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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

fromfire: (à l'assasymphonie)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-14 01:05 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah... me too.

[ His words are absentminded. More attempting to make a connection than attempting to add anything to the conversation. His eyes drift over all the injuries that Gustave has. ]

Hey -- [ Verso starts to say before he realizes he's wearing the sash. His eyes widen as he flicks his gaze to the man's face. How lucky can a person be? Lucky enough that he can still hide what he knows. ] -- you're an expeditioner. For those who come after, right? How could you be useless?

[ Sweat runs down his neck as he manifests his dagger. He pulls his hand carefully off the man's shoulder before cutting the sash off his arm. Involuntarily, he feels his shoulders lower but he carefully cuts the badge off the material. Tucks it into his pocket. ] Come on -- little field bandaging will help before we keep shuffling along, no? [ He shows off the cut pieces as he attempts to do just as he said -- wrap his wounds with Maelle's sash and hide it was ever hers in the first place. ]
fromfire: (baby; don't you like this beat?)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-14 01:08 am (UTC)(link)
Don't tell him what came after.

[ Verso doesn't think he has to tell her who he means. ]

He should hold onto some hope, shouldn't he?
betenoir: (Certainty)

[personal profile] betenoir 2025-06-14 01:13 am (UTC)(link)
True beauty is nothing so hollow.

[Sharing that lesson, he ceases looking at the steel ceiling and returns to earth. He turns to face the stranger and adjusts himself, resting both hands upon his cane.]

Fleeting pleasures pale in comparison to the contentment of creating something everlasting.
herofhopeless: (Serious thinking stare)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-14 01:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Clive's expression is somber, but a fire burns in his eyes. His voice is tight when he speaks.]

What you saw was done by his most ardent believer. Until I can stop that man, I won't be able to stop his god. But I will beat him. Him and his god.

[Clive unclenches his fists and studies Lune, searching her eyes. After a moment of silence, he puts his hand on her shoulder.]

No one is untouchable, Lune. No one.

[He gives her shoulder a light squeeze before letting her go.]

We'll figure out how we got here and how to get home, together.
Edited (adding more) 2025-06-14 01:24 (UTC)
fromfire: (the crazy visions of me in LA)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-14 01:15 am (UTC)(link)
Sounds like fun.

[ Verso can feel the smile in Clive's voice and he can't help but answer it. Perhaps, they really will become friends. Friends with someone who sees him as himself. What a concept. ]

Can I beg to differ?

[ Another little joke. ]

I may selfishly have to make sure you're taking care of yourself, then.

[ Are they different or are they the same? Both wanting to hide the burdens that they're carrying. Clive says that he needs to hold onto it, but Verso feels like he himself needs to carry more. So why not take some from a man that seems "good?"

Letting out a small but playful sigh, he says first: ]


Couldn't wait to get me to your room? [ But he does reach out to both take the key and unlock the door for them both. ]
tark: (01)

The Colosseum

[personal profile] tark 2025-06-14 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ For once, Celebrimbor is silent. The Wraith still stirs and Talion can feel his agitation. But the glow of him is dim and Talion walks as an ordinary man into the Colosseum. It feels familiar and together they have decided to start with something familiar. He makes his way through the crowd of people, quietly excusing himself until he reaches the arena and peers out across it for a glimpse of something he might recognize.

He'd even quietly wished for uruk. He doesn't realize he's blocking Renoir's light until Celebrimbor whispers it to him. That man wants your attention. He turns to glance at Renoir, then steps aside. ]


Forgive me, I didn't realize I was in your way.
Edited 2025-06-14 01:32 (UTC)
levindicated: (80)

[personal profile] levindicated 2025-06-14 01:23 am (UTC)(link)
][Cid isn’t blind or foolish. He sees how Clive is acting around him. Absolutely lovesick. Makes him wonder what’s been going on with Jill. Did he fumble her? Not interested?]

[He could worry about it later.]

What do you mean? They’re just shoes. Ever sneak about on your tip-toes? It’s just like that except there’s just more shoe under your heel.

[Cid just slips on the heels and stands there, watching Clive. Then does a little circle. He was unfortunately a total natural. Useless.]

