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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 knocks the dragon's head back when it attempts to gouge him with his horns. It buys him a moment to assess, but a moment is enough. The horns themselves glint under the colosseum lights, clear like icicles. The frosted segments trailing down its back, cracked from Dion's earlier attack, house something that glows beneath them. ]
The ice on its back may shield a weak spot.
[ He offers this observation to the young mage as he begins to move, attempting to lure the dragon into position to make for an easier target. ]
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[Vivi nods, his large hat shifting slightly with the movement. He takes the chance while Dion distracts the dragon to cast another firaga spell, this time aiming at the back where the ice is, rather than at its face. He isn't sure whether the dragon might be getting weaker, tired. But he just has to keep at it. Hopefully, now they have figured out a potential weak spot, which should help them to deal with this.]
There!
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When the heat of the fire spells has exposed something red and luminous, the dragon shudders and stills. It begins backing away from both of them, head bent low.
Dion has seen this before. Songs are sung of how many dragons he has tamed, though bards exaggerate. His experience is enough to tell him the dragon has lost its desire to fight them, now that such a vulnerability is unprotected.
For his part, Dion doesn't pursue. The battle is won; surely they needn't fell the creature. He rejoins Vivi, allowing the dragon to distance itself. The ice on its back is already slowly reforming, but it watches them warily, unmoving. ]
Well fought.
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[Vivi is more focused on Dion. Ensuring that he can help support the other from getting hurt, playing distraction while the mage casts his spells. His attention was on the Dominant as the battle seemed to have been won. Vivi isn't sure if they were meant to actually kill the dragon, but at least, for now, it seems like it is injured enough to leave them alone, so the battle seems to be done. His eyes shift into something resembling two little smiles as he seems to relax in his relief.]
You were great! Thanks for helping. I was able to cast because the dragon was being distracted by you.
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Though perhaps they ought not linger, since it does appear to be recovering. He eyes the dragon for a lingering moment, then returns his attention to the young mage. ]
You are quite the formidable caster. Knowing that allowed me to focus on holding its attention as I did, so I owe you my thanks as well.
[ He punctuates the words with a small, respectful dip of his head. That kind of firepower is impressive, especially for one so young. ]
Did I observe correctly that you wield multiple elements?
[ Dion knows he observed this, but he asks regardless. ]
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[Vivi tries to explain. He's had practice. He's no stranger to fighting. To defend himself or his friends. At least, he assumes here with this being some sort of game or competition that they would be able to get help if someone were hurt in this. He shifts and holds to his staff, straightening his hat with the other.]
Yes, I can.
[There were reasons that the other Black Mages were being used and manipulated as an army.]
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[ Dion asks casually, but the way his eyebrows knit together suggests some concern. Clearly the young mage his combat experience, there is no denying that, but the way he speaks of it suggests routine.
Perhaps the answer will be both. Trouble finds them, they find trouble. Whatever the case may be, Dion gestures toward the exit, that they might take their leave before the dragon recovers enough to venture another round. ]
It's an impressive feat, to possess such skill in magic. Were you formally taught?
[ His curiosity is genuine, different as Vivi's versatility is from Bearers and Dominants alike. The only exception is a special case. ]
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[Given they uh, you know. Kidnapped the princess and everything else that followed after that. Because, of course, others, the law, didn't care that Garnet had asked them to kidnap her and take her away. Still, he nods and follows Dion towards the exit.]
Not really. I just lived with my grandfather before I left home and met Zidane and the others.
[And even then, said 'grandfather' had....actually intended to eat Vivi. His upbringing was not the most usual.]
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[ Dion minds the pace of his strides, careful not to make Vivi hurry after him as they make their way toward the doors. He needn't make it difficult for the young mage to keep up. ]
I hope you don't mind me inquiring. Where I hail from, if one can use magic, it's a single element.
[ Generally speaking, that is. He thinks it best to stick with that, rather than overcomplicate his explanation. ]
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[Vivi tries to explain. He's not sure he is the best one to do so, but. He does his best. It sounds like magic might be a little different for Dion, at least back home in his situation. Vivi can't help being curious as he considers that. It sounds more limiting. Though he suspects, such a focus on one particular element would probably mean a greater command of it. Greater control.]
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[ He echoes the word curiously. In his world, he is the summon, not that it's termed as such. ]
I know others who can heal. I've made some attempts, but never trained in that discipline.
