etrayamods: (Default)
∎ 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

cactusy: (I cannot solve clinical depression)

[personal profile] cactusy 2025-06-29 10:19 pm (UTC)(link)
There's one more obvious change: Shaw is no longer looking at him like he's someone she'd just as soon pass off to someone else. Harold had said to think of Bossie as a number, which would involve more attention in and of itself - but most numbers are strangers, unconnected to any of them. This guy is a number in the way Grace had been; the way Arthur Claypool had been. He's significant to someone who is significant to her.

But there's no time for introductions, because she's already heading down the hall, half her attention on him and half on the source of that bang. "Maybe. I didn't see anything."

She runs her fingers down the doorframe once she's reached it, then walks backwards, anticipating that the ghostly banging will move along to the next door. Instead, it sounds all the way at the far end of the hall.
nottheboss: (pic#16390871)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-29 10:21 pm (UTC)(link)
"No one mentioned ghost busting as part of being a good representative," he grouses, but he's excited, too. Glad to be doing something, hunting something.

He glances at her. "You armed?"
levindicated: (33)

[personal profile] levindicated 2025-06-29 10:27 pm (UTC)(link)
I know who the Dame is-

[And he doesn’t drop Clive, for what it’s worth. But he’s equally grateful for the instructions.]

I just hadn’t realized you’d gotten so close-

[He starts to sweat.]

Alright…

[For all the time Cid has spent as a Commander, he’s never forgotten how to take an order in dire moments either. If nothing else, Cid has control and a keen mind. ]

[He slides a foot back and brings Clive up with him, spinning by him out until he’s upright- with Cid’s hand on his waist. ]

So what, you just want to dance together now? I can manage that.

[Even if it’s actively stiffening him somewhere very inconvenient]

But watch where you’re touching, eh? You’re going to give an old man the wrong idea.
quibblingfunctionary: made by dethruki (smile 03)

[personal profile] quibblingfunctionary 2025-06-29 10:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He crosses his arms. Is this man all work and no play? ]

Yes, yes, you said as much before you stormed off. But do you not see, Dion? If you want a match you merely need to shift the paradigm. You could have said something like ''I would be oh-so-happy to play with you, but I still need GP.'' And I would have chimed in with ''Worry not dear Bahamut, for I have GP to spare!'' then we need not have gone through this. OR! [ This word he says louder cutting off any attempt for the dragon to cut in. ] You could have simply demanded GP for your time spent on such a frivolous venture. Either way, we get to play with one another.

[ There is a gleam in Sleipnir's eyes, if Dion hadn't the preconceptions in place he might think the horse is the one who is 'oh-so-happy'. ]
Edited (html) 2025-06-29 22:31 (UTC)
cactusy: (welcome to international waters)

[personal profile] cactusy 2025-06-29 10:32 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yeah," she says, though she leaves her gun tucked away in her boot for now. "Not that a gun's much good against something like this. Have you heard it do anything else?"
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-29 10:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"No. It's been pretty harmless. Hasn't even seemed to try to lead me anywhere."

A bang from another area, out of view. "Aren't these things supposed to try to communicate?"
oblige: (aside)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-29 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Why is that even a question that need be asked...

Dion's eyes narrow slightly, but only just that much. ]


This all hinges on my interest in indulging you in the first place, does it not?

[ Who ever said this was his idea of a good time, Sleipnir? ]
cactusy: (this planet both wipes and sucks)

[personal profile] cactusy 2025-06-29 10:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"I don't know, ghosts aren't supposed to be real." And honestly, she's pretty annoyed at this one for breaking that particular law of physics. With an annoyed exhale, she turns back around to fully face Bossie.

"I say we ignore it. Maybe all it's meant to do is keep us awake and on edge."
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-29 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
His lip curls a little in irritation but he nods, sheathes his knife.

"Fucking bullshit," he decides but with a little bit of a smirk. "I thought I'd give Carver the night off from me but maybe I'll just go crash with him where it's quiet. Where you staying? You're Shaw, right?"
cactusy: (this is how I wanted things to be)

[personal profile] cactusy 2025-06-29 10:58 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yeah. Carver's a friend."