[Cid flicks his wrist as he attaches a cuff. ]

Don’t go overthinking it.
Edited 2025-06-14 01:24 (UTC)
odinpusrex: (254)

[personal profile] odinpusrex 2025-06-14 01:24 am (UTC)(link)
[The comment catches him, though his reaction is minimal, as one might have grown to expect from him. The vessel's acquiescence to his guidance is interesting enough, but the comment? Well, that certainly is something else entirely. Let alone the act of Mythos breathing deep the air before speaking thus.]

No.

[Barnabas answers simply.]

I would not say many have had the privilege to partake my scent... nor the foolishness to speak upon it.

[Allowing a beat to rest between them, a few steps punctuating his response, he allows his eyes to drift to Mythos for but a moment, then he cast them ahead once more.]

Does it... stoke the flame of your hunger?

[The thought of Mythos taking in the smell of him, his hunger tantalized by his would-be prey...it is an intoxicating thought. Or it would be, if such could pierce the miasma of aether which smothers such a feeling, such... excitement. It claws at it all the same, digs against the fog of it all, his mind tantalized by the thought of those claws boring through it all, those claws making him bleed from the inside out...

Yet, for now, he keeps himself controlled, as he should be. An image of perfect obedience, like a prized stallion his spirit broken. Attractive in its domestication, in feigned dignity, yet in truth such submission requires the sacrifice of that very dignity.

Barnabas would sacrifice it a thousand times over if he must, if that is what He required of him...]
fortitudosalutis: (053)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2025-06-14 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
Carver's expression softens ever so slightly. "You got it, brother."

It'll be okay. He'll take care of Bossie. And what happened at the bonfire won't ever happen again. It'll be like a bad dream.
nottheboss: (1104_001943)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-14 01:27 am (UTC)(link)
Bossie grins at him. Maybe some of that is him trying hard to be optimistic but some of it is real too, and he claps Carver's shoulder.

"Man I am so glad it's you here and not Anchetta. I couldn't stand his cooking."

He does miss Anchetta though.
whennotif: (pic#17842975)

[personal profile] whennotif 2025-06-14 01:30 am (UTC)(link)
Act 2 spoilers
Were previous Expeditions ever told the whole truth? Did they have the chance to understand? None of their journals we recovered, the Gestrals, and anything we looked into gave us any suggestion of otherwise.

I'm aware I should have asked more questions when I had the chance. That I'll accept as a failing, and a responsibility to all of us I failed to uphold. [She straightens, hands falling to her sides. She is ready to go if he tells her to. There are limits for both of them and she is consciously aware she is pushing his.]

At least give me your thoughts about this place. There's nothing about it anywhere and it feels...beyond for multiple reasons.
restingstitchface: (Thoughtful)

[personal profile] restingstitchface 2025-06-14 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
[Interesting phrase. His mind begins categorising further, delving down into archetypes. The man does have the bearing of an artist, doesn't he? But does he suffer for his art?

He tilts his head in the same direction, questioning, without flashing that same smile.

Regardless, he doesn't stop investigating. There is always more data to prize and pull apart from the whole, some new limit to be reached. And maybe he does it because he just wants to.]


Not necessarily. People argue when they feel unheard. Others become defensive when disrespected. Then there is the stress of life. [He barely lifts his shoulders.] The urge to control, to dominate... Others project their feelings onto their loved one simply to cope. Then of course there is physical trauma...

[Look at this nerd go!]
fortitudosalutis: (018)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2025-06-14 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
Carver twitches, fighting back the sorrow. Bossie doesn't know Anchetta's dead. And if they do this right, maybe Anchetta won't stay that way. Maybe they get a second chance.

"He tries," Carver murmurs. "Everybody's got their own skills. But c'mon, let's go. It'll be nice and quiet. When's the last time you've been in a subway station? One without bodies, I mean."
nottheboss: (1104_001941)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-14 01:37 am (UTC)(link)
Carver doesn't joke about Anchetta. That says everything, doesn't it? Bossie looks at him, thinking about how Carver is dead in some other world. In their world.

"Oh uh..." Trying to answer the question. "Never."

There was no subway in Tennessee.

"...Carver?"
fortitudosalutis: (023)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2025-06-14 01:40 am (UTC)(link)
Stand up straight, Carver tells himself. Be solid, be a fucking man. Bossie needs someone to mirror, someone who's not going to lose their goddamn mind over nothing.

He clears his throat. "We're gonna go off planet. It's all scifi and shit. And then I'll show you the subway station I've been staying. It's secure, I promise."
fromfire: (je maudis)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-14 01:41 am (UTC)(link)
[ Look at the nerd go!

