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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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[ At the distance they are, he isn't sure he hears how guilty he sounds. He knew some of the attacks Mister Prickles had and should've been more proactive about dodging them. Especially with little eyes having to see something grotesque happen. Even if he can heal himself, even if he's immortal, it was a little too much.
The weapons disappear from his hands as he holds his hands up, palms up, to wave lightly at her. See? He's fine. Verso attempts to spread his arms wider to make bigger gestures to show just how fine he is, even if his clothes are now soaked in his own blood. ]
It can be really surprising! But I'm whole and all right! [ Doing a little spin, he realizes this isn't the time to make light of things, but their opponent is dazed so maybe it is time? ] Yes. It didn't even hurt. [ That's a bold-faced lie. It hurt a considerable amount. It honestly hurt so much that he might've passed out if he hadn't held onto the thought that he wasn't alone. ]
How about one more big show of power and we'll get out of here, yeah?
[ And the weapons are back in his hands as the cactus is back standing. Good timing? Bad timing? Either way, he jerks out of the way as it tries to slam its arm down to crush him. Yeah -- no more scary things for her to see. ]
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And the cactus slams itself down again, reminding her that the fight's not over. She's beginning to feel disappointment more than guilt over the monster. She would rather not see her companion fall apart again, despite how quickly he may recover. Mister Prickles' terror must be stopped quickly. ]
...Y-yeah, okay. [ Fio says softly, summoning up a bit of courage. The last time she's ever fought was maybe about three months ago in her own world. This kind stranger may be the very first to see her summon her weapons after so long. ] Let's finish this. I'll do my best.
[ Balling up her fists, she starts swinging at the air with all her might—two jabs forward, followed by a third in an upward motion, with an added little hop that she nearly stumbles upon landing. Her movements are unexperienced, clumsy, and a bit silly-looking. If it weren't for her tear-stained face and the threatening oversized weapons floating around, she would almost look like a child goofing off in the playground...
Like before, it's the weapons that do the heavy lifting while Fio strikes at the empty air with little fists. The spheres fly forth, "punching" the cactus twice and releasing bursts of light. The third strikes like an uppercut, with enough force that it knocks Mister Prickles upwards. ]
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But it seems it wasn't just for bolstering a fighting spirit.
Not the first time, Verso feels bad for Mister Prickles. He stares up at the cactus has been sent flying. He would've liked to have taken a second or two for processing that feat, but they have to finish this fight.
He takes a beat to kneel down, building energy in both weapon and his body. It seems like they both use something that looks like light. He should ask more about it. An idle thought as bright white energy wraps around him as he throws himself up into the air. Swing his sword upwards, he sends a cleaving strike toward Mister Prickles. (And idly wonders if he should keep using cute names for a rather beaten monster.)
His concerns don't last too much longer as the cactus glows bright white and abruptly bursts into a shower of light. It's a rather loud explosion that slams into his body as he's falling back down to the arena floor. So, he has to gather energy again to slash at the floor to slow his fall and gain some control of his fall.
Positive! He does land on his feet. Negative! He's fairly sure he broke one of his legs. But he is already covered in blood so he thinks he covers up the new injury well. Shaking out the broken appendage, he does his best to heal it up fast. All the while, he clapping his hands and calling out to the crowd: ]
Shall we hear it for the greatest gladiator here?
[ Holding his hands out, he gestures to the little miss as being the greatest fighter of the arena. Another shake of his leg. He squints at the appendage and thinks it'll be fine in a bit. Ow. ]
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Her weapons have already reappeared next to her. Without any reason to fight any longer, the spheres melt away, leaving Fio looking like the deceptively unarmed child that walked in at the beginning of the match. Anyone that enters the colosseum now might be in disbelief that she's had much of a hand in the fight.
With the cactus out of the way, it's safer to move about. She breaks off into a short jog to join her companion's side, slowing down halfway, only because he called her out as the "greatest gladiator". He's giving her too much credit! ]
I- uh... [ A faint glow rises to her cheeks. She grasps the edges of her dress, giving a low effort curtsey and halfhearted smile for the crowd. Continuing on across the arena, she stops right before him. Standing together feels more like a team. Those cheers should be for both of them.
