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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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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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[Of course, Vivi has some vague awareness of infants. Has seen them around here and there occasionally with his travels. The tiny humans. He has no experience with something like that. Well, unless baby chocobos sort of count. Still, he nods in some limited understanding. That responsibilty was a lot, caring for someone so tiny and dependent on you.]
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Bobby Corwen absolutely counts and let no one say otherwise.]They do seem much the same.
[ From what Vivi has said, his magic is an inherent gift. It isn't one he appears to fear using, so Dion dearly hopes that means his world doesn't have to contend with any curse upon its use. To him, it's remarkable that one so young has such skill, and in a variety of elements. ]
Forgive me, I've not introduced myself. Dion Lesage. Please, call me Dion.
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Totally counts!!Vivi has come a long way in gaining more confidence, being more comfortable about using his magic. He's made such progress thanks to the support and encouragement of his friends. It's just instinct now to use his abilities to help in battle.]Oh! Right. I'm Vivi! Vivi Ornitier.
[They'd been so distracted and busy with the dragon. He only belatedly realizes that he hadn't exactly introduced himself. So he does so now, reminded when Dion gives his name. There's no recognition from him to be aware that the other was of such status. But he can vaguely recognize that similar sort of speech, perhaps, if he compares it to Garnet. The finer clothes are of higher quality. Still, if the other wanted him to know, he would say something. Vivi just takes him at face value, giving a nod.]
Dion, then.
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It is a pleasure to meet you, Vivi.
[ He nods politely, though the effect may well be lost with the difference in their heights. ]
Have you explored this place much just yet?
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[It's all kind of a lot. Vivi hasn't been anywhere quite this bright and busy. So loud, so many people, so many games. He's sure the others would enjoy this if they were here. Well. Okay, maybe not so much Steiner, but still. He's definitely been curious and has started to check things out. Noting certain things as familiar, even if this was not home.]
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[ He extends the offer, his own exploration of the place having been nowhere near exhaustive. It's a marvel that so much can be contained within one building like this. Dion has never encountered anything quite like it, even setting all the lights and noise aside. ]
My world hasn't anything resembling all this.
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[He offers, unsure if Dion has others. There's something vaguely familiar, some things from home. But this place still seems unlike anything Vivi has seen before. He doesn't mind exploring it with Dion, he's just unsure if the other might not be alone as he is, without any familiar faces, or at least, as far as he has seen yet.]
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[ He asks gently, suspecting he understands the intention behind Vivi's words. ]
Though I would not wish to impose either. I do know others here, but they have their own business as well.
[ Even if it had proved otherwise, Dion can't imagine they would be opposed. Vivi is a capable mage, but he is young, and all of this is daunting for any of them. Company can ease that to some degree. ]
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[Vivi won't deny that the idea of having company isn't a bad one. Especially when in an unfamiliar place. It is good to hear that Dion isn't alone. That he seems to have others here, other familiar faces from home, perhaps. It brings Vivi some reassurance. Some hope that maybe he might eventually find the others still. Somewhere, if he keeps looking.]
What did you want to see next?
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Worry not. I have seen them, and our nature is such that I can sense when they are near.
[ Though Dion had little occasion to think about it before, there is some reassurance in that simple knowledge. The Phoenix is here. Ifrit is here. He knows this remains so without needing to look upon them in the moment. ]
What say you to having a look at the card games? I only saw them in passing.
[ ooc: word of mod is Tetra Master's another card game option! ]
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[Huh. He guesses that would definitely be useful. It's not something Vivi himself has experience with, but he could see how that could be handy. To know if others were around or not. Still, he glances around when the other mentions card games, his hat shifting slightly along with his staff.]
Cards? I guess that wouldn't be too complicated? I could maybe try?
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[ That feeling is enough. Dion trusts that they're capable of navigating these circumstances, just as he has been.
He fully intends to confirm that they make it to Etraya proper, since one previously didn't, but for now... ]
Let's see what the card games are like then.
[ He glances around, then points out the card tables some distance away. ]