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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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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...
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
[ 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?"
no subject
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...
no subject
[ 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. ]
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But I'd be happy to trade with you. It's like... you'd be helping my world. [ With the lack of any visible progress, she's been worried, unsure of what else to do but to continue following the missions that they've been instructed to do. She's too afraid to stop. So it gives her some peace that she'll be able to fulfill the goal successfully in the end. Though she doesn't express the joyous excitement he might be expecting from his suggestion, she does look relieved. ] And I'd also be helping your world.
[ She would like to think so, even if she hasn't had the chance to ask about it yet. She's curious though, especially seeing how he summons his weapons. Perhaps she shouldn't be focusing on too many things at once. She's far too soft, incapable of thinking about preserving her world alone. ]
...You get scared too? [ Her eyes lift briefly as she totters along by his side, showing a little look of surprise, not expecting that from the man who took the frontline in the arena. Then forward again. ] Um... it's... a little scary, I guess. I mostly don't like the knocking when I try to sleep.
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But he does smile more when she says him taking her card would help her world. He didn't think that she would be so joyful at his suggestion, but happy to see her so. However, he has to school his expression when she mentions helping his world. ] That means that the little miss is my -- [ He rolls his eyes up. ] -- benefactor.
Do you know that word? [ It's certainly better than "liability." ]
Oh, yes, I get scared quite a bit. [ Verso softens his voice as they walk along, like he's sharing a secret with her. ] The dark sometimes frightens me, too. [ His smile is soft and fond as he talks with her, walking along toward the hotel. ] The knocking does get to be a bit much. They should wait until the morning if they need something, no?
[ Pointing to her. ] But you'll know where my room is... so if it's ever too troublesome, you can come get me.
no subject
What does it mean? [ Slowly, she attempts to pronounce the word a few times as they come up to the front of the manor. ] Beh-nuh-fac-tor. Bene- factor. [ Her voice fades into quiet murmurs as she repeats it a few more times. Another big word, but it's one of her better attempts. It might take her a while to properly and naturally say it in a sentence though, like the way she uses "liability". ]
...'Kay. [ That he'll let her go to him if the knocking becomes an issue is another reminder that she has plenty of people to rely on now. It warms her heart, when she used to be someone with the world against her. ] I'll let you know if it becomes a problem. [ A pause, then she lowers her voice to softer volumes. Leaning a bit to the side, walking along on tippy toes for a brief moment to make sure he hears. ]
Versie? If the dark scares you too much, you can come get me too.
no subject
Right -- we got these little earpieces, don't we? [ It is where he found out what this "mission" apparently was. But it seems like it has other uses, as well. ] So -- [ But he stops when she leans a bit and gets on her tippy toes; Verso kneels down and tilts his head toward her to hear what she wants to say. ]
See? This is why you're my benefactor. [ If only he didn't have all the dried blood on him, he might've lightly poked her nose at the end. ] I'll be sure to come running if the dark scares me too much. I saw what you did --
[ He makes a small gesture behind them, indicating the arena. That was amazing; true. Perhaps, she doesn't need him coddling her so much, but he wants to give her all the kindness he can, either way. ]
-- I know you'll protect me.