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

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 2025-07-20 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
"At least he had good taste," Bossie grins, every bit as childish about military rivalries as the others are. Hell it even makes him feel human to care about something like that again.

"I'll track him down. Anyone else I should meet?"
ornithologist: (126)

[personal profile] ornithologist 2025-07-20 01:15 am (UTC)(link)
"I'll leave that to you, but feel free to inquire if there's anyone you're curious about."

Harold won't necessarily tell him everything he knows, but answering basic questions about trustworthiness is standard for their team. A consummate paranoid, he understands the impulse well.

He eyes what's left of his beer, decides it's become too tepid for him to stomach, and tucks it under his arm to take out with him. He doesn't want to leave more trash around the covert entrance to the subway hideout.

"And feel free to inquire about anything else, for that matter. I can't promise I'll answer, but I won't be offended at the question."
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-07-20 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
"Okay." He studies Harold a moment, like trying to reassure himself that this is someone he can work with. "That's about all I can think of right now."
ornithologist: (001)

[personal profile] ornithologist 2025-07-20 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
He offers him a slight smile. "It's overwhelming when you first get here. I'm sure things will occur to you."

A momentary pause from Harold as well as he seems to evaluate Bossie, but curiously, without judgment. "I'm glad you're here, Mr. Bossie." For Carver's sake if nothing else, but that alone is enough to make it genuine -- and it seems like some simple positive reinforcement wouldn't remiss.
nottheboss: (1104_002029)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-07-20 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
Bossie looks up, briefly startled. No, positive reinforcement is not something he's used to. It is, however, something he craves.

He feels his ears go red, tries to play it cool by taking a final swig of his beer. "Thanks. For taking care of Carver. He's...better with people around."
fromfire: (je noie mon ennui)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-07-20 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, you do.

[ It is a quick reply to Gorgug saying how he looks with his white hair.

His shoulder drops slightly when he gives it a hearty pat. ]


... thanks.

[ He is very encouraging, yes! And he did really think about his answer. ]

Well, shall we get an illegal show on the road, then?
ornithologist: (216)

[personal profile] ornithologist 2025-07-20 01:52 am (UTC)(link)
"Aren't we all?" Harold asks reflexively. It seems like an innate feature of humanity from which even he is not exempt, solitary as he is. But although his words brush aside the gratitude, he follows it with a measured nod like he understands the magnitude.

"Bear, hier."

The dog springs to his feet, desperate for activity after the period of stillness, and hustles over to Harold, who gives him a quick scratch around the collar in appreciation.

"Please do reach out for any reason -- even if only for more beer. My network username is Finch."

Though he might send a bot to deliver it in that case.
reincarnesiac: (no wait what i did NOT sign that consent)

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-07-20 03:02 am (UTC)(link)
( Alex and bird alike turn an eye his direction. She finally lets go of the giant beak, and the chocobo bwaoorks an entirely new sound, hauling itself backward and settling on the snow to start preening itself. Whatever else had happened, apparently it was in recuperation mode, because it was studiously trying to ignore both Alex and Gorgug as it pulled feathers back into optimal position.

Alex groans as she sits up, ignoring the not-quite fireworks going off overhead.
)

At least it wasn't the bird. ( She says, unstrapping her feet from the board at last. ) How about we forget about this, exit the game, and find ourselves hot chocolate?

( There better be hot chocolate outside of this game. This stupid, way too cold, way too real-feeling immersive VR game! That she hadn't even known she was in until Gorgug pointed it out! )
tinflower: (pic#17899658)

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-07-20 09:49 am (UTC)(link)
[ The bird is tsundere...!

But whatever Gorgug could think, was thinking, is instantly dismissed the moment Alex suggests hot chocolate. All thoughts gone with a poof. ]


Let's get hot chocolate.

[ He sounds like he's on a mission. And lucky for them, there's a sign nearby in the same curved lettering of the Goal! sign that reads 'Exit!', flashing and with a door-shaped glowing light underneath. All it needs is an arrow, really.

But that's okay, since Gorgug points to it. ]


Let's try there. I know where to find drinks.

[ And food!! ]
usedhuntersmark: (Vex 01)

[personal profile] usedhuntersmark 2025-07-20 02:46 pm (UTC)(link)
It's a bit like old times then, isn't it?

