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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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[Clive knows strain when he sees it, but he isn't going to push Verso to be more honest about the pain. Were their positions swapped, he wouldn't want to advertise how much it hurt either. The main difference, however, is that Clive knew exactly what the wounds Verso had felt like.
Luckily for Verso, Clive couldn't hear him over the running water or he would have been back to the other man's side in an instant. Instead, he helps Verso up and carefully walks him to the bathroom.]
You're taking a bath. I'm just helping. I can clean up once you're in bed.
[Clive eases Verso onto the toilet seat and crouches down to start taking off the other man's shoes.]
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[ He, at least, helps by sitting back so that he can remove the boots. Holding his hands up, he merely attempting to give his insight on the matter. ]
We're only in the best friend stage so... don't worry about me getting frisky. [ With how he's feeling, he doubts that he is going to be able to do more than offer a few flirtatious comments, anyway.
Although, with some effort, he lightly scratches the side of his face. ] Unless you're feeling like being frisky, I suppose.
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[Clive chuckles and shakes his head. This guy was unlike anyone he had met before. It was strange, but he felt comfortable despite just having met. Maybe that is part of what comes with someone literally taking away some of the worst pain you have ever experienced. Either way, the flirting felt somehow natural. Usually, people had to put in a lot of time with him before he would flirt back. And yet, here he was.
Clive gets Verso's boots and socks off then moves to help him out of his jacket, being as careful as possible so as to not jostle him too much.]
Even if I was, you are in no state for frisky business.
[Clive makes eye contact from his position tucked between Verso's legs, on his knees, eyes twinkling.]
And what would be the point if you didn't enjoy yourself?
[Clive tugs Verso's shirt up.]
Now, arms up so I can get this thing off.
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You're right. Something I feel I'm going to be saying a lot to you, Clive.
[ It's quite a shame his body isn't in any mood, but -- ]
At least think to snuggle with me after. [ He lifts his shoulders as his eyes shine bright. ] I'll even let you be the little spoon.
[ A huffing laugh as he lifts his arms up as requested (commanded?). ]
Liking what you're seeing so far? [ So he has the nerve to ask as the shirt is being pulled up. ]
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[While Clive does say it playfully, he is anxious to measure how much Verso may actually want to stick around.]
I’m flattered. No one has offered to be the big spoon before.
[Honestly, if it would get Verso to sleep he would stay. At the very least, he wanted to make sure that the other man was comfortable enough to relax in a strange place, locked door or no.]
Maybe you should ask me that later when you aren’t covered in dried blood.
[Clive sets Verso’s shirt aside and examines his chest. Seeing the wounds he would normally wear, he sees how the concern of his companions could be so deep.]
Are you able to stand? We need to get your pants off.
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[ He cocks his head to the side and smiles wide, joining in the joke and playfulness. ]
You'll find I'm willing to offer quite a lot.
[ Turning his head, he can't maintain eye contact with that one as he starts to laugh. His shoulder trembling in mirth as he chuckles. His head gives another little turn as he closes his eyes as a sharp spike of pain runs through his body. Laughter hurts, but laughter is good for both of them. He'll endure and deal. ]
I will, I will.
[ The wounds themselves are slowly stitching themselves closed. An almost invisible energy weaving its way through each injury. The color is a soft white as it keeps wrapping itself around where Verso's hurt is and trying to mend the body and spirit.
Reaching out, he lightly pats his shoulder to indicate that he'll stand up. ]
I'd say I will if you promise to compliment me, but even I can't be that egotistical.
[ He can't be that egotistical, but he also isn't that embarrassed. ]
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[He'll hold you to that, Verso. If Clive is anything, he is a man of his word.
Clive's responding laugh is quiet, his shoulders shaking lightly as he shakes his head. What a strange man. Not that Clive minds. It's been a while since he was able to laugh so much.
He his about to help Verso up when he sees the soft white light starting to weave through the wounds. His eyes search Verso's bare chest, awe written in them. His hand begins to raise to touch, but he drops his hands and his eyes flick away for just a moment.]
Here, put your hands on my shoulders.
[Clive gently takes Verso's wrists and places them on his shoulders before grabbing his waist and lifting him slowly. While he is still on his knees, he rises to undo the other man's fly, marveling at the strange metal that keeps them together, before sliding his trousers and underwear down.
Being a man who was in the military, he has seen more than his fair share of naked men, though rarely at eye level like this. The tips of his ears dust a light pink as he stands to guide Verso to the tub.]
Let me know if the water is too cold or too hot.
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[ Actually sounding strained, he does what he can to help the process of Clive moving his hands to his shoulders. Inhaling slowly, he pushes himself up to stand. His head turns slightly to stare at the wall rather than at what's happening below his waist.
It probably wouldn't do to offer a quip even to ease the tension. Best to handle things with quiet dignity and not make anything more awkward than it need be. His eyes roll along the ceiling as he tells himself that is the best step forward, but -- ]
See, if I had a little more energy, this is where you'd end up pulled in the bath with me.
[ Is what he allows himself to say as he steps and sinks into the water. Letting out a soft sigh, he appreciates how it feels on his exhausted body. It feels battered on the inside, but it'll be fine eventually. So he keeps reminding himself. ]
You're unlucky that is the case, you know. [ He lifts his hand up to lightly splash water on Clive's arm and sleeve. ]
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[Clive eases Verso very carefully into the water, watching him closely to make sure that he isn't hurting any more than usual. He gets the distinct feeling that, even if he was he wouldn't say anything. The sigh seals it for him.
Clive is about to move back to take off some layers when he gets splashed. He quirks an eyebrow at Verso and starts removing upper layers. Surprisingly nimbly considering all of the laces, he strips down to his linen undershirt and pushes his sleeves up past his elbows.]
You know, I was already planning on taking off some layers. No need to get pushy.
[Clive grabs one of the wash cloths he set aside and kneels next to the tub. He dips it into the water to get the cloth damp.]
Now, let me see your back.
[Watching the caked blood starting to loosen and dissolve, Clive distantly thinks that they are going to need to change the bathwater.]