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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

heavensnight: (That only I feel that way)

[personal profile] heavensnight 2025-07-01 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[it's the little things. like Verso making sure to pay attention to her, to look her in the eye, and it showed he knew how to behave. at least how to impress somebody and was just another little thing Maria jotted down.]

If I hadn't been impressed by your company then I'd just expect you to keep trying to get me to want to see more of you. Nobody likes a quitter, do they? [and she's the type that likes attention anyway.]

I am a very great friend and a loyal one. [she says in response. for the right people, she wasn't quick to give up on someone and it did seem like Verso was one of those types of people.] And a very fun one. [her hand moves across to stroke over the top of his with a knowing smile. it had been one of those nights, hadn't it? they'd liked each other's company well enough.]
wolfish: (say)

[personal profile] wolfish 2025-07-01 08:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Yuri's first response is to spread his arms, as though this illustrates what he means wheb he says— ]

I've got entirely too much time.

[ Because he does. No matter how he may try to occupy himself, the downtime between missions is entirely too much time for him. He doesn't have a community to look after here, he doesn't have an ongoing war to level a looming threat over him in the day-to-day. Doing what he can to remain busy is somehow never enough.

When his arms drop, he shrugs. ]


You don't go tipping your hand at the start of a game, do you?
ingestion: (pic#17598851)

[personal profile] ingestion 2025-07-01 10:14 pm (UTC)(link)
( it was an interesting thing to encounter someone who seemed like they could be pulled directly from her world, but they weren't. there was something about him that felt that way—

but instead of focusing on that, she called out to the ticket counter attendant and made her request, allowing sam to pay for it. once that was taken care of, she leaned on the counter and began to tap her fingers on it and turned back to face him once more. there was a mischievous little smile on her face as she thought about the best way to repay him for this. )


Is that right? Well outside of this area, on the main world you know, Etraya? What we're on? I run a little deli and counseling office over in Charronway. Come over anytime, if you like sandwiches that is.

( a pause. )

But if you're more of a beer guy, I can hook you up with a pack.
sabigoe: (⚙ 10)

[personal profile] sabigoe 2025-07-01 10:25 pm (UTC)(link)
We made that first step already, I think. [ The moment she stepped into the arena. Unless she's in dire need of another large amount of points, she's not going in there again. A small smile, her expression brightening somewhat. Maybe the cards would be more exciting if she were actually interested in the game. But she does love making friends most of all. ]

But I'd be happy to trade with you. It's like... you'd be helping my world. [ With the lack of any visible progress, she's been worried, unsure of what else to do but to continue following the missions that they've been instructed to do. She's too afraid to stop. So it gives her some peace that she'll be able to fulfill the goal successfully in the end. Though she doesn't express the joyous excitement he might be expecting from his suggestion, she does look relieved. ] And I'd also be helping your world.

[ She would like to think so, even if she hasn't had the chance to ask about it yet. She's curious though, especially seeing how he summons his weapons. Perhaps she shouldn't be focusing on too many things at once. She's far too soft, incapable of thinking about preserving her world alone. ]

...You get scared too? [ Her eyes lift briefly as she totters along by his side, showing a little look of surprise, not expecting that from the man who took the frontline in the arena. Then forward again. ] Um... it's... a little scary, I guess. I mostly don't like the knocking when I try to sleep.
star_freckles: (Default)

Relle Cit | D&D OC | New

[personal profile] star_freckles 2025-07-01 10:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Arrival; Colosseum Battle

[Relle stretches her back before rolling her head, alternating between each shoulder as if waking from a long sleep. A collection of weapons fans across her back while road-worn handmade attire warps around her muscular form. Bright green eyes focus on the strange anthropomorphic house that stands 30 feet in front of her.

This isn't unlike her usual dreams, though there is usually more cheering than this.

Her left shoulder shrugs, sliding the pommel of a long blade from her shoulder to her palm.]
Time to rage. [Relle's mouth curves into an excited smile as multicolored protective lights emanate from the base of her feet. The light curls upward, protecting her and those standing nearby as she squares herself against the house.]

