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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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But he listens otherwise, considering Verso's reasoning. Not really by much: Verso's reason is Verso's reasoning alone, and Gorgug himself doesn't feel a pull to really do his best. In truth, even having fun feels dulled by his recent moods, and there's no spark of intrigue or energy in him now.
But if Gorgug's learned anything in life, it's to carry on regardless. So, after thinking about it for a moment: ]
Do you like to get in trouble? [ He'll be so nice as to explain: ] There's a fancy lounge for fancy people. There's probably a stage. For music. I don't know if we're allowed there.
But there could be drums.
[ Just saying. ]
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[ It seems like he should ask that first before getting carried away with a new scheme. Not that he isn't already.
But his present scheme isn't all that intricate or intending to have too lasting of consequences; he just wants someone who seems to be troubled to have a brief moment of happiness. Perhaps, it's just who he is. No matter how weighed down he might be, he wants to do something for someone else. Maybe that's where he got his joy.
Maybe. ]
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...Thinking. About things.
[ Important things! And not spacing out! He is so convincing while saying this. ]
I just know there's a fancy lounge.
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[ His tone is convinced. Yes, that is what he's been doing. Sure. ]
If it's the fancy lounge I'm thinking of, we might need to do some dressing up.
[ He clicks his tongue as he points to Gorgug. ]
But! I don't think I know anyone who doesn't like a good song.
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...
I'll sing. [ Said, as if confirming the point Verso was making, and even nodding as he says it. Yes, it's true. He has lungs! Is he going to question about having to dress up? No. Instead, rather: ]
But I don't know if we know the same songs if you-- I've never been to the opera. I don't know the opera.
[ But if he really has to belt out and pretend that he knows opera....?? ]
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[ Verso politely corrects with a wide, pleased smile. It's always nice to be able to talk music. One of the few things in his life that he feels always brings some bit of joy. ]
Since you'll sing, why not sing now? [ He bobs his head in his direction. ] Because I'm sure we don't know the same songs, so if you sing the song you want to play... I'll be able to play it when we get there.
[ Another flashing smile. ] It's one of my many party tricks.
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[ He's checking a crystal, a purple slab of gemstone, that shows light from the side facing Gorgug as he boots it up. Always takes his crystal everywhere, but now he has to find one of the Cig and the Fig songs...
...
But he doesn't even play a single one before he realises that he's unlikely to recall the entire lyrics. It's been a while, his brain is foggy, so while he spends half a minute squinting at his screen-
He looks back at Verso. ] What if-- can you play the song you just did? I can... I know how to follow songs, too.
[ He pauses for a beat. ] ...was the tune fun?
[ He thinks he remembers it being slow, but he's already forgotten... it's been five minutes... ]
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[ The unintelligent reply comes as Gorgug retrieves a purple gemstone. He seems to be staring at the brightened gem with a lot of interest. Verso lets his eyes dart to the side then back to the half-orc in mild confusion and bemusement.
His expression remains somewhat bemused. Did Gorgug want to pay him with the crystal? He thought they had gotten past needing any payment. However, what is asked instead is a mild surprise. His smile is easy but his eyes still have some questions. ]
I can.
[ His shoulders bounce. ] I think the tune is fun to play. [ He tilts his head to the side. ] It doesn't really have any lyrics. [ Pointing to the side, he continues: ] It starts out slow then gets faster then returns to a slow beat, but that's what makes it fun.
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Can I look... [ wait, no. ] Okay, if you play it-- I'll get a rhythm in my head. I just need to get the mood--I need to figure out the mood.
[ And can he remember that until they get to a potential drum kit? Well, they'll have to find that out! ]
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All right. [ A small nod. ] I'll play it again for you to get the mood.
[ Pivoting, he heads back to his piano to play the song yet again. ]