etrayamods: (Default)
∎ 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

oblige: (regard)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-22 04:43 am (UTC)(link)
[ Whether he can stand any straighter is debatable, but he certainly tries. ]

I would serve my people regardless.

[ Dion answers without hesitation, for he has never wished to do any less. It is his foremost duty, one tied both to who and what he is. He wouldn't call it noble, only right.

On the subject of choice, however, he could admit what he would change if only he could. ]


Yet I would do so through diplomatic means, were it my decision to make.

[ Whose would it be, were he to survive all this? Dion pushes that question aside, reluctant to consider an after. ]
Edited 2025-06-22 04:43 (UTC)
untsundered: (253)

[personal profile] untsundered 2025-06-22 04:53 am (UTC)(link)
Well, well. It would seem your heart is as pure as the light of your soul, then. How very quaint.

[He could try to sound less condescending, but he doesn't seem particularly interested in that endeavor.]

Indeed, diplomacy is a far better approach than the alternative, particularly when your use of magic is so costly.

[He shakes his head, as if the matter is just ridiculous instead of truly horrific.]

Now then, why exactly is it you do not have a say in what you do? Do you answer to your—you mentioned your father, was it?

[A little odd to think of someone so subservient to a parent, but then again... this may not be a literal father. For all Emet-Selch knows this might just be what Dion's creator-caretaker calls himself. Odd, but not entirely unheard of.]
oblige: (...)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-22 05:20 am (UTC)(link)
My—

[ Dion starts, only to halt when the words lodge in his throat. It pains him to say even now, knowing his very direct hand in it. His intentions do nothing to change the results. He swallows his emotions, hands closed into fists at his sides.

There is naught that he can do to change the past, but it remains with him. It may ever remain with him. ]


My father, the...late emperor, yes.

[ Even before his father had been made emperor, Dion answered to him. Of course he did. His sole and only family was his father. The only one who'd wanted one such as him, when it seemed even his own mother did not.

It is unproductive to dwell on. Dion reminds himself of this as he puffs out a tense sigh. ]


But it is also tied to the beliefs and customs of my people. Neighboring nations are similar, regarding Dominants.
reexamined: (056)

[personal profile] reexamined 2025-06-22 05:56 am (UTC)(link)
Echo is who controls Aurora. She is a droid as well, but made of flesh. Echo is the reason why we are here. We have been chosen, arbitrarily, to represent our respective galaxies, in order to ensure they are "safe" from whatever "collapse" is apparently, impending.

[At this point, Kaytoo is silent. His hands remain at his sides, but his finger joints open and close- anxiously.]

I find the probability of that to be infinitely impossible. I think we are being lied to.
reincarnesiac: (hnngh)

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-06-22 06:57 am (UTC)(link)
...

( Alex, rubbing at her forehead, sighs deeply. )

If those are the stakes, then I think we are too. Are we sure none of what we're doing is being recorded? That sounds like a terrible idea for a reality show. "What will these strangers do when told they need to represent their entire galaxy, to prevent it's imminent collapse, by participating in..."

( She trails off, hand dropping away from her head. )

Missions, I guess.
levindicated: (80)

[personal profile] levindicated 2025-06-22 01:57 pm (UTC)(link)
What? Really-? I was so sure… I’m not usually wrong… [he trails off and shakes his head. ]

Hard to say. But being that our worlds are in danger and our keeper is able to reconstitute us from ashes, I don’t doubt their ability to fix it.

[Cid’s brow creases as he continues to dance, mirroring Clive. Clive was from far ahead of him. And Barnabas, too. ]

I can tell you the last thing I remember is taking something through the stomach. Must have been lights out, since you’ve got lightning in your fist now.

[And the other stuff.]
maximumlegend: (rehire the gravity)

[personal profile] maximumlegend 2025-06-22 02:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Fabian nods. ]

Pretty much.

[ Not the best message in the world to get, but at least the half-elf does seem to make an attempt at smoothing it over a little bit, adding: ]

Sorry, dude. It is completely unfair, I'm well aware. Me and my friends have been trying to look for a way out, but so far we haven't been able to run into anything. We could always use more eyes though.
maximumlegend: (and run me all that shit)

[personal profile] maximumlegend 2025-06-22 02:33 pm (UTC)(link)
.. oh.

