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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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Another new thing is this Beehive without insects where the price of entry being a gift of clothing. Who ever heard of a cost being a gift? It charmed him a little. Of course he would accept such fine fabrics to go dine.
Which is how we find Sleipnir dressed in layers of pink and white frills, ruffles, and lace. It isn't the type of outfit he wants to get blood on, but at least the dress is poofy with a petticoat which enables easy movement of his legs if he needs to get down to it.
It seems to be a busy time for the establishment; there isn't a lot of open tables to sit at. Sleipnir's eyes scan the dimly lit room till they land on someone he finds tolerable. The dark purple lady... no, man. Lady? Man. Hm. Doesn't matter, the beauty with the purple hair seems most like they don't wish to be bothered. Which either means they'll be fun or they'll be quiet; both of which work for him.
So, Sleipnir makes his way across the room and slides a lace-gloved hand on the back of the chair across from the afore mentioned beauty. ]
Pardon me, but would you allow me the pleasure of dining with you? That confection looks rather divine.
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So he shrugs, a short, sharp roll of his shoulders. ]
They've got more on that buffet table to your left.
[ It's sweeter than he's quite accustomed to. He has never entirely adjusted between what other worlds can provide him and what he can make for himself. Having this all the time feels too much somehow, and he doesn't want to accustom himself to anything his world can't provide.
Might as well now and then though. Just like he might as well use his borrowed boots to nudge an empty chair out for the guy. There are, after all, no more immediate and viable options unless he opts to perch on someone's table. Not that that wouldn't be entertaining. ]
Chair's free, you may as well.
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Once Sleipnir's attention is directed to the table of various he removes his hand from the chair. Just in time, really, as the man kicks the chair out for him. He wonders if the beauty is brusque in nature or if they're feeling a little feisty. Both options are, of course, delightful. ]
Very well, you have my thanks.
[ He saunters away in a fashion that would be much more fitting of a femme fatale style dress, but alas the bop and bounce of the petticoat and frills dull any sharpness. Once he has fully analyzed his options, significantly more than he'd thought there would be, Sleipnir heads back with a few slices of something made with that red fruit from the west.
After setting the plate down he stares at the chair and runs his hands over the skirt portion of his dress. How is one meant to sit in these, he wonders. Once more he appreciates the struggles women go through on a daily basis before he just... slides his hands down his ass to smoosh the dress flat there and takes a seat. Clearly he isn't as used to the apparel as meal companion. ]
So many options and you only pick one? Or have I found you at the end of your meal?
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It certainly is a lot for most men to contend with, however. He'd never been a fan of so many cumbersome layers, himself. Difficult to move in, difficult to manage. Doable, but in a needlessly frustrating manner, in his experience.
As to the question that comes his way, well. For this, Yuri's first response is a hum. ]
I'm a light eater.
[ And it seems his new companion is not, but Yuri has never harshly judged anyone with a more robust appetite than his own. At least, not unless they were nobles engaging in excess purely because they could and for no other reason. If anything, he appreciates when people simply enjoy their meals. ]
Never have needed too much.
[ In his homeland, it's something of a boon, but this guy isn't here for his life story. ]
cw: weight mention
However, he enjoys the beauty's answer less so. ]
That is a shame... Were you to put on a few more pounds you could become even more dangerous with those daggers of yours. Not to mention the fuel it provides for the robust encounters.
[ He gestures with the folk for emphasis, drawing little circles in the air.
no subject
Goddess no, I've put on more muscle than I wanted as-is.
[ He sweeps a hand down in front of his torso for emphasis, as though the offending bulk has simply been overlooked. Yuri has and will continue to complain about the woeful ruination of his slender figure. The curse of mercenary life. ]
That'd do nothing for me or my aim.
[ The man has noticed his blades. He might as well know that Yuri throws them. ]
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He swallows another bite before further commenting. ]
Is it your aim to be a willowy waif? You hardly have enough muscle to get by as-is.
[ He touches the fork to his lips considering. Had the other meant 'aim' as in his plans or 'aim' as in honed accuracy. Ah, well, he'll take a stab at it. ]
Would muscle not serve you by way of distance thrown? Certainly better than being brittle.
[ If it makes Yuri feel better Sleipnir does look genuinely curious, rather than any malicious teasing. ]
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[ He replies airily, drawing one of his knives. The stranger was already aware of them — it doesn't much matter if he sees where Yuri had stashed one. He poises the blade between nimble fingers, casually slides his plate toward the empty middle of the table, then tosses the weapon straight up without taking any time to assess or deliberate.
