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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

bonding: (what did I do)

[personal profile] bonding 2025-07-04 07:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh! I've been playing Dragon Blazers! It's an RPG sort of game and everyone plays a roll. Its on a bunch of different game consoles but I've been playing the Nontendo Swap version of it with my dad.

It's just... [She makes a motion like she's holding a game in her hands] A handheld game! I've been blogging about the secrets and stuff you can find if you really dig into the games for a while now, it's really fun! it's great for casual gamers too if you just wanna play the story as-is, but if you really wanna dig deep you can find a whole world of new information that changes everything you think you know about the game!

[She's very enthusiastic, clearly]
fromfire: (from my ocean grave)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-07-04 07:47 pm (UTC)(link)
I would, too.

[ With each little talk, each little step, he believes she'll be able to live without him. He believes in that more than anything. He hopes for that future that he'll never see for himself. Is that how he was made?

Of course, he ended up forsaking his own sister in the process. His chin dips as he thinks of his Alicia vanishing with no one at her side. Even though she says she has come to accept whatever will happen, he still feels he should have been there to say something to her, to say goodbye, to see the end of everything with her.

But he knows if he saw her, he would be unable to carry through with everything he planned and sacrificed. He fears he would have given it all up for her.

Inhaling slowly, he tips his chin back up as he gives a faint smile. ]


Anyway -- [ Verso doesn't have any forgiveness for himself. Living with the guilt and pain of what he's done until he returns to nothing suits him. ] -- if ever you need someone to talk to, I'll be willing to listen.

[ A beat. ] I won't use your secrets to hurt you. [ He promises and it feels true. There are so many secrets that he knows, but he intends to hold onto them to protect those around him. He Who Guards Truth With Lies.

His mouth quirks a little more into a wider smile. Perhaps, he is really becoming Verso. ]


But if there's nothing else... [ He tips his head as he feels he needs a walk. ]
repaintress: by betenoir (Shadow3)

[personal profile] repaintress 2025-07-04 08:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course. Don't break yourself.

[ Clea nods her head and steps to the side, watching him depart with her hands folded elegantly in front of her. Neither of them know what is happening, and spending more time together will not get them any closer to understanding.

A lot can be acknowledged in two words.

'If ever you need someone to talk to, I'll be willing to listen.' Of course he cannot help himself. That he would listen. Clea feels a sudden and strange surge of awareness. She should have said nothing. He had not truly wanted this conversation; he'd had no choice but to listen to her. To want to. She'll need to avoid him unless something of practical import arises.

'I won't use your secrets to hurt you.' Of course she knows the unspoken conditions. Hurt, no. Manipulate her? Inform his actions? There are so many things that can be done with secrets outside of hurt. Clea does not blame him.

Of course there's nothing else.

She needs a distraction. Something that prevents her from thinking about this encounter and how weak it makes her feel. How she feels like something is sloshing around inside of her and threatening to overflow. Like she wants to find someone private and scream. ]
nottheboss: (1104_001943)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-07-04 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
He'd wondered if Carver allowed them to visit. Harold came down with a dog; it makes sense Shaw would know it, too. So he nods. "Yeah. We've got some leftovers... Carver ever cook for you?"
mutaforma: (Sana 20)

[personal profile] mutaforma 2025-07-04 09:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Sana chuckles at Lenore's surprise and inclines her head in a miniature bow. But she waves a hand to catch the barkeep's attention. ]

[ To Lenore: ]
I thought you'd never ask.

[ And to the bartender: ] I'll have what she's having.
bluejustice: Sonic 3 (99)

[personal profile] bluejustice 2025-07-04 10:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Wait-- an empire? He has an actual empire in your world? [That's wild to hear. In his world, he has, like, one strangely devoted henchman-- who, according to Knuckles, is only good at milking goats.]
repaintress: by betenoir (Default)

[personal profile] repaintress 2025-07-04 11:50 pm (UTC)(link)
You believe stress induces psychosis.

And what do you believe should happen?
bluejustice: Sonic 2 (10)

[personal profile] bluejustice 2025-07-04 11:57 pm (UTC)(link)
I mean, yeah, it's one of the things that could happen. We will never know what's really going on in this hotel if we don't go and find out for ourselves.

[He has also, maybe, seen way too many Scooby Doo before.]
oblige: (consider)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-07-05 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, certainly. Quite a few games are played with cards in my world, but none resemble these.

[ Dion had learned some time ago, if only to better address contentions that one soldier or another had cheated in a game. He'd asked to be taught the game, how the method of supposed cheating would be done, the lot of it. Understanding was vital, as with all concerns his men might have. ]

Most of the creatures on the cards are foreign to me, but I recognize the bomb on that card in the top left corner. Troublesome things.
Edited 2025-07-05 00:24 (UTC)
fromfire: (down in west hollywood)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-07-05 01:11 am (UTC)(link)
[ His shoulders give a small little shrug as he smiles.

