TDM 008

[etrayamods]

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⏴

Comments

[demainvient]

[ I'm psychic answers approximately 0.5% of his question, but he's not feeling all that up to follow-up questions, if he's being honest. ]

That would probably be a good idea, yeah.

[ He turns his head to glance over at the younger man, a wry tug to the corner of his mouth despite the pallor of his skin and the way he looks like he might vomit any second. ]

Happen to have one handy? Maybe a healing tincture or two?

[ Whatever might get him over the hump enough that he can go find someplace to lie down for a while and try to focus on not bleeding out. ]

[wolfish]

It is a curiosity, isn't it? I wouldn't have picked me for the task.

[ He says this, but he suspects his devotion to his people must be the cause, after all this time. That motivating force is one good thing about him, though given his profession and the things he has done, there are far nobler candidates to work with.

Unless being willing to bloody his hands is another reason. ]

I dabble in all manner of things, really. I like games of strategy, a sporting fight, a good wager, cooking...

[ He shrugs, as though these too are of no consequence. ]

[ornitiers]

As much a part of you as your limbs....like me. My magic.

[Of course, Vivi has some vague awareness of infants. Has seen them around here and there occasionally with his travels. The tiny humans. He has no experience with something like that. Well, unless baby chocobos sort of count. Still, he nods in some limited understanding. That responsibilty was a lot, caring for someone so tiny and dependent on you.]

[demainvient]

[ The boy that goes rushing past him can't be much older than his apprentices — looks about the same age, really — but none of them have been trained to do anything like that. Not yet, anyway, though several of them have already started their Academy training, learning to fight Nevrons for a future Expedition they all hope won't be needed.

It's easy to follow his trajectory, brightly dressed as he is, that cape fluttering behind him like a banner, and he's certainly impressive. It's more than possible he could take the thing down himself.

But he doesn't need to. Gustave shifts, moving to the side to avoid the push of air and flash of light that comes as the first explosive goes up before he darts in. The sweep of his sword carries a flash of golden light with it, blade biting into the thing's metal leg, on the same side as the leg that had just been blown up. If they're getting it off-balance, may as well make sure it can't regain it again. ]

[wolfish]

One thing we've got around here is time.

[ Too much time, in his opinion.

Yuri knows when to take his cues. He gets to his feet a little too fluidly, as though he's practiced in making each motion look just so. ]

You let me know if more injuries find you, yeah? I'll see you around, in any case.

[closetdweller]

Really realistic game...

[He muttered, noticing that the tall stranger hadn't understood what he had said.]

I mean I don't get out much, for a lot of reasons. This isn't Anywhere near where I'm supposed to be.

[demainvient]

[ He nods, letting the man coax him over to a place where he can sit, breathing in deeply and holding it before exhaling slowly as directed. It helps, his heart beginning to slow and steady in his chest, his head spinning a little less dizzily. ]

I can imagine that's quite a sought-after skillset, here.

[ Psychiatry isn't a field he's terribly familiar with — and there aren't that many left in Lumière to practice the specialty — but it's not wholly alien to him. ]

I can't be the only one who's wondering what's real and what isn't. You must be very busy.

[demainvient]

[ She reminds him a little of Sciel.

Not in how she looks; in how she moves. Sciel embraced the joy of the physical, too, dancing up on a stage with the gleam of her pictos bursting around her like flowers of light, tangling with gestrals in their arena as their newest champion. But Sciel never moved with this level of focused precision, easy and flexible even in combat, where this woman seems personally determined to collect every tiny statuette not within the game's timeframe, but her own.

He looks over at her, a little taken aback by her frank assessment — he's far from looking his best, surely, grimy and sick and injured — but has to huff an amused breath at the comment, the way she looks him up and down, anyway. ]

And take away your hard-earned reward, Mademoiselle? I couldn't possibly.

[ There's little enough chance of him earning it for himself, in his current state, but he's still a gentleman. ]

You did that beautifully. Having fun?

[oblige]

[ Bobby Corwen absolutely counts and let no one say otherwise. ]

They do seem much the same.

[ From what Vivi has said, his magic is an inherent gift. It isn't one he appears to fear using, so Dion dearly hopes that means his world doesn't have to contend with any curse upon its use. To him, it's remarkable that one so young has such skill, and in a variety of elements. ]

Forgive me, I've not introduced myself. Dion Lesage. Please, call me Dion.

[levelshift]

[An entirely unimpressed expression crosses his face. 'Healing tincture'? What is this, the Dark Ages?

... Then again, even something ridiculous like that would be better than having nothing. It's not like he carries a first aid kit on himself, and he's fairly sure pocket tissues aren't going to do a hell of a lot. Which just leaves -]

.......................

[Uuuuugh. He glances away, irritated.]

Where's the worst of the wound?

