. Um... not here, but we met on my first mission not too long ago. Darkie says a bunch of big words sometimes. He's really grumpy! [ Yet she still sounds cheerful when she says that... ] He's kind too, in his own way.

[ Is he even in the theme park somewhere though? Shadow doesn't seem the type to miss out on investigating a new place. She can picture his annoyance once he's found out she's wandered off alone. Again. ]
ornitiers: (Your tears)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-06-27 05:20 am (UTC)(link)
They are. They're good friends. I'm not sure if they're here or not, though, that I've seen. But ah, well, the eidelons are kind of unique to the Summoner tribe from Madain Sari. Usually. There's....um. Shiva, Ifrit, Ramuh, Atomos, Odin, Leviathan, Bahamut, and Ark that Dagger can summon. Eiko can summon Fenrir, Phoenix, Carbuncle, and Madeen.

[Some of which would definitely sound familiar to Dion. Not that Vivi would know that, as he lists them and counts them off on his fingers with his gloved hands as he follows the other from the fighting arena.]
lastonetodie: (and underneath your pastures green)

[personal profile] lastonetodie 2025-06-27 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, because it is there. [ Yes, he's familiar with it. Many Drzyr had shared the same sentiment. ] Yes, there is merit in that.

Will you try to conquer everything here in the same way?
fromfire: (or honey hope)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-27 05:48 am (UTC)(link)
Little miss, it is, then. [ He smiles wide, pleased.

His eyes drift to the side as he mulls over the nickname "Darkie." It seems like he's going to have difficulty finding that person. Why couldn't they have received an easy one like "Versie?" Oh well. It is things that makes a man go hm, as he listens to her talk about him.

He does, at least, try not to frown at her saying that he's grumpy. If they met on a mission, he wonders if the grumpiness comes from wanting to keep her safe? Or finding her a burden to look after? There's no way to know without speaking to them, anyway. ]


Is he now? [ He says with interest about him being kind. ] Also hoping to get you a few prizes? [ A soft teasing response as he heads into the area outside the arena with her. At the very least, it seems people expect some blood on the competitors. Of course, they probably don't expect him to be covered in it, but what can a person do? Shuffle toward one of those bots for a clean and re-dress, right? That is what he's decided on, anyway. ]

There's quite a few prizes over there... have you thought of what you'd like most?
oblige: (mull)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-27 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ Dion's stride briefly stutters when he hears a string of names that include more than a few very familiar ones. He thought he might hear descriptions, but the names inform him well enough. How very strange that another world should have summoned beings by those names.

He debates with himself as they walk, undeniably curious yet uncertain what to say. But the silence could grow awkward, so he spurs himself to speak before it does. ]


Does Bahamut happen to be a dragon?

[ Naturally, he must ask. ]
fromfire: (i drifted far)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-27 05:56 am (UTC)(link)
You're an interesting man, Clive. [ Which is saying something from someone being cleaned by him after they became quick friends. But he feels he should say that much. ] There are those that would consider the harm caused by positive change to be -- [ He frowns, runs his tongue along his teeth, and drift his eyes up as he seems to try to think of the word. ] -- reasonable.

[ Yes, he focuses on that point, but lets out a small sigh. ] Don't you worry about getting disillusioned by others?

[ And he huffs out a little laugh at the idea that he's going to let him down.

He holds his hands up after hearing his name and being splashed. The pose he takes is surrendering; he even tilts his head down to recognize he's said something that he shouldn't. ]


Well, you haven't seen it. It's quite remarkable.
ornitiers: (All my shadows away)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-06-27 06:16 am (UTC)(link)
Uh-huh! That's right!

[Vivi had been about to start describing them next, beyond just the names as he tried to remember them all, or most of them, when the other seemed to be familiar? He tilts his head at the question, curious and confused. He's not yet aware of the similarities between their worlds. His hat shifts as he glances up to the other, glowing eyes slightly wider.]

You know about them, too?
oblige: (consider)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-27 06:58 am (UTC)(link)
Some of them, yes.

[ Dion replies with a faint smile. ]

Though in my world, they are called Eikons, and each awakens within but one person.

[ There may be something to it, to those terms that sound similar but aren't quite the same. Much like a summoner can call some Eidolon Bahamut, but in Valisthea he is Bahamut. He debates whether he ought to explain, but then, he supposes his name on the network suggests enough if one has any familiarity. ]

I happen to be Bahamut.

[ He says it with the easy calm of one who has never known himself as any other but Dominant of Bahamut. Much like the Phoenix, he has been thus since infancy. ]
ornitiers: (Your tears)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-06-27 07:14 am (UTC)(link)
You are....?

[Well. That was not what Vivi expected? He blinks, considering for a moment. Here, or at least in Dion's world, the Eidolons were people? It sure would have meant their little party of misfits was much larger if that were the case, as Garnet and Eiko grew more powerful over time. It's not really Vivi's expertise. He can't use summons. But it's something he is familiar enough with that this surprises him. The tiny mage can't help being curious.]

So, where you're from, the Eidolons -- ah, Eikons, can look like people?
oblige: (consider)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-27 07:41 am (UTC)(link)
We are people. Dominants are human, but we can transform into our Eikonic form. Many others have been Bahamut before me, but I shall be the only one in my lifetime.

[ Dion explains, maintaining a casual stroll. Bahamut is entirely too large for him to show the young mage by example here. He has always needed to create distance and find openings for himself, so as not to cause damage or endanger others when he primes.

His wingspan is massive, for one thing. ]


It must sound strange, when your summoners and Eidolons are separate.
ornitiers: (Your tears)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-06-27 08:11 am (UTC)(link)
Dominants? Oh. I think I get it? Sort of. So, each time a person with an Eikon dies, there's another born to take over? Something like that?

[It is quite different from the way he knows of Eidolons back home. Even if there might be certain similarities. He figures that the other would probably be happy to demonstrate for him if there were enough space. Vivi is curious, but that could wait. He has some idea of what to expect, if it is similar enough to Bahamut back home, at least.]
oblige: (lean)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-27 08:43 am (UTC)(link)
[ Vivi catches on quickly, and he is close. ]

Something like that. [ Dion confirms with a nod. ] After a Dominant passes, at some point another will awaken to that Eikon's power. It is not necessarily immediate.

[ A great deal of time can pass, in fact, though it varies. ]

Less are Dominants from birth or infancy than otherwise. The Phoenix and I are, however.
ornitiers: (Weaving through)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-06-27 09:04 am (UTC)(link)
Oh. So, sometimes people can become a Dominant later on?

[It seems like that would be better to figure from birth? To have better control? But it isn't like Vivi is an expert. And Garnet couldn't summon her Eidolons until she was sixteen. So maybe it isn't so bad? He's not certain. Just trying to consider the implications. How it might work exactly. He glances around, noting some familiar themes. Chocobos, for example.]