Which he already knows, clearly, but she thinks there's value in verbalizing it from her end, too. People from worlds like theirs - and worlds like hers - understand the value of clarity and open loyalty.
leastdramatic: (It's not me)

[personal profile] leastdramatic 2025-06-29 11:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[A simple answer to a simple question and it tells Jason a lot, right down to the way Bruce replied]

We’re from different worlds then. Mine apparently has some noticeable differences compared to the others.
quibblingfunctionary: made by dethruki (smile 03)

[personal profile] quibblingfunctionary 2025-06-29 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Aw, well, he doesn't know Dion like that. A shame, if he did maybe there would be more better tactics used. ]

That or your interest in beating a foe. [ He shrugs off Bahamut's disinterest. ] How much GP are you in need of?

[ Okay, okay, the disinterest does still rankle, but in time Light's Prince will change his opinion. ]
betenoir: (Acceptance)

[personal profile] betenoir 2025-06-29 11:05 pm (UTC)(link)
So you've said. I would suggest affording it no thought, monsieur.

[Renoir is silent for a moment. He stills his pencil and does not draw.]

It is a wonderous thing, to have a love so strong. It is all the more rare for a man to forget a love so strong. I would say that to forget... Well, you would have to have lost your mind...
herofhopeless: (Smirk)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-29 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Visited her a couple of times after we got introduced.

[The quiet clink of glasses, the feeling of the music thrumming in Clive’s bones, Cid’s hands large and warm on his body. This was far more pleasant than Clive imagined it would be.

A spike of excitement lances through him at the feeling of Cid pulling him up, handling him so easily. Too drunk and caught up in the moment to care, Clive does nothing to hide the desire that flashes in his eyes once they make eye contact again.]


Good. Thought you might be able to.

[Clive puts his hand over Cid’s, letting himself rest in the moment before running his hand up Cid’s arm to rest it on his shoulder, his body never quite ceasing as it sways and moves to the rhythm.]

One, you’re not old.

[Clive rolls his hips closer while putting gentle pressure on Cid’s back to guide him to roll his chest closer.]

Two, aren’t we just dancing, Cid?

[There is a playful sparkle in Clive’s eyes. Teasing Cid is more fun than he thought it would be.]
oblige: (consider)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-29 11:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Alas, they find themselves in the "getting to know you" phase. ]

I am midway to the required amount.

[ There isn't any use in inflating numbers or pretending he has something that he does not. ]

I'd been testing what was the most efficient course.

[ Dion is here for little tasks, yes. ]
quibblingfunctionary: made by dethruki (peek)

[personal profile] quibblingfunctionary 2025-06-29 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Sleipnir had been enjoying his confections within the Beehive and ignoring the dancers for the most part. The robots were strange and not very sexy in his mind, but he is not one to judge another's kinks. The sweet treats were delightful though.

But then his eyes were blessed two one of the most beautiful dancers he has ever seen. Such scandalous outfits as well... Sleipnir thought they were ludicrous on the robots, but... he can certainly see the appeal here. He shifts to get more comfortable in his chair to watch the beauties dance. ]
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-29 11:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"Not used to him having friends," he admits. It takes some getting used to.

He tips his head towards the exit. "Walk with me?"
brat: (17446063)

[personal profile] brat 2025-06-30 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
( he could turn and leave. could keep this as whatever it was, and have "bruce" fend for himself until damian can catch him unaware later. but he gives permission, meaning he's waiting for it. alright, then.

robin is near-silent when he pulls the grapple line out from under his cloak, raises and tosses it around bruce's midsection and yanks tightly on one side of it, causing it to tighten around him and hold him to the chair. it's mere moments later when robin lurches forward, wrapping the wire around his wrist, and - presses his hand against 'bruce's' mouth, gloved fingers holding on tight while his foot kicks out the leg of the chair enough that it tips back.

it's with an impressive show of strength that he drags the chair, along with the two hundred pound occupant, the several steps back he needs to get them out of view of everyone else. there's a curtain, a door some feet behind it that leads to a storage closet, and if bruce allows himself to be dragged the entire distance, damian will be pulling them both straight through it. )
strumpet: (pic#17865812)

[personal profile] strumpet 2025-06-30 12:05 am (UTC)(link)
( there's something in the air about him and she isn't quite sure what to make of it, but for now as they came towards a bench overlooking the chocobo races, inara gestured towards it for both to sit down. whether he accepted the invitation or not, she placed her bags down and held out a small bottle of water towards hm. if he accepted, she'd pass it over. if not, back into the bag.

but for now though she simply smiled at him and thought about his words before answering. )


