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

bluejustice: (92)

[personal profile] bluejustice 2025-06-23 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
[He definitely counts that as a win.

He has to admit there was a thrill to it. The fights, the way they started falling into sync with one another, slowly but much better than the rough start. It reminded him when they were both fighting side by side, powered up by the Emerald. Of course, there were still a few kinks to smooth out, but getting Shadow to say something back after the endless quips Sonic had been making, felt like a small victory on itself. He's definitely banged up as well, although probably less than you since you kept covering for him, even if less than before. He still noticed. It makes him feel a little frustrated, not gonna lie. Not that you helped-- just that he needed it. But he had been focusing more on the fights to compensate. Still, the monsters they had been facing after they hit the fiftieth level hadn't been exactly easy, so the bruises had started to ache more than you could normally ignore. The kind that stay with you even after the adrenaline fades a bit.]


C'mon, we already got this far. It'll be dumb to quit right now, when there's only one more left!

[Still, in the long moment it takes for the terrain to shift and rearranges for the final round, he opens the only other trail mix bar he had been carrying and, without a word, he snaps it cleanly in half and holds one piece out to you..]

Here, take it. [He's not asking this time, he's giving it to you.]
oblige: (turn)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-23 01:24 am (UTC)(link)
[ Dion notes the deliberate manner in which Sleipnir poises himself, but his eyes simply track movement before settling on his face again. His wariness remains plain on his features and his posture, knowing well enough such performances can prove a means of distraction.

Being forcibly placed on the same side doesn't erase the past, nor their natures. ]


Amusing you hardly pertains to my duty.

[ With a shift of his weight, he plants a hand on his hip and remains right where he is. Surely there is something else behind Sleipnir's little performance. They may be here to play games, but that doesn't oblige Dion to play someone else's. ]

Are you quite finished burying the lede?

[ He'd sooner get to business than satisfy one horse's odd desire to toy with him first. ]
bluejustice: (38)

no worries, I know how it gets :c

[personal profile] bluejustice 2025-06-23 01:33 am (UTC)(link)
Shadow did explain to me what's going on, more or less. But the only one I've been able to contact is him, so far. Maybe they'll give me more access once I'm done with the mission? [He doesn't really understand how it works, but he's confident he'll figure out later.]

[He takes a second to consider her next question, specially after seeing the way her expression changed.]

Well, he seemed... okay? Calmer than I'd seen him before. [To be fair, he didn't have much to compare it to. He had 'known' Shadow for less than a day before coming here. He didn't seem vengeance driven anymore, that was for sure, but it was still difficult to read him.] Why do you ask? Do you think he's been having a hard time here?
wolfish: (regard)

[personal profile] wolfish 2025-06-23 01:42 am (UTC)(link)
[ Yuri hums thoughtfully, settling back into his seat. They're both fair questions, though the answer's not necessarily simple. What they know remains limited even now. ]

She's got her own personality— hell, she asked us to save her brother, and he's a real character. He's standing proof they'll react to how we behave, for better or worse.

[ Borealis and Aurora are individual and unique. They act and respond in accordance to their personalities. ]

I'd say she makes an honest effort and has put trust in us. No small thing, asking for help on a personal matter, yeah?
bluejustice: (59)

Haunted House

[personal profile] bluejustice 2025-06-23 01:43 am (UTC)(link)
I mean, statistically, most places that are advertised as 'haunted' are a scam. Although, this is the first time I've been to a haunted hotel, in another world.

[In fact, this is the very first time he had been to any haunted place, ever-- unless you count those cheap Halloween attractions that roll into town with the local fair every year.]
wolfish: (lean)

[personal profile] wolfish 2025-06-23 02:06 am (UTC)(link)
[ Yuri only smiles winsomely in the face of the man's shock. He knows how to observe all the intricacies of performative formality, having dealt with a certain kind of nobility for as long as he has, but he uses that sparingly here.

Imagine if this man knew what Yuri had called his own king. ]


Not just any knight, I see.

[ Yuri's response is an airy thing, not suggesting whether he appreciates the lofty nature of the position or not. ]

Yuri Leclerc, call me Yuri. [ This is all he offers at first, having no great house to speak of. Rowe fell, and whether he's tasked with dusting it off or not, he's content not to attach himself to it here. ] No one of particular consequence.

