TDM 008

[etrayamods]

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 ⏴Interdimensional Games 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. Gold Saucer Games 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. Sparklers & Glowsticks 10 gp Bunny Suit 300 gp Bunny Stockings & Heels 150 gp Animal Ears (Random) 500 gp Kigurumi (Random) 100 gp Chocobo Barding (Random) 1000 gp Classic White Mage Robes 500 gp Classic Black Mage Robes 500 gp Plush Toy (Random) 100 gp Wind-Up Minion (Random) 200 gp Chocobo Mascot Suit (Random Color) 2000 gp Triple Triad Booster Pack 50 gp Triple Triad Card in your Likeness 10,000 gp ⏵ NOTES ⏴ 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! ⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Comments

[repaintress]

If they are denizens of Hell, I presume the ruse is to further torture me.

If they are not and some worlds are best represented by people who wear tartans and paisley, then those worlds aren't worth saving. If they are telling the truth, the actions are reasonable.

[restingstitchface]

Reasonable differs according to perspective. And come the end of the day, the only perspective that matters is your own - and all the social obligations that pressure it.

In any case, I see the combination of tartan and paisley repulses you. Have you considered that such revulsion can inform you of deeper emotion? It is not something to be frightened by.

[repaintress]

What a groundbreaking observation.

I do not buy from wandering salesmen.

[restingstitchface]

I'm not selling anything except an opinion and that's for free. So really, if it doesn't cost anything, can that be classed as a sale?

[repaintress]

If you wish to plumb the depths of my emotional state, you may buy tickets to my exhibitions like anyone else, Monsieur.

The deeper emotion is distress at how little others value beauty in their lives.

[restingstitchface]

Beauty is subjective and that makes beauty itself a philosophical concept. Unlike medicine, it is hardly based on objective, universal standards.

In any case, I suppose I could purchase a ticket. But where is beauty in an emotion freely given? I prefer the elegance of taking what I need.

[He is not someone who meekly waits and asks to be told what to think. And by medicine he means drugs.]

[repaintress]

Why would beauty's subjective nature impact its value? Much that is valuable about the world is subjective. Medicine is less objective than physicians were prefer.

It is a pleasure you warn me in advance not to keep your company unless I am armed.

[restingstitchface]

Well, the value would be impacted because beauty is admired differently between different people. What I consider beautiful you might not - and given your stident behaviour I imagine you've had a fair few disagreements over your preferences.

Oh, you also misunderstand me. I don't value sexual relationships all that highly.

[repaintress]

Oh, a man I've never met has called me strident. I must inspect my behavior post-haste.

[The sarcasm drips through the screen somehow.]

Something can be valued equally by many people even if the expression is different. Two mothers may each value their children, even if what they value in the children is quite different.

You will attempt to disregard my boundaries. I will enforce them. Which boundaries those are is immaterial.

[restingstitchface]

[Curious, isn't it? That she leaps to making a comparison involving a mother and her children. One would not offer something so personal off the bat to a stranger.]

I have as much interest in your boundaries as you do mine. Which is to say none at all.

[His tone is more cold and dismissive than hot and sarcastic like hers. Equally sardonic but unresponsive to provocation.]

But continue believing otherwise if words are what helps you sleep at night.

[repaintress]

Then we shall see who is better at asserting themselves.

No, that's laudanum.

[restingstitchface]

Laudanum. A 10 percent solution of opium powder in alcohol.

[Widely used to treat pain and insomnia - and female disorders.]

I'm afraid you'll find this place is fresh out. Not that you seem the sort to be overcome by addiction.

[repaintress]

Am I to be impressed?

[ Most people know what laudanum is. ]

No. Overindulgence would risk my instrument.

Have you spent any time in an opium den?

[restingstitchface]

I hardly need visit one to understand the weakness of addiction.

In any case, I cite the composition because modern advancements in medicine are quite astonishing.

[repaintress]

I find them an interesting dissection of the human spiral into madness. The way their eyes dart and lose focus, how their inner selves are hollowed out and replaced with something primal and animalistic. The stupor.

They are good inspiration.

Given the advancements in medicine over the last century, I see no reason they would not continue.

[restingstitchface]

[Oh, you're talking about madness? Sit down, Clea. You're in his asylum, now.]

