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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: (I don't black out at parties)

[personal profile] bonding 2025-07-13 03:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[HEY WOAH WHAT THE FUCK]

A-are you okay...!? [WHAT IS HAPPENING WHY DID HE DO THAT LIKE THAT]
tinflower: (pic#17249933)

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-07-13 04:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Me? [ Oh! Uh-- ] I'm okay! I just thought-- maybe you were shy about getting mad? I used to be pretty shy about it too, but, I, it's not really a bad thing...!

[ Look at this face. Look at the flustered state of it again as he tries to be reassuring! ]
tinflower: (pic#17331239)

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-07-13 04:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He shrugs, admitting: ] I think-- sometimes, people do? Or you come with us. It's... I remember people I met at my first mission that I didn't see again.

[ He furrows his brows, remembering at the last moment about that. It's so long ago, that he wasn't even sure if he was being honest about what he'd said, if lying unintentionally.

Gorgug doesn't even notice anything particular about Verso's response, more caught up in his own confusion.

But with that said, he glances up at his own goggles (there is a fringe of black and white hair in the way). ]


Um, so like, I can check out your health, your weaknesses, and what you are? And if you've got any resistances going... for battle.

[ He looks back at Verso. ]

I don't know if my goggles will understand your magic? I got data from a lot of worlds, but, I had limited space...

[ Because that's the part to be concerned about, and not stuff like 'weaknesses' or 'resistances'. ]
fromfire: (of leaving tennesse)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-07-13 05:21 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm sorry to hear you were parted from them abruptly.

[ He shifts his tone; shifting away from however he feels about returning home. But he understands what condolences are, and tips his chin down.

There's a beat where he thinks he'll add more but decides against it. Instead, he moves with the conversation shifting to what is said about the goggles. His eyes widen a little at the idea of figuring out that much about him. ]


Well, I think I'm actually going to pass on that one, Gorgug. [ It may be that those specs wouldn't be able to understand his magic, but he'd rather keep things underwraps all the same. ] Not that I don't trust your invention, but a man's got to have his secrets.

[ He covers himself up. ] I feel a little exposed if you knew all that and we've only just started to become pals.
oblige: (look)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-07-13 06:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Reminded that he has skipped all formalities, Dion adjusts his posture again, though it had never quite slacked in the first place. ]

Ah yes, you are right— Dion Lesage. Please, call me Dion. You needn't thank me; your brother helped keep watch for someone from my world as well.

[ Something for which Dion could only be grateful, concerned as he was with the way his fellow Dominant had simply vanished. It was a comfort to not be alone in his search. ]

Those of the nobility use stolases where I come from. An owl with an enchantment.

[ Nothing quite so like the gadget they're given here. Dion can well imagine that there are advantages to being familiar with something similar to what they've been issued. For his part, it took some acclimating to. ]
oblige: (lean)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-07-13 06:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes. It seems they started appearing in ample numbers around the time I was brought here. Not just myself, of course, but that was when it occurred.

[ Judging from the surprised reactions of those brought to Etraya before him, chocobos were new to Etraya and new to most of its populace. Some among them knew the birds, however, like those from Valisthea. Their continued presence does bring a sense of familiarity, and Dion can admit that much as a comfort, even as his homeland favors dragons. ]

Though I've not raced a chocobo before. How was it?
leastdramatic: (Maybe)

[personal profile] leastdramatic 2025-07-13 09:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, if only it were that easy.

[Jason starts to lead]

Come on. Don't think anybody's gonna care that we step out.
wolfish: (regard)

[personal profile] wolfish 2025-07-14 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
[ Gorgug's right: it's a lot to take in. Nevertheless, it's a game, so it must be manageable. ]

Well, doesn't seem boring at least.

[ Yuri hits the START button, supposing they'd better get underway. An instructional screen comes and goes, then the onscreen text states that the first stage is beginning. Whatever that means, Yuri readies himself to play the game.

He watches the screen intently, using the controls with an unfamiliar caution. ]
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-aoup1-222)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-14 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
[Thor is painfully honest sometimes. It's one of the things that might irritate others in his acquaintance. He might tell white lies, but he's not that good at them, so he sticks with his strengths.]

Well, if you insist on making me an illusion, I suppose I'll just have to be a very big and loud illusion for you. I somehow doubt those around us would find that very welcoming.

[He flashes her a brief smile before nodding.]

Yes, although I believe this is the first time I've ever had someone have to confirm my name quite like this. I would welcome you here, but I'm still not sure if being here is a good thing or not.
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-thor2-151)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-14 01:48 am (UTC)(link)
[Yes, good. Only wonderful things can happen to them now.]

Jane Foster is from the same universe I am. I met her when I visited Earth for the first time in a very long time.

[He's just going to leave that there. Thor's not certain what he and Jane are now, and it's been a while since he's last seen the scientist so he can't even ask her so they can clarify.]

You are showing signs of exhaustion. Do not be so stubborn as to take the opportunity to rest when it is offered to you. We do not know when we will be granted such times as this again.

[Don't be like Sif. And Jane. Take a damn nap.]
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-thor2-151)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-14 01:56 am (UTC)(link)
No, I believe this would be somewhere at the bottom of list of things you've done.