[ He casually waves off his own introduction, but the way his smile grows sharp around the edges implies some manner of humor that may amuse only him. ]
thelightshines: (as you slept forever)

[personal profile] thelightshines 2025-06-23 02:12 am (UTC)(link)
[It would be dumb, as dumb as two beaten hedgehogs still sticking to it till the end. But he'll take trying over quitting between the two dumb things. The other was pulling their weight that moments where he did need to step in didn't trouble him. Sonic is a capable enough fighter, that much he could acknowledge.

He turns his head from the gates, seeing Sonic practically handing him a piece of his trail mix now.]


...Just how many of those things did you bring? [He will take it this time though. After a sniff, he'll start to eat it. A little soaked from the rain, but still edible all the same. Not exactly like the rice crispies Maria would bring for him. He stares at the ground, the water actually raising slightly above the surface. Just up to their ankles for now.]
bluejustice: (95)

[personal profile] bluejustice 2025-06-23 02:45 am (UTC)(link)
Just two. [It's not like he inconspicuously could carry around that many. Two seemed like a good number.

As the balm-like effect began to settle in-- not quite as good as eating a whole bar, but enough to feel better-- he looked down at the rising water with a frown. Technically still a puddle, but...]
.... So, do you reckon we should probably get on one of those platforms, or...?
ornitiers: (With no star to light your way?)

[personal profile] ornitiers 2025-06-23 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
Me too. I haven't been to a hotel like this before. But, I guess. They wouldn't have the hotel here for people to stay if it weren't safe? Right?

[Vivi was probably just instinctively reacting to the idea of something being haunted. That meant it was supposed to be scary. But maybe it wouldn't be that bad? Probably it was just decorated with that theme? Vivi figures if others were staying there, it might be fine.]
spr_mainchara: (* Empty Gun)

[personal profile] spr_mainchara 2025-06-23 04:21 am (UTC)(link)
[Frisk nods with a wobbly attempt at a smile, but their heart isn't in it. Dreemurr. Teacher for a mother, florist for a father. Absent brother, adopted sibling.]

[* Have you ever thought about a world where everything is exactly the same...]
[* Ha ha ha...]

Th' Asriel I know, he's. Um. He's my age. [What do they do. What are they supposed to do? There's no path here, no route...] I...um. I c'n help you...find your friend? Maybe?

A monster alone with humans...isn't good.
spr_mainchara: (* Cool Down)

[personal profile] spr_mainchara 2025-06-23 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
F'r prizes, duh. [What else?] I won a bunch 'n 's not givin' me my stuff.

[Then Frisk notices the kimono, and...hm.]

...d'you need t' get that washed?

[* Filthy, filthy.]
[* Wherever is Woshua when you need them?]
thelightshines: (but time can't be borrowed)

[personal profile] thelightshines 2025-06-23 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
[Before Shadow could answer, there came a deep bellow from the otherside of the gate. It made even the ground shake slightly. The gate groans as if something is keeping it from opening properly. The reason will soon make itself clear. Water suddenly starts to rush into the arena once the gate manages to open just a crack. More or more pours in as the gate rises.]

I think that's a yes! [If Sonic needs it, Shadow will come to him and teleport him up onto one of the pillars. Otherwise, if Sonic plans to run up, he'll meet him above.

Light flashes throughout the arena, and as it passes over the rushing body of water coming in, a silhouette of a large serpentine-like creature can be seen, hiding amongst the flood of water.]
spr_mainchara: (* FaceSteak)

[personal profile] spr_mainchara 2025-06-23 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
[Frisk doesn't really mind that Accelerator isn't joining in--or if they do, they don't let it show. Instead they set their haul of tickets to the side before slotting in a few coins to the machine, and grab a ball once it whirrs to life.]

[The hoop sliding side-to-side is just as janky as one would expect, making shuddery stop-starts and looking like the whole backboard might fall off but never doing so. Frisk laughs as they fling ball after ball, doing...well, it takes a few throws for them to figure out their distance, but after that it's mostly the hoop's randomness that's stopping them getting a real high score.]

[But one throw in particular hits the hoop edge just as it's moving back towards that trajectory, managing just the right angle not only to bounce the basketball back, but send it flying well over Frisk's head...and right in Accelerator's direction. Frisk yelps and spins to chase after it, calling out with worry.]