It slices straight up through the air, reaching a respectable elevation, then falls back down to lance directly through the center of a frosting rose on Yuri's slice of cake. He smiles, sharp around the edges, yet lacking hostility. ]
I don't need bulk for that. It'd make me easier to hit, besides.
[ If he truly needs a blade to go that much further, he could always employ spells. He'd rather be creative than large, and besides, people are liable to underestimate a man whose strengths aren't made immediately apparent at a simple glance. ]
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Immediately Sleipnir's head snaps up to follow it, aware distantly this could be where the other man slits his throat. He's all the more surprised when the blade comes down to strike true. He almost asks the man to do it again. ]
Very impressive! [ Not shouted, but raised in delight. ] I too would covet that skill.
But, not to beat the dead horse- [ There is a twinkle in his eye as he says that. ] is bulk and your dagger throwing not mutually exclusive? Why do you hold yourself back in this area?
[ Sleipnir really shouldn't be one to talk, he looks to be a small slip of a man, but aether is as aether does, he cannot help that. Although, admittedly, he is glad to not be bulk either. Sleipnir would much rather look like himself than, say, Kupka. ]
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[ Greater size and weight wouldn't avail him in these areas. In fact, they'd be a genuine detriment. Being a larger target is a concern to him, as someone who would far prefer not to get hit in the first place. Some men are into that, he knows, and he wouldn't deny them that.
He pulls his plate back toward himself and extracts the throwing knife to clean it off with a napkin. ]
Bit surprised you advocate so much for muscle when you're the lean type yourself.
[ It's a casual remark lacking in bite. Maybe it's what the stranger wishes he had or prefers to look upon. Either is fair enough in Yuri's view. ]
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Humming in thought at the other's observation, Sleipnir takes the time to finish eating his mouth full of cake before responding. ]
You will forgive me if my body belies my strength. I have what His Majesty needs of me; however, I am familiar with most men requiring to... bulk up to become stronger.
[ Sleipnir's voice is also casual, slow and a little languid. There has been no offense taken or given. Even if the words he uses would normally be seen as a demand for forgiveness- clearly there is no oomph behind it. It's simply the way he talks. ]
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[ The lot of them can be from such disparate worlds that the occasional commonality begs at least some interest, though Yuri doesn't look up from his knife. Once it's cleaned off, he moves on to squinting down the length of the blade, tilting it in the unhelpful lighting to assess its edges.
Yuri doesn't overlook maintenance. In his line of work, he can't afford to. Deciding he'd do well to sharpen his knives later, he tucks the one away somewhere in that dress of his. ]
Strength comes in different forms. What serves one man might hinder another, yeah? Were I larger, it wouldn't serve me.
[ A simple statement of fact. Yuri's strengths aren't the same as, say, Dimitri's. ]
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[ All of the titles are spoken in reverent seriousness, eyes locked on the beauty's own. He finds it fitting he would introduce his liege before himself. Most fitting. ]
Hmmm. I see... Perhaps you are more devoted to the stealthier arts?
[ The question comes as Sleipnir taps his fork to his lips in contemplation. The dark beauty did mention quick and precise before, perhaps this one is more of a scout or an assassin. ]
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Oh, so you serve Barney!
[ Said with the modest enthusiasm of realizing you know the same person. Yes he's heard that whole long spiel and even tossed it back at Barnabas with some measure of politeness because he was an ininvited guest bearing pie, but yes, that's Barney.
Good for him, netting himself a pretty knight. ]
Stealth's a useful skill in the right settings.
[ Not a yes, not a no. Leaning on a maybe. ]
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[ Sleipnir's eyebrows raise as he takes the beauty in anew. He isn't so much surprised by them knowing whom the King is- he is not used to the concept of otherworldly beings- but rather... ]
Barney? [ he says the name slow and quiet as if he is chewing on it while blinking a couple of times ] I have never...
[ His gaze is scrutinizing, more decerning, than it had been previously. Interesting. This beauty is interesting. Not in the way people normally catch his eye, but still. Something is there. The hum he emits is a pleased one. ]
My name is Sleipnir, of house Harbard; Lord Commander of His Majesty's army. And who do I have the pleasure of indulging with?
no subject
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. ]