Verso lightly scratches the side of his face. He scratches close to where the scar is just above his eye. His chin nods a little in thought; he closes his eyes so that he doesn't glance or grimace at some of the descriptions as to why arguments happen.

Opening one eye, he tosses out a joke: ]


Dealt with a lot in family counseling, haven't you, Doctor Crane?
nottheboss: (1104_001943)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-14 01:41 am (UTC)(link)
God help him he forgets what he was going to ask, the miserable bit of hope he was trying to salvage.

Instead he's beaming. "We're going off planet?"
herofhopeless: (bright stare)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-14 01:52 am (UTC)(link)
Not... really.

[It wasn't difficult to sneak out when you weren't exactly a priority, but he doesn't have the heart to say that. Or the energy for any conversation it might start. Or any looks he might get.

Clive puts the shoes on and stands, using the vanity to stabilize himself. He frowns at Cid.]


Either you have more experience with this than you are letting on or your natural grace outshines most.

[Clive lets go of the vanity. He turns without staggering and watches the dancers as they move. Shifting back and forth, Clive works on finding the best way to put the weight on his feet. He closes his eyes and imagines a sword in his hands, shifting his body until it feels stable, like when he makes ready to turn out of the way of an enemy. He turns again, this time more gracefully, and manages to not fall on his ass or twist an ankle. He looks at Cid again.]

Let me see you do that again. I need to see something organic move.
levelshift: <user name=annicon site=tumblr.com> (hmmm)

[personal profile] levelshift 2025-06-14 01:55 am (UTC)(link)
[A clarification:] I believe she wouldn't lie.

[Which isn't quite the same thing. There are other possibilities he's considered, ones like her being fed false information. That isn't the important thing - the important thing is that none of them would be her fault if the saving universe stuff turns out to be incorrect. That/I> is what he believes.

He spits his next words out.]


I don't know how many Etrayans do.
shadowsincryo: (pic#15176043)

[personal profile] shadowsincryo 2025-06-14 01:56 am (UTC)(link)
Any wine is chilled when I'm around. [He makes a flippant little hand gesture and grins. It's his favorite party trick. Simple, wastes barely any magic, and people get distracted by it.] They do have a small selection of good wine. I'll order the best one.

[He walks with the smooth gait of a man with time on his hands. Archons, he misses being on patrol. He almost misses paperwork days. Sure, he was stuck to a desk, and hating every new piece laid before him, but he was doing something.] Here we are.

[It is a hole in the wall. It looks like some dive bar. It isn't terrible, but no one is going to ask questions. No one. People here don't want questions asked of them. Kaeya moves through the space like a man used to these kinds of spots. He points to an out of the way table halfway in the back. Good angles on the exits and a good view of the bar itself. Once a spy master always a spy master.]
bonding: (To get as far as I've gotten?)

colosseum

[personal profile] bonding 2025-06-14 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
[She feels like she's going to have a panic attack.

Short, shallow breaths as she stands there, eyes wide, clutching her hands in front of her chest as she stares wide-eyed between the creature and the...human? That's definitely a human. An adult human?? While logically she knows Kris will also grow to be an adult human, it's just weird to be reminded they exist.

He doesn't seem...unfriendly. And he's already more expressive than Kris normally is. Was. Is? Hm--

Still. They're in a battle, apparently. It all feels familiar and she swallows hard
]

I-I-I-- [She tries to smile back but instead just looks terrified and gives a high-pitched nervous laugh that sounds like fahaha!] I can fight! I, um...I can heal, and... ice...

[The temperature around her is already dropping, snowflakes forming in the air.] Should I...proceed? [The way she says it sounds odd, an echo of a command as she averts her gaze, eyeing the...cactus creature. Thing.] Or...maybe we could SPARE it....?
sophielicious: (22)

[personal profile] sophielicious 2025-06-14 02:00 am (UTC)(link)
Mutants?
fortitudosalutis: (018)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2025-06-14 02:03 am (UTC)(link)
As far as distractions go, this was a good one. Carver grins at him, nodding. "Pretty cool, right?"

It's chaotic and strange here, but some of it is wondrous.
nottheboss: (1104_002029)

[personal profile] nottheboss 2025-06-14 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
"Like astronauts?" He's practically vibrating with excitement, like he had the first time he parachuted out of a plane. "What do we have to wear?"