[ornitiers]

[Totally counts!! Vivi has come a long way in gaining more confidence, being more comfortable about using his magic. He's made such progress thanks to the support and encouragement of his friends. It's just instinct now to use his abilities to help in battle.]

Oh! Right. I'm Vivi! Vivi Ornitier.

[They'd been so distracted and busy with the dragon. He only belatedly realizes that he hadn't exactly introduced himself. So he does so now, reminded when Dion gives his name. There's no recognition from him to be aware that the other was of such status. But he can vaguely recognize that similar sort of speech, perhaps, if he compares it to Garnet. The finer clothes are of higher quality. Still, if the other wanted him to know, he would say something. Vivi just takes him at face value, giving a nod.]

Dion, then.

[brat]

( good. he didn't need the back up, didn't want it, but at least the man isn't getting in his way and is instead following along.

robin manages to get his leg over the beast's tail, and swings himself up enough to climb up it. it makes a loud, displeased noise that sounds almost mechanical but it matters not. once robin has a grip on something, he has the tendency to not let go - and he certainly doesn't here. the tail swings about, but he moves along with it, letting himself go lax so when it swings, his weight shifts almost like fluid.

he only needs a few moments. long enough for it to pause in it's rattling about so he can shift gears and run up the tail, explosives still in hand.

one hand presses to the beast's collar, while the other plants the explosives in the curve of it's neck as robin flips his weight up and over it's shoulders, hoping to land on the ground in front of it.

unfortunately timing isn't on his side, and as soon as he's moved his hand off the beast and the explosives start their countdown, it swings an arm straight for him. there's no time to effectively move out of it's trajectory, so he does the next best thing and ls every muscle go lax. it won't cause as much damage if he's not tensed up when it hits. )

[limiterrings]

[ it's different.

shadow does have that ability in his repertoire, but the way the other hedgehog utilized that ability.

without saying too much about himself, he stares at the other who seems incapable of lying, like this is his truth. closing his eyes, he contemplates what's said and how it's said before looking towards where the exit is. ]

That's all?

[ ... his interest leaves from the hedgehog before him to looking at the other's hand, then his body up and down. ]

[oblige]

[ Dion is of the mind that being a prince matters not on the scale of worlds, of universes. He'll not deny who he is, but it hardly seems important in the face of so much else. Perhaps one day it will come up, but in the meantime he offers the young mage a soft smile. ]

It is a pleasure to meet you, Vivi.

[ He nods politely, though the effect may well be lost with the difference in their heights. ]

Have you explored this place much just yet?

[ornitiers]

You too! Ah, I've explored a little. I haven't seen everything yet, though.

[It's all kind of a lot. Vivi hasn't been anywhere quite this bright and busy. So loud, so many people, so many games. He's sure the others would enjoy this if they were here. Well. Okay, maybe not so much Steiner, but still. He's definitely been curious and has started to check things out. Noting certain things as familiar, even if this was not home.]

[her_own_rules]

Dinner at the Beehive—after sneaking past the door guards & not aiming for getting dressed up—hadn't been all that exciting an affair. Getting a rundown on who he'd already bumped into, what they'd already told him, and then filling in the gaps—without the nuisance of needing to repeat anything unless Dick, himself, asked for her take on something. Batman Jr. and Sr., both, and the very different versions of Jason here. An overview of missions and work she'd already done for family.

Barbara had hoped that a door or a portal or something would show up once all the missions she'd spotted had been fulfilled. Some inane checklist completed. But like so many of the other short and extended missions, it appears they are going to be her a while, which is how they end up at the only place that even has rooms for the night. She's vaguely grateful the place has as much until she's staring at the haunted-looking place, wondering if it'll be its own mission, too.

There's only ONE (1) room with ONE (1) bed available at the late point they check in (with notes that are invited to revist the concierge desk tomorrow midday after checkout hours for a second room to become available). Which seems par for the course, but Barbara is tired enough that she rolls her eyes & takes one of the two keys. Then, it's showers, which she lets Dick hit first. He's been through far more in this day than she has, even if she's glad enough for her turn when it comes.

When Barbara comes out—in the most ridiculous nightgown (again, sue her, she packed one set of extra clothes, her costume, and her laptop)—she's towel drying her hair over one shoulder. "Why? Are you going to offer to take the floor after your rousing game of wack-a-mole with a giant, followed up with hours of running a high-level multiversal obstacle course?"

[nottheboss]

Bossie doesn't clarify, just smiles slightly, eyes a little too bright, too watchful. Bordering on manic. Harold got the core of it, the disgust of it, at least.

He can explain the rest later if Harold proves himself worthy of God.

But that's later. Right now, it's his job to behave.

"So what does Shaw see you as?"

Re: haunted hotel

[nottheboss]

He stops short. His hands are raised slightly, just bordering on defensive. Bordering on offensive, too, if he wanted to lash out.

"Yeah," he says warily. "Where's it coming from?"

