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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

laserguy: (big ol' visor)

[personal profile] laserguy 2025-07-06 09:38 pm (UTC)(link)
No idea man, that's something probably only Echo and Aurora knows. They're using some whatever bullshit metric to grade everyone.

[He shrugs, eyes now suddenly more focused ahead of them and looking for those pinball machines.]

...It's not like they're choosing the absolute best person from each universe either.

[He's really talking about himself. Why would they choose a mutant that just got his powers? Some angry teenager with no goals back home? It's definitely stupid. Scott thinks he's far from being a great pick.]
oblige: (lean)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-07-06 10:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Dion peers at the card Vivi names. It looks like a cactus formed to have limbs and a face. He'd not seen such a thing before, save on some of the displays here. ]

So that is a cactuar... [ An interesting name indeed. ] Have you moogles in your world? That card in the middle seems to be one.

[ Moogles are commonly held as the stuff of tall tales in his world, but Mayuko had told him about them. She even drew him an illustration. ]
repaintress: by betenoir (7)

[personal profile] repaintress 2025-07-06 10:32 pm (UTC)(link)
People opposing you are irrelevant. What must be done must be done regardless of their opinions.
oblige: (...)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-07-06 11:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Dion spares several long moments debating why Sleipnir would not choose to complete this task with Barnabas. He supposes, however, that it stands to reason that they must all acquire and exchange their cards to better their world's chances.

Perhaps accordingly, they would trade each others' cards to others in turn. ]


...Very well. I will agree to your terms.

[ So long as the time isn't wasted, it's no true loss for either of them. ]
thelightshines: (I need more time)

[personal profile] thelightshines 2025-07-06 11:40 pm (UTC)(link)
...No, they aren't. [He could be mistaken for agreeing with the choice of bringing Scott here, but he's thinking about himself. While fully capable, he didn't care for the world he left. It never cared for him. If they wanted to save his universe, they should have brought the blue hedgehog and his friends instead.]

I have doubts of their intentions.
sabigoe: (⚙ 83)

[personal profile] sabigoe 2025-07-06 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's surprising how much it sounds like he's willing to go through great lengths for her. Someone that she has only known for a short while, at that. She doesn't question it, especially when she can be the same. Usually she's the one trying to focus on the happiness of others rather than her own, often claiming that she's happy as long as everyone else is... ]

You're... my sword and shield. [ A nod. ] Yeah. As long as I get to keep helping you too. As your beh-nefactor. [ ...She's having fun just saying the word. ] We'll protect each other!

[ She isn't going to let him do all the work, of course. ]

Um... [ She looks upon him with amusement, trying to hold back a laugh. It feels wrong to laugh during this moment. Yet, she's already been expressing plenty of joy throughout their walk together. Seeing how he gets down on his knees, with a hand on his chest, again reminds her of a knight she would see in her picture books. Almost. Perhaps she's beginning to truly believe he's completely healed underneath the coat of dried blood. Again, she brings attention back to his current state... ]

I think you would look more like a knight in shining armor if you cleaned up.
fromfire: (down in west hollywood)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-07-07 12:41 am (UTC)(link)
Then, it seems like we're agreed.

[ His smile widens yet again in hearing her say "benefactor." It also soothes him to have her agree with his proposal. ]

I suppose that means I should hurry to clean up then to be a proper knight.

[ And he pushes himself up to stand - so that they can continue toward the hotel to where his room is. He feels a lot of regret being as bloody as he is; even though it is dried, he thinks he would've liked to hold her hand as they walked.

Well, soon enough, he can.

To people that look a little surprised at seeing him, he holds his hand up to say: ]
Arena. [ As they pass. Like that explains it all. Of course, it seems like that's enough of an explanation that people just shake their heads. Apparently, they think the blood is some other creatures and not his own. Fair assumption, really! ]

It's nice people are so worried, huh? [ He tries to play it off like that to Fio as they get closer to where his hotel room is. ]
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-07-07 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
It is not an answer he expected.

"We haven't," he admits. No murder sprees so far. "Yet. It doesn't worry you that we might? That God saved us so we could kill for Him?"
limiterrings: (pic#17689689)

[personal profile] limiterrings 2025-07-07 02:10 am (UTC)(link)
Their likeness.

