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

Vex'ahlia De Rolo | Critical Role Campaign 1: Vox Machina | New Character

[usedhuntersmark]

Voice

Alright, you've had your fun. I want to meet this Echo in person, not his liaison. Though she appears to be a rather polite vision, I'm not a fan of illusion magic. I would like to know where my brother, bear and husband are. As well as the rest of Vox Machina.

Vax'ildan, if you're here: We. Need. To. Talk.

Gold Saucer

[Having spent a great deal of time in the Feywild, Vex finds herself walking around the glitzy and flashy Gold Saucer with a half-amused, half-annoyed smile. She detests true gambling, as money is meant to be saved and hoarded until it must be spent. And even then, prices are negotiable - a truism she'd never really been able to beat into Grog or Tary, no matter how much she tried.

So, while she does play a few games, she's happy to spend her time at some of the bars, eating and drinking. And, despite her svelte frame, she can truly put down the mugs of ale that are set down in front of her. When someone comes and joins her at the table, she merely puts down her glass and looks over with a sardonic smirk.]

Hello. Please, sit.

Wildcard

[It's been a while since I've played Vex, but I'm open for anything. If you want to start something, or chat, you can reach me on discord at nothlir or on plurk nothlir . Trust me. I'm ready.]

gold saucer

[oblige]

[ Dion hadn't made a habit of frequenting the bars, spotting a woman wearing blue feathers as an adornment sees him veering in her direction. He parts his lips to offer her a polite greeting, only for her to be quicker at the draw, so he changes course. ]

Thank you.

[ A polite nod follows his words before Dion seats himself across from her. Absent a drink, and apparently not concerned with the fact, he visibly debates with himself before speaking again. ]

Please excuse me if I am mistaken, but do you happen to go by "Vex"?

[ Vax quite wisely provided him with a name he couldn't easily mispronounce when he'd described her some time hence. This could be another woman entirely, another who wears blue feathers and just happens to bear a resemblance to the man he'd met, for the universe is vast. But he made a promise, and he'd be remiss if he did not ask. ]

[usedhuntersmark]

[Vex takes a long moment to look over the newcomer. He might be intruding upon her brooding, but that's hardly here nor there. And she has some manners, despite what certain parties might think. Or deserve.

He's good looking. Not as handsome as Percy, of course, but that's hard to do.

She calls over a server for another drink and orders one for the man before he asks his question. When they're alone again, her smile goes flat.]

To my friends. To everyone else, it's Lady Vex'ahlia de Rolo.

[oblige]

[ Dion invests a good moment mentally reviewing his conversation with Vax. He doesn't recall having been instructed on proper address, but he imagines the man was trying to spare him the blunder of mispronunciation.

Whatever the case may be, his expression is appropriately contrite when he responds. ]

My apologies, then, for being overly familiar.

[ However unwitting it may be, it is his mistake all the same. Having addressed that, he straightens ever so slightly, though he didn't appear to be slouching to begin with. ]

I ask because I'm acquainted with a fellow who introduced himself as Vax. He has been searching for his sister, who wears blue feathers such as those.

[ Dion doesn't point, he needn't compound his previous rudeness, instead tipping his head slightly as indication. ]

[usedhuntersmark]

[As if some sort of magic words have been spoken, Vex's attitude goes from guarded and bitchy to open and worried.]

You know my brother? Looks like me, but not as pretty? Stick thin? Wears nothing but black?

[At the mention of the feathers, Vex reaches her hand up to touch them.]

They were a gift, once upon a time.

[oblige]

[ Dion does his level best not to smile at the description, but his is a terribly honest face, and some mirth still finds his eyes. This is simply because Vax had similarly used himself as a basis of comparison when describing his sister. Their assessments of one another mark them as siblings as much as their features do.

He can't help but be both pleased and relieved that Vax may soon see his sister again. ]

Yes, he most certainly matches that description.

[ Dion wastes no time in confirming, knowing the particularly keen edge that uncertainty can have in Etraya. ]

I had the impression they were important, though I'm not privy to the details. That I'd know you by sighting them was enough.