[cactusy]

"Beats me," she says wearily. "I was hoping it was someone coming to tell me the mission was over. You see anything out here?"

she would indeed create a plushie army, as one does. clive want his before/after the mingle log?

[reincarnesiac]

( Another nod; it makes sense to her, since splitting up is often the best way to collect as much information as possible. And hey, having anyone come up with plans and hand out orders? She's been missing Captain Jenna as it is, so it's nice to have a moment where she doesn't need to make all the calls herself.

(She still will, but the point is the feeling.) )

Sounds good! Two hours and we debrief at the ticket counter.

( He gets another thumbs up, and Alex makes sure she nudges the bin she lasted pulled out back firmly onto the shelf before heading out the door. )

We can find you a washing machine then...!

( And she's off, surprisingly fast for someone with technically one giant casino alone to half-cover. )

harry wilson | leverage: redemption | new player

[legalcons]

i) playtime

[ He doesn’t understand all the details. Well — scratch that. Harry does get all the details: Rack up a bunch of GP. Cash-in your points to grab the card of your likeness. Play swapsies with the others. Easy peasy. It’s the last part that’s got him a touched confused. But it’s a solid excuse for Harry to pretend that he’s ten years-old again .

When you reach a certain age, amusement parks can feel like something out of your element. Unless you’re a super fan and got the hard dough to splurge. Or if you’re a parent like Harry, then you’ve got the perfect ‘Get out of Jail Free’ card to go hog wild with your kid. But when you don’t have said child (or a Breanna to spill all the hot gamer gos’) tagging along by your side…then that middle-aged insecurity creeps back up.

All to say that this is a delicate, mid-life crisis tight rope he’s riding down. Whoever the ex-corporate lawyer is standing next to, he maintains a soft, friendly demeanor. A warm smile in a well-tailored three-piece suit. And whoever Harry spots around the gaming area, he’ll make an honest attempt at breaking the ice. ]

Man, that submarine simulator is a doozy.

[ The tone of voice is excitable, but not too robust. ]

It’s all fun and games until you remember you’re playing with inverted controls.

ii) the beehive lounge { cw: alcohol mention }

[ Sneaking inside the employee entrance of an establishment in an outfit you weren’t 100% sure of? Yeah. This is about par for the course for Harry these days. At least the stakes are extremely low. There’s no sleazy head honcho smoking a fat cigar to grift.

Nah, this time the uniform is out of pure happenstance.

He sits by the bar, holding up a half-empty flute of his Shiva cocktail in one hand. The other with a half-charged smartphone with absolutely no reception. His right leg neatly crossed over his left. A small, colorful holding a Moogle plush sits by his side. ]

You think they have cell service by the hotel?

[ He remarks contemplatively to the other person next to him. His brain is very much stuck in ‘I’m on Earth’ mode. Harry hasn’t quite grasped where he is currently in the universe. ]

iii) haunted house

[ If you’re walking down the hall on your way to your room, you’ll probably pass by a room making a considerable amount of noise. It starts with a few loud footsteps that then crescendos into a loud THUD and scream (indeterminate whether that scream is per-recorded or coming from an actual human being).

But what soon follows is the door ripping open to reveal a six-foot grown man coming out of his room in a cold sweat. He takes one, two, three deep breaths before looking over to see the other hotel patron.

He simply smiles and offers a sheepish wave. It’s fine. Nothing wrong with this hotel room at all. ]

iv) wildcard

[ Choose your adventure! This is my first crack at voice-testing this fella, so I'm keeping all my channels open for plot nonsense. Feel free to plot with me over on the DMs. ]

[betenoir]

[The soft gaze sees through him to see him. But his mind is already drifting to somewhere where he sees nothing but the sad grace of his wife's expression and her broken heart. The heart he had sworn to guard more fiercly than his own. He almost shakes his head. But he turns it uncomfortably to the side.]

I hear there is much to hope for, here.

[Kindness? Safety? Freedom from malice? Part of him wants to hope. Part of him cannot. His gaze returns, renewed and resolved.]

Perhaps I am worrying about nothing. Safety is always welcome of course.

[nottheboss]

His hand twitches, flexes into a fist, relaxes again. "What mission?"

[cactusy]

"The-- are you new?"

She looks him up and down. She certainly doesn't recognize him, but that doesn't mean much.

[theknightshift]

Convenient for you and for me.

[ It is effortless how they seemingly come together in a way that's clearly familiar. Like the steps in a dance they've done 100 times before. Bruce takes the lead, he always does and he expects Barbara to follow. At the bar he taps the counter once and gets their drinks ordered. Bruce doesn't intend to drink his, just something to give the appearance of preoccupation while he works out what Barbara knows of their current situation. ]

I got here about an hour ago. [ he gives her a curious look ] More importantly, when did you get here? [ She seems at ease in a way Bruce hasn't acclimated to yet. ]