[He still feels immense gratitude to the other man for staying with him when Charlotte returned home suddenly. He'd kept Thor from dwelling. And, well, there is nothing better than pizza and beer with friends, right?

And considering his time as an Avenger, Thor is ready to jump up as high as he can. Sadly, capes do make tempting targets and he can feel the tug on his as the monster attempts to drag him towards its mouth.

And then suddenly, nothing.

Looking over his shoulder, he sees the monster has fewer limbs than it once did and he looks over at Wade and shrugs a thanks.]


It's a pity we don't have a flame thrower or magic user with us.
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-aoup1-182)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-14 02:15 am (UTC)(link)
No, you misunderstand me. Sif usually has Fandral's ear to the ground. He's yet to best her in a match in the last 500 years. Hogun either, now that I think about it.

[Sif is a damn fine fighter and someone Thor has never hesitated to have at his side in a fight. She could have joined the Valkyrie at any time, but instead she chose to fight at Thor's side as he led the Einherjar under Odin's ultimate command.

And, as always, Thor is more than happy to sit back and watch others use their skills in battle. Loki has always been interesting to watch because he has so many tricks up his sleeves. Besides, it is times like this that reminds Thor that Loki learned a great many of his tricks from their mother while they were growing up in Valaskjalf.]


I've no doubt that you are perfectly capable of anything you see fit to do. I never doubted that, brother. As for when I last saw you, it was about a week ago. We had dinner with the women in our lives and I made you watch human media about sparkling vampires.
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-thor2-190)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-14 02:35 am (UTC)(link)
[If only it were possible to show off how the Rainbow Bridge works, but Thor is not the Keeper and he doubts that Heimdall's powers would be terribly impressive in a place that kidnaps people without anyone noticing.]

I was greeted by a hologram of a lovely person calling themselves Aurora. She supplied me with an idea of what is going on here before being shoved here. Politely. It was what I imagine being herded is like.

Is this Etraya the place where we will stay outside of this casino? I would like to see that soon. [He pauses with a serious expression on his face for once.] Are there any restrictions on flying here?
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-aoup1-182)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-14 02:40 am (UTC)(link)
Well met, Peter Parker.

[Hope that spider bite helps you withstand the brunt of Thor's hand as it comes clamping down on your shoulder. It's kinda heavy.]

So, you worked for Tony. His complexes seem like good places for those who are scientifically inclined. Or Avengers. It is good to see someone from home, nonetheless.

Pick something out and I will get it for you. You don't look quite old enough to drink yet, so we must make do with other things.
bonding: (and drink and ordered)

[personal profile] bonding 2025-07-14 03:45 am (UTC)(link)
Oh! No, I uh--It's okay! I'm sorry! It just-- It caught me off guard!

[Equally flustered, Noelle waves her hands as if to wave his--or both of their--concern away.] It was really, uhhh cool? It was pretty cool! ...Scary, but, uh, cool?
theknightshift: (Default)

[personal profile] theknightshift 2025-07-14 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
No. I don't think so. I'm from Gotham.
tinflower: (pic#17957193)

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-07-14 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
[ Cool? Breaking a plotted plant can look cool? --there's no time to think about that. ]

Oh, uh, thanks? [ He thinks?? ] Did you-- want to do something like that?
ornitiers: (Shatter)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-07-14 07:18 am (UTC)(link)
I've ridden some before, but. Not racing like that. It was kind of fun.

[He's still more used to airships. But riding chocobos wasn't entirely new to him, at least. That he had some experience and recognized the creatures. Unlike some others who might have been far more confused than he was. Vivi finds it a comfort, having at least some familiar things around, even if this is decidedly not home.]
tinflower: (pic#17860574)

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-07-14 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He hadn't planned to scan the guy, really, but that's fine; he doesn't bother to say it, dropping his hand as he considers instead what he said. ]

People ask me what I am all the time.

[ Which is probably the least revealing of the data points Gorgug shared, but it's still true! ]
will_chase_balls: (Explaining)

[personal profile] will_chase_balls 2025-07-14 05:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Never heard of it.

[One of the bots comes by and he orders wine and a rare steak.]

How different is it from this place?
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-07-14 06:15 pm (UTC)(link)
"He made a gourmet meal out of rats once. And here he's got like, real chicken." He tips his head, indicating she should follow. "Come on. You like spice?"
theknightshift: (pic#17899220)

[personal profile] theknightshift 2025-07-14 06:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Which meant Damian and Dick were still early in their tenure. It makes him wonder: how far back could this AI reach? Would he wake up one day and find Thomas and Martha here too? The thought makes him recoil. He didn't want this machine rooting around in his past. ]

And Tim thinks I'm still alive, doesn't he?
theknightshift: (177)

[personal profile] theknightshift 2025-07-14 06:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[ If only. Bruce would have been out of here quite some time ago. He follows Jason without hesitation. ]

So how different should I expect things for you?
fromfire: (down in west hollywood)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-07-14 07:12 pm (UTC)(link)
That, so?

[ He supposes that he doesn't know, either, but -- ]

Do you mind them asking?
theknightshift: (060)

[personal profile] theknightshift 2025-07-14 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Beautiful name.

[ He watches the way Inara lights up when she smiles. Just something to keep in mind if he needs to charm her for some reason. ]

I'm Bruce. New arrival. Just got here about an hour ago. Have you been here long?