etrayamods: (Default)
∎ ETRAYA MODS ∎ ([personal profile] etrayamods) wrote in [community profile] etrayamemes2025-05-30 09:20 am
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TDM 008


content warnings for this TDM include: gambling references, mild horror themes and suggestive content


⏵ arrival⏴

Arrival does not happen as Aurora usually plans for it. Newcomers generally find themselves waking up within the hospital, are given a brief overview of their situation, and sent on their way. Now? They wake up immersed in a game within The Gold Saucer. But it doesn't quite feel like a game: whether it's snowy mountains, riding a chocobo as you listened to the wind quickly pass by your ears, or in the middle of a battle with a beast, it feels utterly real.

It's only after the game concludes - either by winning or losing - that you find yourself back in the main game area. A bot, dressed as personnel in this lavish playground, approaches each arrival with an earpiece allowing them to communicate with those in their same situation. It also serves to inform them of their goal: collect enough gold saucer points (or GP) by playing the games to acquire a card fashioned to their own likeness from the game counter. Then, they must trade it for someone else's. Seems simple enough, right? Hopefully the cards aren't too expensive...


⏵ the gold saucer ⏴

The Gold Saucer is an ode to the very idea of fun. It’s huge, labyrinthine, colorful, and lively. Everywhere you look, there’s something to do. At the same time, it’s also impossible to tell what time it is. There are no windows to the outside, there are no clocks. This place is beyond such a thing.

There are games everywhere you look, ranging from the pseudo-gambling to sports to pixelated video games in cabinets. Yet no matter which boxing game, pinball machine, or skeeball machine you look at, the same creatures and themes arrive. Cactuars, chocobos, the fiercest Behemoth, the cuddliest Moogle… For those from the realms of Final Fantasy, this will feel natural- homey even. Everyone else will simply understand that there is a fairly strong central theme here about magic, machines, and monsters.

It’s hard to tell how long you spend here, and it seems to sit outside of the very concept of time. Still, there are many restaurants, lounges, and vending machines. There are shops and costume rentals. There are even little pharmacies with headache remedies if the partying gets out of hand. And when you grow tired, there is a hotel- though it is made up like a haunted house, you can count on getting some semi-restful sleep.


⏵ playtime ⏴
Interdimensional Games


At first, stepping through to play any of these games may make participants wonder if they have been teleported somewhere else entirely. But on closer inspection, all the skies above are merely well-constructed interiors with painted ceilings. After all, it always seems to be daytime during these games.

Snowboarding - Race to the bottom of the mountain, but avoid obstacles and complete as many tricks as possible!

Chocobo Racing- Race on Chocobo-back around a treacherous outdoors race track which can either be taking place in a desert, a swampy forest, or upon an island beach. Work in tandem with your rented bird and against your competition by throwing hazards in their way or utilizing buffs garnered on the track. Different colored birds will yield different advantages.

Yellow - Good All Rounder
Red - Fast, but hard to steer
Blue - Slower, but very easy to steer. Much easier to pick up items from them.
Green- Resilient against traps and sabotage

Colosseum Battle- Face off against the fiercest beasts around. Pair up with friends or rivals to Collaborate or Compete to do the most damage and deliver the final blow. These battles are synced to the comparative power of the one entering the competition.

We wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt unnecessarily, after all. And indeed, no one will get seriously, gruesomely, or permanently injured in these battles. Those without fighting capabilities can rent weapons outfitted Materia to assist them in their trial. These will allow anyone to cast spells, though not guarantee any better wielding of weapons. There are a hundred rounds, starting with fairly simple Spriggans, ranging all the way up to blood-thirsty Behemoths to challenge even the most battle-hardened hero.

Gold Saucer Games


Leap of Faith- Players are presented with an obstacle course that stretches a hundred feet into the air upon floating platforms and islands. Both are held aloft by magical crystals. Powers are entirely nerfed, though falling and hitting the ground is strangely painless. Those who collect the most silver and gold statuettes of cactuars placed at random throughout the course will be awarded proportionate GP; though there is a bonus for those that reach the very top first.

