have you ever felt that FFI is too easy of a game?
would you like to make it easier? what about harder? want to remove the world map? what about completely redesigning the world map? what about changing entrances around, moving from Gaia to Mt. Gulg in a single doorway?
then you should try the Final Fantasy Randomizer!
the FFI randomizer will completely restructure the classic NES RPG to however you wish to play it, completely new ways to play it in any way you can think of.
there's a selection of randomization preset options, between "beginner" selections to make the randomization more easy if you're newer to the game, to "intermediate/expert" options if you're more familiar with the world of FFI.
Improved Vanilla and Beginner are the best selections for starting the randomizer. Beginner works by changing the game just enough to get you to be more familiar with how the randomizer works and functions, while IV fixes bugs that were present in the original, as well as adding quality of life fixes present in the later FF games.
Procedurally Generated Overworld is just what it sounds like - your stock-standard FFI experience, but the world has been completely randomized, areas will never be in the same spot twice.
Floaterless removes the airship, adding extra docks to the upper continent near most noteworthy areas.
Oops, All Loose! and Shard Hunt add key items and completion objectives into the item pool, chests will now carry items you need to finish the game! Shards themselves are the objective rather than the Orbs you need to collect to reach the Temple of Fiends.
Entrance and Floor Shuffle is exactly that. Doors will never lead to their original locations, you can go from one area to another without knowing where you go until its too late.
the beginner options are all simpler, they make the game just tricky enough to add a new challenge, and improve EXP and gold gain accordingly! but that's not all, the intermediate/expert options make the game all the more confusing.
Chaos Rush unlocks the Temple of Fiends immediately. your classes are pre-selected, and all methods of travel and upgrades unlocked. you level up much faster to compensate the end of the game being thrust upon you. how fast can you beat Chaos?
Deep Dungeon turns the game into a dungeon crawler. Coneria Castle turns into a 52 floor dungeon with Chaos waiting for you at the bottom, and different towns peppering the floors to make your trek a bit easier.
Free Enterprise models the experience after FF4: Free Enterprise. you start with 2 party members, and you get the opportunity to recruit more as the story progresses. there's quite a lot to this one!
Over Randomizer changes everything! new weapons, spells, enemies, bosses. anything that can be changed will be.
Hidden Chaos is my personal favorite. where is Chaos? who knows! you have to find him, trapped in a random chest somewhere in the entirety of the world!
Lich's Revenge changes the story, with the Fiend of Earth taking over, rather than Garland. all of humanity has fallen under the necromancer's plague of death, attacking you once their job has been done. bikke will strike as soon as you recieve his ship, as will the dwarves under mt. duergar, and even the king of dragons will challenge you once you prove your might as champions.
NOverworld is the final preset - not as a final challenge, but probably the hardest in my eyes. every village, castle, and dungeon is connected via staircase. the challenge comes from memory, and exploring every nook and cranny of the world to find out where the hell you need to go to get to Mirage Tower.
overall? FFIR is an incredible experience. all the presets change the game in a fun way, making everything so much more than the original game. not to say the original FFI is a bad game, it's a blast! but you should take some time to try FFIR, experiment on some of the extra options as well!
transmooglification? custom sprites? melmond zozo-fication? random vampire attack? major item shuffling? the world is yours to randomize - play FF1R with your own legally acquired ROM.
The next day, you and Tech get ready for work. As you drive to the garage, you remember Tech asking about when your last oil change was. He chuckles when you ask him about it.
"I already did that yesterday, mesh'la, after I got my computer. You need to be better about your vehicle maintenance." Your face heats up with the admonishment. You know he is right.
"I know, I'm sorry. I just don't always think about it. Thank you, though, for doing that for me. I appreciate it." You smile warmly at Tech as you pull up to the shop. Tech leans over the center console and gives you a kiss, his hand cupping your face.
"You are welcome. I want to do a few more maintenance things to the vehicle when I have time. Luckily, Gary has offered up his help with that. He has offered to have us over for dinner sometime, to meet his family, and I can use his garage and tools." You nod and lean back in for a quick kiss. "That is kind of him. We should do that sometime soon. I hope you have a good day."
Tech kisses you once more and gets out of the truck, wishing you a good day as well. You drive the couple of miles to your work. Once you are settled at your desk, Nan comes to talk with you.