[ Enough that he would be able to identify her, barring a case of extreme coincidence. ]

[usedhuntersmark]

[She's terribly perceptive anyway, but it's nice to be around someone who has an honest face. It's been a while since she's spent time with Keyleth or Pike. And as much as she loves Percy, he's only honest when they're alone. Like a good ruler.

But, to say that she's relieved to meet someone who knows her brother would be an understatement. She doesn't want to talk about how long it's been since she's spoken to him. It would hurt. But, dear Dawnfather, she doesn't want to start crying when Vax isn't even here to yell at.]

Do you know where he is? I have to speak with him.

[And if there's an intense edge to her voice, well, it can be boiled down to anxiety to see her brother.]

He's the one that gave them to me, so it makes sense that he'd mention them. I will forever be the girl who has feathers and a bear. It's not a bad life, I suppose.

[oblige]

[ A bear.

It is a temptation to ask, but Dion prioritizes the matter that concerns her in the moment. ]

I know not his location within Etraya at the moment, however...

[ He lifts a hand, pointing at the device on his ear. All of them are issued these gadgets, and thankfully they provide a simple solution to the matter of where to find Vax in this moment. ]

These devices allow us to communicate remotely. Should you make use of yours, you should be able to reach him, or someone who can.

[ On the whole, the population of Etraya tends to be helpful in such regards. Dion is confident that Lady Vex'ahlia de Rolo will either reach him directly or be put in touch with him. They all know the importance of those from home. ]

Voice | un: pikohammerhero

[pricklybloom]

[ While Amy doesn't recognize the voice itself, there's something about the accent that's somewhat familiar. But then she hears a name she recognizes. ]

Oh! You know Vax?

[usedhuntersmark]

[Vex prides herself on not forgetting voices, but it's hard to recognize one she's never heard before. That doesn't stop the ranger from filing away the information into a new file to take out later.

And since this appears to be someone who knows her brother, she doesn't have to be quite so... annoyed.]

I would hope so. He's my not-so-cute twin brother. How do you know him?

[pricklybloom]

[ A small, delighted gasp. ] Oh! You're his sister! That's great!

...I mean, it's not great that you're stuck here with the rest of us. But Vax will be glad to see you, at least!

Anyway, it's nice to meet you! Or, talk to you anyway. My name's Amy Rose. Vax has actually been teaching me archery.

[usedhuntersmark]

Yes, I'm his beautiful, smarter sister. [She's not his only sister and she'd hardly dismiss Velora or Pike like that to claim otherwise.]

I will be glad to see him as well. As soon as he shows his face. Of course, if I have to pull him out of the shadows myself, it will hardly be the first time.

[The fact that the girl mentions Vax'ildan teaching anyone archery is a little absurd.]

I'm surprise he isn't teach you to sneak around corners and lift off small trinkets that catch your eye. I'm the archer of the two of us. Although, I suppose he does know how to use a bow. Just not well.

[pricklybloom]

[ Knowing the kind of teasing people do when they're close, Amy only giggles at that. ]

Well, it's nice to meet you! I know Vax really missed you.

[ And she has noticed Vax's tendency to disappear sometimes, but that's hardly her place to really talk about it. Still, she's glad that he has someone he knows here now. ]

Well, it was kind of a thing. There was this camp, and we all had things we were assigned to help out with, and his was the archery area. And he did mention that you were the archery expert, but he also said that the things he showed me are things he picked up from you.

[ So there's that? ]

[usedhuntersmark]

[Wait until Amy sees Vex and Vax side-by-side. She'll see just how close they really are. Things are different when you share a womb at the same time.]

I have missed him as well. So, it's good that we're both here. How was he when you last saw him?

[She's not crying, but her voice is a bit tight. She's not talking about why though, because she will cry then. And that's the last thing she wants to do with this stranger. Better to cry all over Vax's stinky shoulder.]

I remember trying to get Vax to teach me about his knife work. He's not a terrible teacher. I suppose he was sufficient, but now that I'm here, I'll have to check his work to make sure he's not as bad as I remember.

[pricklybloom]

He seemed... okay? He's always really nice when we meet to practice.

[ But she doesn't quite know him well enough yet to tell when or if something is wrong.

Vex's choice of words does make her curious though. ]

You weren't with him before being brought here?