[ A realisation seems to be hitting the teenager as he takes in the words she's saying. It doesn't make him seem entirely discouraged, but there is a faint moment that almost seems like a mental wince at the realization. ]

Different world. Understood. [ Definitely not the first time he's ran into this culture shock.. How come parties aren't a normal thing in other worlds? Especially for people used to danger? That's just a wild idea. ]

It's just how things work where I come from. [ Fabian explains, trying to keep it.. as general as he can.. Who knows what else Anna might not know about! She probably won't even know what a Fighter is! ] Adventurers all work in parties, considering it is the safer way of dealing with situations like these. I am a Fighter and a Bard, so I usually work up front in the middle of battle. Whereas a Rogue would hide themselves and snipe the enemy from there.

[ He gestures at her gun. ]

You know, hence my assumption.
maximumlegend: (that gun is loaded)

[personal profile] maximumlegend 2025-06-22 02:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He shakes his head. ]

I have only heard of them in this place. Frankly, it sounds kind of ridiculous-- who would voluntarily parade around in neon-colored spandex like that? [ Of course that is the part Fabian is calling ridiculous, rather than.. you know, the actual supernatural aspects of it.. ]

But I understand what you mean. [ Despite the lack of superhero experience on his end. ] You sound like a Sorcerer. That makes sense.

[ Innate magic? That's a Sorcerer. Nailed it. ]

I suppose your Evol even sounds fairly useful, as long as you have people around you with magic your Evol could exploit like mine.
reincarnesiac: (yep we're a-okay over here)

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-06-22 02:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, we have shows where people dress up like that back home too. Evolvers part of a team that confront Supervillains instead of your usual normal everyday villains.

( She blinks, finding herself startled into a laugh at his summation. )

Not so far from the truth! Though I'd be cross-class with some style of fighter. Definitely not barbarian. Not paladin, either.

( Alex shrugs, because that's getting into specifics that're a muddle in her own head across different video games, which would be rude to say in front of someone who actually has those as a functional part of his society. Or she feels it'd be rude. )

Mmm, definitely easiest when there's someone around to resonate with. I can resonate on my own, but it's more...

( She shrugs. )

It's harder to describe. Tracing energy and feeling fluctuations is easiest. Makes me a decent tracker if I know what I'm looking for.
maximumlegend: (how to come down)

[personal profile] maximumlegend 2025-06-22 02:57 pm (UTC)(link)
That is crazy. [ Today in the category of 'cultural differences that Fabian should probably be a little bit more respectful of, and yet...'

He shakes his head for a moment as he finishes processing the thought. ]


I know there are quite some differences in lifespan between the different races where I come from, but I can't say I have ever heard of people who only live ten years.
shorebound: (ᴊᴜsᴛ sᴀᴍ | 006)

[personal profile] shorebound 2025-06-22 03:06 pm (UTC)(link)
( The person who steps out of the shadows isn't really what Sam expects. Someone young, for sure, but somehow looking at him, deflates some of the frustration he'd been feeling a moment ago to be snuck up on like that. Instead of thinking about that golden mask wearing asshole, looking at this kid makes him think of Lou. It's a thought that hits hard, makes something twist in his gut and makes him turn away for a few seconds to instead glance towards the cabinet he'd been rummaging through.

He lets out a long exhale before he glances back. Cocks an eyebrow at the edge of snark there.
)

My BB. Bridge Baby. ( His hands lift, position themselves in front of his chest in a way that mimics the way he'd attach the pod onto the harness on his porter suit. He's always known about them, knows what they're for even if he'd only recently been given one. So while the idea of it is a little strange to him, he doesn't quite realize how absolutely fucking ridiculous it must sound once he starts explaining: )

It's a pod. Has an orange base, top part of it is probably grayed out since it's not hooked up. ( His hands lower with another side. ) There's a baby in it. He was with me before I got here. Haven't seen him since I got to this place.
maximumlegend: (hard-headed)

[personal profile] maximumlegend 2025-06-22 03:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh-- Yes, the ratio is completely off.