I have seen enough of madness to understand that sanity is nothing but the judgement of the majority. Society judges the outside to be insane. The outside judges society as a mass exhibition of insanity.

The same as what medication is deemed acceptable and what is deemed to need to be controlled. Who decides that? The individual? Or the wider community?

[Ha ha fuck mass opinion amirite?]

[repaintress]

Of course. The sane build the distinction because they fear the truth: That insanity resides in the heart of each and every man. It is only a question of circumstances that draw it out. In naming them and declaring them something else entirely, they do not have to face their fear, or the parts of themselves that make them squirm in discomfort.

So too do the insane fear their own sanity. They have fled the world and taken refuge in their own minds, and they cannot bear to be reminded the world persists.

Your authorities suppress medications? Do they not have serious matters to attend to?

[ RIP Crane you would have loved the early 20th century. ]

[restingstitchface]

Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you.

[Two statements are answered with one of his favourite sayings. There is beauty in simplicity. In a collection of letters one can write on their palm. They almost count the same amount as a chemical equation. A formula that if followed to the letter (ha) results in a perfect composition.]

In any case, authorities in the present day restrict medication to ensure patient safety and minimise harm. It all takes control out of the hands of the individual to make their decisions - for good and bad - and places it firmly in the hands of society.

[repaintress]

[ Clea does not find herself laughing often. Now, less so than she used to. Any levity is welcome. A small balm over a gaping wound. ]

Please do. The sane are so boring. I dislike being bored.

That is moronic. Anything left in the hands of greater society inevitably becomes mediocre pablum and geared towards people who don't understand swords are sharp.

[restingstitchface]

True. But consider it another way. It makes addicts of them all.

Are you familiar with the concept of mass hysteria?

[Oh look. It's another topic in his wheelhouse.]

[repaintress]

An interesting point. One could consider social conformity and addiction. An addiction to others' approval. Or to ease.

[ Neither of which hold any appeal to her. ]

I am not.

[restingstitchface]

Well, consider those events in your life where groups of people have simultaneously demonstrated similar physical symptoms or the same beliefs or behaviours without clear physical origins.

The most famous being the witch trials of old. Religious fervor, societal tension and deeply-rooted fear all combining together to create mass delusion that encompassed the entirety of society.

Now imagine what could happen here should one provide a substance that allows those without power to level the playing field. What do you suppose might happen? A mass outbreak of disapproval, certainly...

[repaintress]

Would the Dancing Plague be one such example?

How do you know that the witch trials were a mass delusion? Perhaps there truly were witches among them. Our Gifts have certainly been compared to witchcraft.

[ It isn't even a particularly absurd comparison. There were yards of boring religious tracts across the world with dusty theologians arguing about the artistic Gifts. ]

I lack the context to say, monsieur. I fail to see why it would engender disapproval. Others being able to dance does not detract from my own skill. My primary questions would be what manner of 'power' is being discussed and what cost the provisioner would extract for such a thing.

[ Since they are, of course, speaking hypothetically. ]

[restingstitchface]

The Plague would be. Though one prominent theory suggests ergot poisoning from contaminated rye.

Regarding the trials, I simply provided an extended example that occured not nationally but globally.

And though I would argue the word is loaded with fear and respect, for is there truly a difference, there no such thing as a witch. The word was - still is - a label used to scapegoat and sunder those society wishes to marginalise. Wise women. Intelligent women. Assertive women.

Women, period.

[Can you tell he's an equal opportunities asshole, yet?]

In any case, others would consider such advancement without work and effort a form of cheating. But those protests always originate from those already gifted, don't they?

[repaintress]

If that were so, would there not be more historical examples of something akin to the Dancing Plague? It is difficult to believe that the rye would only be so contaminated once.

It is a rather gendered concept. Though a fair number of the female sex seem to enjoy their position.

[ And if Clea has to listen to one more discussion about babies she is going to Paint her hearing away. Before that was marriage and courtship. Although men tended to be as dull in different directions. Finance and erotic fixations. ]

If society did not marginalize the intelligent, wise, and assertive, they would need to confront how much of their own lives has been built from tradition and authority. They do not wish to confront their own lack of creativity or their lack of courage. They must convince themselves they are content with their small lives.

Should a man with no legs complain of those who dance? How the gift is given matters less than what one does with it.