[ She'd heard that time was supposed to stop back home for them when they're brought here, but if Vex noticed her brother missing then that would change things a bit. ]

Oh yeah, he's a great teacher! I've never really done archery before and he's really helped me out.

voice; (I'll have you know I have zero idea what I am doing. this is fine.)

[aershari]

Huh? Ah -- Vex? Vex, you're here too?!

[Wait. Wait, if the others aren't with Vex....? Where were they? Even Trinket? This place was strange enough without worrying about her friends on top of all this weirdness. But at the same time. Well. They can't say they are unaccustomed to weirdness. It just kind of.....happens. Where their ragtag group of friends was concerned. This is Fine. Probably.

Hopefully.

At least the two of them have each other, for now. If Vex was here, maybe that meant the others were around somewhere too?]

Are you okay?

You're voice testing. That's great.

[usedhuntersmark]

Keyleth? Thank the Dawnfather you're here!

[Well, no, not really. She'd wish that neither of them were here, but that doesn't really matter at this point. If Keyleth and Vax are here, then that's fine. They can go back to being the half-elf trio of trouble for a bit.]

I'm not sure what I am right now, Keyleth. I've no idea where Percy, Trinket or the others are. And this entire building feels like the Feywild threw up in it.

[And her thoughts about the Feywild aren't all that great.]

I wonder if Artagan has any say on this place. It seems like somewhere his Garmelie personality would love.

I’m doing something??

[aershari]

I’m here. Wherever here is. I can come try find you? Then we can look for the others together?

[One thing at a time. Focus on what she can do. Finding each other would be the priority. Then they can figure out next steps together. Keyleth can’t help fretting about the others, but she can at least start by focusing on Vex.]

Unless you want me to stay where I am and you come to me? I’m not quite sure what to make of this place. I just hope the others are okay.

Something is better than nothing, I suppose.

[usedhuntersmark]

From what I've gathered, this monstrosity of a realm is called the Gold Saucer, but it is not the entirety of where we've been taken to. I can tell you more in person.

[Vex considers their options. She's a better tracker, obviously. And even without Trinket or having any sort of magical changes to herself or others, she could probably find Keyleth with her eyes closed. However, Vex is at a lounge area that wasn't that hard to find and she stands out.

Because she's so incredibly beautiful, of course.

The choice practically makes itself.]

Why don't you come to me? I'm in the lounge that's not that far from some place called the Honey Bee Inn. It's the least flashy place here and it appears to be quiet as well. I'll have some ale ready for you and we can exchange information and make a plan.

It is.

[aershari]

Gold....Saucer? Like a plate? It just seems really....loud. And bright. Busy.

[She isn't sure she likes it so much. But then. She is at least curious. Keyleth nods before agreeing to the idea. If she finds Vex, then at least they could be together and figure things out from there. Plus, ale awaits. Part of her wonders how long it might be before they end up banned from whatever lounge place here. It tends to be an ongoing struggle for them, given their ragtag group's affection for booze.]

Honey Bee Inn. Alright. I'll come to you, then.

[Thankfully it doesn't take long. Evidently, Keyleth hadn't been too far away, even if she did wander a little and explore, glancing around at things. She spots Vex's familiar feathers and the blue of her clothes, quickly approaching to join her friend.]

[usedhuntersmark]

Do you remember the Pixie village in the Feywild were we had to fight them? It's a bit like that. Only without Scanlan here to make it fun.

[Despite all the things that have happened between the members of Vox Machina, Vex loves them all fiercely and she tries to remember all of the fun and good times. However, this place? She's fairly sure she hates it. It feels... fake. And if there's one thing that Keyleth and Vex have always bonded over, it's nature.

And when Vex is by herself, she's well behaved. It's really Vax, Grog and Scanlan's joking around that got them banned from places pretty quickly. If they're not here to prank one another, Vex and Kiki should be fine.]

Wonderful. I suppose I'll order some food for us both so we don't get drunk on an empty stomach.

[And true to her word, Vex has food and drink waiting for Keyleth when she arrives, a mug of ale in hand that she slowly sips as she tracks the whole room. Old habits die hard, especially when her old paranoia is sparked.]