[ looking at the other, shadow clicks his tongue before he thinks over the comment. it could be true.

even here, he could give the other an existential crises by saying is the other just a being in the likeness of another? though, even shadow knows he wouldn't take that so well, and there's no need in trying to prove the other wrong. ]


Very well.

[ closing his eyes. ] Are you going to stay here?
ornithologist: (pic#17489326)

[personal profile] ornithologist 2025-07-07 02:17 am (UTC)(link)
He could repeat that he is not very interested in God, but Harold has effectively already said that, so there's no need to repeat it. He straightens, his injured spine ramrod tense with the effort, and meets his eyes steadily.

"That you have killed in the past doesn't mean you will in the future, Mr. Bossie. What is it that you intend to do now?"

It doesn't necessarily demand an answer, but it's open to one, genuinely curious. Asking for his opinion and his decisions independent of anything else.
thelightshines: (rise above?)

[personal profile] thelightshines 2025-07-07 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
[He wants it to be true, so that there be no attachment to them. He glances at the portal for a moment.]

...I was going to step out for a moment. [There is someone here he has to come back and check on. So he will have to return eventually. But right now, he could use some away time from all the lights and noise.]
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-07-07 02:32 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm going to follow Carver's orders." He's uncertain about how much peace Carver is pushing for, but Carver is in charge. "If he told me to kill, I would."
limiterrings: (pic#17723506)

[personal profile] limiterrings 2025-07-07 02:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ his eyes fall onto the other then to the portal, suggesting that he goes first and shadow will follow after. there's no need of the other hedgehog to change his mind if he's taking a moment. ]

Let's leave then.

[ hedgies FIRST... ]
ornithologist: (pic#17489354)

[personal profile] ornithologist 2025-07-07 02:38 am (UTC)(link)
It's not the answer he'd like, but it's a start, considering Harold now feels like he's on fairly solid ground with Carver. He's not taking anything for granted, but it's been a hard-fought trust and he won't relinquish it easily. After months of slowly building rapport, he won't doubt now.

"I see. I can't fault your logic. You've been with him a long time, haven't you?"
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-07-07 02:41 am (UTC)(link)
"I enlisted when I was seventeen," he says. "Carver trained me right out of bootcamp." Without Carver he probably would have been discharged. "I've known him longer than I knew my own family."
thelightshines: (more than life)

[personal profile] thelightshines 2025-07-07 02:48 am (UTC)(link)
[That's only fair he goes first. To prove that it does indeed go where he had claimed. And so he does as requested, disappearing through the portal first and reappearing back in the city of Etraya a moment later. The sounds of the Gold Saucer now just a distant ringing in his ear.

He continues to walk a few steps, allowing space for the other to come through.]
ornithologist: (165)

[personal profile] ornithologist 2025-07-07 03:06 am (UTC)(link)
He cares for you very much, he thinks about saying, but doesn't, because he's not sure if Carver would say that in so many words himself, and Harold respects what people want to leave unspoken.

"I gave Mr. Carver two rules for working with us," he states. "Would you like to know what they are?"
quibblingfunctionary: made by dethruki (askance)

[personal profile] quibblingfunctionary 2025-07-07 03:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ This is taken as a compliment and thusly Sleipnir's smile does not fade, although he does shrug. ]

I see no reason to dull my enjoyment for others. That seems a wearisome way to live.

[ He'll raise an eyebrow at the small stutter in Mythos' response, but won't comment until he makes mention of his peers. ]

At this point the only people who can best me with a sword is you and His Majesty.

[ The eye contact here carries a little bit of that weight and intensity from before. Truly he is impressed and enamored with your skill.

Then Clive laughs mid drink causing Sleipnir's own look to become mirthful once more. He gestures as he speaks, movements as languid as his voice it. ]


And what is strange with liking your voice?? It has a rugged intensity, particularly when you are combative, but also when speaking like this.

