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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

repaintress: by betenoir (Haughty)

[personal profile] repaintress 2025-07-02 06:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course. The sane build the distinction because they fear the truth: That insanity resides in the heart of each and every man. It is only a question of circumstances that draw it out. In naming them and declaring them something else entirely, they do not have to face their fear, or the parts of themselves that make them squirm in discomfort.

So too do the insane fear their own sanity. They have fled the world and taken refuge in their own minds, and they cannot bear to be reminded the world persists.

Your authorities suppress medications? Do they not have serious matters to attend to?


[ RIP Crane you would have loved the early 20th century. ]
tinflower: (pic#17860567)

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-07-02 08:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Hold on, hold on hold on hold on.

Gorgug is going to stop in that way where he turns slightly and is still regarding Verso, and: ]
Can you show me?

[ Magical engravings from another world. He wants to see! ]
demainvient: (182)

[personal profile] demainvient 2025-07-02 08:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He bites back a grunt of pain as the boy — Robin — presses gauze against his wound, then shifts to press down on the booted foot he has on the ground as Robin slides under his arm, rising a little unsteadily to his feet. He's smaller than Maelle, but not by much, she's still such a petite thing—

Gustave shakes his head like a dog trying to shake off an insect, focuses on simply staying upright. ]


It sounds like I'm supposed to know what that means, so I hope eventually you'll tell me. But it's nice to meet you, Robin... I'm Gustave.

[ His glance flickers over the fallen creature, then up at the arena around them. ]

And we should probably get out of here before another one of those things decides to show up.
bubblegumheart: (pic#15858221)

[personal profile] bubblegumheart 2025-07-02 08:57 pm (UTC)(link)
I agree! And now I'm kind of wondering what you would have thought about the camp uniforms we all had a little while ago.

[Because tie-dye and 80s style shorts is certainly a look.]
dawnburns: (pic#17936208)

Haunted house

[personal profile] dawnburns 2025-07-02 09:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[The bot dressed in a bedraggled bird costume turns and grabs a battered book from the counter behind them. Tuffs of clumped feathers drift in their wake. And a sigh comes from Seth’s left.

The man at the foot of the stairs looks like a seasoned adventurer. His pale hair and blue eyes give the impression of a man seemingly made of snow. He brings a hand up over his chest and smiles a little.]
Sorry, I couldn’t help over hearing you. I couldn’t get any answers out of them either.

They pointed me to a construct giving out something like a teleslate?

[He joins him in front of the reception desk and takes a small earbud out of his pocket. He sets it in his ear and the earbud extends into a glowing display over his face like a visor and the set up curls over the ear to hold itself in place.] I haven’t found a library or a museum. …or anything familiar.
repaintress: by betenoir (Default)

[personal profile] repaintress 2025-07-02 09:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Describe them to me.
bonding: (If you ask me how I'm doin')

[personal profile] bonding 2025-07-02 09:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Well... [She pauses, looking confused by the question for a moment] No one does magic where I'm from? It's not really a thing unless you count in video games. And... I could really hurt someone. I could...even kill someone, if I'm not careful. I-I don't want to do that.

[She hurt enough people in that all-too-realistic dream from back home and she crosses her arms over her chest, hugging herself.] I don't want to get stronger from hurting anyone.
bonding: (Often I ask myself)

[personal profile] bonding 2025-07-02 09:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[no one has to flirt with a watercooler and they're all the better for it]

I can put people to sleep too! And heal! But it's mostly ice-related. [And alas not even ice cream related.] But! I bet you can do a lot of really neat things that I can't. [As if maybe he needs encouragement about it. It's okay Gorgug!! You, too, can do many things!]

It's just I've never done magic before except in video games, so it's... weird.
bubblegumheart: (pic#15858206)

[personal profile] bubblegumheart 2025-07-02 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
There was so much tie-dye. It was great! I had some hot pink 80s basketball shorts too.

[It still feels kind of weird to describe them that specifically, but styles have changed quite a bit since then so it's necessary.]
repaintress: by betenoir (Thinking)

[personal profile] repaintress 2025-07-02 09:36 pm (UTC)(link)
What is tie-dye? I am unfamiliar.
tinflower: (pic#17441936)

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-07-02 09:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ They're both doing such a good job at snowboarding.

If Gorgug's brain wasn't a constant "AAAAAAAAAAAAAH", he might have more time to consider if he has any spells that might help for this--but also, he didn't prepare to go snowboarding as a mission, so it's doubtful that not screaming inside his own head isn't the better option as he heads the same way that Alex did. And that way would be towards the mini-cactaur civilisation, a few of them still knocked over from Alex's cool jumping efforts.