Another glance back towards the seating and she gives one last shy wave to the crowd. Then she turns her gaze up to him, her smile slipping away. ]
...Mister? Thank you. You were really great too. [ They won, but Fio doesn't look happy. Normally she does know how to put on a cheerful front, but it's too difficult to even try right now. She's far more concerned about the man who had to be up close to their opponent's attacks than basking in the glow of victory. She looks him up and down. Her partner is completely bloodied, while she remains unharmed in her clean white dress... ] Are you sure nothing hurts? [ Because he looks hurt all over. ] I'm sorry I can't heal...
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Sorry. I'd give you a pat on the head but -- [ He wiggles his fingers as he is still quite red. Although, it's shifting to the lovely darker shade blood turns as it dries. ] -- still, wonderful job.
[ Verso waves his hand lightly at him being great. ] Only because of the support I had... that's what allowed me to look great. [ He smiles with the hope that it'll bring a smile on her face, too. ] Come on, they probably have some victory treat to be had, yeah? [ His mind races as he wonders how old she is. Sure, she looked quite small from where she was from him, but looking at her now, he's even more concerned. ]
Nothing hurts. [ He rolls his arm to show it's fine. Is it right to lie to a little girl? In this case, he thinks that it is. ] I'm quite sturdy. [ A laugh -- he thinks it sounds sincere rather than forced. ] It's all right. Since I'm all whole again, nothing to worry yourself over.
[ He makes a gesture for them to walk together. ] Verso, by the way.
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If... you say so. [ Still a bit skeptical, finding it difficult to believe him after the heavy blows he endured. ] I'm Fio. If you do need help walking, just let me know. You can hold my hand.
[ Unbothered by the thought of getting blood on her. Her eyes linger on him for a moment longer. All she sees is the now dried blood. And he keeps moving around to show that he's "all right". ...She believes him. Trying to, since there's not much else she can do.
Turning her gaze ahead, she starts walking for the arena's exit. Slowly at first, just in case. She is thinking more about him than prizes. They should probably find a place for him to wash up first and a change of clothes. That should be more important than getting a victory treat. ]
Verso... [ Can she make a nickname out of that, she wonders. It doesn't sound like she's going to let Verso have a say in this. He's right there, but is she thinking of asking for his input? No. Thoughtfully, she murmurs out loud to herself, brainstorming a couple of options. It doesn't cross her mind as rude. There isn't any mean-spiritedness behind her nicknaming habits. ] Versie... Verver...
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[ Especially since she doesn't seem to worry too much about getting blood on her. He gives another roll of his shoulder to theatrically add to the act that what happened didn't hurt and he's fine, actually.
He walks along with her - appreciating the slow pace. It seems like he might have to visit that bot with clothes to get washed up and snag some new attire. Or maybe a quick stop at the hotel? His chin lifts as he thinks either would be fine. But overall, he keeps smiling and sauntering confidently along. ]
Hm? [ He leans a little forward as she calls his name. But it doesn't seem like she's calling him. His head tilts to the side and he blinks at the soft murmurs to herself. Although, he does pause at the "Verver" nickname. His eyes drop and dart away before smiling: ] Versie sounds better, if you're asking for my input.
[ Someone else called him "Verver," but that name has been special between them. He doesn't think it'd be right to take it. ]
I dunno if "little miss" works well as a nickname back. I'll have to work hard on thinking about something that suits you. [ He moves on rather than dwell. Holding his chin, he hums as he thinks. ] Shall we workshop this together? Or ... what would you give yourself as a nickname?
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[ A cheerful skip is added to her steps, bringing her several paces ahead of him. But she stops to wait right before the arena's exit, turning around and tucking her arms behind her back. She's beginning to wonder if maybe she should have taken his hand anyway, so she doesn't wander off too far ahead.
Her eyes retain a faint hint of red from crying earlier, but she's smiling big now, delighted that one of the options has his approval. ]
Actually, I knew someone who would call me things like "little miss" or "young miss" too. [ Someone she was fond of—a little creature that was mostly interested in carrying out his job. But she still had some fun moments traveling together with him, up until things took a turn for the worst. Besides that, the only other "names" she's received are perhaps unkind titles that indicated her low class... ] No one's really given me any other name. I've never really thought about one for myself...
[ She is content with just being called "Fio". Because that's who she is. But that's not really as fun as the names she's been giving other people. ]
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[ Even though her eyes are still a bit red, it's good to see that she's smiling and laughing. Should he be worried she's going a little bit ahead? No. He thinks that he could close the distance quickly if something were to happen. Because even if she can take care of herself with the weapons and powers she has, why shouldn't she still be looked after?