[ The young man easily seems to agree with her on that one, so apparently he doesn't find talk of it all that strange. Despite the fact that Fabian could easily pass for a human, as long as you didn't pay too close attention to his weird long pointy ears, anyway. ]

I can't say I have come across anyone that would fit either description. [ He's thinking about it now though-- especially since there are a lot of people over here at the Golden Saucer.. Hmm...

.. wait.

Fabian stops that line of thought for a moment, giving Noelle a questioning gaze as he asks: ]


What do you mean, they look like a knight sometimes?
maximumlegend: (a losing bet)

oh gosh, it's no delay to me at all! don't worry! c:

[personal profile] maximumlegend 2025-06-22 03:12 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Honestly? For a moment Fabian feels like the other definitely isn't going to respond. The young man is ready to just write off Sam as some sort of oddball and move on, but then the man does speak up.

And his question only makes Fabian look even more confused. ]


Am I--

[ It probably would have helped if he could have picked up on the joke here, but alas.. With the impression he's getting, Fabian is taking it very seriously, giving the other a look that seems to indicate Fabian is worrying that Sam may have lost his mind.

On the upside, at least-- he is keeping his distance now, so there's that! ]


What part of me looks like a ghost?!
herofhopeless: (thinking)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-22 03:25 pm (UTC)(link)
I wouldn't be surprised if it was because we aren't used to these lights. We notice things that people who are used to them don't.

[Great minds think alike. Clive heaves a sigh of relief.]

I would probably not handle it well if they were all this chaotic. How can people even look at these things?
herofhopeless: (what a cutie)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-22 03:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[Clive re-opens the holo to check (and just because he can) and attempts to tap on any of the names on the list to no avail. Hmm. Strange that neither of them have access.]

It isn't working for me either. There is a map here, though. That may be helpful.

[Before he can acknowledge her name, Clive is looking at the shirt she is offering him. The cut and style is nothing like he has ever seen, but all of that pales in comparison to the design. He isn't sure if he should be horrified or laugh.]

That is... That might fit.

[Clive trades the shirt for the bandages.]

Could I bother you one more time to help me with this?
herofhopeless: (explaining higher contrast)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-22 03:39 pm (UTC)(link)
So does she learn based on how we interact with her? We don't have anything like that in my world either.

[The closest they have are the Echoes and those are not sentient.]

Do you think she has our best interests at heart?
lastonetodie: (of how even the dead can come back)

[personal profile] lastonetodie 2025-06-22 03:40 pm (UTC)(link)
What for? For the joy of winning, or material reward? [ He's not really one for competition. He's not sure he understands the appeal. ]
Edited 2025-06-22 15:40 (UTC)
herofhopeless: (talking time)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-22 03:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[Clive is taken aback at Sleipnir's intensity. It isn't offensive in any way, no, that wasn't it. It was oddly flattering and confusing. He isn't sure how to respond to it at first. The intensity is a bit difficult to confront. It seems that is something that he has in common with Barnabas.]

I was joking about the kidnapping part. [Mostly.]

You sound as if you are more of the romantic type, then. [Surprising.]

[And there it is again. That intensity. Clive grips the side of his stool to stop himself from leaning away.]

I think we misunderstood each other.

[Clive sighs and relaxes his shoulders before also turning his stool to face the other man.]

I thought you were referring to my virginity.
herofhopeless: (soft smile)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-22 04:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Well then, thank the Founder for that.

[In an attempt to get a better angle to scrub Verso down, Clive gets up and sits on the lip of the tub. For a moment, he regrets not taking off his pants for this next bit, but he needs the support.]

Excuse the reach. Sorry if this stings.

[Clive pivots to stabilize one leg between Verso's knees and leans down to begin soaping up the particularly nasty-looking cut on his thigh. He tries not to think about how close his generally exposed chest his to Verso's face. Is this rude? This might be rude.

Clive sets the thoughts aside and focuses on the wound. He touches the area gently and slowly, hoping to avoid aggitating the area further.]


Definitely not. It's just been a long day.

[Clive feels the water start to rise and does his best to finish Verso's thigh before the water reaches the cut.]

She's our physiker back home.

