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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

shadowsincryo: (pic#15815091)

[personal profile] shadowsincryo 2025-06-16 05:30 am (UTC)(link)
No. [The easiest answer in the world to give. He doesn’t even have to lie. He flexes his fingers.] Just a young descendant that understands the kindest thing I can do for them is let them go.

The Abyss’s hold on our world could cease. They could pass. And the world could move on, finding new problems to deal with.

[And he wouldn’t have to choose between his homeland and where he lives. The chains of fate would be shattered.] As I said, I want to be sure.
betenoir: Handmade - DNT (Default)

[personal profile] betenoir 2025-06-16 05:38 am (UTC)(link)
[Bonds? How awkward is this world going to become?]

Missions. [His hand strokes his beard.] I assume these carry some element of risk?
sabigoe: (⚙ 44)

[personal profile] sabigoe 2025-06-16 05:51 am (UTC)(link)
[ She manages a shy smile back in return before he turns his attention back to their opponent. This isn't the first time she's faced off such a massive creature. She's seen bigger, some even as tall as a building. Still, it is a little scary. She's a bit more at ease that she doesn't have to fight alone. ]

...Yeah. Don't worry. I promise I won't be a lie- ability.

[ Liability, she means to say. The way she says it sounds kind of... stilted, clearly parroting a word she heard from someone else.

Unlike a seasoned fighter, Fio doesn't ready herself into a battle stance. She simply... stands there, arms resting by her sides, with a small sway to shake off the anxiousness. While she doesn't appear to do anything necessarily special to prepare for her turn, she keeps a close eye on her partner's movements.

The little girl looks seemingly harmless enough that the cactus opts to put its full attention on her companion instead. With the spheres hovering idly by her side, she clearly has something in mind since why would she manifest them in the first place? She will allow her teammate to deal the first strike, waiting for an opening to follow up.

In the meantime, thinking up nicknames is one of her favorite things to do. (And a handful of people in Etraya have already been granted her ridiculous nicknames.) Swiftbloom is a lovely, elegant name, she thinks. However, something more straightforward and simple is Fio's style. ]


...Mister Prickles. [ She declares, without a thought to ask for further feedback. Calling out from the back: ] I'll try not to hit you too hard, Mister Prickles! [ Okay, she knows she will have to, in order for them to win... but she still feels sad for it... ]
fromfire: (that feeling carried)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-16 05:59 am (UTC)(link)
[ He makes a soft noise in the back of his throat. His eyes close as he thinks of being honest, but decides against it. A descendant of an immortal has probably already dealt with his fair share.

If he had extended family, he wonders if his goals would've changed. They might've. Family always complicates matters.

Verso opens his eyes. ]
I understand.
shadowsincryo: (pic#16138300)

[personal profile] shadowsincryo 2025-06-16 06:55 am (UTC)(link)
[He meets his eye. Verso might get it. He isn’t arrogant enough to assume he wouldn’t. But the details are best left alone. Not unless they get forced out of him like they were for a ‘game’ in one mission.

He sighs.]


It’s complicated. Just like missions are. We get told what we’re doing next and what for, but. Never the full picture.
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-aoup1-222)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-06-16 07:18 am (UTC)(link)
[Oh, please. Subtle is for those that need it. Thor is about as subtle as the elements he controls. Besides, someone needs to be the distraction in the midst of battle. With Volstagg not here, the role falls on the older prince of Asgard to pick up the slack.

And, well, after his stay in Duplicity and somehow ending up here, he has a lot more insight on how he feels about his younger brother, their parents, and a great deal of other things. He's made peace with a lot, so now Thor just has to figure out what he's doing here and why.

However, he does do his best thinking while he moves. And what better way to move than to engage in these games that ask him to physically participate?

And hearing his brother's voice randomly, isn't that just like their relationship?]