Triple Triad- Everywhere you look, people are playing this game on little 3 by 3 boards, or any surface with enough space. You will be given a loaner deck to play with. Are you clever enough to defeat your fellows.

Fashion Report- Theobold, familiar to some, stands by himself in a little booth with a dressing room and an incredibly expansive walk-in closet. He is a robot of distinguished fashion and strong opinions on those fashions. Do you dare subject yourself to his scrutiny? Come prepare in his wondrous closets to make the best outfit for the chance to win a prize. Please submit your fashion here!

There are Arcade Machines and activities galore. If you can think of it, it’s probably there- Just with that Final Fantasy pastiche on it, of course.


⏵ the beehive lounge ⏴

There are other places to eat at the Gold Saucer, but the vending machines and cafés all pale in comparison to the dinners at the Beehive.

For all the rave reviews, there is a dress code at the Beehive, and this is literal. If you step inside and are not currently wearing a dress, you will be ushered into a sideroom and appropriately made over.

However, this is only for those trying to go in through the normal doors. Around the side there happens to be an employee entrance, manned by a bot. He will only allow those in who seem like they intend to work— and therefore must be wearing at least one piece of the Bunnysuit Collection to trick the guard.

Once you are made over or have snuck in, you are free to relax inside with drinks, dine on a fine meal, watch the dancers, or participate yourself if you feel brave enough. Why would anyone ever dance here? Well, that’s simple. It pays really well. So if you’re sick of games, or terrible at them— you can always come dance for a shift. Though, don't get any unseemly ideas about freeing yourself of your clothing, this isn't that kind of establishment!


⏵ haunted house ⏴

When you grow too weary or drunk from a day of games, you may be directed to somewhere a little quieter to sleep. Up the elevator, and through the doors reveals a modest walk through some woods until a quaint, victorian hotel appears. It is always nighttime here, and the stars and moon twinkle above.

The receptionist, a bot in a rather bedraggled-looking chocobo mascot costume checks you in and shows you to your room. You can sleep here, especially if you can tolerate the hokey haunted decorations strung up around the place. Though sometimes, late at night, there will come a vigorous thumping on the door to startle sleeping patrons awake- Only for the culprit to vanish and be impossible to locate.



⏵ ticket counter ⏴


The prize counter is manned by a bot and has a sign posted overhead. Most prizes will be handed over inside an appropriately sized wrapped box, as the contents are a mystery.


Sparklers & Glowsticks 10 gp
Bunny Suit 300 gp
Bunny Stockings & Heels 150 gp
Animal Ears (Random) 500 gp
Kigurumi (Random) 100 gp
Chocobo Barding (Random) 1000 gp
Classic White Mage Robes 500 gp
Classic Black Mage Robes 500 gp
Plush Toy (Random) 100 gp
Wind-Up Minion (Random) 200 gp
Chocobo Mascot Suit (Random Color) 2000 gp
Triple Triad Booster Pack 50 gp
Triple Triad Card in your Likeness 10,000 gp


⏵ NOTES ⏴


This TDM may be treated as a mini-Mission. Time will not pass inside of it in relation to the world outside - meaning, this can be happening at any time between late May into early July!

This Gold Saucer is a bit of a mix between that of FF7's and FF14's, but it also has some things that neither have as well. Any inaccuracies are entirely intentional, aimed to make this rest within a space of uncanny valley for those who are familiar. While otherwise being a bit of a chaotic fantastical funhouse for everyone else! If there is something unlisted, chances are it will exist if it is in either of the other versions of the Gold Saucer.

Characters already in game are welcome to post to the TDM, too! Please mark them as current characters in your header. Threads can be kept as game canon as long as both characters get into the game!

Please direct all questions to our mod queries comment!

FULL NAVIGATION

nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-07-08 07:23 pm (UTC)(link)
"He's a scientist then?" That's interesting. Anchetta would like that, he thinks. Having someone to talk schematics with. Even if all Anchetta's inventions lately are weapons.
reincarnesiac: (huh i mean i hear you but really)

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-07-08 07:34 pm (UTC)(link)
( Alex appreciates the moment when the snowballs stop consistently hitting her back and legs and that one that tried taking out her knee, that one was a pain. Likewise avoiding the additional ramps, balloons, and in one case spotted to the far left, a series of rings hanging down from tree branches over the course, she wants to finish out this game smoothly. Reasonably. Something more akin to how an actual day snowboarding might go back home if she'd had the chance to try yet.

