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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: (i'm sorry)

[personal profile] laserguy 2025-07-12 04:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, it makes a lot of sense.

[Maybe the most sense anyone has said to him. Even if Sonic's whole thing is a little different compared to him, it's still the same thing underneath it all: them being compared to a version of them that isn't really them. They haven't experienced the same things, the same hardships and stories, and don't even know these people most of the time. Scott's met one person that he recognizes from home, but she's a lot different.

Older. ...Cosmic?? Almost like some ethereal being. It's so different.]


It's like being compared to someone you don't even know. It's annoying, but it also sucks seeing the look of disappointment on their faces. But it feels unfair too, you know? We are who we are.
fromfire: (or your new addiction)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-07-12 04:50 pm (UTC)(link)
We'd go back?

[ There is an arrested way that he says those three words. Not fully hesitant, not fully excited, somewhere in the middle. ]

I'll be sure to remember that you're a tinkerer, though. [ His eyes flick up toward the goggles. He holds his hand up to indicate that he isn't quite sure about being scanned, but does ask: ]

What would it show if you scanned me?
aershari: (Earth)

I’m doing something??

[personal profile] aershari 2025-07-12 05:03 pm (UTC)(link)
I’m here. Wherever here is. I can come try find you? Then we can look for the others together?

[One thing at a time. Focus on what she can do. Finding each other would be the priority. Then they can figure out next steps together. Keyleth can’t help fretting about the others, but she can at least start by focusing on Vex.]

Unless you want me to stay where I am and you come to me? I’m not quite sure what to make of this place. I just hope the others are okay.
badnewsandshitlist: latibulate (pic#17548598)

Gold Saucer

[personal profile] badnewsandshitlist 2025-07-12 05:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[Percy slides into the seat with a faint clink of buttons and a breathless grin. There’s a smear of something metallic on his cuff-paint or magic, it's hard to tell-and his hair’s a little windblown.]

“You know, I was expecting something… worse.”

[He glances around at the glowing lights, the bizarre architecture, the distant sounds of cheering and bells.]

“But I think I actually like it here. It’s all chaos and illusion and cleverly hidden mechanisms. Nothing makes sense, but everything works. Somehow.”

[He looks back at her, eyes warm.]

“You picked a good spot.”

[Then, with a quiet huff of laughter:]

“Want to try a few games? I saw a machine that spit tickets at me for just pulling a lever. Felt a bit like cheating. I enjoyed it immensely.”

usedhuntersmark: (inkonic lovm s2e1-3 vex (26))

Something is better than nothing, I suppose.

[personal profile] usedhuntersmark 2025-07-12 07:07 pm (UTC)(link)
From what I've gathered, this monstrosity of a realm is called the Gold Saucer, but it is not the entirety of where we've been taken to. I can tell you more in person.

[Vex considers their options. She's a better tracker, obviously. And even without Trinket or having any sort of magical changes to herself or others, she could probably find Keyleth with her eyes closed. However, Vex is at a lounge area that wasn't that hard to find and she stands out.

Because she's so incredibly beautiful, of course.

The choice practically makes itself.]


Why don't you come to me? I'm in the lounge that's not that far from some place called the Honey Bee Inn. It's the least flashy place here and it appears to be quiet as well. I'll have some ale ready for you and we can exchange information and make a plan.
usedhuntersmark: (inkonic lovm s2e1-3 vex (25))

[personal profile] usedhuntersmark 2025-07-12 07:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[When Percy sits down next to her, looking as if he's spent the last week in his workshop and crafted something truly wonderful, Vex feels all her anxiety about things fall off and her smile turns into one of amusement. Leave it to her husband to set her at ease, even when dealing with the unusual.

Although, she supposes it's all the new and strange things that he's hoping to take apart and examine that's keeping him from being as annoyed as she is. If not more.]


I could only imagine what would happen to most of the things here if Tary was with you. I'm sure you'd make this entire place look a lot less exciting as you experimented. I'd need Pike and Keyleth both to be on standby to make sure you didn't do something too dangerous.

[She's watched him tinker enough to be able to picture it all, but still, it's a great thought.]

I'm glad you like it. It's not too loud and it gives me a good perspective to scope out most of this casino.

[She slides over her mug of ale for him while she takes his arm with the smudged cuff to see if she can't get it out. Just normal things married people do, right?]

There was a knife throwing game that I've been banned from. Evidently, you can win too much. I suppose they should be happy that Vax isn't here as well.
pricklybloom: (pic#15196400)

[personal profile] pricklybloom 2025-07-12 11:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Amy is quiet a moment as she takes that in. Vex seems pretty nice at the moment, but they did just meet. She has no way of really knowing if what Vex said was actually true or if she was someone who was just too hard on herself. And it's not really something that she could ask about as a stranger. ]

Oh... I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you run into him soon, it sounds like you two really need to catch up again.

[ It does make her worried that time is passing by at home while they were here. But she sets those feelings aside for now, because it sounded like they needed to find each other again. ]

Sure! I'd love to show you what I've learned!
aershari: (Silver Tongue)

It is.