Ah--! Watch out!
spr_mainchara: (* Cheer)

[personal profile] spr_mainchara 2025-06-23 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
[Another laugh, though this one they try to smother with their hands.]

I think it might pass must'rd!

[* ...I am not associated with you.]
spr_mainchara: (* Take Break)

[personal profile] spr_mainchara 2025-06-23 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
[Oh. Huh.]

...no.

[Frisk doesn't really make any attempt to get out of the scruffing they've found themself in, just hanging limply and staring at Gorgug instead.]

What's y'r name?
spr_mainchara: (* Item)

[personal profile] spr_mainchara 2025-06-23 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
[Frisk isn't wasting any time themself, either--they make wild leaps without taking any moment at all to consider, making an unerring path up the ascent toward their target. Their eyes stay locked onto Kris in an eerie way, and it doesn't seem to affect their ability to navigate the course.]

[Definitely normal.]

[But whatever that trick is, it's paying off--they're starting to catch up.]
spr_mainchara: (* Conduct)

[personal profile] spr_mainchara 2025-06-23 04:59 am (UTC)(link)
...

[That question stirs a moment of deeper thought from them, and the tone they reply with is more somber than the childish bluntness of before.]

'Cuz I can. So I gotta.
fromfire: (the shore was gone)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-23 05:04 am (UTC)(link)
That a ... god?

[ Well, he certainly doesn't mind the assistance in the scrub. If the timing didn't feel off, he might have made a few quips. But as it stood, he decides it's best to just take the sight without commentary. Of course, if he's giving a brief look, he would lift his eyes up -- innocently and give a smile.

He's behaving, but only so much. ]


It -- [ He hisses and looks away. ] -- doesn't hurt at all. [ May be the first time that Verso tried to lie so obviously about the pain he's in. But he feels like it might get a laugh, so. ]

Well, don't forget about the pop quiz you owe me.

[ He tries not to get too handsy but at least decides to rub some of the soap in himself, rather than just sit about. Although, he did think there were some merits in just being cared for. ]

Somehow, I can't help but think you visited her often?

[ Catching the little amused smile, he thinks it would be nice to see it again. ]
fromfire: (i was lost at sea)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-23 05:07 am (UTC)(link)
I do like the way you think, Maria. [ He breathes out something like a laugh. ] I can't say that I'm a sore loser, but I do keep challenging the same game until I beat it.

[ Tilting his head the opposite direction, his known habit is becoming much more prominent. He shifts back to offer her a wider smile and little wink. ] We can just call that competitive instead of any other descriptor for it, no?
compulsive: (Default)

[personal profile] compulsive 2025-06-23 05:08 am (UTC)(link)
[Shit, they're catching up. How do they move so fast. Kris looks over the edge again, remembering that they fell pretty easily- and that the ground isn't actually lethal to fall into if it happened again. So this time as Kris scrambles up the nearest section, they do take a moment to grab one of those gold statuettes a cactuar, and lob it at their competition. If that doesn't knock them down, they'll probably catch up an surpass them very easily.]
fromfire: (sans toucher le beau)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-23 05:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ Verso makes a soft sound at the slightly limp hand shake. He would've lifted it up to kiss the top of her knuckles, but -- he feels like she wouldn't have appreciated that as much. ]

I suppose we have done that, haven't we? [ His mouth widens into a brighter smile. ] The mission? [ He replies thoughtfully. A brief glance to her hand that is smoothing her skirt, he lifts his gaze up back up toward the ceiling. ] I'm not sure how long it is supposed to be for, unfortunately.

However, I do know that one has to acquire a card to complete their task. [ He idly points over her shoulder, but isn't attempting to point out anything specific. ] But this is a casino... so rather than worry about that, why not enjoy yourself?
sabigoe: (⚙ 86)

[personal profile] sabigoe 2025-06-23 05:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ Sniffling, she blinks away a couple of tears. If he had fallen, it would have been a blow to her motivation. She doesn't know if she could keep going alone. But very clearly, she can see the man moving about with ease and speaking in such a lighthearted manner despite his bloodied form. He claims that he's fine. ...Fio believes him rather easily, though it takes a moment to collect herself.

