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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 flicks the card out for Alex to take, holding it between two fingers. His eyes shine with amusement, but there is something just there in his gaze where the shine and sparkle just doesn't reach. ]
Oh, I get to choose? [ Shifting more toward her, he gifts a look of excitement and surprise. From there, he scans the arcade to see what they should try. ] Let's go with the one that looks like an overstuffed marshmallow.
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Besides, the last time anyone handed her their card for any purpose, it was to create a distraction and buy out a hall of Protocores. That he'd told her to up the millions so he wouldn't seem poor was beside the point. )
A solid choice! Since you're the one flying high, can you see what kind of plushies we're dealing with?
( J a u n t i l y, she hooks her arm through his and lazily beelines through the crowd toward the machine in question. )
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[ He points at his own chest as though he's being accused of something.
With some dramatics, he shuffles over to look at what plushies the crane game had. A soft huh bubbles up from his throat as he actually gets a good look at everything that's available. Glancing over his shoulder to Alex, he jerks his thumb at the glass for her to get a good look. ]
Plants. Birds. This puffball. [ He points at what the machine looks like. ] And a few Heartbreakers.
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( Tall people. She loves 'em. But boy are they tall.
She catches up with him, finally getting to look in at the plushies on display. Now, she's already biased to like most plushies, so in her opinion, this is a fun mixture and they're also cute. Out of all of them, however... )
That's it. I'm getting you a Heartbreaker!
( Partly because there's one of those plushies in a good position for being picked up by The Claw, no matter how uncooperative it wants to be. She slips past him to the front of the machine, tapping...
... Okay that was his card, she realizes a moment later, and actually hands it back his way. )
We'll distribute the GP after this, right?
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[ He cocks his head in her direction, even cupping his hand around his ear to bend it more toward her, as if there is that much distance between them. ]
Didn't we see enough of him?
[ But his tone is already resigned. He's fine with that being what she wants to get. His arms cross as he does a half-spin so he is leaning against the machine and facing her. He gestures with his hand for her to have a go at the machine. ]
You said when we found the machine, I'd give you half. So -- let's do that and then whatever you win, we'll split. [ Or he'll run so she has half of his GP. One of these things is going to happen. ]
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( Do not mess with organized female empires - said by insects who tried to mess with ants or bees, probably. Or humans who ran across the wrong species. )
Yes, but now we can toss him in the air, punch him, or throw him at people we don't like. What's not great about that?
( She hums something like agreement, hand on the knob control for the crane game. )
Sure thing, do you know how we even do an exchange like that?
( ... It's a legitimate question. She's only seen the ticket exchange counter, not seen people doing transfers between cards, or any really linked accounts. It's basically casino money for the casino, even if it's all counted in ticket amounts.
Nefarious. )
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[ Glancing over his shoulder, he stares at the items in the crane machine. They look less like prizes and more like prey. ]
I'm starting to think you might have a grudge against him. [ Poor Heartbreaker. ]
Uh -- [ Flipping the card over, he stares at the front. It's about then that he realizes that he isn't sure if transferring GP is even possible. His eyes widen as he realizes that he's been had. ] Merde. [ It seems like he might actually have to keep throwing himself in the arena until he can acquire enough points for his companion. ]
Well, it seems like my schemes are over.
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At least for this current path. I'm sure your schemes can continue scheming on every other path now.
( There's a matter of trust to how well or poorly the claw is going to grip, but she paces herself, tapping her other hand on the drop button once she feels she has the claw where she wants it. Down it goes... down... down... around the Heartbreaker... still around it... still... okay, claw comes in... still has it... still... )
You were looking for wine a moment ago, right?
( Her coffee, sitting on the panel of the crane game, is still half full. )
I may have heard there's decent wine over at the Beehive. Want to check it out after Heartbreaker's come home?
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[ He sips his coffee as he watches how seriously she's taking this crane game. Turning his head slightly, he again looks over his shoulder to see how their prize is doing with coming over.
Verso does have an idea of lightly knocking against the glass to see if it'll cause Heartbreaker to fall -- he even lifts his free hand and looks like he might rap his knuckles on the surface before putting his hand down, lifting his eyebrows teasingly at her. Another deep drink of his coffee. ]
I was, yes. [ He says over the rim of his cup. ] Ooh. [ His head twists around to glance toward the exit. ] Well, obviously. Where there is wine, there is a good time. Also, I think I saw some people walking in -- [ His signature head bob. ] -- outfits.
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( ... She can think of exceptions. She'll ignore those.
Alex snorts at the lifted then lowered hand. Given some of the head banging (gently) against the glass moments she's had in her life, the chance of that being enough to throw this whole thing back on to of the other plushies is... probably dependent on how well anchored the machine is. Huh.