She's perfectly content to just take it easy to the end of the course, but the course itself is once again conspiring against them. The run funnels them to a larger ramp, with a more dramatic implied jump based on the angle she can see from further up the trail. There's also a giant spinning cactus, which in other situations she might have initially thought to be a hologram and operate like one, but after the snowballs, dancing cactuses, and the giant ostrich...

Oh no. That sound again. Alex remembers that sound. She doesn't want to look back and confirm, in the same way that characters in a horror movie don't want to look back and see the inevitable moment where their doom races out of the darkness to run them through.

She looks back over her shoulder anyway. Sill further back, but evidently coming, is a blue mass. Running.
)

Oh no. Gorgug, we might have to actually make it off that last ramp as fast as we can — the giant ostrich is back!

( HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWUUUUHHHHHK! )

And it sounds angry!

( She shifts her balance the way she's been learning to through this whole unasked for adventure, gaining a little more speed until she's flying down the slope and barely avoiding the last few bonus items. )

Let's try to hit that spinning cactus with our hands when we hit the ramp!

( Which is what she attempts as she hits the ramp and flies off the edge, hand smacking against one of the cactuar's nub-feet, which felt just barely solid enough under her hand to register. It still spins faster after her "touch," and the primal hawking shrieks of the ostrich? Are loud enough to hurt ears now.

Alex can't spare another look when she needs to figure out her landing, but she can hear it like it's just hitting the ramp itself. (It isn't, but it sounds like it could be.)
)
eikobby: (pic#17937569)

Eiko Carol | FFIX | New Character

[personal profile] eikobby 2025-07-08 07:40 pm (UTC)(link)
✨ the gold saucer ✨

This feels like a place she wouldn't normally be allowed in, but that's absolutely not going to stop her from looking around. Driven by the promise of points and prizes, Eiko busies herself with poking around in an attempt to familiarize herself with the Saucer's layout. The lack of clocks and windows does not go unnoticed, but she's not quite sure what that means just yet. It certainly feels like a place people would go to forget the outside world for a while.

There are so many people milling around, though, and the fact that she doesn't recognize a single one of them is just the slightest bit disheartening. At some point during her travels, she acquires a set of bunny ears. Did she earn enough points for those? Con some unsuspecting good samaritan into getting them for her? It's a mystery, truly! Regardless, she seems to be in good enough spirits for a six year old who's recently been dragged away from her home and dropped into a casino. In that spirit, feel free to drag her into a game.

🐝 the beehive 🐝

Okay, she's definitely not old enough to be in here- which means that she'll be taking the first available opportunity to try to sneak in. Why is there a six year old trying to reenact a scene from Mission Impossible, one might ask. Curiosity, mostly. The allure of doing something she's been told not to is also a major contributing factor.

Either way, she'll be doing her best to stay off the radar of any particularly serious-looking adult for as long as she can manage!

👻 haunted hotel 👻

Eiko's not afraid of ghosts. She'll be the first one to tell you that. Quite loudly, in fact.

The walk through the spooky nighttime woods is great, and she finds herself wishing that Quina and Vivi were here to laugh about it with her. The decor inside, however, is less than impressive to Eiko's jaded six year old sensibilities.

"Hi, Mr. Chocobo. Have you seen my friends?"

She's not going to describe them, and this poor mascot has no way of knowing who they are or what they look like, so the question goes mostly unanswered for now.

The room is somehow more unimpressive- and lonely because she's on her own- but she's unlikely to admit that. So when someone or something THUMPS on her door just as she's about to drift off to sleep, Eiko hurls herself out of bed, flings the door open, and rushes out of the room and down the hall.

"Hey! Some of us are trying to sleep!"
Edited 2025-07-08 19:42 (UTC)
thelightshines: (I miss you more than life)

[personal profile] thelightshines 2025-07-08 07:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh. That was...well he didn't really know what the other was going to say, but it was certainly not that.

...