[ Sleipnir hadn't noticed he'd lapsed into a small silence when Clive's beautiful voice pulls him from his reverie. With his attention blinking back to the other man he can feel the alcohol's spin and perhaps that is why Sleipnir has been so chatty, too much drink. It's certainly why he doesn't hesitate in answering now; a smaller smile tugging at Sleipnir's lips, something softer, or maybe even tender. ]

Everything, my all. [ his blink is slow as his gaze lowers and goes a little unfocused ] I see him. ...His feet, sure and steady, which marched a war across an entire continent. Legs, corded with muscle, sturdy in holding to his duty. His core, ever constant, undoubting and undaunted. His chest, expansive, firm, containing and fighting for a dream which has spanned uncountable lifetimes... His back, beautiful, unbroken, bearing the weight not only of Waloed, but of Ash and all her people: the ones now, those who came before, and of those who come after. Hands, such beautiful hands, which grasp and hold tenderly... yet capable of such skilled violence, the command and dexterity he wields in those fingers... His shoulders ready to push further through, to knock down an enemy or burst through a door; his entire body a weapon of such deadly precision... Neck, unbowed, unbent.

Lips soft... long ago whispered hurts; a strained voice; cries for the lost; screams for it to cease, for it to stop, for it to be done, for peace to reign.... ...Nose and brow: most noble one would think him born a prince. His eyes... ever intent on his mission, our goals, never losing sight of which is most important, yet cradling such suffering within their depths... With hair as soft and silken as it was on the boy I first met...

[ His voice grows quieter near the end and for the first time, if Clive is watching closely, he may witness a well of sadness with unknown depth lurking behind Sleipnir's lashes.

It is an odd sensation, having Clive's hands slip down his arms... When the other fully retreats his arms back to himself Sleipnir will grasp his glass once more and take sip, eyes remaining on his drinking partner of the night. The gaze is probing and daring at the same time.

Once Clive organizes his thoughts into words Sleipnir sets the drink atop the bar, then scrunches his nose when he is accused of being 'put out', eyes narrowing. Not the word he'd use himself. And what is this about 'trying to be worried'? He isn't-

Sleipnir's eyes drop to the finger prodding his chest, then back to Clive's eyes the judgement lingering there, but there might be a hazy pink tint forming on his cheeks. Could be the lighting though. Could be the alcohol. Either way he raises a hand to bat away the invisible specter left behind by the other man's touch. ]


You have it all wrong. I am frustrated [ that word Clive had right ] because the conversation's focus was on you- I am perfectly fine, but you- that- [ he hisses a sigh in the back of his throat ] I am not "trying" to be anything, least of all "worried". Worry implies fear for you. I am- [ his eyes glance between Clives's, searching for better words ] concerned, pained, and upset over you- for you. [ he waves his hand as if clearing the air ] It is not necessarily about my want to, as you put it, take care of you, but rather... [ still searching for better words ] ... rather you [ now he prods Clive's chest ] should have been cared for better already.

[ An exasperated sigh escapes his lips before he grabs for his glass again. That took a herculean effort and Sleipnir is a little embarrassed at the lack of finesse that all came out with. ]
Edited (forgot a word somewhere in the brackets, don't worry about it) 2025-07-08 01:39 (UTC)
restingstitchface: Handmade - DNT (Default)

[personal profile] restingstitchface 2025-07-07 03:30 am (UTC)(link)
Of course. That doesn't stop them presenting you with a problem that needs a solution.
ornitiers: (You have)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-07-07 03:50 am (UTC)(link)
You're right! It is a moogle!

[Vivi nods, recognizing the little white pom pom creatures from home. He's not sure if the other might know of them from that place with all the games or something, or if he might have those back home as well.]

Did you have moogles back home, too?
sabigoe: why is everything inconsistent? the game EoS'd and i'm working with what i got :( (⚙ 00)

[personal profile] sabigoe 2025-07-07 04:04 am (UTC)(link)
[ She lets out another giggle, hearing he's decided to go along with the knight title. At any glances coming their way, Fio gives a friendly smile as they pass by the other guests and continues onward. And while Verso plays it off, she feels touched by the signs of concern. ]

...Hm. [ A small sound of agreement. ] It's nice that they're worried... and care. I think a lot of the people that Miss Aurora and Echo bring to Etraya are really nice too. A lot of people care.

