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etrayamemes2025-05-30 09:20 am
etrayamods) wrote in 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 ⏴ 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. 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.
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! |
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Act 1 spoilers!
[ Oh, I'm running as soon as I see a strand of white hair. You won't even see me, I'm running so fast.
But he hadn't run then, and he doesn't run now, his feet nailed to the floor with shock. He can hear his heart thudding in his ears, beating strong and fast, ratcheting up with fear.
(How is his heart beating, it had been destroyed in a vicious glare of chroma, it's gone, he's gone—)
Gustave stares back at the man who murdered him, unmoving aside from the rapid rise and fall of his chest. It hadn't worked before, he knows that. It won't work now.
But just like then, he has to try.
A slow shift of his hand, fingers opening and closing again around the grip of his sword as he calls it into being in a shower of chroma. Despite his fear, he feels strangely calm, steady. After all, he's died once already. And this time, he has nothing else to lose. ]
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spoilers.
[Renoir leans gently on his cane, balancing most of his weight onto his opposite foot. His gaze elevates slightly, his expression distant and reflective. His emotions consume him for a moment. It was to be expected. He cannot fault this man. But when he summons his weapon, his lips press together in a melancholic line.
The act was unavoidable, not something he desired. But he had crossed that moral line (like so many before) and accepted these emotions as his burden. This man had sacrificed his life to defend his family. He can honour that. But can he respect him for losing his life over nothing?
Because here both are without a child to defend.
The thought of it keeps him silent and thoughtful. He does what he did then and holds himself back. This pointless decision. He understands it. But he cannot understand the futility surrounding it.]
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More spoilers
[ The man simply looks at him, shifting his weight slightly to lean on his cane, and Gustave very nearly flinches just at that tiny movement, his fingers flexing on the grip of his sword.
He knows how fast this man can move. He remembers the blur of light, the rapid sweep of that cane, and the way Alan went so weirdly silent and still before his head toppled gently off his shoulders.
But what good could come of waiting? They look at each other, locked into this narrow hall with nowhere to maneuver. Gustave's throat works with a swallow; his breathing is still a little too fast.
Finally: ]
What? Not willing to strike first when I'm looking you in the eye?
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spoilers.
[The man can only swallow. His face remains in shock, fingers curling around the grip of his sword, holding on like that would make a difference. Their gaze remains locked. His own breathing is slow by comparison.
They know he has the choice to act They know that would be futile.
This man had struck a fearsome blow in defense of his family; strong enough to blast him back and impale him on a stalagmite erupting from the floor. He still remembers the pain and how it had prompted him to afford this man the respect he deserves. To end his life from in front instead of behind. That it had made him focus on his own family and show that same dedication.
He stops recollecting and finally turns his attention to the man, affording him the dignity of a response.]
Would it have been better had you seen it coming?
[Either way, his daughter would have been left alone.]
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spoilers.
[ We have the chance to find out. He doesn't say it, just watches the other man, wary and now with a faint hint of assessment, as his mind works and processes somewhere behind the blinding terror. ]
Why aren't you attacking?
[ What is he waiting for, why is he just standing there, looking at him? The hand on that cane makes no motion; he's not shifting his weight to launch into an attack.
He looks almost... what is it? Resigned, reluctant? His face isn't twisted into anger or aggression; he's simply standing there, intimidating more in Gustave's memory than in this moment here, now. ]
You didn't hesitate before.
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spoilers.
It was a choice.
[No, it was a necessity. But this man is not ready to learn the truth about the canvas.]
You should never have stood in the way.
[He refuses to criticise the man for putting himself in jeopardy. Being a father, he would always stand between his children and a world that caused them harm.]
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spoilers.
Where else should I have stood?
[ His grip tightens on the sword, but he doesn't spring to the attack. He's in no shape to take this man on again, even if he wanted to. All he can hope for, if this turns sour, is to be able to defend himself.
And yet his fear doesn't keep his anger from flaring up. Never should have stood in the way? He'd have died a thousand times over to keep this man from harming Maelle. ]
Off to the side, so you could do whatever you liked to Maelle? I'm—
[ A slight stutter, but he pushes on. It's still true, even now. ]
I'm her guardian. I was always going to stand between her and anything that wanted to hurt her, no matter what it might do to me.
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spoilers.
[The statement, courageous and earnest, holds his attention. He focuses upon it to the extent that tightening grip is barely a thought. His eyes imperceptably water, while the corners of his mouth tighten.In trying to find something in common, rather than the truth, he finds understanding. There is no need for scrutiny because this man had sacrificed his life. That is more than can be said for all the expeditioners who retreated and ran to save their own lives.]
Ironic. You accept what devotion might do to you. But you never accept what loving her might do.
[Cryptic. His own daughter consider it a typical quote from papa and scrunch her face.]
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spoilers.
[ He might prefer a fight to these cryptic answers. What loving her might do? Other than to give her warmth, stability, support? To make her laugh and smile and dry her tears or calm her from her nightmares? ]
You say that as if there were possibly some end result that would convince me not to love her, or make a difference in any way at all.
[ She's his sister, his daughter, the person he loved most in their whole shattered world. ]
Why did you attack us? Why trap her? What was the point of it all?
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spoilers.