[Grog had always loved to be with Scanlan and Pike and no one could blame him, but Vex's circle was actually a pentagon and without two points, she's not sure how she's going to go on. However, having Keyleth here does help her to stay calm and not go on a rampage to pull down whatever god is in charge here. She's faced many gods back in Exandria. What's another, right?]

When I went through my belongings, Raven's Slumber wasn't there. And I'm not sure that he would have been inside in his little chamber, considering he'd taken to exploring the castle since we weren't fighting anything.

[She's trying. She really is. However, without Trinket, she feels like a vital part of herself is gone: a limb, her heart, her other half of her soul. She'd felt this way when away from Vax as well, but having no animal companion made her feel fundamentally barren. And that's not even touching the huge hole that is where Percy should be.]
tinflower: (pic#17818424)

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-07-20 04:22 pm (UTC)(link)
A show? [ That's illegal? Gorgug's looking at him with utter confusion in his eyes-- ]

Oh, yeah. The piano performance. [ Nodding reeeal slow. ] I remember everything.

[ Trust him. ]
fromfire: (a sunken ship; my hiding place)

AND CALL IT A WRAP?

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-07-20 04:24 pm (UTC)(link)
You do.

[ Verso is going to give him a solid clap on his shoulder -- which he has to reach up to do, but he hopes the feeling still translates as it should. ]

Okay, let's go.
asgardianlegend: (Image48)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-20 04:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, on both parts. Although, we met when she hit me with her van in the middle of my arrival to Earth.

[He's going to leave out how he got tased by Darcy not long after that or how he got into a fight with orderlies in the hospital. It's not important. Nor is it rather flattering either.

He raises an eyebrow at her offer, but he can't help but letting out a small chuckle as well.]


I believe that that is something that I can get behind. And it would be interesting to experience a full-body blanket hug. [That wasn't being squished in the arms of Hulk or something equally painful.] Let us proceed.
asgardianlegend: (Image34(1))

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-20 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Flying is generally faster than most modes of transportation, unless traveling by the Rainbow Bridge, but not even Heimdall's far-reaching sight can find me here.

[It hadn't reached him in Duplicity, so he doesn't think it'll get him here either.]

I would like to see what sort of restrictions this place has put upon me. Once I leave this casino, I think some experimentation will be in order.

Have you ever flown through the air?
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-07-20 05:50 pm (UTC)(link)
He still hasn't touched the network. He plans to shuffle around on it when he's alone, try to figure it out and reacquaint himself with technology.

"Okay," he nods. Trying to square how he's feeling--is this what it's like to have an ally? He can't remember. "You can, you know, reach out to me, too."
star_freckles: (Default)

[personal profile] star_freckles 2025-07-20 06:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Is this how they usually are?

[It sounds like it'd get old fast, but then, Relle doesn't really understand the things that interest others. Perhaps the setting changes enough to entice curiosity. This is outside of her thoughts and it's starting to give her a headache.]
emotionalbeast: ([32])

Ryuunosuke Akutagawa | Bungo Stray Dogs (BEAST)

[personal profile] emotionalbeast 2025-07-20 06:34 pm (UTC)(link)
i. Games!

[Akutagawa isn’t a fan of loud noises, and its sure as hell noisy here. First place, to blow off some steam and it’s the colosseum. His opponent, something small and terrifying wielding a kitchen knife. It’s almost as if this battle is for the scrawny people, rude. Akutagawa doesn’t bat an eye, and carries no visible weapons on him. Hands in his pockets as he stares his opponent down.]

Do you think they’re trying to mock us or perhaps…?

[He doesn’t finish the sentence, nor bat an eye at his partner.

OR…

It’s the Leap-of-Faith. Akutagawa stares up at the obstacle, watching as others are jumping platform to platform. What he does next? Well, he cheats. His coat suddenly expands and fabrics of tendrils either lifts him up or extends onward to purchase a land or pole to hoist him up. Yeah, he’s not jumping like the rest of you.]


ii. Beehive lounge

[Akutagawa is sitting by a bar counter with what it looks like…an icy beverage, no fizz, smells a little herbal or fruity. As for his outfit issue, he snuck in. Direct force wasn’t enough. The young boy’s long coat is tattered from the bottom ends! So he’s chilling, with his beverage, listening to any gossips around him.

A sigh escapes.]


Why am I even here?

[Whether to the person next to him or idle.]