And the cactus slams itself down again, reminding her that the fight's not over. She's beginning to feel disappointment more than guilt over the monster. She would rather not see her companion fall apart again, despite how quickly he may recover. Mister Prickles' terror must be stopped quickly. ]


...Y-yeah, okay. [ Fio says softly, summoning up a bit of courage. The last time she's ever fought was maybe about three months ago in her own world. This kind stranger may be the very first to see her summon her weapons after so long. ] Let's finish this. I'll do my best.

[ Balling up her fists, she starts swinging at the air with all her might—two jabs forward, followed by a third in an upward motion, with an added little hop that she nearly stumbles upon landing. Her movements are unexperienced, clumsy, and a bit silly-looking. If it weren't for her tear-stained face and the threatening oversized weapons floating around, she would almost look like a child goofing off in the playground...

Like before, it's the weapons that do the heavy lifting while Fio strikes at the empty air with little fists. The spheres fly forth, "punching" the cactus twice and releasing bursts of light. The third strikes like an uppercut, with enough force that it knocks Mister Prickles upwards. ]
fromfire: (i know she's gonna scream)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-23 05:43 am (UTC)(link)
[ When she did her little hop and stumble, his hands involuntarily held out towards her. It wouldn't have done any good, of course, with the distance between them but he couldn't stop the action all the same. He did wonder if she was attempting to bolster her own feelings. Oversized weapons or not, she still tugs at the heartstrings with that tear-stained face of hers.

But it seems it wasn't just for bolstering a fighting spirit.

Not the first time, Verso feels bad for Mister Prickles. He stares up at the cactus has been sent flying. He would've liked to have taken a second or two for processing that feat, but they have to finish this fight.

He takes a beat to kneel down, building energy in both weapon and his body. It seems like they both use something that looks like light. He should ask more about it. An idle thought as bright white energy wraps around him as he throws himself up into the air. Swing his sword upwards, he sends a cleaving strike toward Mister Prickles. (And idly wonders if he should keep using cute names for a rather beaten monster.)

His concerns don't last too much longer as the cactus glows bright white and abruptly bursts into a shower of light. It's a rather loud explosion that slams into his body as he's falling back down to the arena floor. So, he has to gather energy again to slash at the floor to slow his fall and gain some control of his fall.

Positive! He does land on his feet. Negative! He's fairly sure he broke one of his legs. But he is already covered in blood so he thinks he covers up the new injury well. Shaking out the broken appendage, he does his best to heal it up fast. All the while, he clapping his hands and calling out to the crowd: ]


Shall we hear it for the greatest gladiator here?

[ Holding his hands out, he gestures to the little miss as being the greatest fighter of the arena. Another shake of his leg. He squints at the appendage and thinks it'll be fine in a bit. Ow. ]
Edited 2025-06-23 05:43 (UTC)
sabigoe: (⚙ 01)

[personal profile] sabigoe 2025-06-23 05:54 am (UTC)(link)
My name's Fio. It's nice to meet you, Mister Kaytoo. [ She toddles along behind him. ] Your name is like some of my friends!

[ They had something called... designations? Or something like that. She never bothered to ask if there was any meaning behind the numbers or letters. She just approaches it like it's any other person's name. ] Miss 10H and Pod... um... [ What were the numbers again? She never actually referred to the little floating machine as "Pod". ] Pod... 006? I think. But I always called her "Mama".
borrowers: (pic#17834852)

[personal profile] borrowers 2025-06-23 07:17 am (UTC)(link)
[Arrietty takes the chance to rush to the side, narrowly avoiding the returning hand as it pats around. Pressing her body against a bottle, she steadies her breathing and tries to calm the pounding of her heart — she can hear his muttering, which echoes loudly in contrast to the perceived softness of his voice.

Maybe he'll just give up and leave this space alone.

There's still a short section of the shelf he hadn't rummaged through, and after a moment she realizes with quiet trepidation that he's removing items and checking them over, looking for the perpetrator of the pinprick wound on his finger. As the shadow of his palm rises and hovers over her, she rushes to the next item, trying to keep her footfalls as light as possible.

The small crack she had shimmied through is on the other side of the shelf. If she can get to that, she can squeeze through the gap and hide behind that potted plant she'd used for cover before...

No time. She just has to run.

Just as she bolts for the sliver of an exit, she finds herself slamming right into a palm that materializes in front of her in the dark. With an oof, she begins to kick and panic at the feeling of fingers curling, pinning her sewing pin sword down at her side in the process.

Caught.]