But now is the time for Gorgug's cool jumping efforts, and the sight of the ramp does click for him a magic he does have prepared, in his shoes. It doesn't inspire any confidence, and especially not when he hears something smack into the snow near to him. Gorgug doesn't turn, eyes lasered in one where he needs to be and working to be in the best position for what he's about to do. He can't lean forward with his weight, he's gotta be prepared for his landing, too--

All it takes is a quick tap on his board, his heels barely lifting, and Gorgug--well, it's good that his feet are strapped into the board. Because it's not the board that's inspired to practically fly Gorgug as he comes off from the edge of the ramp--it's his shoes that do that task, his 'jumping' (or launching) speed tripled, which is the most dangerous, stupidest thing a beginner snowboarder could do in an action pack setting.

Alex, you gained so much distance. The cactaur were behind you, and even the blue chocobo still needs to regain its speed to screw with the duo once more. But there's a sound that starts distant, and quickly increases in volume: ]


aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

[ It's coming from overhead, and happens to be one (1) Gorgug Thistlespring dealing with his current place in life the only way he knows how to.

Screaming until he ends up crashing and rolling way too fast into the next phase of their snowboard level: snowballs being lobbed from random directions from the tiniest catapults.

Can anyone truly survive that, even with whatever the stage is doing too stop them from taking damage?



Gorgug will tell you in a minute, once he finally comes to a stop. ]
brat: (17446061)

[personal profile] brat 2025-07-02 09:50 pm (UTC)(link)
( he hadn't asked for the man's name, but damian will take it regardless. right now, knowing him is the least of his concerns. knees stay bent as damian shifts his weight to help support gustave as he raises up to his feet, and while he may not be very tall, he's strong; he doesn't falter under the additional weight, even if it does cause a little strain. )

I'm working on it. ( it's growled, irritated, as if trying to get him out of here is an inconvenience even if it's one he's taken upon himself without any input from anyone else. they're moving forward, albeit significantly slower than damian would have been able to get out had he been alone. ) It would be significantly faster if you weren't in pieces.

( idiot. )
restingstitchface: (Defensive)

[personal profile] restingstitchface 2025-07-02 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you.

[Two statements are answered with one of his favourite sayings. There is beauty in simplicity. In a collection of letters one can write on their palm. They almost count the same amount as a chemical equation. A formula that if followed to the letter (ha) results in a perfect composition.]

In any case, authorities in the present day restrict medication to ensure patient safety and minimise harm. It all takes control out of the hands of the individual to make their decisions - for good and bad - and places it firmly in the hands of society.
repaintress: by betenoir (Default)

[personal profile] repaintress 2025-07-02 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Clea does not find herself laughing often. Now, less so than she used to. Any levity is welcome. A small balm over a gaping wound. ]

Please do. The sane are so boring. I dislike being bored.

That is moronic. Anything left in the hands of greater society inevitably becomes mediocre pablum and geared towards people who don't understand swords are sharp.
restingstitchface: Handmade - DNT (Default)

[personal profile] restingstitchface 2025-07-02 11:17 pm (UTC)(link)
True. But consider it another way. It makes addicts of them all.

Are you familiar with the concept of mass hysteria?


[Oh look. It's another topic in his wheelhouse.]
repaintress: by betenoir (SideProfile)

[personal profile] repaintress 2025-07-02 11:25 pm (UTC)(link)
An interesting point. One could consider social conformity and addiction. An addiction to others' approval. Or to ease.

[ Neither of which hold any appeal to her. ]

I am not.
Edited (punctuation yo) 2025-07-02 23:30 (UTC)
restingstitchface: (Disdain)

[personal profile] restingstitchface 2025-07-02 11:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, consider those events in your life where groups of people have simultaneously demonstrated similar physical symptoms or the same beliefs or behaviours without clear physical origins.

The most famous being the witch trials of old. Religious fervor, societal tension and deeply-rooted fear all combining together to create mass delusion that encompassed the entirety of society.

Now imagine what could happen here should one provide a substance that allows those without power to level the playing field. What do you suppose might happen? A mass outbreak of disapproval, certainly...
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-07-03 12:30 am (UTC)(link)
"What kind of mindset is that?" He asks, thinking that's probably how Pope views the Reapers: as needing certain skills and a requisite mindset.
reincarnesiac: (yep we're a-okay over here)

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-07-03 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
( Someone who gets it! Who gets how this feels like a reality show (rather than variety show) gone wrong! The fact it's a teenager frankly... makes... so much sense. Alex thinks back on her not so distant teen years and internally nods to herself.

Alex holds out her hand, pinky finger extended, the rest of her fingers curled into her palm.
)

I promise I won't say anything terrible about you either, on or off camera segments.
reincarnesiac: (gun in hand and ready to rock'n'roll)

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-07-03 01:34 am (UTC)(link)
You guess, and you mess up sometimes. Or you call someone to say you want to see them in person.

