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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

fortitudosalutis: (Default)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2025-06-11 06:08 pm (UTC)(link)
A couple hours. Not long. It happens like that sometimes, he knows logically. But he can’t help but look at Bossie and see the ruin of him that Carver buried out in the woods. There’d been nothing left of his face. Nothing at all.

He steps closer still. “You hurt?”
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-11 06:10 pm (UTC)(link)
He nods shakily, then shakes his head no. He was in pain. He's not now and he doesn't know how that happened.

He's tensed to run and doesn't know why.

"What's happening? Where are we?"
fortitudosalutis: (026)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2025-06-11 06:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Carver swallows hard. Okay. He has to step up now. Bossie needs him steady, focused. There’s no room for fuck ups, not anymore. “Let’s go back inside so you can show me. It’s a long story, little brother.”
Edited 2025-06-11 18:13 (UTC)
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-11 06:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Little brother.

Maybe he hasn't been exiled then. Maybe Carver isn't here to finish whatever that fight with Pope was about.

He swallow uneasily and leads Carver back to his room.

"How long you been here?"
maximumlegend: (you'll see me when i do)

[personal profile] maximumlegend 2025-06-11 06:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Fabian was about to take the plush from her with a satisfied grin on his face from a job well done on his part - and on her part, because of his part! - but then he stops reaching out towards it when he sees what the machine is doing.

Or rather, what the machine continues to do. Because it's not too surprising that it starts spitting out those tickets, but then it just.. keeps going..

And going..

Fabian blinks a few times, seeming frozen in place due to his own surprise at the mountain of tickets. ]


Perhaps I gave you a little bit too much inspiration here. [ He finally comments, slowly getting over the surprise of it. ]
fortitudosalutis: (009)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2025-06-11 06:24 pm (UTC)(link)
“Couple months. Time works funny here.”

He closes the door behind them, doing a quick sweep before he motions Bossie over to the bed. Wondering how the fuck he’s supposed to play this.

“Sit. Let me see?”
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-11 06:27 pm (UTC)(link)
"I don't want to take my armor off," he says nervously, watching Carver. "Is Pope mad?"

Still mad, he means. He's alive so he had to have survived his punishment. And God can be forgiving when you've suffered enough.
fortitudosalutis: (018)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2025-06-11 06:44 pm (UTC)(link)
“I have you. Just let me see?” Carver tries, motioning Bossie closer. After a moment, he pulls his gloves off. Left, then right. If he takes his gloves off, then it’ll be okay for Bossie to mirror him.

Patterns build. Gestures matter.

“Pope’s not here. I just wanna check you, okay?”

God, he prays, please, God, don’t let him remember.
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-11 06:47 pm (UTC)(link)
The gloves go off and Bossie melts a little, comes to Carver and strips off his jacket, his outer shirt, his inner shirt.

He has a scar where Maggie stabbed him. Older scars, too. Nothing to explain the pain he imagined he was in when he was trying to sleep.

"Where are the others?" He asks, looking over his shoulder at Carver. "You're here alone? Are you-"

AWOL he can't bring himself to ask out loud.
maximumlegend: (time after time)

[personal profile] maximumlegend 2025-06-11 06:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course not.

[ He outright huffs this time. Technically it's just a theory on his part, but.. well, Fabian believes in it strongly enough that he doesn't mind laying it out like it's the truth to a new person.

It's better if they hear it right away rather than have to figure it out months down the road themselves, after all. ]


They send us on all these nonsense missions that aren't proving anything. [ The teen spreads his arms wide. ] This here is meant to be a mission. Somehow.
fortitudosalutis: (009)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2025-06-11 07:01 pm (UTC)(link)
He’s braced to find a raw, ugly wound. The same one he remembers from when Bossie carried what was left of Turner back to them. Ugly and deep, sewed up with their meager supplies. But it’s scarred over now, no longer weeping.

Almost like the teeth marks on his own thigh, and the utter lack of scar or wound over his heart.

Carver presses his fingers very gently against the scar. He breathes out. “I didn’t leave. I just woke up here one day,” he explains softly. “We’re not in Meridian. Fuck, kid, we’re not even on Earth anymore.”
nottheboss: (1104_001943)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-11 07:07 pm (UTC)(link)
That makes no sense so he laughs as is Carver is telling a joke even though it's not funny.

"We have to get back." He's terrified to go back. "Is Pope mad?" He asks again.
maximumlegend: (rehire the gravity)

[personal profile] maximumlegend 2025-06-11 07:17 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm sure. [ Fabian echoes back.

Even the one person in this place who had seemed to come from a world close to his own hadn't been from Spyre, after all. She didn't even know about crystals! ]


Prepare for a whole lot of culture clash. People here truly come from all sorts of worlds. Beings that exist where you come from might not even exist in those-- and I am speaking of personal experience on that one.
tinflower: (pic#17899660)

💪 i always believed, let's elmo those cookies

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-06-11 07:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Ohhhhh. Gorgug immediately clocks on to what's happening when she mentions being at home, and now she's here. At least, he thinks he clocks on, following her gesture with a narrowing expression that's less about suspicion, and more--someone got brought onto a mission here? ]

Uh. [ Uh. He looks back at her, not sure how to explain, but he should probably do that, right? ... ] Yeah. We're... ... this happens? Nobody's shown up in a game before, but, I was finishing school, and then I woke up on a spaceship...

