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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! |
You're voice testing. That's great.
[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??
[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.
[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.
[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.]
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[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?
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[Did she remember that? There was....a lot. A lot of adventures and weirdness ensued with their group. Usually made memorable by Scanlan somehow or other. Still, she focuses on trying to find the other, brightening at the idea of food also waiting.
When she sits next to Vex, she shrugs at the question.]
Spritely? I dunno. I was just relieved to know you were here too. I was wandering around looking for you. Wherever this....Saucer place is. Did you hear if any of the others are around somewhere?
[Keyleth asks, seeming immediately focused on Vex now that she's found her friend, sipping at her drink and thanking the archer as she glances around almost expectantly. Hopefully.]
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I've heard that Vax is here, but no one's seen or heard from him for a while. He also didn't respond to my call out.
[Which worries her a great deal. Things are bad enough. She doesn't need more stress over it all.]
The others, I'm not sure. I think we're it. I don't even have Trinket, Keyleth. [The last is said in a small, pained whisper.]
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[Keyleth tries to reassure the other. Trying to reassure herself that he was probably just busy? Just hadn't seen that Vex had arrived and was looking for him yet. Because she doesn't want to dwell on the potential implications that come to mind if others hadn't heard from him in a bit. If something had happened to him before they had arrived....
But then that train of thought goes out the window and she pauses in having a drink when the other mentions Trinket.]
.....W-wait, what? No. No! However, we ended up here, that -- but....Trinket is....?
[Yeah. She is not happy about that either. Keyleth is usually barely accepting that certain places, it might not be the most appropriate to bring a bear along with them. But. This? She's mad and upset, even just on her friend's behalf, hearing the pain in that whisper.]
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[Grog had always loved to be with Scanlan and Pike and no one could blame him, but Vex's circle was actually a pentagon and without two points, she's not sure how she's going to go on. However, having Keyleth here does help her to stay calm and not go on a rampage to pull down whatever god is in charge here. She's faced many gods back in Exandria. What's another, right?]
When I went through my belongings, Raven's Slumber wasn't there. And I'm not sure that he would have been inside in his little chamber, considering he'd taken to exploring the castle since we weren't fighting anything.
[She's trying. She really is. However, without Trinket, she feels like a vital part of herself is gone: a limb, her heart, her other half of her soul. She'd felt this way when away from Vax as well, but having no animal companion made her feel fundamentally barren. And that's not even touching the huge hole that is where Percy should be.]
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[Didn't Vex usually always have it on her? Keyleth worries, biting her lower lip. She's been too distracted to touch the offered food or drink much yet. Too worried about their friends. And now? Well. There's some anger and frustration there, too. It had always seemed like Vex was a package deal along with Vax. And Trinket was just as much a part of that. It's hard to imagine her without the bear companion. Keyleth raises a hand to the archer's back, sympathetic and wishing there were more she could do.
Maybe....maybe there's a way to bring Trinket here? I mean. We're here? So....there has to be some way?
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[As much as she'd like for that to be true. Time didn't go back. Not without consequences that would destroy worlds.
As far as Raven's Slumber goes, well... She doesn't wear it as often nowadays. She spends her time as the Grand Mistress of the Grey Hunt in Whitestone and making sure that her husband eats and doesn't spend all his time in his workshop trying to assemble a clock tower to add to Whitestone's many charms. So, no, it's not unusual at this point that Vex isn't wearing the pocket dimension at all times.]
You're right. There's got to be a way either to go back home or to bring Trinket and the others here. I'm just not sure who I'd want here first, him or Percy
[The answer is Trinket. It's always Trinket. Sorry, Percy.]
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[It's....weird? To not have the whole group? She's gotten used to it. Being around them all. Even if Pike had her moments where she was off doing her thing sometimes. Keyleth still finds herself to be somehow expectant about spotting them, like it's instinct or habit, just because she's here and she has found Vex, at least. She takes a drink, perhaps a bigger one than she had intended before she pouts a little.]