[personal profile] aershari 2025-07-12 11:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Gold....Saucer? Like a plate? It just seems really....loud. And bright. Busy.

[She isn't sure she likes it so much. But then. She is at least curious. Keyleth nods before agreeing to the idea. If she finds Vex, then at least they could be together and figure things out from there. Plus, ale awaits. Part of her wonders how long it might be before they end up banned from whatever lounge place here. It tends to be an ongoing struggle for them, given their ragtag group's affection for booze.]

Honey Bee Inn. Alright. I'll come to you, then.

[Thankfully it doesn't take long. Evidently, Keyleth hadn't been too far away, even if she did wander a little and explore, glancing around at things. She spots Vex's familiar feathers and the blue of her clothes, quickly approaching to join her friend.]
usedhuntersmark: (Lo-VM-s2-006)

[personal profile] usedhuntersmark 2025-07-13 12:40 am (UTC)(link)
[Vex wouldn't answer even if Amy did ask. Talking about that time is still hard for her, and it's no one's fucking business. It'd been hard enough to even truly share that grief with Percy, and he was the love of her life and the only person entitled to know her feelings.]

Yes, we do have much to catch up. Especially since it seems like he's been here for a while if he's making friends such as yourself.

[She doesn't begrudge Vax his friends. They were separate people after all, despite what others might think. He's allowed to make friends without her there. She just doesn't have to like it.]

Wonderful. Perhaps once I find my way out of this eyesore of a realm.
usedhuntersmark: (inkonic lovm s2e1-3 vex (25))

[personal profile] usedhuntersmark 2025-07-13 12:47 am (UTC)(link)
Do you remember the Pixie village in the Feywild were we had to fight them? It's a bit like that. Only without Scanlan here to make it fun.

[Despite all the things that have happened between the members of Vox Machina, Vex loves them all fiercely and she tries to remember all of the fun and good times. However, this place? She's fairly sure she hates it. It feels... fake. And if there's one thing that Keyleth and Vex have always bonded over, it's nature.

And when Vex is by herself, she's well behaved. It's really Vax, Grog and Scanlan's joking around that got them banned from places pretty quickly. If they're not here to prank one another, Vex and Kiki should be fine.]


Wonderful. I suppose I'll order some food for us both so we don't get drunk on an empty stomach.

[And true to her word, Vex has food and drink waiting for Keyleth when she arrives, a mug of ale in hand that she slowly sips as she tracks the whole room. Old habits die hard, especially when her old paranoia is sparked.]

Darling, you look almost spritely as you make your way here. Have you done something new?
pricklybloom: (pic#15093367)

[personal profile] pricklybloom 2025-07-13 01:17 am (UTC)(link)
[ Amy is persistent, but she's trying to be better about not being so pushy. But she still wants to help somehow, if she could figure out how to do so. ]

Well, I'll let you go find him. He... should be around somewhere.

And if you need any help with anything, let me know!
usedhuntersmark: (inkonic lovm s2e1-3 vex (10))

[personal profile] usedhuntersmark 2025-07-13 01:24 am (UTC)(link)
[Vex herself has no room to point fingers at when it comes to being pushy. She's the main culprit of that in all of Vox Machina. (How else was she going to get Percy to let his guard down, hm?)]

Thank you for your offer, Amy. I hope we get to see one another in person so that I can thank you properly.
pricklybloom: (pic#15093381)

[personal profile] pricklybloom 2025-07-13 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ Right? Some people need a push to help open up (looking at you, Shadow). ]

Sure! If you ever see a pink hedgehog wandering around, that's me, so feel free to say hi!
usedhuntersmark: (inkonic lovm s2e1-3 vex (29))

[personal profile] usedhuntersmark 2025-07-13 01:29 am (UTC)(link)
Pardon? A pink hedgehog?

[What in all that is this side of a psychedelic trip?]
pricklybloom: (pic#17722987)

[personal profile] pricklybloom 2025-07-13 01:33 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ah, so that's not common where they're from. Vax hadn't seemed too surprised when they first met, but maybe that had been because of being here. ]

Yup! That's what I am. Hang on.

[ After a moment or two, Vex will receive a a picture of Amy. ]
usedhuntersmark: (Lo-VM-s2-030)

[personal profile] usedhuntersmark 2025-07-13 01:42 am (UTC)(link)
[If Vax could tell anyone what color a hedgehog on Exandria was, Vex would eat her feathers. The man could take down grown goliaths with little help on his own, but put him in a forest and he needed someone to hold his hand. The forests and all its creatures were her purview.]

That is certainly what you are. Is... is your coloring common where you're from?

[Vex, it's almost like you've never seen a Dragonborn or Genasi. Stop.]
pricklybloom: (pic#15093401)

[personal profile] pricklybloom 2025-07-13 01:46 am (UTC)(link)
Well yeah, pretty much? I mean, maybe not the exact shade of pink, but I'm not out of place at home.