That's hardly fair, Loki. Fandral loves showing off as much as the next man. Especially when women are involved. [As he slides into the finish line and a whole heap of tickets spew out as a reward, Thor turns towards his brother as if the last few years hadn't happened.] And as far as competition goes, you only count if you're not cheating.
auderes: (pic#17640451)

[personal profile] auderes 2025-06-16 07:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ Yeah, he can keep pretending but Dick can see through it. He's been on both sides of that too many times not to, he just also knows from experience that prodding Jason isn't always a constructive way to talk to him. Sometimes he has to work through it at his own pace.

He's just not sure where those lines are with this one. ]


I'm guessing that things are rough back home.

[ It's not a question, but it is open, if Jason wants to fill in those blanks. Not that Dick can't make some fairly safe assumptions just because of how young Jason is, but not young enough that he's still Robin, is he? ]
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-thor2-192)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-06-16 09:35 am (UTC)(link)
[Yes, there's a part of Thor that figures that this isn't the Wade he knew before, but that hardly matters when there is something that looks like it wants to eat them both. With poison. And vines.]

It reminds me of something Hogun and I had to tame in Alfheim. It would rather face the fires of Muspelheim than that thing again.

[The stories he has... They are numerous, but so are the enemies. And if there's one thing he knows very well, it's fighting. After all, he's had over a thousand years of experience—so much that his body starts twirl Mjølnir even while he chats to Wade.]

You should learn that fighting comes with first come, first serve.
stylebythemile: (083)

[personal profile] stylebythemile 2025-06-16 11:10 am (UTC)(link)
[The question snaps Sonia out of the last of the daze that lingered after... whatever just happened.]

Umm, we met, like, an hour ago? [But there really doesn't seem to be any spark of recognition on his face.] Unless-- hold on. Could it be that I met another version of you?

[Is she asking him, or herself?]
pricklybloom: (pic#15196416)

[personal profile] pricklybloom 2025-06-16 11:55 am (UTC)(link)
[ Yeah, that's definitely Sonic. Even with an alternate version of him, some things are pretty much the same. ]

Ah well... long story short I guess we're from different worlds? Where I come from, I know someone also named Sonic who's a hedgehog and also really fast. But I guess there isn't one of me where you're from.

[ But there's also a Tails apparently. That's fine. ]

Did you happen to meet some lady named Aurora before you showed up in this place? [ She's wondering how much she might need to explain about all this. ]
stylebythemile: (050)

[personal profile] stylebythemile 2025-06-16 11:57 am (UTC)(link)
[As fast as him? Sonia gives the other hedgehog a momentary, quizzical glance, before she hears the rest of what they both have to say.]

Oh! You must be talking about my brother from a different dimension. [Whom she met shortly after finding herself in this strange world-between-worlds.] The bro I'm looking for is from mine. He doesn't go by Blue Justice, but he looks the same. He'll be looking for me too; if you see him, tell him Sonia's waiting.
pricklybloom: (pic#15093358)

[personal profile] pricklybloom 2025-06-16 12:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's definitely something she's worried about too, people ending up in the colosseum that might not be able to handle it. And even though she doesn't have her hammer, she drops by just to check, in case someone needed help. ]

Nice to meet you. [ Despite her size, he might notice she has a pretty strong grip as she shakes his hand, before letting hers drop. ] It's tough to say, really. I can't help feeling suspicious about the whole thing. But I also don't wanna risk putting my world in danger if it is true, y'know?
fromfire: (and a mirrored disco ball)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-16 12:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Family often is.

[ He chimes about what is complicated before mulling over the mission situation yet again. His shoulders give a little shrug as his opinion remains the same. There isn't going to be a way to find out what is a lie and what isn't until it's over. ]

Either you aren't asking the right questions, or they don't intend to tell you. And without any leverage to ask, you'll never find out the truth.

[ His tone is, at least, apologetic that there may not be an easy answer. However, Kaeya probably feels the anticipation and frustration in not knowing. ]

So... it comes down to hope.
Edited 2025-06-16 12:23 (UTC)
restingstitchface: (Interested)

[personal profile] restingstitchface 2025-06-16 12:45 pm (UTC)(link)
I suppose I could stand to keep an eye on you.

[Crane slides his fingers together and crosses them over his stomach. His gaze diverts towards the same direction, though his attention remains on Verso, a small attempt at a private joke. Conspiratorial, one might say.]