Well they certainly do try and make us all feel safe. They even give us homes and goods without cost, it certainly could be worse right? And who knows, you might be able to return home soon or your family might be brought here.
cactusy: (this planet both wipes and sucks)

[personal profile] cactusy 2025-06-30 12:22 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm not used to me having friends," Shaw remarks, though this doesn't stop her from following him. "I was bedding down here, trying to do the mission to its fullest, but in Etraya - you know that big library?"
bluejustice: Sonic 3 (25)

[personal profile] bluejustice 2025-06-30 01:11 am (UTC)(link)
[The sudden sensation of having his chaos energy drawn from him made Sonic bristle, his immediate reaction to try and pull back-- and can you really blame him, after his run-ins with Eggman it was a bit of a touchy subject. However, he stops himself and pauses for a moment, frowning a little, considering as he realizes the sensation is not exactly invasive or draining, but closer to like a synergy. Almost like... when they willingly shared the power of the Master Emerald. It's still weird but it's not a entirely unpleasant, so he cautiously lets it happen.

Didn’t mean he wouldn’t complain about it, though.]


Dude, you gotta warn a guy first whenever you want to try anything new like that.

[He groans as the room does spin a little after the whole thing's done. He wobbles, barely managing to stay upright. Probably in a better state it wouldn't have been noticeable, but he was close to running on fumes before. He still looks at his hand curiously after, though. He had to admit that was something he didn't know he could do.

His attention was drawn back from that as he noticed Shadow on the floor.]
Crap, wait, I'll ask for help. [He could still mostly walk after all.]
reincarnesiac: (gun in hand and ready to rock'n'roll)

compfoenian

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-06-30 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
Aaaaaaaaaahahahahahaaaaa!

( Alex does not stick her landing so much as skid across the snow, bounce off her butt when falling on it, tumble forward, roll half on another mogul and taking out the rising cactuar with her board, then ending up back upright on her board from her effort to tuck and roll.

Her speed has decreased enough that the needles shot from irate cactuars are not falling short, but are in fact falling around her, and deflected in a few cases by the overlarge helmet. It's also the helmet that'd made her unable to see as her board lines up with the jump, and she throws her arms out to the side and tries to rise, jerking her head back hard enough to finally see...

Right as she picks up enough speed to have a lame, plausible, jump.
)

Why is there a jump here?!

( She calls out, even as she pulls her knees up and grabs onto her board, helping her coast over the heads of a dozen cactuars... and slam the end of her board down in a life through them. )

I don't know if I should be saying sorry!

( She says after a thump and grunt of landing, veering a hard right as she tries to keep her balance and not fall again. It cuts her across the rest of the moguls, needles shooting after her from a few of the cactuars she'd smacked with her board. In a moment, the big flat turn and dip down the mountain at the end of the cactuar moguls swallows her whole, Alex dipping beyond its extremely immediate horizon.

Gorgug may hear the blue chocobo after succeeding in its cactuar vengeance, turning its sights back to the field and large and leaping toward another cactuar with a raptor-screech of an irate chicken. The cactuar goes flying overhead, smashing into the snow on the far side of Gorgug in the process.

The blue chocobo continues to go wild, frustrated at this frozen environment and all the annoying plants or fast-moving people who are not leaving it feeling moisturized and in its lane. It leaps and flaps virtually useless wings as it bowls through cactuars, feathers somehow shielding it from the majority of the worst impact any needles could make.
)
thelightshines: (but time can't be borrowed)

[personal profile] thelightshines 2025-06-30 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
[Transferance and controlling chaos energy just comes to Shadow naturally after all the testing he was put through. No doubt something humans were trying to figure out how to control themselves through him. Maybe someday it could be possible for Sonic to do something similar, if properly trained.]

No! [Sonic barely finishes what he says when Shadow growls a quick retort. He manages to move into a sitting position, putting his back against the wall, hand gripping over the wound. He must be too drained for it to heal properly.]

Don't...bring anyone. [He says between breaths. He needs a moment to rest, recover and he'll be fine enough to move again. He doesn't need help from a complete stranger.]
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-30 01:42 am (UTC)(link)
"I've never been there but I know which building you mean." He thinks Carver would like it there; he's always been a bookworm.
cactusy: (I'm waiting for someone)

[personal profile] cactusy 2025-06-30 01:56 am (UTC)(link)
"That's where I live. Not a lot of people know."

Probably only a few more than know about Carver's subway hideout, honestly.