[[ooc: Wildcard open! Feel free to DM or start something. I’m pretty chilled. And yes, this guy is from the Beast version manga.]]
star_freckles: (Default)

[personal profile] star_freckles 2025-07-20 06:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[Relle is the sort of person who should only be trusted to be herself. In this case, her heart is telling her to assist this man, but her brain hasn't come up with the best solution.

She looks over at him and offers him a sweet smile before tugging him close.]
Yes, and I'm helping. [Relle holds his hand tightly, and then grabs his waist with her opposite hand. Without a warning, she lifts him and tosses him beyond the first obstacle before following behind him.]

And we're there!
usedhuntersmark: (VexE3-02)

[personal profile] usedhuntersmark 2025-07-20 06:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[Hey, if he'd say that to her, she'd be really sad. As much as she thinks that the elf that sired her and her brother is a piece of crap, she loves her mother and keeps her memory of the human who raised them for the first decade of their lives dear. Elaina was a saint and no one can change Vex's mind about that.

She watches the way his face changes as he tries to understand what she's said with a lot of amusement until he finally asks the question.]


Jenga is an elven game where you take specially carved pieces of wood that are placed in a tower form from parts of the tower and put them at the top. At a certain point, the base becomes unstable and the trick becomes keeping it from falling over. If you cause it to fall over, you lose. We used that as a code-word to express that we're in trouble that could be fatal.

[Vex lets out a heavy sigh that denotes a lot for anyone who knows her and a bit more than she'd like for those that don't.]

Vax is great at stealth, and so he'd go ahead of the rest of the group to spy a lot of the time.

[And nearly died a few times because of this.]
asgardianlegend: (Thor08)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-20 07:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[Yes, it does happen sometimes, and for that, Thor is very grateful. The last thing he wants to deal with is being flung to the ground and attempted to be digested by a giant plant mouth that is spewing acid.]

I would love to have Wanda, Tony or Rhoddy here. Evidently this thing is not very afraid of lightning.

[Not that that's going to stop the God of Thunder as he readies another set of lightning bolts to hit the plant.]

While its stunned, this would be the best time to strike it. As long as you get it around its back.
star_freckles: (Default)

[personal profile] star_freckles 2025-07-20 07:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[Relle's head cants curiously to one side and then the other has if deep in thoughtful consideration. Those who are keen at reading others would notice the confusion that furrows the center of her brow.]

I appriciate it. [A useful illusion is better than nothing.] Though I'm fairly sure you're real.

[Just in case she lightly taps his shoulder to make sure that he's really there. After feeling the familiar firm muscle she's satisfied.]

Okay. Do you like being here? Are worst places to be?
knittedkitten: (Default)

[personal profile] knittedkitten 2025-07-20 07:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[Lenore watches the area around them but doesn't truly see anything. Her mind is elsewhere, as are her thoughts.]

Do you think the others will be okay without us? [She doesn't think so, and while she isn't someone who is known to worry, she can't help it. It's partly her fault that their marry-band of chaos had formed. It's somewhat her responsibility.]

I hope Rin and Kostja don't get into trouble.
asgardianlegend: (Image84)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-07-20 07:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[He can see the slight hint of confusion on her face and he doesn't even blame her. He would be confused as well if this had been his first time finding himself in a place that is unfamiliar with people he'd have never met give he hadn't been kidnapped.]

Well, it's nice to see that you believe I am a real person. It's not exactly easy trying to prove my own existence when I am standing right before the person trying to deny it.

[Yep, he's real. And that action gets her a slight smile before he takes a moment to think her questions over.]

I suppose being here isn't quite so bad. Everything has been relatively calm since I arrived, but I am wary of that changing rapidly. [Don't worry, it will.] And there are always worse places to be.
wolfish: (regard)

[personal profile] wolfish 2025-07-20 08:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Yuri squints at the display. He's seen more sophisticated visuals elsewhere, but he assumes it's part and parcel of how this particular game works. It's nothing he can Gorgug can't figure out as they go, he reasons. ]

The arrow looks like it's what differentiates "us" from everything else.

[ He observes casually, seeing as no other dot is marked with an arrow. Got to be their special little craft. ]

And that approaching dot's some hostile or something, yeah?

[ So he waits until the dot appears again and lines up with theirs before hitting the button that allows their craft to "fire" at it. A stylized explosion is their reward. ]
ornithologist: (156)

[personal profile] ornithologist 2025-07-20 08:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"Don't worry -- I will."

Harold gives another small flash of a smile, meant as encouragement this time, before he hobbles up the stairs to leave with Bear on his heels.