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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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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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He takes the threat for what it truly is: an affirmation of resolve. One aimed at bolstering his own choice to do what is necessary.
But does this man understand what necessary means?]
Will you tell me your name?
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Why? Should my name concern you?
[ The sarcastic edge to his voice is too thin to hide the truth behind it: that he's exhausted, that he's in pain, that he's fraying like a rope someone's been scraping at with a razor. Fear beats on him like a drum.
But there's still defiance in his eyes as he looks over at the white-haired man who'd ruined so much. ]
How many of the others you've killed had a chance to give you their name? How many now are just faceless Expeditioners, not worth your attention?
[ His legs are trembling, from strain and from weariness; he can only hope the man doesn't notice, can't see the slight way they shake. He sets his shoulders, eyes hard, and refuses to give in. He can collapse in his own room, later, when it's safe. ]
Gustave. My name. The name of the man you murdered. One of many, non?
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No, at worst they were...
His own eyes reflect that defiance - but also simmer with rage at the people who had hurt his family. He can control his own expression. But he cannot control his emotion or the truth behind his retribution. That drive to remove a threat. Those urges woven into his being. ]
One of many.
[His voice sounds as cold and unfeeling as he is accused of being. But it's complicated.]
Alan. Michel. Raphaël. [His words linger.] Gustave. The man responsible for maintaining the dome.
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Don't talk about them! You don't get to talk about them, about us, as if you know anything about us.
[ His voice is lifting, angry words echoing down the hall. Anyone disturbed by the knocker is likely to catch a second round of unwanted noise, this time from Gustave as the words come fast and hard. ]
I watched as you murdered my commander, my friend, in cold blood. What, did you, did you sic those Nevrons on us, too?
[ The things that had taken Lucien, Catherine, Margot. So many of the others, their chroma locked and bodies frozen. ]
You'd like it if the dome fell, wouldn't you? If Nevrons came and overran Lumière, if every one of us died. Well, it won't.
[ He punctuates his words with a slash of his metallic left arm, dull in the dim light. ]
Lumière is still safe from you. And when the others get back there, the whole island will know who you are, the threat you pose.
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If he had wanted the Dome to fall, he would have returned to Lumiere and destroyed it. But that is of little importance. His eyes return the anger with a calm and steady gaze. If the expedition returned to Lumiere, it would mean he had failed, and they would discover the cycle had never been broken.]
If you return [If. Not when.] you will understand how wrong you are.
[He glances down at the people laughing and living life inside the hotel. Those who remain unaware of how reality is changing upstairs on the landing. He taps his cane for emphasis and repeats that first word.]
If I wished everyone dead, they would be dead already.
[You know this. And he has stopped talking about those names he remembers. Not out of any sense of guilt but duty.]
no subject
When he speaks again, the words come quietly, hoarse, but certain as rock. ]
And how could I possibly return.
[ There's no question to it; it's a simple statement. He knows. He knows. There's no truth here that he's hiding from himself, that he hasn't accepted. ]
There's no going back, not for me. You made sure of that.
There's nothing for me to return to but oblivion.
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[Renoir freezes beneath his facade. Oblivion. The world is facing oblivion. Their world has been broken and torn apart and this man is whining? Has he no imagination to find a way to return to his family? He hardly looks sympathetic.]
There is everything to return for. But here you are. Whinging.
[He hardly sounds sympathetic.]
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[ He almost laughs at the man's audacity, rage filling his head with hot white smoke. ]
You call it an obstacle? Fine. Fine! Why don't you tell me how a dead man is supposed to return to the world, because I—
[ His arms push out, a wide gesture, hands slashing through the air in his exasperation. His right hand comes to land on his own chest, firm enough to make a sound. ]
—so far as I know, it's not possible. Go on. Tell me how to surmount that particular obstacle. Which you put in my way, in case you've forgotten.
If it's anyone's fault that I can't return to my family, to the people who need me most, it's yours.
no subject
[His head angles sideways, his eyes narrowing as he takes a step forward.]
But look around you. This world should be impossible. Yet here you are.
[His cane echoes against the wooden landing, firm enough to overpower that sound.]
(no subject)
Wrap?
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