[ The ones she's met anyway. Some may be a little cold to her. (Or they just... show kindness in a different way.) Others simply tolerate her existence. Which is fine. Better than the kind of people she had to deal with growing up.

Her steps will begin to slow down once it looks like they're getting closer to his room, so she can politely wait out in the hall. Having to participate in a battle, then walking from the arena to the manor can be a little tiring. She's glad for a moment to stop and rest. ]
her_own_rules: Babs, Oracle (pic#16521185)

[personal profile] her_own_rules 2025-07-07 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
The more he talks, the more he sounds like the exact opposite of his words, and where, second ago, that might have felt better, not feeling adrift, the less Barbara is sure she should have asked the question, bcause she doesn't want to make it worse, or force him to say it is, if he either isn't there or doesn't want to, and it's a queer feeling. When was the last time it felt weird to encourage him to unburden himself? Maybe if the thing burdening him wasn't her. Or, it's not all her—it's Etraya and everything that comes with Etraya—she just happens to be the part of it, currently, half-lying on him.

She knows it's more than that (she's more than that), she knows she's being short with herself, but then Dick's moving before she can try to untangle that one, too, and suddenly his lips are brushing her skin, and it takes everything in her to swallow the urge that pushes directly up. The one that almost has, instinct and bone-deep repetition at its best, screaming to tilt her head up and catch his lips. But she doesn't. Which feels more like catching glass in her teeth when her mouth presses a line.

"I was just thinking—" You know. Before he put his mouth against her skin and made her skin feel equally warm and cold in a strange succession that rooted itself on a slide between her chest and her stomach. "—We didn't do this. Last time. When he—or, you?—" A hand raises and she brushes her forehead, as much annoyed at uncertain proper noun-antecedents as her skin still feels half electric. "Pronouns are going to get real weird."

How is she even supposed to know which one sounds right?
Or feels right? Or isn't it offensive to him, too?
Twelve hours in is barely the time.
Edited 2025-07-07 04:30 (UTC)
fromfire: (or be brave again?)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-07-07 04:36 am (UTC)(link)
I suppose that they'd have to, yeah?

[ If they didn't, why would they work so hard to save their universes, their worlds? Perhaps, the simple answer is because they live there, but what about those that don't care about that, even? He decides to shelf that thought for later.

Verso does give her a small 'wait for me' gesture - his hands up with his fingers spread, before he slips into the hotel room. Of course, the whole process of cleaning himself was a little more arduous than he thought. Or maybe he just never noticed how hard it was to get blood out of everywhere before while someone is waiting.

But he does return properly cleaned with a new attire -- a simple suit. He opens the door and already is kneeling down to reach out so he can give her that congratulatory pat on the head he meant to before. ]


Thank you for waiting, my benefactor.
spr_mainchara: (* Snack)

[personal profile] spr_mainchara 2025-07-07 04:52 am (UTC)(link)
[Frisk helps him get standing again, and once he is upright and properly balanced they gesture to the popsicle again.]

Y' can use Bisicles twice, too. 'Cuz 's two Unisicles, see?

[* You are absolutely certain the joke will be lost on him.]
sabigoe: (⚙ 10)

[personal profile] sabigoe 2025-07-07 06:51 am (UTC)(link)
[ The wait feels like a while. And very boring. But Fio tries to remain patient. She doesn't complain. Anyone else passing through the halls may see her occasionally pacing around by his door for a few moments before she finally decides to keep still by leaning against the wall.

When Verso returns, he might catch a quick glimpse of how bored she looks waiting outside, kicking her heels at the carpet. ]


Versie? [ With a tone that sounds almost like she doesn't recognize him. Her eyes lift at the sound of the door opening and she immediately lights back up. ] Versie!

[ She bounds back over to the front of his room with a hop in her steps, moving in to properly receive that congratulatory head pat, which she enjoys for a few moments... Then with a sudden step back, tiny hands reach up to grab and examine his hand. Even when she'd seen him heal his own injuries after the oversized cactus' rain of needles, she's still a bit curious now that the blood's been washed off. ]

You're really all healed up...