This will be fun.

[It's better not to ask questions.]


Voice; un.ree

-mekind- [The sweet voice cuts out briefly before returning.] -it- [The voice cuts again.] -ait! [The sound finally settles as the voice huffs softly in triumph.] I got it! Magic can't fool me.

Hello?

I think this is how you are supposed to talk to people. It seems like an annoying way to communicate...


Wild Card

[ooc: Relle will try all the games so feel free to pick another one. She is also very fueled by her stomach and loves drinking, including drinking competitions and games. She is a Barbarian and her lowest stat is Intelligence.]
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-aoup1-222)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-01 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[Is Thor seriously considering a unicorn kigurumi? Yes. Of course he is. In fact, he has more than enough tickets to get one and a bunch of other things, if he's honest.

He was really good at that snowboarding game.]


Well met, Alexandra. Have you been at this place long or are you newly arrived like myself? [He's taking this a bit too easily, but, you know, he's also pretty laidback until he isn't.] I could get used to this.
theknightshift: (144)

[personal profile] theknightshift 2025-07-01 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Bruce takes a minute to consider this. ]

When we get out of this place, I want a debrief of what you know.
theknightshift: (127)

[personal profile] theknightshift 2025-07-01 11:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It gives him a good idea of how multiversal they really are. Which Bruce files away to add to the casefile. ]

Karnath is where you're from?

[ He finds the use necromancy to be distasteful but he keeps that to himself. ]
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-aoup1-182)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-01 11:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[That was a bit of what Thor was afraid of. If it had been Clint or Natasha, he might be a bit more worried, but he's seen Wade in action before and he's fairly certain the assassin is okay, if not a little loopy for a bit. Nothing a nap won't fix.

Especially since the smell of burnt vegetation and stench of hot ass poison breath is right in Thor's face. He doesn't have those propulsion thrusters that Tony and Rhoddy rely on in their suits, so he has to go for fast darts and heavy swings with Mjølnir repeatedly. When he finds the right opening, he runs over to where Wade is laying down, throws the hammer as hard as he can at the plant monster and then calls it back with practiced ease as he offers his other hand to the downed Deadpool pile.]


One would think this is your first time, Wade. Let's hope your friends from home aren't here to see that, yes?
ornitiers: (Will you stagger on?)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-07-01 11:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Maybe it's something to do with you being those Eikons? Or can you sense when someone is near, even if they aren't?

[Vivi guesses, more considering and wondering aloud to himself than anything else. Curious as ever. Still, he nods and follows Dion over to the card games. He seems content enough observing, watching, and taking it all in. The crowds and noise, the various setups within the immediate vicinity.]
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-thor2-157)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-01 11:41 pm (UTC)(link)
That grin, he could power a million worlds off of the brightness of that expression. And it makes him realize just how much he's missed her. Down to his very bones. And then she starts asking questions. He'd expect nothing less, of course. Her curiosity is what gets her into trouble every time.

But he wouldn't change that about her. It's what he loves about her.

And then she's in his arms and any answer he might give is halted as he returns the hug and leans down to press a soft, sweet kiss to her cheek. "Not soon enough, but I've been here a few hours." He doesn't want to talk about his time in Duplicity. Not yet. Maybe never. "As for how we got here, I think we'd do well to ask that Aurora character."

It reminds him of Jarvis—or well, Tuesday now—that Tony relies on for everything.
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-aoup1-240)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-01 11:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[Peter, did you forget that Thor's brother is the God of Mischief and Lies? He's at least learned by now how to tell when people who aren't Loki are lying to him.

Although, he's not sure why. That's what is weird to him.]


Saving the world? That sounds like a Tuesday back home. Perhaps a band of superheroes is exactly what this place needs. Though I've yet to see any of the rest of my friends here.

[Before he gets too far along in that train of thought, he looks at Peter again, curious.]

I can only assume that you know who I am, but I must admit that I find myself at a loss for your name. What are you called?
theknightshift: (128)

[personal profile] theknightshift 2025-07-01 11:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ So far none of the answers he's been given have led to any sort of clarity. It's only made the mystery of it all seem that much more mysterious. He doesn't feel out of his depth or unable to see how the pieces of everything might eventually come together. Everything just feels incomplete and Bruce has to set it aside.