Heartbreaker makes it over the chute, the claw opening to drop it down. It has a hairy moment where its legs catch the lip of the clear chute, and she holds her breath — only to breathe out in a rush when it falls into the chute and the machine sings the song of its people. )
Got it in one!
( Beaming at this point, she turns her attention toward Verso with the whole "outfits" comment. She bends her knees to pull the plushie out of the bottom section, handing it to him before collecting her own coffee. She has to pause and tap her card against the machine when it keeps blinking about GP Tickets, and whatever number equates to the plushie's challenge or rarity level adds to her total just like that.
... All of it. So much for sharing. )
When you say outfits, what kind do you mean?
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[ Another lean over to glance at how things are coming along with their (her) prize. His eyebrows lift in appreciation as it seems like she is really going to get it in one. He frowns in an exaggerated manner that shows how impressed he is with this turn of events. Sure, he's playing it up for the sake of having her laugh (and forget how selfish he can be in battles) but this is fun. ]
Nice. Who knew that you were such a crane wizard.
[ A small nod before shotgunning the rest of his coffee. It mostly cooled over the time that he's been sipping it, but still leaves a nice satisfying warmth down his throat. ]
Guess we really are on our own when it comes to GP, non?
[ It's what he first says before answering the other question. The now empty cup is tossed towards the nearest trash reciprocal. Would it have been super cool if it went in right away? Yes. Is that what happened? No. At least it was empty. He lets his eyes drift to the side like he doesn't have to go pick that up soon. ]
It seems mostly kind of fancy dressed, but some of the outfits are a little -- [ He tilts his head to the side. ] -- frisky-looking. Bunny themed. Although, I heard it isn't that kind of club. It is more like a -- [ Another look away as he tries to think of the phrase. ] -- experience rather than the experience. At least, that's the mood that I'm getting.
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( Jesting, because if he is, well.
... Not her problem, really, and not usually her vibe. As it is, she does laugh at his overacting, but crane games are old friends of hers, and this one wasn't too finicky. She has the same feeling that if she tried for another plushie right now, she'd run into a streak of just-misses. Better to get out while she's ahead. )
If anyone had bothered to tell us sharing is caring and also impossible while we're here...
( Casinos! They're all scams! She huffs, but again makes sure to not so subtly wiggle Heartbreaker under his arm before she tosses her own cup into the rubbish bin. Hers, not really by intent but definitely from practice, goes right in. She might not have dunking power on the basketball court, but she has tossing things into bins power.
(That's just a lifetime of making the biff as Verso.) )
So it's more like a maid cafe with a customer theme and less like a burlesque bar with a dress code?
( She asks, raising her eyebrows. )
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[ It depends.
He is, however, going to give a few appreciative looks at Heartbreaker. While holding onto the plushie, he turns it quickly side to side like the stuffed animal is about to lunge or attack one of them. He twists it toward her face before letting his hand drop. ]
You'd? [ His eyes roll up. ] Complain to management?
[ Verso tosses her a wide, irritating smile but he does feel a little troubled that he isn't able to get that item for Alex. It seems like she's going to have to do more while she's here. Unless -- he lifts Heartbreaker back up but has the plushie inches from his face -- he can just buy a card for someone.
Well, she did give her blessings to keep scheming so that seems to be his next one. ]
While I don't know what a maid cafe is, I can infer by just the title. [ He keeps moving the plushie side-to-side in attack formation. ] It seems like it's a burlesque maid cafe with customer theme. [ And this time he moves the stuffed animal to "bite" her neck. ] Oh, the humanity.
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( She's... not sure there is, but the court of public opinion is one of the heaviest fights she's had in her life, especially when public opinion is bad things are very good for them.
Alex watches him play around with the plushie, only bringing a finger up to prod Heartbreaker's nose when it comes in to "bite" her neck. No, no, no sensitive zones, thank you very much. )
I'm sure you'll look adorable in a bunny costume. Do you prefer ears that stick straight up, big floppy ones that hang down low, or a mix of both?
( She's used her hands to illustrate the different kinds, ending with one hand held up all fingers pointed and together, her other hand folded in half. Both rest against the top of her head as stand-in ears. )
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[ His expression shifts to pure bewilderment; he honestly doesn't know what that means. And he pulls the plushie back when she puts her finger against its nose to stop its bite.
Pulling Heartbreaker back, he lightly pets the top of the animal's head. Unfortunately, it seems like he has grown attached to it in a very short amount of time. Whoops. ]
I think a mix of both. [ Should he make a joke about how he wouldn't want someone to think that he's all straight? He opens his mouth to make a soft clicking noise as he decides the moment has passed to make that quip. ] But -- thank you.
I also think I'd look good in anything.