There's so much that is already broken that he can only smile at the concerned statement. He inhales; the air filling his lungs hurt but he does step back to head out the door.

His steps halt just before he crosses the threshold. ]


Still, try to have fun while you're here, Clea. [ A slight pause. ] You deserve that much for yourself. [ He points to the side. ] There even is an arena.

[ Like the Gauntlet.

His mouth twitches again into a sad, little smile before he finally walks through the threshold. He intends to walk through the casino, unsure where his steps will take him, but he feels a restlessness in him. ]
restingstitchface: (Redirect)

[personal profile] restingstitchface 2025-07-05 01:53 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, I don't consider my opinion relevent. What happens is what happens. What fascinates me are the results.

And stress has been evidenced to induce psychosis. Everybody has a baseline vulnerability to psychosis. Furthermore, high levels have been proven to trigger breakdowns in vulnerable individuals. Likewise so have major life events like divorce, career termination and bereavement, such as the birth or death of a child.
repaintress: by betenoir (Thinking)

[personal profile] repaintress 2025-07-05 02:17 am (UTC)(link)
In short, you'd prefer to keep your secrets and answering would tell me something about you that you don't want me to know.

[ She is taking note of what he does and does not answer. ]

How does one identify vulnerable individuals? Is there a way to rectify that situation should it occur?
Edited 2025-07-05 02:18 (UTC)
aimsforknees: (60)

[personal profile] aimsforknees 2025-07-05 03:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ His accent is probably a dead giveaway, though there's no reason to hide his nationality. ]

I am, are you Russian?

[ She could be from a different Slavic country, but Russia is the biggest so that's why he names it.

If he remembers his own arrival he can remember how unbelievable, how overwhelming it is. Her demeanor makes it seem as if she's tired, and he's not sure if that's because of the condition she arrived in, the flood of information, or both.

They arrive at the bench and he takes a seat in silence, letting her answer the question and giving her room to ask her own questions. ]
auderes: (pic#17368334)

[personal profile] auderes 2025-07-05 03:45 am (UTC)(link)
She doesn't have to say anything, he already knows she has completely understandable reasons to shift away from him to reinstate a clearer boundary, at least while they adjust to this, and she's equally justified in tucking herself close and letting him hold her, if just for tonight. She already knows how he feels, what he wants, what he's always wanted, none of that has changed. But it's unresolved for her to a point where she can't settle in one way or the other, and as difficult as it is for him to keep his eyes open now that he's in bed and feeling the weight of everything that's catching up with him, he wouldn't sleep either until she's put at ease.

The question isn't exactly a difficult one. He knows why he said it, and it seems plenty obvious, but he's admittedly reluctant to actually talk about it. He's already all too aware of what feels like a wedge between them that just wasn't there before, and he's already got so many pressing emotions that thinking about it makes his chest feel tight, as if he's having to literally hold too much in, putting a spotlight on it can't make it any better.

But she wants to know, and he has no unselfish reason to deny her.

"Because I lost over a year of time and you're the only one who remembers it." He sighs, gentle, his fingers brushing through her hair at the side of her face, sweeping it behind her before his hand settles back against his own side. "It's not easy for me, knowing that, but it has to be harder for you."
ornitiers: (Darkening)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-07-05 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
I guess. We won't know until we have a look, huh? It still looks scary....but. We can at least go in and see.

[He just has to be brave. He's done so much since leaving home. Surely he could handle this. It's a hotel. An inn, the same as he was used to back home. Just....looking a little more spooky.....and hopefully just decorated like this. Without any actual ghosts.]
wolfish: (lean)

[personal profile] wolfish 2025-07-05 04:42 am (UTC)(link)
[ Yuri pauses in scanning their surroundings to shoot Gorgug a puzzled look. Him? The medieval man? ]

I could try... Don't know how good I'd be at it, if that matters.

[ Would it matter, if Gorgug's little guy is breaking the game? Maybe it wouldn't, so long as nothing draws the attention of the local bots. ]

...Unless I just have to look like I'm playing?
borrowers: (pic#17834849)

[personal profile] borrowers 2025-07-05 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
[Her eyes widen.]

I'm supposed to prove the worth of my world?

You mean — the earth? The whole planet?

[Now that is the craziest thing she's ever heard in all of her 14 years.]
reincarnesiac: (unsure how to feel about that)

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-07-05 06:35 am (UTC)(link)
( There is no such thing as physics in any game, ever, or else suddenly everyone can barely jump down from objects and only the martially inclined leap up any of those walls or awkward ledges.

They are, however, in a video game. Alex manages to shove herself backward like an awkward turtle, still not-quite cursing over the snow that's getting into everything she doesn't want it in. Better than sand, because it melts? How is it melting? This game takes things to a whole other surreal level of reality.

