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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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[ He matches the raised eyebrows but the curve of his smile is friendlier, amused. Verso thinks he almost feels those emotions himself. ]
Well, there are worse people to be hit on than me. [ His eyebrows furrow. ] Can't think of any, though, but when I do -- [ He trails off, letting a warmer smile slide over his lips. ]
No. I'm not planning any of the sort.
[ He pats his shoulder. His expression shifts to something complicated but it fades away to his usual lopsided grin. ]
I was, however, thinking I should carry you. [ He tilts his head. ] It looks like you could use the help crossing over, anyway.
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[ But right now — and especially right here, standing on this dizzying drop — isn't exactly the time or place to get into it. He leans a little to glance over the edge again, assessing, then looks up at the other man. ]
It's pretty far.
[ This is a polite way of saying I definitely don't think you can get us both across safely. ]
You're probably better off just trying to make it across on your own.
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[ He finds his voice; he finds his tone. It took awhile as his emotions continue to swirl and ache in his chest. He knows what happens in the end. He doesn't think himself so cruel as to breathe a word of it to anyone. ]
It is.
[ He crosses his arms to look to measure the distance with his eyes. His eyes drift to the ground, glancing over the edge of the platform. ]
Yeah... I've done that before... I'm trying to do something else now.
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Never travel alone, right?
[ One of many expedition protocols drilled into each and every one of them during training. (He misses Lune with a sudden, aching intensity.) ]
Tell you what. You go first, and that way you can grab me if I don't quite make the landing. Deal?
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[ Verso offers a non-committal response. Although, he isn't sure the noise he made even can be considered a response. ]
You trust an unknown Expeditioner so easily? [ His tone can't help but be a little teasing. ] Still, you have yourself a deal.
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At least there's someone here from home, even if it's no one he's ever seen before.
He folds his arms over his chest, but not before gesturing to the next platform, not unlike an usher politely guiding a theatre patron to their seat. ]
After you.
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[ His eyes drift over his uniform. The corners of his mouth twist down; he opens his mouth like he intends to say something but swallows back what it might be. ]
We'll get this done... then find some place to patch you up. [ His gaze darts away. Again, his mouth involuntarily twitches. ] Maybe one of those cute bunny girls could do it. [ A small joke, a smaller smile. Verso hesitates about leaving him alone on the platform one more second before he does finally jump.
Given all the time he spent with the Gestrals, it isn't that difficult. He lands well on the platform and turns around to hold his hand out -- intending to catch onto his arm if something should happen. ]
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Taking a breath, he backs up a few steps, then pushes himself into a run, leaping at the last second over the gap between the two platforms. Putain, Lune had been the one to do this last time, he can't make himself float—
But he lands well enough, if a little more heavily than the other man. His hand finds that outstretched arm, just to help keep his balance, but the touch is light and lifts in the next moment. ]
There, that wasn't so hard, was it?
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Good job. [ His hand rests on his shoulder, giving it a quick pat. He shifts to look ahead. ] You know ... a piggyback might not be a terrible thought at this moment.
[ A brief glance to him, his eyes stopping on all the blood staining the uniform; his face involuntarily wincing. ]
Pride aside, I'm starting to worry prolonged jumping might reopen something for you.
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[ But the man has a point; looking ahead at the obstacles, most of them are going to be difficult — if not impossible — in his current condition. ]
I'd really weight you down. Maybe I should just...
[ He glances over the edge; winces. Others who fell got up and walked it off well enough, but it still doesn't look fun. ]
... Jump, and meet you at the exit.
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Maybe we should both jump.
[ He gently knocks his shoulder against Gustave's ]
Never travel alone, right?
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Right.
[ He glances up and over the course, toward the signs and lights proclaiming the rules and rewards of the game. ]
You sure you don't want to try and win some of those bunny ears, or maybe a new outfit?
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Why? Want to see me in something?
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What was that about not flirting you were saying earlier?
[ Do you really think this is the time, random expeditioner he doesn't know? ]
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[ He tilts his head and gives another smile. A glance over the platform once more; he doesn't think anyone's hurt. They don't look like they are. Or are they a little hardier than before? This isn't like home. A long fall might actually -- ]
I'll go first? Catch you as you come down? Just in cases?
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[ Largely because he can't imagine flirting with anyone in a situation like this, but then, people deal with strain in all sorts of odd ways.
He gives the platforms ahead another considering look, then sighs heavily, shoulders lifting and falling with the motion. ]
At least tell me your name first, so I know who to curse if you miss.