Should it make you happy.

[But given how many masks this man has presented tonight, is he?]
fromfire: (down at the pink pony club)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-16 12:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Verso gifts her a wide, pleased smile. ] I know you won't be. [ He is putting a pin in that comment. As soon as he turns away, his expression falls to something more irritated. Where did she learn a word like that? And who used it in regards to her?

Dashing forward, he is well within the range of the giant cactus. It seems like its eyes are fixed on him. Of course, it's hard to tell when they are empty black holes on its "face." But at least, it does its jerking, sudden motion to turn toward him. ]


Ah, good one. [ He holds his hand out, wagging his finger lightly in her direction. ] Feel kind of bad picking on you, Mister Prickles, but well, I'm sure you'll forgive us. No hard feelings and all that, yeah? [ As he says that much, the cactus abruptly drops its entire body to fall on him. Jerking backwards, he just barely dodges out of the way of the "attack" and Mister Prickles is already back up to a standing position. ]

I think he understands! [ Verso calls over his shoulder before he shifts and twists his own body around into a different stance. One where he holds his sword just at his side -- white energy erupts down the hilt and blade. He lets it build a second more before unleashing the attack. Yet instead of just one strike; the light curves and weaves around the cactus striking and slashing multiple times before the energy dissipates.

Of course, it doesn't look like it does any damage to its outer shell. Which is always a little irritating and frustrating. It'd be nice to see just how they're actually doing. But the strikes do, at least, knock it partially off-balanced. Or Mister Prickles is standing on one foot instead of both, wobbling in place. ]
thelightshines: (Even children get older)

[personal profile] thelightshines 2025-06-16 01:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[He rolls his eyes. He doesn't see how talking brings any sort of style or effectiveness in battle. Just beat them. Can he keep up with that energy though when the battles continue to slog on? Round ten....round fifteen....twenty...

At least all their opponents in the earlier rounds were cakewalks with the two of them. As they get closer to round fifty though, they start getting thrown more tougher enemies. The fights getting longer. As their fourty-ninth foe disapates into digital data, Shadow is still standing and seemingly unscathe. If there was any indication he was getting tired, he's hiding that fact. Eyes are fixated on the gate, expecting their next opponent to come marching in, but when it doesn't lift at the expected time...he turns his attention to Sonic. How was he holding up?]
thelightshines: (your freedom)

[personal profile] thelightshines 2025-06-16 01:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[...Ah.] There is another version of me. So no, we haven't met.
herofhopeless: (what a cutie)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-16 01:24 pm (UTC)(link)
I'll make sure to do that.

[Clive props his sword against the bed and sits down with a grateful groan. He takes a couple of deep breaths before looking around the room. It was very clean for a place that hosted battles for sport. But maybe this wasn't an arena that wanted fights to the death.

Clive stares at Alex as she looks around and talks. Either he hit his head or she was using words he had never heard before.]


I have some questions. Those primarily being what are 'materia' and 'Protocores'?
whennotif: (pic#17843013)

[personal profile] whennotif 2025-06-16 01:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[The guitar vanishes and she gets up. She paces, hands opening and closing. Of their Expedition, only they are left that reached the end.

The thought splits the door in half. She faces away from him as the emotions tumble out of their hiding space. Her shoulders tense.]


It isn’t that I died that I’m upset about. I’ve been editing a journal for everyone to listen to since it was just Gustave and I.

It’s that I got to think everything would be alright. Then it was…gone. We were all gone. I could see it in their faces they had thought they would get to have a future. [Facing away from him is easier. She doesn’t want to see his expression or he see hers. She struggles to get the words out. It gets harder to see the details of the wall itself.]

Tomorrow didn’t come. Only oblivion did. [The weight of victory turned to despair and crushed hope press down on her and she sits, as if her knees just gave out.]

I couldn’t do anything to stop it.
Edited 2025-06-16 17:02 (UTC)
herofhopeless: (soft smile)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-16 01:33 pm (UTC)(link)
I see. I'm sorry.