[If Clive wasn't leaning so close to Verso, he may have missed the small amused smile on Clive's lips as he chooses not to respond to Verso's little quip.]
reincarnesiac: (smile like you mean it)

[personal profile] reincarnesiac 2025-06-22 05:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Hard to look away from, isn't it?

( She grins, laughing a little when they're exchanging shirt for bandages. )

Yes, of course, leave it to me. At least the chocobos are kind of cute?

( Monster Ostriches that they are. Alex folds the end of the gauze roll, keeps it in place with two fingers as she starts unrolling the rest. She's got just enough reach to wrap the roll around him and hand it back to her hand holding the start in place, making it easier for the one's she's catching this way. Certain bandages on the torso just fall off from natural movement, and she doesn't see the kind she'd use with the right kinds of glue to stick and not tear up skin coming back off again.

It's fairly quick work for the worst of them, and the rest look as if they're starting to heal? Maybe they are, she doesn't know. Human biology might work different where he's from. Alex mentally shrugs and ties off the bandage, stepping back and giving him a quick once over to check her work.
)

There you go. Shouldn't have to worry about bleeding through onto the new shirt. I'm sure you'd be devastated.

( She shoots him a grin, because it's easier than thinking about injuries and homeworlds and being stuck in a Casino. Of all things, why have this semi-N109 Zone vibe? With less open carrying and brawls in the halls and brighter lights and colours, sure, but still. )

So what was that about a map you mentioned earlier?
herofhopeless: (Gonna cry)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-22 05:46 pm (UTC)(link)
It's not -

[Clive sighs. He is determined to say this next bit without blushing. He is mostly successful, ears turning a bit pink.]

It's not because I'm not interested in her. So no, you're not wrong.

[Clive stops dancing, back still to Cid. Is he ready for this conversation? Probably not. It's not one he ever thought he would have. He holds his hand up, letting the purple energy crackle around his hand.]

You gave it to me.

[Clive closes his fist, extinguishing the magic. He turns around, eyes glassy but gaze resolute. He needed to do this. For Cid, for himself. He closes the distance between them and raises his hand, but stops as it hovers just past his own hip.

No, he can’t just hover. Not this time. Clive puts his hand on the soft slope where Cid's neck and shoulder meet. This felt different from when he put his hand on the other man's shoulder in the club proper. There was nothing separating his hand from Cid's, from feeling the warm skin of the living, breathing man in front of him. Somehow, this felt more real. Like Cid wasn't going to disappear in front of his very eyes. Clive resists the urge to put his forehead against Cid's and instead opts for sincere eye contact, his pain and his hope writ clear.]


You died, Cid. [In my arms.]

[Clive swallows down whatever tears threatened to fall. Later. He could shed those tears later. Not now. Not here.]

You died saving me.

[Clive closes his eyes for a moment. When he opens them, there is something more resolute there, but no less sad.]

Saving your - our dream.

betenoir: Handmade - DNT (Default)

[personal profile] betenoir 2025-06-22 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[Renoir listens without interjecting with condolences or sympathy. When his wife had disappeared, the one thing he had enough of more than anything were people's sympathies.

So he looks at his drawing of his wife - and he asks a simple but difficult question.]


What did she look like?
bluejustice: Sonic 3 (39)

[personal profile] bluejustice 2025-06-22 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[He's not holding himself back from celebrating a little. That one felt better than their previous wins.]

Hah! And that's how it's done. Up top, Shads! [C'mon Shadow, it is time for a High Five. Don't leave him hanging!]
laserguy: (new day)

[personal profile] laserguy 2025-06-22 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Huh, you actually know that story?

[Color him surprised! Guess he just sort of figured that all space animals with powers don't really know much of anything about Earth. Although, Shadow did mention about watching a couple of movies before, but... he's still feeling that curiosity run through him.

But maybe even more important than that is the fact that Sonic is dealing with the whole 'I know a different version of you' from others. Yeah, that's definitely familiar. The feeling of it isn't as bitter as it was before, but it still isn't easy either.

So, there's something a little more serious, if understanding, as he speaks next.]


Haven't given you a hard time, right? About you being a different version they're used to. [That residue anger is still there in some way though, huh?] I'm kind of familiar with that.