She does hear him call out he's alive, and that's a relief, for all she doesn't manage to get herself up and turning to look toward where he was, which has turned into a moving target since she last had eyes on him. She waves cheerily to Gorgug, shivering from the snow deposits, and wondering who thought that was worth adding into the game.

(Marketing. It's always Marketing.)
)

I don't like it in this game!

( Do not ask how she rides her motorcycles. She likes those very, very fast. )

Let's try to finish this ridiculous course at a nice, relaxed pace?

( There's really only one direction to go... as the snowballs... continue to fly. Alex catches one and lobs it back at one of the tiny catapults. The catapult falls over, and then the sound of bawling starts coming from its direction. )

... Nope. Nope, I'm heading down, I do not want to see what comes next.

( She hops her board onto the better snow, then scoots forward until she gets enough momentum to start a slow glide away, snowballs exploding like fireworks at her back. Or on her back. She's given up on worrying about the snowballs or the point score related to them at this point, just holding one hand up to protect her head and looking to see that Gorgug is still on the move too. Miraculously up and alive and not horribly injured. Thanks game! )
reincarnesiac: (unsure how to feel about that)

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-07-05 06:48 am (UTC)(link)
( Unseen, Alex shrugs, but she knows it isn't visible. )

Maybe, maybe not? People can get strangely interested in even the mundane parts of someone else's life. Anyway, I don't think it's all the time, just during the "missions" we're given. That kind of a thing.

( How is that any kind of thing. What thing is it?! )
sabigoe: (⚙ 45)

i think that's the 3rd time i got that b99 puppy meme. i feel like im doing something right...🥹

[personal profile] sabigoe 2025-07-05 07:00 am (UTC)(link)
[ When he kneels to be more at her level, her heels lower back onto the floor. Fio lights up with a bigger smile.

She would always give her own kindness to the world, and did everything to be "good." Even in another world, she's no different and continues to do the same. In the harsh reality she grew up in, that kindness was never returned. These days, she feels far more valued. And hearing his verbal acknowledgement of her efforts is a motivator to do so much more. ]


I think I understand. I'm... your beh- nefactor! [ The word doesn't roll off the tongue easily for her. Not yet. Nonetheless, Fio repeats it again with a giggle, clasping her hands near her mouth.

She casts a quick side glance back towards the direction of the arena, before shifting her attention back to him. Dropping her arms down, she bashfully tucks them behind her back. ]


It's been a while since I did anything like that. Fighting... [ So far, Verso and the audience are the first to have witnessed her summoning weapons. It's actually a surprise to her that it's a feat she's still capable of doing outside of the Cage... ] I don't really like to fight. But I'm glad that I was able to help.
ornitiers: (You have)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-07-05 08:46 am (UTC)(link)
Ah? Really? I guess cards are something small and cheap, to carry with you and play almost anywhere.

[So it is easy to see why cards would be an easy way to bring people together. To bond. Simple enough that almost anyone could at least learn some basic games. He knows some might be simpler or complicated, depending on the game.]

The -- oh! I know those!
tinflower: (pic#17333115)

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-07-05 10:36 am (UTC)(link)
Oh. [ His expression is blank before admitting, ] Sorry, I'm not from Earth-- but I know-- I know what mead is? ...but not that other thing. But I think they still sell that kind of thing in taverns if you go out into different parts of the world where I'm from? I think I remember it at a pirate bar I stopped at.

[ That's kind of like 'the countryside', in Gorgug's mind... ]
restingstitchface: Handmade - DNT (Default)

[personal profile] restingstitchface 2025-07-05 10:38 am (UTC)(link)
[Funnily enough, that was an honest answer. What he wants are results. The person is immaterial.]

Believe whatever you like.

In any case, mental susceptibility and weakness can be influenced by family history and genetics. Heriditary traits passed from parents to a child. There isn't much one can do about their inheritance. But they can look after themselves. Learn resilence. Understand the parent with the illness. And so on...
stylebythemile: (024)

[personal profile] stylebythemile 2025-07-05 10:49 am (UTC)(link)
[Sonia nods gravely.]

Whatever you imagine he's capable of, it's far worse than that. But we'll never give up our fight to free the people of Mobius and bring peace to all.

[There's a fire behind her words. A fire that will never go out.]
tinflower: (pic#17771730)

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-07-05 12:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Yyyeahh... [ There's-- an attempt for confidence there? He points at Verso's palm. ] I-- I think the problem is skill level, 'cause I need to make something that... activates it. Like a...

[ Well! He pulls the sleeve back of his hoodie, and reveals a gadget attached to a metal strap, it and the screen--a type of gemstone, along with buttons on the side--visible. ]

I can make stuff like this, but if I made an opening on the hand, I would need to make a.. glove, unless I used something to connect it to someone's--head? Um. Not literally, but I guess you-- if you want to take the weapon out, you're thinking about it, and then it comes out?

[ There's some degree of mental involved. Different tactic, same idea. ]