He tips his chin up in mild greeting when they're back together. ]
That, so? Is it all right if I use it, then? [ He has a crooked smile but it is genuine. ] Well, Fio's a good name so I can understand not thinking of one better. [ He lifts his hand out to lightly pat the air above her head, and thinks he'll give her a proper head pat as soon as he is looking a bit better.
A step forward and tilt of his head; his tone casual as he asks: ] Hey, who taught you the word "liability?"
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And that's a word I learned from Darkie!
[ Speaking proudly, with an unwavering smile as she speaks of... "Darkie". That is clearly one of her many childish nicknames for somebody. Good luck to Verso if he ever meets this person. She's been trying to flex some of her new vocabulary a little, but it's obvious when it's learned from another person. Of course he could tell it's from someone else. Of course anyone could tell, with the little pauses she makes in between syllables. She's been picking up all sorts of words from people. Including a couple of "bad" ones... ]
He's a friend I made here. Um... not here, but we met on my first mission not too long ago. Darkie says a bunch of big words sometimes. He's really grumpy! [ Yet she still sounds cheerful when she says that... ] He's kind too, in his own way.
[ Is he even in the theme park somewhere though? Shadow doesn't seem the type to miss out on investigating a new place. She can picture his annoyance once he's found out she's wandered off alone. Again. ]
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His eyes drift to the side as he mulls over the nickname "Darkie." It seems like he's going to have difficulty finding that person. Why couldn't they have received an easy one like "Versie?" Oh well. It is things that makes a man go hm, as he listens to her talk about him.
He does, at least, try not to frown at her saying that he's grumpy. If they met on a mission, he wonders if the grumpiness comes from wanting to keep her safe? Or finding her a burden to look after? There's no way to know without speaking to them, anyway. ]
Is he now? [ He says with interest about him being kind. ] Also hoping to get you a few prizes? [ A soft teasing response as he heads into the area outside the arena with her. At the very least, it seems people expect some blood on the competitors. Of course, they probably don't expect him to be covered in it, but what can a person do? Shuffle toward one of those bots for a clean and re-dress, right? That is what he's decided on, anyway. ]
There's quite a few prizes over there... have you thought of what you'd like most?
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I'd just like the card. Then I gotta trade it with someone. That's the goal, they said.
[ A prize that she doesn't sound very excited about. She's following the mission, believing that somehow this ensures the survival of their worlds. She still doesn't understand how the few missions she's been part of do help the multiverse, but she continues to go along with it anyway.
Yet her eyes wander over towards the other options, to focus specifically on the display of different plush dolls. She's restraining the urge to bolt ahead, to get a closer look. One of them even looks to be a small chunkier version of the cactus they just fought. There's a few other creatures that she doesn't recognize, but they're just as adorable. If there are a couple hundred points left to spare on her card, maybe there won't be any harm getting a doll. She's never owned any toys before.
Fio turns to him, about to ask the same question. Maybe he already accomplished the task at this point. It seems like he would have an easier time accruing points to get what he needs. The prizes weren't exactly on the forefront of her mind, but he asked. And she looks at him, frowning, the dried blood quickly being an easy reminder of the earlier battle. ]
You really should wash up first. I think that's more important...
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[ Because guess who has been throwing himself in arenas? It is this man. It seems like the easiest way to earn the currency and also ignore lingering issues by trying to "stay alive." ]
It'd mean a lot to have your card. Means that it's the first step to our friendship, no?
[ She doesn't sound too excited about it, but he tries to make some excitement. Right - it probably is more important to get that card than other gifts. If he has any other points left, perhaps, he'll try to get her a stuffed animal. Who doesn't like one of those? Especially how she sees her eyes wander over the options and seems to settle on what he just humored getting her. ]
Oh -- [ He holds his arms out to the side as he looks down at himself. ] You're quite right. I should. I actually have a room, so -- let's stop there and I'll have you wait outside while I get less -- this. [ He smiles wide and amused.
A small tip of his head as he starts to head toward the hotel. ] It looks a bit like a haunted manor. You're staying there, too, right? It seems more like fun than scary... but I will admit sometimes I do get a little scared. [ A segway to check and ask if she's been feeling scared in the space they have to rest. ]