He's staring too long. He should look elsewhere, ears wiggling slightly after hearing their unexpected approval.]


...I'll be going back to the apartment for a moment. [Instead of standing around out here.]
laserguy: (smug)

[personal profile] laserguy 2025-07-08 09:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Okay, you've sold me, because that sounds awesome man. If you find the movie around here, I'll bring the popcorn. And sodas. Deal?

[He can see why Sonic would like a movie called Speed, but hey, it legitimately sounds like a really cool movie. Very fast paced sort of action thriller... he's game for that. Plus, he likes a good one-liner. Or two. He's seen a lot of James Bond--]

Heh, you don't have to convince me about that. [...] And then things get really awkward when you meet people that know you-- or at least a version of you, but you don't know them at all. Happened to me like half a dozen times.

[There's less bitterness though, overall. Still upsetting, but. Better now compared to before.]
bluejustice: Sonic 3 (11)

[personal profile] bluejustice 2025-07-08 09:12 pm (UTC)(link)
It's a deal!

[Hey, it's really nice to find some sort of normalcy in this place with something as simple as having a movie night. And maybe he'll manage to convince his Shadow to join too!]


Yeah, tell me about it. [He's not at that point yet, so he's still a tad bit more bitter about it. He needs time, but he's still super glad his Shadow's here too.

...]
Have you thought about what you'll do if you ever meet this "other you"?
abit_ofboth: (serious close up)

[personal profile] abit_ofboth 2025-07-08 09:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[It might not be true, but it has always seemed to Loki that Thor could act like that due to some benefits he had growing up that were not afforded to Loki. Thor has always had the physical prowess that was popular amongst Asgardians while Loki, though not bad in a fight himself, has always relied on other strengths. Strengths that require him to use his brain more than other ways. He’s no longer angry about this, it’s just another difference he sees between himself and his brother.]


Perhaps, though perhaps you are selling Sif short as well.

[Loki doesn’t tend to lie as much as he used to. It’s not like it never comes in handy, but one thing the TVA did for him, though painful at the time, was humble him. He likes to think that he uses his silver tongue now more as a means to charm people as opposed to outright lie to them.]

I’ll have you know I’m much better at the good part now. At least much more than how I was the last I saw you. Though I admit, I can tell that is not the same for you. You will have to tell me when last you saw me.
fromfire: (lovers in the bathroom)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-07-08 10:40 pm (UTC)(link)
I know I can.

[ Verso says with great emphasis. His smile softens as he watches her, but tilts his head the opposite way when she looks at him curiously.

He blinks then shakes his head. ]


No. [ His mouth opens as he thinks of what to say, but closes it soon after as he can't quite find the words that he's looking for. He rolls his eyes up, searching the ceiling, before coming back to look at her face. ]

These are scars I've decided to keep. [ Another smile. ] They're from a long time ago so they don't hurt anymore. [ The corner of his smile dips a little. At least hurt physically. ]
strumpet: (pic#17864938)

[personal profile] strumpet 2025-07-08 10:56 pm (UTC)(link)
( the little woman before her is sweet and kind, and while inara wished she could do more to assist her, even she knew of her own limitations. so before she allowed the other to continue on her journey, she nodded at her words and held her hand up towards the other. )

Wait one moment here for me alright? I'll be right back.

( when she confirmed for her she would, inara began to slowly walk away [ensuring something as simple as her long hair wiping in the wind wouldn't cause issues towards the other]. she wandered out of the lounge and towards a different direction, walking out of view and disappearing for a moment.

finally after what seemed like a long time, she returned back to arrietty with a number of small items in her hand. she approached the table but got on her knees this time to meet the other at eyelevel. she opened up her palm revealing a small bento sauce bottle shaped like a fish filled with water, a cookie cut into four small pieces, a piece of cheese wrapped in bubble gum wrapper, and a little drink parasol with the sharp end cut off. it was all clean and carefully selected by inara. hopefully it wouldn't be too heavy for the other. )


Here, I hope this helps you on your journey. Please be careful and don't hesitate to reach out to me....if you can that is. I'm not sure how these devices work with someone of your...stature. Hopefully Echo and Aurora take you into consideration.
ablazinggrace: (we'll meet again)

[personal profile] ablazinggrace 2025-07-08 11:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Then I shall strive to bring you a variety, lest you grow weary of one or another.