[ Are you following, Alex. Amazing if you are. He's only stopping himself when he realises that he should ask, ]

Do you know what a spaceship is?
fortitudosalutis: (058)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2025-06-11 07:25 pm (UTC)(link)
“Hey.”

It’s his task to explain, Carver knows, but he can’t pick where to begin. He has to be strong. To give Bossie something steady to mirror or this all falls apart and them with it. So suck it up and do your job, Carver tells himself. Don’t show fear, never show doubt.

He shifts, moving around Bossie to face him head on. Cupping a hand very gently to the back of Bossie’s skull. “Pope’s not mad,” he lies very softly. “You let me worry about that.”
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-11 07:27 pm (UTC)(link)
He leans against Carver. Nods slowly.

"I think he blames me for Turner dying," he says very quietly. "But I tried to save him. And I cried in front of God, Carver."

He fell on his knees and sobbed in front of Pope and that's a sin you can't take back.
fortitudosalutis: (002)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2025-06-11 07:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Carver bites back the immediate denials. The worst part is that he’s a liar now, because he can’t say Bossie’s wrong. All of those things are true. All of those things have a cost—an awful goddamn cost.

“I know you did,” he agrees quietly. He and Leah had known there’d be trouble after Bossie started wailing so loud he alerted the whole compound. But they’d thought they could smooth it over. Keep Bossie out of Pope’s line of sight until things calmed down.

They’d been wrong.

“You’ll earn it back,” he says instead, desperately reaching for something to say. Anything. “But that’s later. This is right now and I need you to focus. You hurt anywhere else?”
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-11 07:41 pm (UTC)(link)
He can feel a boot on his chest holding him down.

"No," he says, his voice cracking a little. He shudders and reaches for his armor.

He won't cry again.

"We gotta clear this place."
betenoir: (Observant)

[personal profile] betenoir 2025-06-11 07:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[Renoir stares ahead in deep thought. The concept of reality collapsing is a familiar one - but he shares nothing about his experience and directs his emotion into the bloodbath happening at their feet.

What a pointless form of entertainment.]


You want evidence. But is evidence of something like that even possible?

[It's not like Aurora could save his world when one considers it's already dying because of a specific cause.]
fortitudosalutis: (009)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2025-06-11 08:16 pm (UTC)(link)
“Breathe,” Carver orders, his voice calm and steady. Something in him settles. His role is clear now in a way it hasn’t been in months, maybe not since he arrived in this place. And that role requires him to be unflappable, a stone that Bossie can steady himself against the way Leah always was for Carver.

You protect yourself. You protect your people. And you remember the mission.

“Bossie, breathe for me. Count it now. In for four, hold for four.”
nottheboss: (1104_001957)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-11 08:22 pm (UTC)(link)
He gulps in a breath, holds it. Leans back against Carver as he breathes out.

It's six more breaths before he's steady.

"I'm okay," he says softly. "I just- nothing feels real. Right now."
tinflower: (pic#17899658)

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-06-11 08:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Gorgug nods (the hat staying on), and his voice lowers as he declares: ] We're gonna have to steal the cards.

[ It's the only way, right? At 10k GP, nothing else reaches that
exorbitant price, and if they don't steal them... ]


Or cheat. [ Then that's an option, too. ]
fortitudosalutis: (041)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2025-06-11 08:27 pm (UTC)(link)
It’s not the first time. Carver waits it out, taking deep breaths for Bossie to mirror. Steady in a way he’s craved deep in his soul but hasn’t been able to find, not for months. Maybe not for years. But the task is clear and his soul settles. He knows this shape.

Quietly, Carver leans in and presses his forehead to Bossie’s.

“I know,” he agrees. “None of this shit makes sense. But I’ve got you. I’ve got you, and we’re gonna be just fine. You believe me?”
tinflower: (pic#17331251)

[personal profile] tinflower 2025-06-11 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Noo, his fears came true?! This was a ruse! A scam! Nobody can be depressed in a corner anymore these days!!

The grimace on his face only worsens with the man confirming his suspicion, and while there's a good chance he could jump and run, Gorgug feels stuck in his position: both from the anxiety of being in debt, b-but also, shouldn't he stand up for himself?! ]


I-- y-you-- [ There's a cat stuck in his throat, but-- but he jabs a forefinger in the air, pointing at the man as he finds his courage! ] Opera sucks! It's for old people! And I toured with a band!

[ He's standing up--! ] So you owe me GP!

[ The fight is on! ]
nottheboss: (Default)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-11 08:43 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yes sir," he whispers and then straightens up. "Yeah, man, I'm good. I'm good now."

Another slow breath.

"We really going to sleep on beds tonight, huh?" He's skeptical. He's slept too many years on the ground.