You should see some of my friends. We're all a pretty colorful bunch.
usedhuntersmark: (Vex 12)

[personal profile] usedhuntersmark 2025-07-13 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
On Exandria, when someone says that a group is colorful, they mean their attitudes or perhaps their clothes. But I can see that you mean that literally.

[She's met Dragonborn and Genasi and even some of the fey themselves, but... Well, she hadn't expected to meet a hedgehog that both talked and was pink. It seems she's going to have to stop thinking quite so literally in this strange place.

And that's not the first time she's had to remind herself that things aren't always what they are.]


I suppose I'll reserve judgment until I meet you and all of your friends. If they're here as well.
pricklybloom: (pic#15196416)

[personal profile] pricklybloom 2025-07-13 02:00 am (UTC)(link)
[ Amy simply laughs at that. ] Oh, we're colorful that way too. Some of them definitely have an attitude.

[ She says as if she doesn't. ]

There are a few of them here. There are also... different versions of them? Like alternate versions from other worlds. So that's also something to keep an eye out for.
theknightshift: (083)

[personal profile] theknightshift 2025-07-13 06:16 am (UTC)(link)
This place. I don't imagine the AI would be willing to let us just walk out of Etraya.

[ That kind of exit usually requires a little more finesse than just finding the door out. ]
reincarnesiac: (hnngh)

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-07-13 06:28 am (UTC)(link)
( Alex lands just off, ending up having to catch herself balance-wise, and cutting across the last stretch. She's finally getting how to steer herself on the snowboard, so she doesn't go flying off the groomed track and into the snowdrifts and trees to the side. She steers back into the clear lane, looking over her shoulder to spot Gorgug after he lands.

She catches sight of something blue going flying, but loses track of it as she whips her head around and crouches, leaning forward and hoping that'll make her go faster toward that giant GOAL and all its balloons. The hawking avian squawks, then with a loud, reverberating thud and ongoing sounds of distress, a large ball of feathers goes rolling by. If they're not careful, the ostrich will win this race.
)

Not on my watch, feathery jerk!

( Alex is now racing for that finish line. )
aershari: (Earth)

[personal profile] aershari 2025-07-13 07:35 am (UTC)(link)
Hm.

[Did she remember that? There was....a lot. A lot of adventures and weirdness ensued with their group. Usually made memorable by Scanlan somehow or other. Still, she focuses on trying to find the other, brightening at the idea of food also waiting.

When she sits next to Vex, she shrugs at the question.]


Spritely? I dunno. I was just relieved to know you were here too. I was wandering around looking for you. Wherever this....Saucer place is. Did you hear if any of the others are around somewhere?

[Keyleth asks, seeming immediately focused on Vex now that she's found her friend, sipping at her drink and thanking the archer as she glances around almost expectantly. Hopefully.]
badnewsandshitlist: inkcharm (Ken doll smile)

[personal profile] badnewsandshitlist 2025-07-13 12:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[Percy lets her fuss with the cuff, arm resting between them on the table. His other hand curls around the mug she passed over, lifting it halfway as he eyes the stain.]

"Pretty sure that’s gun oil. Had to adjust the spring tension on Bad News this morning-got a bit messy."

[He takes a sip, then grins over the rim.]

"You got banned from knife throwing? That’s genuinely disappointing. I was looking forward to watching you rob someone blind. Gracefully, of course."

[He sets the mug down and shifts just enough for his knee to brush against hers under the table.]

"If the others were here… Grog would be halfway through a wrestling bracket he made up. Pike would’ve already charmed the bartenders. And Tary? Tary would be trying to trademark a cocktail in his name. Something expensive and mostly foam."

[He glances around, then back to her, voice soft.]

"I like it better like this. Just us. Kind of feels like a honeymoon, if we let it."

[He nods toward the games nearby.]

“Let me win you something. You can act impressed. I’ll act like I didn’t almost break it.”
herofhopeless: (Smirk)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-07-13 01:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[Yet again, Clive is reminded a little of Barnabas at the intensity of Sleipnir's gaze. His was different, though. Curious and explorative. Barnabas always felt like he was boring straight into Clive's soul. Sleipnir's searched for it, no less intense, but more looking for cracks to slide through to get to what was underneath.

A smile quirks the corners of his mouth. The thoughtful sounds the other man was making were surprisingly cute. He finds he is a little sad when they get cut off abruptly.]


Sex hasn't been high on my list of priorities as of late so people haven't exactly been given the chance to try.

[Clive let's himself bask in the attention for a quick second before taking Sleipnir's hand lightly in his.]

Flattering though the offer is, I'll have to pass tonight.
bonding: (and drink and ordered)

[personal profile] bonding 2025-07-13 03:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, nice to meet you... [She immediately gets the impression he must be rich. Her family was also the richest in town, but thankfully she'd somehow become way more humble about it. He spoke like he was a prince or something.]

Clerics? Oh, I'm not really part of the Church-- I mean, I sing in the choir every weekend, but it's not like... [She's not like, a nun or a priest or something!!] But, uhh, I'd still be happy to heal anyone that needs it. I'd like to help out!