.....I'd vote Trinket.
[...Look. She may just be immediately biased because. It's Trinket. The best bear.]
Campaign Spoilers in here
[She does feel strange not knowing where Grog and Pike are, since they're both full-time residents of Whitestone now. Scanlan has been with Kaylee all this time, but with Taryon returning home to Deastok to take over for his family, and Keyleth and Vax in Zephrah to lead the Air Ashari, Vex is sort of gotten used to some distance with half of Vox Machina. But... not like this.
Contemplating things, Vex takes her own drink before letting out a light laugh at Keyleth's answer.]
I suppose if Vax is here, you can wait for your best friend, hm? Don't worry. I won't tell Percy if he comes that you said that.
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[Keyleth never really did get much progress in trying to be better about drinking. Or, more, how easily she would get drunk. It doesn't take much. But she is oblivious to just how far ahead the other is in comparison to her. So far, anyway. Still, she laughs, nudging the archer and trying not to spill her precious drink in the process. Which she may or may not succeed at, because Keyleth is nothing if not clumsy at the best of times. Let alone when drinking.]
No. No, don't tell Percy...!
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[The truth of the matter is that it took a while for Vex herself to not feel incredibly jealous of the way that Scanlan took to fathering Kaylee after he learned about his daughter. She knows it's ridiculous, since Syldor is alive, but her sperm donor has never truly been a father for her or her brother. He's decently attentive with Velora, but not his two oldest.
And despite declaring that she would remove every drop of his blood from her veins if it were possible and meaning it, Syldor Vessar is still the man who helped to form Vex'ahlia and Vax'ildan into the people they became. Spite and all.
Vex gives another chuckle at Keyleth being Keyleth, feeling calm for the first time since her arrival to this strange world. Being with the other woman is reassuring and keeps Vex from panicking, which is never good for anyone involved when it happens.]
Oh, and what exactly will you do for me if I keep this secret for you? I'm sure that Percy would appreciate if his wife was more honest with him.
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[Keyleth says. She just had a harder time thinking of Scanlan as being responsible when he was so often the one who was drinking and sleeping around. But that did not mean he didn't have his moments. If anything, it was a good thing if he was able to use this to settle down more.
Still, she glances over at the other, swallowing when she asks that.]
I don't know? What would you want me to do for you?
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[And, that's the crux, isn't it? Out of all the whoring Scanlan did, he only has one daughter to show for it. A daughter who tried to kill him the first time they met, but that's not really the point. He'd taken to being responsible for another life pretty quickly and let her make changes in his life that Vex was sure only Pike could've pulled off. It was both touching and a little creepy at the same time.
Keyleth's questions just make Vex smile sweetly.]
I don't know. What do you say to a little tracking and reconnaissance trip to find Vax and somewhere yo get supplies. I'm sure we can check out these games to see what they have to offer. Unless you want yo stay here drinking until you pass out?
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[Keyleth muses, unable to help but wonder. If it had happened once, there was always the chance it might happen again, that he just didn't know he had the kid. Still, she nods in agreement to Vex's suggestions.]
Oh. Well, yeah. I mean, I was going to help you look for Vax anyway. But no. I'm not drinking that much.
[She who doth protest. She may be slightly better about getting drunk so easily, but she still doesn't have the best tolerance. Besides, that seems like a bad idea, to be so vulnerable in a strange new place, even if she has her friend at her side.]
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[If Vex has to explain that to Keyleth, she might die of laughter, but she'd be happy to do so.]
Good, good. Then let's take our drinks as we walk and explore. I doubt these robots are going to hunt us down. And if they do, well, I doubt they'll survive a Heat Metal spell.
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[Does she actually want to know?? This isn't just because Scanlan eats meat, is it?
Still, she nods in agreement, picking up her drink and holding her staff in her other hand, ready to follow Vex as she stands, glancing around and wondering where to start. She supposes not in the direction she had initially come from, at least. She hadn't seen Vax there, not unless she had somehow completely missed the rogue.]