Darling, you look almost spritely as you make your way here. Have you done something new?

Gold Saucer

[badnewsandshitlist]

[Percy slides into the seat with a faint clink of buttons and a breathless grin. There’s a smear of something metallic on his cuff-paint or magic, it's hard to tell-and his hair’s a little windblown.]

“You know, I was expecting something… worse.”

[He glances around at the glowing lights, the bizarre architecture, the distant sounds of cheering and bells.]

“But I think I actually like it here. It’s all chaos and illusion and cleverly hidden mechanisms. Nothing makes sense, but everything works. Somehow.”

[He looks back at her, eyes warm.]

“You picked a good spot.”

[Then, with a quiet huff of laughter:]

“Want to try a few games? I saw a machine that spit tickets at me for just pulling a lever. Felt a bit like cheating. I enjoyed it immensely.”

[usedhuntersmark]

[When Percy sits down next to her, looking as if he's spent the last week in his workshop and crafted something truly wonderful, Vex feels all her anxiety about things fall off and her smile turns into one of amusement. Leave it to her husband to set her at ease, even when dealing with the unusual.

Although, she supposes it's all the new and strange things that he's hoping to take apart and examine that's keeping him from being as annoyed as she is. If not more.]

I could only imagine what would happen to most of the things here if Tary was with you. I'm sure you'd make this entire place look a lot less exciting as you experimented. I'd need Pike and Keyleth both to be on standby to make sure you didn't do something too dangerous.

[She's watched him tinker enough to be able to picture it all, but still, it's a great thought.]

I'm glad you like it. It's not too loud and it gives me a good perspective to scope out most of this casino.

[She slides over her mug of ale for him while she takes his arm with the smudged cuff to see if she can't get it out. Just normal things married people do, right?]

There was a knife throwing game that I've been banned from. Evidently, you can win too much. I suppose they should be happy that Vax isn't here as well.

[badnewsandshitlist]

[Percy lets her fuss with the cuff, arm resting between them on the table. His other hand curls around the mug she passed over, lifting it halfway as he eyes the stain.]

"Pretty sure that’s gun oil. Had to adjust the spring tension on Bad News this morning-got a bit messy."

[He takes a sip, then grins over the rim.]

"You got banned from knife throwing? That’s genuinely disappointing. I was looking forward to watching you rob someone blind. Gracefully, of course."

[He sets the mug down and shifts just enough for his knee to brush against hers under the table.]

"If the others were here… Grog would be halfway through a wrestling bracket he made up. Pike would’ve already charmed the bartenders. And Tary? Tary would be trying to trademark a cocktail in his name. Something expensive and mostly foam."

[He glances around, then back to her, voice soft.]

"I like it better like this. Just us. Kind of feels like a honeymoon, if we let it."

[He nods toward the games nearby.]

“Let me win you something. You can act impressed. I’ll act like I didn’t almost break it.”

[usedhuntersmark]

[She sniffs the stain, an old pro at this sort of things after their many years of adventuring.]

It's gun oil. You'll have to be more careful here, darling. There are no servants we can just pawn these off on. It's almost like we're back on the road. Only not in Exandria.

[Yes, she nags, but that's her thing when she loves someone. His smile though, makes her forget the minor irritation of the thought of how to get gun oil out of his linen shirt.]

Honestly, you'd think that me winning 50 straight throws would make popular, but alas, no. It's really rather rude, if you think about it. It's not as if I had my bow out.

[She does, however, dump out her pouch to show the truly impressive haul of tickets she's earned. And, well, if there's a little bear figurine in the mess too, who can judge her?

He's right about their friends, and while it does make her miss them, he's also right about it being just them. Even with the way that things have slowed down, Cassandra, Grog, and Pike are all in Whitestone and visit quite a bit. Or live in Whitestone Castle with them. It's part of the reason she hasn't given up her private residence in the city. It's sort of a haven for the two of them to stop being the Lord and Lady of a city and just be Vex and Percy.]

Well, we had that year after Keeper Yennen married us, but I suppose trying to rebuilt Whitestone again is hardly much of a honeymoon. And, Percy, darling, I am always duly impressed by your prowess. I thought you knew this.