[It seems like humans are the same everywhere. While that is disheartening, Clive is not surprised. Maybe he'll ask about that more later, but he is not in the habit of dredging up painful memories, particularly with strangers.

Clive presses his forearm against Yuri's, gripping it firmly and smiles that little smile of his.]


Well met, Yuri. Thank you for helping me.
herofhopeless: (thinking)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-16 01:44 pm (UTC)(link)
I guess you will.

[He'll hold you to that, Verso. If Clive is anything, he is a man of his word.

Clive's responding laugh is quiet, his shoulders shaking lightly as he shakes his head. What a strange man. Not that Clive minds. It's been a while since he was able to laugh so much.

He his about to help Verso up when he sees the soft white light starting to weave through the wounds. His eyes search Verso's bare chest, awe written in them. His hand begins to raise to touch, but he drops his hands and his eyes flick away for just a moment.]


Here, put your hands on my shoulders.

[Clive gently takes Verso's wrists and places them on his shoulders before grabbing his waist and lifting him slowly. While he is still on his knees, he rises to undo the other man's fly, marveling at the strange metal that keeps them together, before sliding his trousers and underwear down.

Being a man who was in the military, he has seen more than his fair share of naked men, though rarely at eye level like this. The tips of his ears dust a light pink as he stands to guide Verso to the tub.]


Let me know if the water is too cold or too hot.
copsormasks: (106)

[personal profile] copsormasks 2025-06-16 01:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, you could say that.

[Jason picks at the scars on the skeeball in his hands for a couple moments before overhanding it into the 500 pocket. As he picks up the next ball, he sighs. This has already gone wrong twice. Why would Dick be any different?

Another overhand into the 500 pocket.
]

Got fired. Not benched. Fired.
shadowsincryo: (discretion's not what I need to sell)

[personal profile] shadowsincryo 2025-06-16 02:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Maybe so. But I’m a nosy bastard, I have to at least try. [He shrugs, some of that mask he has let slip coming back up. He brings his glass to his lips.]

We haven’t had an actual opportunity to find solid answers yet. I can question the overseer Aurora all I like. But there are Rules in place in her that keep her from talking about Echo. None of us have spoken to Echo themselves.

[He closes his eye.]

If we ever will. [But because his people, and those he swore service to elsewhere are in the line, he will exhaust all his resources. Break himself on the duties he holds. He crosses one leg over the other.] After this mission we will be taken back to the hub. Etraya. People have been allowed to add copies of pieces of their homes to the city. It has changed many times. And something called a train runs through it.

[He has never seen a train. Until Etraya.]
reincarnesiac: (smile and be easy)

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-06-16 02:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Er, have you ever heard of the internet? Or the world wide web?

( It's a pause and a beat, but not surprising -- Alex has already run into people of all different experiences and the like that not having the same baseline seems more normal than not. She reaches out to pat Heartbreaker on its head after he did, almost in consolation. There there, enjoy your new plushie parent, little guy. )

It's good to have confidence! And we'll find you ears that go both ways.

( Is she unaware of entendres here? No, but it's also not where her head is when it's not her business. Bunny ears for their own sake? Yeah, okay, those amuse her. )

Now I think it was back that way... Right, because there's that noodle place, and the pastry shop. Definitely this way.

( She'll just go ahead and start walking. If it sounds like she's navigated around this place based on food...

... well, she has.
)
compulsive: (Default)

[personal profile] compulsive 2025-06-16 02:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[An even slower shake of the head. More than a little disappointed she's not around. Even with the strangeness of the Dark World, there was at least a consistent feeling to it- this place feels strange in a completely different way. Uncontrollable and static at the same time.

But Noelle shouldn't be stuck here, involved in this. There's not much they can do without their armor and shield, or the weapons the Dark World provides. But maybe that won't be necessary.

Kris gives a half-hearted shrug. They are starting to get cold, but fortunately, the door isn't far off now. Only a matter of seeing if it's worse in there than it is out here. With an awkward pause, Kris puts their hand on Noelle's one that grabbed their sleeve.
]

... Be careful.