[Loving one's family so deeply can drive a man to what others deem madness. To realise how far they might go - and then cross even that line to ensure their safety. Which begs the question why take action?
What is the point of anything? Why did this man place himself before his enemy and a child?
My purpose is my own. But let me ask you - because you do love her - do you await danger or rise to meet it?
[Would this man go the extra mile? His daughter does not enjoy the slaughter. But she does recognise it as an act of love.]
spoilers all the way down!!!
[ His own voice echoes roughly in his head, snapped at Lune all those weeks ago. I'm not a coward!
But he'd never wanted to seek out a fight. That wasn't what had drawn him to the expedition, to the Continent. He was always the one looking for some other way, another path. He trained with sword and pistol because he had to, not because he was seeking out some kind of blood-soaked glory. ]
I don't go looking for fights, if that's what you mean. Because I love her, I wasn't about to run off into some reckless battle to die for nothing. But—
[ Knowing he would die, even if there had been that one, lingering moment of hope. He still doesn't understand how this man was able to come back from that strike, from being impaled and motionless on the rock.
He wets his lip; his fingers shift on the grip of his sword, keeping it loose and ready. ]
But I rose to meet you, didn't I?
more spoilers below!
[Renoir speaks with a cold and distant voice. The other misunderstands. But such is the risk of being cryptic.]
But perhaps next time you should better choose when to fight.
[He steps backwards once, twice, while his grip remains loose on his cane. This man saw him survive a blow that would kill any other man. He has no need to demonstrate his power. He has no family to protect. He has no concerns this man will steal away his son. That girl on the other hand...
Perhaps that conversation needs to come at another time.]
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Is that what you gave me? A choice to fight or not?
[ Maybe there was a choice, but the only other option was unthinkable, impossible. ]
Did you imagine I would run and leave Maelle behind to fend for herself?
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[Not once Gustave had materialised his sword. For he has lived long enough, endured the worst a father can imagine, and come to learn the signs between those who would abandon their family and those who would not.]
Though I imagined others might.
[There is plenty he could say about who turned up after the fact. But not today.]
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But he still needs answers. He'd gotten none before, but this time the white-haired man seems a little more talkative.
Maybe, if he can find out the information he needs, maybe... maybe there's still some way to get it to Maelle. Lune. His team who will need it more than ever. ]
Who are you?
[ The question that's been bothering him since the beach. Who is this man, why did he do what he did, why was he set on killing them? ]
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My name shouldn't concern you.
[He knows not if his family are here but he must act like they are. Disconnect them from this world and this world has less with which to harm. Though his name had been forgotten by everyone else. He had returned to Lumiere and destroyed records. He had scrubbed traces of Expedition 0 from their landing site. He had sabotaged future expeditions.
What reason can he have to share his name now?]
That probably doesn't satisfy you. But it is kinder that you never know.
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Kinder? You care about being kind, now?
Wouldn't it have been kinder to let me live?
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He turns his gaze towards the other man. His eyes wrinkle in the corners and show a cold, glassy sheen. He thinks of his family and remembers how the truth had broken them.]
No.
[One word is no answer at all. Yet it carries an enormous amount of gravitas - because he could have offered nothing but silence in response.]
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That wasn't your decision to make.
[ To rip someone else's life away, the ultimate violence. ]
Are you going to attack me again?
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In any case, he takes one step back, and another followed by another. His cane gently strikes the landing with each step. He provides access to the stairs and sweeps his arm across them in a gesture. The message speaks for itself. But in case it would be misunderstood, he decides to offer an answer.]
Not while I have no choice to make.
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The man steps back, the hollow sound of his cane hitting the floor echoing through the hall.
Gustave watches him a moment longer, then — wary, almost reluctant — opens his hands and allows his weapons to disperse into clouds of chroma.
Perhaps he should seek revenge. Maybe he should strike out, anyway. But they aren't the only people in this building, and a battle between them could come with a far higher cost than he's willing to pay.
He also doesn't move to go past the man, staying where he is in the middle of the hall. ]
Are we the only ones?
[ From their world, he means. He's not sure what answer he's hoping to hear. ]
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I have no clue.
[He could say this man's adoptive daughter is nowhere to be seen and dash his spirits. But he hasn't the heart to do that. All he wants to to collect himself inside his room, to meditate and then perhaps spend the night downstairs enjoying some music.]
Perhaps that is for...
[Hmm. He really doesn't want to finish. Let the other man think what he may.]
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For the best?
[ Is this some kind of test, waiting to see how he might finish that sentence? Is it giving this man some kind of insight into his mind, whatever he might not already know simply from their battle?
(He thinks he remembers seeing a press of those thin lips that looked almost like a smile, like respect. Another, amid a blizzard of petals and ash, that could almost have been regret.) ]
Well, maybe it is. I don't want Maelle or any of the others anywhere near you. If you're stuck here, you're not hurting them.
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You don't really have a choice.
[Nor do I. He offers what he believes is kindness. But his voice sounds like his words are going through the motions. Honest with every word but full of resignation.]
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I never have.
[ Not in the most important things. The Paintress stripped Lumiere's ability to choose for themselves away, forcing them all into fates they might never have picked for themselves: expeditioners, fighters, or someone who looks the other way. ]
If they do come, you can be damn sure I'll do whatever I need to in order to keep you away from them.
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Wrap?
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