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[ Yet again he barely keeps himself from grimacing. His chin dips down for a second but he draws his eyes back. However, it does seem like he isn't able to stay looking at Gustave's face for long -- eyes sliding away every time he stares for a second longer than he feels he should. ]
It's Verso. [ How to play things? How to ask? How to explain anything? Is it right to? Is it right to take away a man's second chance at life? His eyes drift up as he wants to laugh but doesn't at the question he posed himself. ] I'll meet you down there.
[ A cheeky little hop as he jumps off the ledge. Better than staying -- his head feels a mess. ]
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[ That last part is just to himself, as the man hops from the platform and plummets toward the ground. Gustave's mouth tucks up in a sardonic press of lips. ]
I'll meet you down there.
[ Mimicked, muttered and sarcastic as he leans over to follow the path of the man's fall. Bizarrely enough, he does seem to make it all in one piece; he doesn't even seem to land all that hard.
Gustave blows out a breath, hard, and backs up on the platform. ]
This is a terrible idea.
[ It is, but he's in motion the next second anyway, determined, leaping off the platform and into freefall with his heart in his throat and the wind roaring in his ears. ]
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Tipping his head up, he takes in how far he fell when he jumped. However, the landing wasn't at all painful. He shakes his legs a little and idly wonders how that works. But it is only an idle thought; he does have someone that he needs to catch.
Holding his arms out and upward, he braces himself before catching Gustave. Again, he looks up from where the man fell; he tips his head in appreciation. ] Think something like that normally might break the arms, but this worked out quite well. [ He adjusts how he's holding him - supporting his back and legs - before pivoting to figure out where the exit is. ]
Fell for my terrible scheme to stop you from wasting your energy and let me carry you. [ Verso tsks a few times. ] When will you learn?
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He doesn't, because Verso catches him easily enough.
...
And then doesn't put him down again. ]
Hey—
[ He gives the man a bemused look from far too close and tries to shove down how awkward this feels. ]
First of all, jumping was my idea. Secondly, you can put me down now. If I want to waste my energy shuffling out of here to find a medic, I will.
WEE WOO WEE WOO SPOILERS
We no longer have that standing between us. [ His head cocks to the side. ] So, there's no reason to waste your energy when someone's here willing to help you, is there? Especially since we're fellow ... expeditioners.
[ There is a bit of a pause between the two words but he gives a small nod as though to punctuate his sentence with the gesture. Verso chews on the inside of his cheek; he feels more words want to bubble up. But he knows that would be saying too much.
"I saw your heroic stand. I'm glad we're meeting here and you're all right." He involuntarily gives a little shake of his head. No. As true as it is -- no. His eyes cast down briefly before drawing themselves back up. ]
spoilers alllllll the way down!
Well, it's very thoughtful of you, but it's not—
[ Every small shift makes him wince, flinching in the man's arms. As difficult as it was to stand upright, this is worse, body crunched and the barely-healed wounds screaming, threatening to re-open. He vaguely hopes he might simply pass out.
There's a weird tightness to his voice he doesn't like, but he dislikes the dizzy swoop in his head more. ]
Verso. Put me down, please. It's— I just need a moment to breathe.
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Merde, that's right -- [ He should have chosen another way to carry him. ] -- how bad does it hurt? [ Not the best question, but he feels a rush of panic hit him. ]
Maybe you should've been on my back. [ He mutters mostly to himself. ]
spoilerssssss
[ It probably isn't. He feels weird and dizzy and slightly clammy in a way that makes him think the blood has probably rushed out of his face. Still, he waves a hand at Verso and braces himself on the other, trying to catch his breath.
Will the Gommage take him here? It's a rapid, hazy thought. What happens to his chroma if he dies in this place?
Can he die again?
He shakes his head, stubborn, and glances over to direct a wan, slightly crooked smile at Verso. ]
It's Gustave, by the way. So you know, in case I pass out before I get the chance to tell you.
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[ He attempts to offer a small joke to him. However, his smile only lasts for a short while before he's back to his nervous grimace.
Coming to a decision, he leans in; he softens his voice as he tries to give something (strength? support? admission of guilt?). Verso can't say that he's certain but still he tries to make eye contact with him: ]
-- you're going to be all right, Gustave. Even if you pass out, you'll be fine.
[ His hands on his shoulders give another small squeeze. ]
Okay? You can trust me.
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