[Yes, he knows what Dion means, and the warmth underlying his tone makes that clear. But sometimes, one simply must tease just a bit.

He surely would have had something equally airy and teasing to say to that second part, but he's fully distracted by the sounds and the lights. He doesn't tense, but turns quickly to get a look at whatever's happening. After a moment, he squeezes Dion's hand lightly once again, this time as reassurance.]


A dazzling illusion, nothing more.

[Though he's a bit disturbed by this glimpse of Dion bathed in blue light, as the eye could perhaps mistake him for one of the akashic, this way. It's a relief, then, when the sounds ring out again and, as the blue sparkles fade, red ones erupt in the air instead.]

Though it pales in comparison to the radiant gleam of Bahamut's pure light, is that not so?
oblige: (Default)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-07-09 12:13 am (UTC)(link)
[ Dion huffs out a soft, amused breath. His light is most assuredly bright, there is no denying that. Joshua makes it sound more beautiful than destructive. Privately, he appreciates that.

Shimmering red fades and is next replaced by gold with a deep magenta at its heart. So colors can be mixed then, it seems. ]


Nor has it the vibrant warmth of your flames, yet it resembles both in some small measure.

[ It appears that way to him, at least, neither solely light or flame. Something between. Dion supposes it isn't the most curious sight he has seen, but he does find it interesting for that reason. ]

I wonder how it is done.

[ What manner of innovation would be behind something meant only to observe? ]
Edited 2025-07-09 00:23 (UTC)
theknightshift: (052)

[personal profile] theknightshift 2025-07-09 04:10 am (UTC)(link)
[ Bruce listens intently, committing each of the names they've listed to memory and is relieved it seems a good bit of their family seems to have made it. He's not thrilled to hear about the younger version of himself, but he doesn't comment on that.

There didn't seem to be a rhyme or reason for the people the AI deemed worthy of testing. Not if it was pulling Scarecrow of all people in alongside them. It seemed less a test of worthiness and more a test of patience. But at least there were plenty of eyes here to keep trained on Crane and knew how to deal with him if he somehow got out of hand. ]


Yeah, let's sit.

[ Preferably away from the crowds, but in a place like the Beehive, finding any kind of privacy is a feat. They at least knew each other well enough that talking about anything sensitive would be easy enough to decipher. Bruce leads the charge in finding a table, since it's not terribly difficult for him to cut through the crowd and all Barbara and Dick would have to do is follow the trail. When he's satisfied with the location he takes a seat and waits for the others to do the same. ]

I haven't been able to find a way out of this place. I've checked. I'm going to assume that's normal.
theknightshift: (199)

[personal profile] theknightshift 2025-07-09 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
Of course. I'll speak to her as well.

[ A pause and then: ]

Is there a way out of here?
oblige: (hearten)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-07-09 04:16 am (UTC)(link)
[ Dion nods, for indeed he has only known them through stories.

When Vivi points out the chocobo, a smile curves his lips. He most certainly recognizes that on sight. ]


We've chocobos where I'm from... And in Etraya as well.

[ He says this quietly, but ensures he'll be audible to Vivi. ]
sabigoe: (⚙ 09)

[personal profile] sabigoe 2025-07-09 07:34 am (UTC)(link)
[ Her watchful eyes study him as he tries to find the words to tell her. Early on, she might have been unable to notice the scar with the distance they were standing from each other in the arena. It may have been hard to notice with the dried blood earlier. ]

Oh... [ She responds softly, when he answers. ] Why do you keep them? [ Asking out of innocent curiosity. If it's rude to ask, she doesn't realize... ]
ornitiers: (Darkening)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-07-09 10:31 am (UTC)(link)
[Vivi glances over, definitely unsure but following when the other marches over in that direction. At the least, he could stick close and try to help if something were to happen. He's oblivious to the other's abilities that might also make a difference. He's just trying to be brave and step up as he had done with his friends. Still wanting to be there just in case.]

