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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! |
salutes. minor spoilers from act ii.
Sounds nice. [ Is what he says aloud. ] To be someone who people believe and follow in is -- [ He shakes his head. ] -- worth being made into a myth.
[ His eyebrows rise as his lie is found out so quickly. Not that it was difficult, but he would've hoped Clive would play along with what he said. ]
I do want those extra credit points, so it seems I must.
[ Yet again his eyebrow lifts, he flicks his gaze over the man's face and then drifts down past his collarbone. His head tilts to the side as he did promise that he wouldn't be too frisky in speech or action, but it seems his promise to keep that true is being tested. But he is good and doesn't say anything about being tied to a bed. Good Verso.
It's easy to not say anything when gentle fingertips are touching the healing wounds. His gaze drifts about the room before once more returning to Clive's face. At the question of how it works, he feels a brief frown slip on his lips then fade away. ]
In my ... where I come from... something called the Fracture happened years and years ago. It was a catastrophic event that nearly destroyed everything. [ His eyes fix on he ceiling for a brief second. ] For some reason, I became immortal. [ He scratches the side of his face. ] I can't die. I can control my healing... and so none of this will scar unless I want it to scar. [ Turning his head slightly: ] When I'm all better, you could see even more tricks. You could cut me in half and both halves can move independently of the other.
[ A little smile. ] It's all great fun.
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I often wonder what it must have been like to know him. There is so much about the man himself that we don't know.
[Clive chuckles.]
I see that you are aiming to be a very dedicated student.
[Clive playfully tweaks Verso's ear.]
I'll have to work hard to live up to my student's expectations.
[It's Clive's turn to give Verso his undivided attention. Once the other man starts speaking, Clive pauses in his ministrations and watches, searching Verso's face as he shares something that Clive is getting the feeling might difficult for him to talk about. He almost asks Verso about how long he has been alive, but thinks better of it just in time for that little comment about being bisected.]
Fun?
[A startled laugh escapes Clive's lips.]
You have an interesting definition of fun, Verso. I can't say I would enjoy seeing you hurt like that.
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[ He tips his chin up as he fakes preening at how he intends to be a diligent and dedicated student. However, he tilts his head toward the hand as his ear is tweaked. ]
Please do.
[ Verso has many masks. There is something true in all of them, however. If there wasn't some truth, he wouldn't be able to deceive others. He catches how Clive watches him and is careful about what he shows, but still -- he lets little truths slip through his expression. Like how difficult it is to talk about his immortality. He's lucky, though. People usually ask "the wrong questions," so never touch on why his immortality is so difficult for him.
But he is soon smiling; eyes flashing with amusement and cheer despite the exhaustion. ]
It doesn't hurt. It's quite a party trick, actually!
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[Clive wonders if someone will ask about him this way hundreds of years from now. But not Clive as the man. Much like The Founder's legacy has been boiled down, any legacy that Clive leaves behind will likely be the same. It might sting more if part of his motivation to do this was to be remembered, but it stings all the same. In time, he will be forgotten. His actions may remain, but the man will not. Clive sighs quietly and internally shakes the melancholy away as best as he can.]
I'll do my best to not let you down then.
[Clive lightly and briefly brushes his knuckle against Verso's cheek before reaching to grab the cup that he intended to use to rinse the other man off with but aborts mid motion.]
Verso!
[He laughs, splashing his companion lightly.]
I think if you tried that at any party you would get kicked out. Both halves of you.
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[ Yes, he focuses on that point, but lets out a small sigh. ] Don't you worry about getting disillusioned by others?
[ And he huffs out a little laugh at the idea that he's going to let him down.
He holds his hands up after hearing his name and being splashed. The pose he takes is surrendering; he even tilts his head down to recognize he's said something that he shouldn't. ]
Well, you haven't seen it. It's quite remarkable.
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I'm just a man. Yes, I stand by what I believe in but at the end of the day that's all I am.