[ When they reach the doors, he nudges one open, stepping aside and holding it for Vivi to pass through first. ]
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[Vivi tries to explain. He's not sure how much the other might know about things like the eidelons. But he tries to give at least a sort of basic rundown. It might be easier if he realized he had just fought alongside one. Just in a different sort of form. He thanks Dion and goes through the door first, stepping to the side to allow Dion to go through after him.]
We tend to let Garnet and Eiko heal us if we get hurt.
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I see. They must be reliable allies, then.
[ Healers are a boon, especially if they see a great deal of battle. He hopes, as he and Ifrit had discussed, that this boy's world is likewise not afflicted by any curse upon its magic-users. ]
What are these "Eidolons" like?
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[Some of which would definitely sound familiar to Dion. Not that Vivi would know that, as he lists them and counts them off on his fingers with his gloved hands as he follows the other from the fighting arena.]
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He debates with himself as they walk, undeniably curious yet uncertain what to say. But the silence could grow awkward, so he spurs himself to speak before it does. ]
Does Bahamut happen to be a dragon?
[ Naturally, he must ask. ]
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[Vivi had been about to start describing them next, beyond just the names as he tried to remember them all, or most of them, when the other seemed to be familiar? He tilts his head at the question, curious and confused. He's not yet aware of the similarities between their worlds. His hat shifts as he glances up to the other, glowing eyes slightly wider.]
You know about them, too?
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[ Dion replies with a faint smile. ]
Though in my world, they are called Eikons, and each awakens within but one person.
[ There may be something to it, to those terms that sound similar but aren't quite the same. Much like a summoner can call some Eidolon Bahamut, but in Valisthea he is Bahamut. He debates whether he ought to explain, but then, he supposes his name on the network suggests enough if one has any familiarity. ]
I happen to be Bahamut.
[ He says it with the easy calm of one who has never known himself as any other but Dominant of Bahamut. Much like the Phoenix, he has been thus since infancy. ]
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[Well. That was not what Vivi expected? He blinks, considering for a moment. Here, or at least in Dion's world, the Eidolons were people? It sure would have meant their little party of misfits was much larger if that were the case, as Garnet and Eiko grew more powerful over time. It's not really Vivi's expertise. He can't use summons. But it's something he is familiar enough with that this surprises him. The tiny mage can't help being curious.]
So, where you're from, the Eidolons -- ah, Eikons, can look like people?
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[ Dion explains, maintaining a casual stroll. Bahamut is entirely too large for him to show the young mage by example here. He has always needed to create distance and find openings for himself, so as not to cause damage or endanger others when he primes.
His wingspan is massive, for one thing. ]
It must sound strange, when your summoners and Eidolons are separate.
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[It is quite different from the way he knows of Eidolons back home. Even if there might be certain similarities. He figures that the other would probably be happy to demonstrate for him if there were enough space. Vivi is curious, but that could wait. He has some idea of what to expect, if it is similar enough to Bahamut back home, at least.]
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Something like that. [ Dion confirms with a nod. ] After a Dominant passes, at some point another will awaken to that Eikon's power. It is not necessarily immediate.
[ A great deal of time can pass, in fact, though it varies. ]
Less are Dominants from birth or infancy than otherwise. The Phoenix and I are, however.
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[It seems like that would be better to figure from birth? To have better control? But it isn't like Vivi is an expert. And Garnet couldn't summon her Eidolons until she was sixteen. So maybe it isn't so bad? He's not certain. Just trying to consider the implications. How it might work exactly. He glances around, noting some familiar themes. Chocobos, for example.]
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[ The lighted displays are no less peculiar to Dion than they were in Aphaia, but he finds them more tolerable now. Still, the riot of color and sound is a bit much to take in. He keeps his focus on either the path ahead or on the young mage, for the most part. ]
I can well imagine it feels quite different, finding oneself suddenly changed.
[ He couldn't know what the experience is like, of course. ]
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[Vivi has just always been able to use magic. So he isn't sure what it might be like otherwise. Except for Garnet's surprise when she was then able to summon. But then, that whole incident was kind of.....a lot. What with her being kidnapped by her adopted mother and all.]
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[ Dion has heard some colorful stories regarding his infancy. He can well imagine Joshua has his own share, not that he'd ever had the opportunity to ask. At an age where they have no cognizance or control, a Dominant must seem a terribly volatile thing to handle. ]
It feels as much a part of myself as my limbs, in my case.
[ He'd suggest that Vivi ask Ifrit about awakening to his power later in life, but he suspects the man may have understandable reservations about it. ]
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