O-okay.....
fromfire: (to my own scream)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-07-09 12:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Verso catches that there is only innocent curiosity in her question. She wouldn't know otherwise. His gaze drops to the side as he tries to think of what he would say to explain. He lifts his hand up to lightly rub his fingertips against the scar underneath his eye. ]

It's to make sure I don't forget something important. [ Dropping his hand away, he reaches out to lightly poke her nose. ] I'm older than I look and can be a little forgetful. [ His head tips the other way as he laments. ]

So, this will make sure I never forget what's important.
star_freckles: (Default)

[personal profile] star_freckles 2025-07-09 06:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[He's taller than she had expected but otherwise she gets the sense that he sounds like he looks. There is strength to both his tone and features that matches him well. Unlike those she's met in the fea realm, this man appears straight forward.]

I'll know it's you because you'll start talking to me? [She accepts his words as fact and quickly moves on.] Are you sure I'm not imagining you? You look like something I might think up.

[He is the complete opposite of Leo.]

Your name was Thor? Right.

[She isn't sure she's saying that right.]
star_freckles: (Default)

[personal profile] star_freckles 2025-07-09 06:41 pm (UTC)(link)
I guess.

[She's trying to wrap her head around the idea but quickly gives up making sense of it. It's outside of her realm of thought.]

What kind of missions are we given? Anything fun?
tinflower: (pic#17771730)

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-07-09 06:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Uh, well... I just like making things. [ He hadn't thought that far ahead? Maybe he could make it for friends, but he realises something that he hadn't questioned before. ]

This is your first mission? [ Wait. ] You're-- you didn't come from Etraya? You showed up here...

[ He got to the point of what he was asking. ]
star_freckles: (Default)

wildcard - leap of faith

[personal profile] star_freckles 2025-07-09 06:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's pretty.]

Why not?

[It's just a game and Relle doesn't think she'll truly get hurt. It might sting if there is some backlash to failing the game but she's used to a minor amount of pain.] It looks like it could be fun.

[She turns towards the taller half-orc with an excited grin, her emerald green eyes gleaming as if reflecting the sparkling lights of the game's signage.] Want me to lend you a hand? [She reaches out to him, her palm faced up to take his hand.

Relle is nearly a foot shorter than him but her size is misleading. She is more than capable to throw those twice her size when she needs to.]
knittedkitten: (Default)

[personal profile] knittedkitten 2025-07-09 06:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[The tension in Lenore's shoulders begins to ease as Sana takes a seat at her side. She's used to being alone but she's traveled with her current group so long that she's forgotten what it's like to truly be alone.]

Have you had a look around? This place is strange.

[She doesn't have a comparison for this place.]
glassescannon: (Default)

[personal profile] glassescannon 2025-07-09 06:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[He gives the man a nod and then follows him up the stairs towards one of the rooms. Seth doesn't care where they go as long as there is a minor semblance of quiet.] Maybe I'll finally be able to hear myself think. [He tries to play it off as if it isn't a problem but Seth is noticeably uncomfortable and is acting a little awkward.]

Seth.

It's good to meet you Phainon. Where are you from?

[He does suspect that those here are brought from many different realms and his natural inclination propels him to learn as much as he can. Maybe it's a new realm he could run away too.]
keepitgoing: (pic#17191173)

[personal profile] keepitgoing 2025-07-09 08:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh...! Uh, I do. Yes. I know you. Of course I know Thor.

[How to swing this right now... Total honesty? Well, dipping into honesty. Go from there. He holds out his hand for a handshake, still a touch starstruck.]

Peter Parker.

You wouldn't know me, but — I was part of the Stark Industries Internship Program, so I worked with Tony a lot. I might've... snuck around the Avengers compound a few times...

[All of this is true! Omissions are not lies!]
borrowers: (pic#17834908)

[personal profile] borrowers 2025-07-09 08:13 pm (UTC)(link)
... Then... I've been taken to this place, and I have to stay until my world is saved.

[She deflates as she says it, because despite her usual bravado... this is a lot.

A lot for a girl who had only just started borrowing, let alone any of this.]


And if I fail, everyone at home... they're in horrible danger?
Edited 2025-07-09 20:14 (UTC)