[Clive resumes his reach for the cup and continues rinsing the soap off. The water is starting to get a bit lukewarm and he wants to get Verso finished up before it gets too cold.]
Not really. People are complex. There may be times when someone I think is one thing turns out to be something else entirely, but there is always a reason for that.
[Clive shrugs.]
I might not agree, but everyone should be allowed to make their own choices and shape their own lives.
[Clive finishes rinsing Verso and sits back.]
I'm sure it is. I'd still rather not see you cut in half. I wouldn't know what to do with you. Now, do you need help getting up?
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[ Almost subconsciously, he lightly rests his hand against his own chin. His eyes drift toward the edge of the tub -- not minding the lukewarm water, not minding this quiet time. He wonders if he believes that to be true: that he is shaping his own life.
The ink of his blood will tell him what to do, but is that him?
Another soft joke: ] I hope that doesn't mean that you'll forgive. Your heart may end up being too big if that is the case, Clive. You're making your best friend worry.
[ Right. He shifts and rests his hands on either side of the tub. ]
All right. No party trick for you. Just this trick of getting out of a tub. [ He does release his hold on the edges, though, so that he could once more let the water drain by pulling the plug. ] Almost forgot step one. [ His tone is always light as he goes back into position of bracing himself with the edges and pushing himself up to stand. ]
Success. [ He cheers with a smile. ]
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[Clive shrugs.]
As for hearts, I couldn't tell you.
[Clive steadies himself to make sure that he can catch Verso if he needs to. He has noticed that nearly all of the smaller wounds have healed and that many of the deeper wounds have nearly closed, but he'd rather not risk it.
Clive smirks at the light tone.]
Don't worry. I'm not too much of a softy.
[Clive smiles and wraps the towel around Verso, holding his hands out to catch him if he stumbles on his way out of the tub.]
We're one step closer to getting you into something more comfortable. I'll even tuck you in.
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[ At least, he's standing and being given the help to step out of the tub. Also, hey, a towel. Although, he wouldn't mind -- Verso decides to end that thought there, because friskiness is beyond him. Shame.
But that is the price of taking someone's burden. ]
I'm glad. [ Sincerely said. ]
Remember -- [ He points at him. ] Little spoon offer is still on the table. [ He makes a gesture of setting something on an invisible table. But there is some weariness that is coming to him; he starts to shuffle toward the door. Right -- drying. His head tips back but does, at least, go through the motions of drying himself off.
Because the promise of sleep is just outside the door. ]
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I think you'll be alright on the jealousy front. As long as you don't start treating me like the second coming of god, we'll be fine.
[Clive helps Verso into the robe after his body is dried off and gives his head a solid rub down to get the extra moisture out of his hair before walking with him to the bed. He pulls back the covers.]
I need to clean up first, but I could go for a nap.
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[ Certainly, he does appreciate being dry and have something cozy on. The additional service of being walked to the bed is appreciated. Enough so that he slides in without complaint.
He lightly points to the empty space next to him, but is aware he may be asleep by the time Clive joins him, still! ]
Little spoon.
[ He says yet again as his words become a little more slurred and audibly exhausted. ]
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[Really, he's not used to being either spoon. His life hasn't exactly afforded him much opportunity to hold others or be held by them. The thought is, admittedly, appealing.
Clive pulls the blanket up.]
Little spoon. I'll be back.
[Clive returns to the bathroom, strips down, and gives himself a quick wash. Nothing like what he did for Verso, but enough to get the dirt and sweat off before slipping into the second robe and returning to the bed.
There is something charming about Verso's sleepy form all cuddled up in the bed, clean and innocent in a way that Clive is learning he doesn't allow himself to be while awake.
Clive climbs into bed and turns away from the other man, moving until he can feel Verso's slow breathing on the back of his neck. He reaches back and takes an arm, lightly draping it over his waist before pulling the blanket back up.
And if there is a pang in his chest, a stab of longing, he closes his eyes against it to rest.]