( Whatever the situation demands, but being used to living at a distance from her most important people, and being a Modern Person, Alex is simply used to using phone-calls as the means of keeping up with the people she cares about. )

I... don't think we're in a fea realm? If it's of any help, you're the first and only person to mention anything about fea to me so far. And I've been talking with a lot of different people.
reincarnesiac: (oh you did not just -- you did)

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-07-03 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
( For a moment, Alex thinks she's hearing things. Or still hearing herself shriek as she went off that ramp, because in all her daydreams about learning to snowboard, she'd been in cute snow clothes and a neat hat (not just an oversized yellow helmet), she'd had an instructor to run her through the basics and into the intermediate concepts, and she concludes the day with hot chocolate, as the Good World intended.

Instead, she and a very helpful, very tall teenager have been chased, shot at by needles, shot off jumps, sent flying through the air through their own perhaps not wisest choices (but certainly the most expedient in current situations), and now...
)

Gorgug!

( There's a teenager flying overhead. He hits the ground, his board staying on as he rolls into the next open area, where Alex can already see snowballs flying past. Tiny snowballs. Tiny freaking iceballs, she determines as she tries to steer her way after Gorgug, who just flew through the air and wiped out something awful. Please don't have a concussion! Please don't have snapped your neck!

These tiny snowballs are somehow worse than the normal sized ones, because everywhere they hit her skin feels like she's getting jabbed. One manages to hit in her ear, enough to have her flinching away and then ending up falling down, skidding across the snow on her stomach. Collecting snow in her pants as she goes, and the tiny snowballs keep firing.
)

Cold cold cold cold cold cold! Gorgug! Ugh, Gorgug, please tell me you're alive!

( Since her current trajectory, as she tries to stop herself and mostly ends up going into a fast spin on her stomach, taking out the sign pointing out where they're meant to go next.

At least this low, the snowballs aren't hitting anything exposed. They are getting bigger though... even while the catapults remain tiny. And they're getting better at aiming.

Alex eventually stops spinning by slowly falling into the well of snow at the base of one of the trees lining the area. Head first. Thunk.
)

Thereissnowdownmypantswhatishappening — Gorgug?!

( She has to get herself out of this tree-ditch and back up onto the course proper! Or else the ostrich is going to have too much time to catch up... and she can hear it hwaarking in the middle distance. )
fromfire: (lovers in the bathroom)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-07-03 05:21 am (UTC)(link)
It's unfortunately in the body so I don't have anything visible to share.

[ Sorry, Gorgug. ]

Some people do more and able to cast spells, however. [ Like Lune. ] But I'm afraid I've always been more of a dagger and swords person, myself.

[ But speaking of -- to ease the disappointment that he might feel, Verso pauses to look around to make sure that they're alone. They seem to be, anyway. He holds out his hand and manifests one of the weapons from the arena. ]

But those, too, can be held in the space I created.
ornitiers: (Darkening)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-07-03 05:50 am (UTC)(link)
Oh. I was just guessing. Um, I think I've watched Zidane and some others playing something like that?

[Vivi points out when he sees one of the games that looks a little familiar. Not that Vivi himself might have played, but he thinks it might be the same game. He's not necessarily figuring to play, at least just yet, but he seems to be curious, content just watching for now.]
ornitiers: (Know our souls)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-07-03 07:24 am (UTC)(link)
Adventure?

[That is the sort of thing that Zidane would say. It.....really is just a hotel, right? With this talk of adventure and Sonic said he would speed to get them out if something were to happen. Still, Vivi can't help being reassured. That he might even be smiling, even if that might be harder to tell given his features, besides his eyes being obscured.]
auderes: (pic#17368334)

[personal profile] auderes 2025-07-03 08:07 am (UTC)(link)
Dick makes a muffled noise that's only very vaguely reminiscent as a response to his name. He's tired, he's comfortable, and with the familiar scent and warmth of Barbara against him it's difficult to drag himself to consciousness for anything short of an emergency, and while he can tell that she's trying to get his attention with more than just idle intent it's hard to grasp at any reason he needs to be awake. But he tries, again, somewhat managing to tip his head back as he takes in a deeper breath, not even fully sure of what he's prepared for in the moment.

"Mmm?"

He's all loose, relaxed limbs and sleepy warmth of his own already, but whatever she needs he'll give it to her, unquestioning. But as far as he's concerned this is almost as close to perfect as it gets, and he's not expecting it to be anything other than what it is— a shared reassurance, comforting, an intimacy that's as simple as an enveloping hug. And don't they both deserve that?

If she moves away he won't try to pull her back. But he won't pull away himself, he only just decided, once and for all, with her help, that he wasn't going to swing away, not this time.