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( It's a pause and a beat, but not surprising -- Alex has already run into people of all different experiences and the like that not having the same baseline seems more normal than not. She reaches out to pat Heartbreaker on its head after he did, almost in consolation. There there, enjoy your new plushie parent, little guy. )
It's good to have confidence! And we'll find you ears that go both ways.
( Is she unaware of entendres here? No, but it's also not where her head is when it's not her business. Bunny ears for their own sake? Yeah, okay, those amuse her. )
Now I think it was back that way... Right, because there's that noodle place, and the pastry shop. Definitely this way.
( She'll just go ahead and start walking. If it sounds like she's navigated around this place based on food...
... well, she has. )
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[ He is going to assume that they are. ]
No, I've never heard of anything like the internet.
[ Somehow, even saying the word "internet" seems foreign to him. His mouth doesn't work that way and has never put two words like this together. He furrows his eyebrows as he doesn't like how it sounds. ]
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But I appreciate the outfit and ears that we will soon acquire. [ He snaps his fingers. ] We'll have to get you a dress, though. [ And flashes her a mischievous smile. ] Seems fair, non? One bunny for one dress?
[ Listening to her describe where the establishment is, he can't help but ask: ]
Did you figure out the layout of this place by where the food is located?
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( Because anyone who likes schemes would. It's just facts, in the mind of the young woman who also takes assignments from the dark web. No, not for assassination! Just not always... strictly... legal. )
One bunny for one dress? You have a deal.
( Though she grins. )
As long as you also pick out a tail!
( Walking past the food places she's already named by what they serve rather than what they're called, she laughs a little. )
What can I say? Food helps me think, and after arriving here in a snowboarding game? I was hungry. What about you? Anything other than alcohol you enjoy?
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[ His shoulders give a little bounce, since she can't show him then maybe she can tell him a story as they walk to acquire their new clothes. ]
And here I thought you might argue with me more. You don't even know what kind of a dress I'll pick out for you. [ But he tips his head in her direction. ] Don't worry, it'll be quite flattering.
[ He grins back. ]
What you think is better? Black or white tail?
[ He folds his arms behind his back, holding his hands together at the wrist. It is a casual sort of walk as he nods along to what she's saying. ]
I'm fond of sweets. But I've been having to eat out in the wild for some time... so, my palette could use something a little different. [ Leaning towards her. ] The coffee was nice. I'd have to say that was almost like a luxury to taste.
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( Alex offers a not-quite helpless shrug, before she finds herself laughing at the idea that she'd be worried over a specific dress or not. )
I'm confident I'll look good in everything. What's there to worry about? As for the tail — white, to stand out against the black of the bunny suit.
( His culinary circumstances catch her curiosity, Alex canting her head to watch him at an angle, considering. He leans in, and she leans in just a touch to mirror, lips quirking in something like amusement. )
Then while we have access to the spoils of less hunter-gatherer or backpacking style dining, we should make good use of it, right? What's one thing you craved but couldn't have while you were trekking through the wilds?
( And a pause, finger lifted to tap against her chin. )
Why were you in the wilds, anyway?
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[ His face scrunches up as he attempts to parse what she's telling him. ]
I'm glad that you have so much confidence, then, and very good choice on the tail.
[ Ignoring his confusion on what the internet is, he flicks his index finger in her direction to indicate he appreciates her decision. Is he concerned about the outfit? No. He's worn less for fun. ]
Viennoiseries. [ Almost an immediate answer. ] I could probably eat those until I made myself sick. Be filled with regret. Then eat more when I've recovered like I did not just ruin my entire life hours before.
[ He does flash her a little smile, pleased she's literally leaning into his nature and teasing. ]
It's a bit of a complicated story but the long and short of it... I wasn't able to go back to the city I was from.
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( Then he says something she's unfamiliar with, and her eyes light up. )
Viennoiseries?
( The word catches her attention and interest, having no immediate understanding of it in the moment. Even a translation doesn't help, because it just is a Thing of Vienna.
... Okay. )
Ah, I... should I express my condolences?
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[ By that he means that he feels like he's losing the thread and has to just nod along at whatever "the internet" is. ]
It's a type of pastry, but could also be savory. It's a food that has many faces and all of them are delicious.
[ He tilts his head the opposite direction as his mouth splits into a wide smile.
But he pauses at her question. ]
... and no, it was my decision.
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( She may or may not be putting "pastry store surfing" on her to do list, tagged with a "drag Verso along because he'll love it." Particularly since pastry is not a staple of the wilds.
By its very nature, it can't really be. )
Okay then, congratulations on successfully avoiding the city you came from. While you're still doing that, how about we go pastry store hopping tomorrow?
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wrap?
ties us the prettiest bow