One day at a time seemed far too slow when things felt urgent back home, but Bruce could manage. ]


Just you and Barbara so far. Who else is here?
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-aoup1-222)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-02 12:04 am (UTC)(link)
[His best friend is Bruce Banner. If big and green was going to cause a problem, it wouldn't be with this new stranger. As for the offer, it's genuine, but since they're still strangers, Thor wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't believed.]

Yes, I saw that, but it also seems a bit too fancy for me. Maybe for a date, but not every day dining. [Thor looks himself over before giving Gorgug a patented "Prince of Asgard" smile.] I'm much more comfortable in a mead hall than a restaurant with tiny forks.
shackledwithin: (pic#17385139)

Arrival

[personal profile] shackledwithin 2025-07-02 12:05 am (UTC)(link)
[To her left, breathing hard, is a tall man wrapped in white and green robes. The patterns on the edges suggest scales. He looks around with a spear gripped tightly in his hand. Then he looks at her. Ahead of them is a creature that looks like it is made of tentacles.

Neither of them will know it's a Morbol. Around the edges of the area, a river cuts, blocking them off from the wall and the crowds of bots. He looks around, his teal crystal-like antlers catching the light. Whatever decision he makes, he shifts his feet, changing his grip on his spear.]
Rage all you want, I'll cover you.
Edited 2025-07-02 00:06 (UTC)
fromfire: (sans toucher le beau)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-07-02 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
You're right. First step done. [ Lightly clapping his hands together, he indicates that they've achieved their goal. Success.

But he does smile more when she says him taking her card would help her world. He didn't think that she would be so joyful at his suggestion, but happy to see her so. However, he has to school his expression when she mentions helping his world. ]
That means that the little miss is my -- [ He rolls his eyes up. ] -- benefactor.

Do you know that word? [ It's certainly better than "liability." ]

Oh, yes, I get scared quite a bit. [ Verso softens his voice as they walk along, like he's sharing a secret with her. ] The dark sometimes frightens me, too. [ His smile is soft and fond as he talks with her, walking along toward the hotel. ] The knocking does get to be a bit much. They should wait until the morning if they need something, no?

[ Pointing to her. ] But you'll know where my room is... so if it's ever too troublesome, you can come get me.
herofhopeless: (what a cutie)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-07-02 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
I’m sure you have more noteworthy skills outside of your skill on the battlefield and your pretty face. Your, uh, passion is also very commendable. Not many people are as intense about what they enjoy as you are.

[Which was, admittedly, pretty off-putting. But attitudes like that usually also meant someone who was dedicated to what they did.]

Ah, not really. That is generally not very high on the list of things people compliment me on.

[Truth be told, he doesn’t get a lot of compliments. Flirtation and passing comments, sure, but outright compliments don’t come very frequently. Most aren’t comfortable with that level of directness. The ones he does get from the people he cares about rarely involve his looks at all.]

Awe is a good word for it. Fear is another. I can see why people find him intimidating. He, uh, strikes quite the figure.

[Clive quiets, thinking about the intensity of that steel-gray stare. He frowns a little. Had he been afraid of Barnabas? In a way, but he was more-so afraid for his loved ones. For Barnabas himself, he felt a magnetism, a frustration. And, admittedly, awe. He had never met a better swordsman.]

Sleipnir -

[Clive almost lets go when the other man’s gaze sharpens. He sees the fire in the man’s eyes. Was he… angry? For what? For Clive being concerned about him? If he has to have the ‘it’s not pity’ talk with one more person he might throw something. But no. That isn’t it.]

You’re frustrated. Why?
leastdramatic: (Warmed up)

[personal profile] leastdramatic 2025-07-02 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Jason nods, not surprised. He expected Bruce to ask that]

There's plenty. Naturally, O's been tracking too.

[Man, what would they ever do without Oracle?]
theknightshift: (164)

[personal profile] theknightshift 2025-07-02 12:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ Honestly, Dick would have made this interaction entirely unnecessary. But that was just the nature of the man. Able to calm even fraught situations into something salvageable. He would have made this easier, but ultimately, Bruce didn't think he was necessary. If only because he thought he could reach his son without the extra help. They'd been through enough together that Bruce could tell he was only trying to gain his footing, control the situation, bend it into shape so it made sense again. It's easier when Bruce is an imposter.

Not so much when it's the real deal tied to the chair in front of him.

He can sense the turmoil, see it in Damian's eyes as they peer into his own. Searching for clarity, Bruce supposes. Part of him wants to escape from his restraints and just pull his kid in close for the hug and offer more reassurances that he was real. Not an imposter or a trick of the mind.

But he stays where he is. Prove it Damian says. ]


How long have you and Dick been working together?
herofhopeless: (Smirk)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-07-02 12:21 am (UTC)(link)
Cid -

[Clive sighs at the sight of Cid using his magic to light one of his smokes. Looks like that death wish that Cid ran with before hasn’t abated at all.]

I’ve learned to think on my feet. Some guy from my past taught me how.

[Clive quirks Cid a half smile before taking one of the glasses. He raises it in a toast.]

To poorly laid plans.

[Clive downs the drink before leaning his elbow on the vanity and putting his chin in his hand. He takes in Cid’s form, hunched over and inhaling that cigarillo like if he doesn’t finish it in three puffs he’ll die. His eyes follow the nicotine fix to the hands that hold it, to the broad chest and exposed skin with a slight sheen of sweat. His gaze travels downwards. The angle makes it difficult to see anything between his pecs and his thighs, so he practically skips over them, eyes trailing all the way down to those punishingly high heels.

He makes absolutely no attempt to hide how much he is oggling. And to be fair, he doesn’t fully realize he is doing it.]


Here.

[Clive gets off of his stool to kneel on the ground. Gently, he lifts Cid’s calf with one hand and removes the shoe with his other. He repeats the gesture on the other foot then sits back on his haunches, looking up and making the very active and deliberate choice to just make eye contact.]

Wanna count the tips?
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-thor2-147)

voice ⚡un: Thor

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-02 12:25 am (UTC)(link)
[The voice that answers her is amused but kind.]

I can assure you that using these earpieces do seem rather annoying, but there are far worse ways to do so.

I take it that you are new? Welcome.... [He checks the username and hopes to the Norns that it's part of her name.] Ree.
reincarnesiac: (peering over sunnies)

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-07-02 12:39 am (UTC)(link)
( Alex fell down several times, and engaged in a chocobo race and a Cataur Mogul incident while snowboarding. She did not, as it turns out, earn a whole bunch of points in that particular game.

She did, however, make bank at the crane games.
)

Newly arrived, though I've talked with a few people who've been around longer. None of them seemed to be stuck in the casino here like we are.

( At his statement, she can't help but quirk her brows. )

What, living in a casino? Or the whole going on missions thing I've heard about?
reincarnesiac: (gun in hand and ready to rock'n'roll)

voice | un: plushiemaster

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-07-02 12:44 am (UTC)(link)
Hey, you're doing great! It is a little weird when you're not used to it, but I promise the whole talking to people you can't see gets better with time.

( The miracle of telephones and other audio communication methods. )

I take it you're one of us new people dropped into this casino?
bubblegumheart: (pic#16030307)

[personal profile] bubblegumheart 2025-07-02 12:57 am (UTC)(link)
How do you feel about mixing polka dots and stripes?

[Is she serious? Probably not.]
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-aoup1-182)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-02 01:01 am (UTC)(link)
[If he looks at her a bit harder, he might recognize her from the snowboarding incident, but he's not going to mention it. He has manners, after all, and his mother raised him better than that.

Most of the time.]


I haven't run into many people who have been here long, but I imagine that that might change, if we're to be stuck here for any period of time.

[Her questions make him laugh a bit.]

I worked at a casino before. As security. It was interesting, though this is much tamer. Less drunks from what I can see.