"How is everything now that Tech is legal?" You turn your attention to your boss. "Good. Tech has decided that he wants to do computer programming, so he put in his two weeks with Tony at the shop." Nan hums. "I imagine Tony is not happy with that, but I don't blame Tech for picking the higher paying job. Do you still plan on living together?"
You are taken aback by that question. You and Tech are together as a couple, so you didn't see why you wouldn't be living together. Of course, if Tech hadn't just appeared in this universe and had been living on his own, then you probably would've waited on moving in with each other.
"Yes. I mean, there's really no point in him moving out with how rent is these days. My lease will be up in a couple months, so maybe we might think of getting a two-bedroom place or something, but we haven't really talked about that yet. Why do you ask?"
"I just want to know if you have talked about it. I want to make sure that you are going to be OK and that he is going to help contribute. You don't need him mooching off of you." While you know she is just making sure you're okay, you get a little annoyed.
"Tech is not like that. He's not the type of person to mooch off of anyone. Hell, he made sure to pay me back for everything that I bought for him when he won that poker tournament." You sigh. "I know you're just trying to look out for me. I promise everything is good. Tech and I will talk about things." Nan stares at you for a long moment, deciding you are telling the truth.
"I just want you to be careful, that's all. You know I love you like my own daughter, and I have to make sure you're okay. For what it's worth, I know Tech is a good egg. I just gotta make sure he treats you right." Nan comes over and gives you a hug, then retreats to her office.
You grab out your phone and write yourself a note to talk to Tech later about your current and future living arrangements, as well as his contributions to things like rent and food. The door chimes and your next patient arrives for their appointment.
—
Tech is working on a old jeep when he gets called into Tony's office. He grabs a cloth to clean off his hands before he opens the door. Tony waves at him to sit down next to another man whom Tony had been interviewing.
"This is Troy. He will be starting today." Tech turns and nods in his direction. "Troy, this is Tech, you will be replacing him in a couple weeks time. He will show you around the garage." Troy sticks his hand out for Tech to shake. "Nice to meet you."
Tech shows Troy around the garage after Tony dismisses them, and introduces him to Gary. "Nice to meet you, Troy. You'll have some big shoes to fill here when Tech leaves." Gary chuckles as Tech shakes his head at his friend's remark. "I am sure that Troy will be more than adequate." He turns to the new guy. "What is your experience with mechanics?"
Troy, who looks to be around Gary's age, replies confidently. "I have been working on cars since I was a kid with my dad. The last garage I worked at, I was there for over 5 years, so I'd say pretty experienced." Tech turns to Gary. "See, he is more experienced than I am." Gary shrugs and returns to the car he is working on.
Tech waves Troy over to the jeep he had been working on. "I am working on this older vehicle. It needs work on the carburetor and then an engine tune up. Would you assist me please?" Troy nods his head and gets to work helping Tech. As they work, Troy ventures a question. "What did you mean earlier when you said that I am more experienced than you?" Tech continues his task as he answers. "I only started working on vehicles a few months ago, but I do have mechanical experience in other areas."
Troy drops the tool he is using. "What?! You've only been doing this for a few months? Tony made it sound like you've been doing this forever." Tech grabs the tool from the ground and hands it back to Troy. "That would be correct. I have only recently begun to familiarize myself with cars." Tech goes back to his task.
"So why are you leaving?"
"I found a job in computer programming that is much more stimulating and better paying." Troy nods, even though Tech cannot see it from where he is at. "So you work on computers? That's cool." Tech hums in agreement.
Gary comes over from working on his job. "Hey Tech, did you want to hit up that taco truck for lunch? You can come too, Troy." Both men put down their tools, washing their hands and following Gary across the street to a food truck set up in a parking lot.
—
You are exhausted after work. You drive a couple of miles to pick Tech up from the garage, waiting for him to finish up. You notice him talking to a new guy. As he finishes up, he heads over to your car.
"Hey." You smile as he gets into the passenger seat. "Hello cyare. How was your day?" You start to drive home. "It was good, but I am definitely tired." You hear Tech chuckle.
"How about you? I see you have a new guy." Tech nods and looks at you. "Yes. His name is Troy, and Tony just hired him to replace me when I leave. He is very experienced." You hum and nod. "That is good, I suppose."
Once you are home, you and Tech get dinner ready together. He runs out to the grill to cook some steaks while you cook the sides. When everything is ready, you sit down to eat, music playing in the background. After dinner and clean up, you pull Tech down onto the couch again.
"Tech, now that things are settling down, what with you being legal now and you starting your new job soon, I figured it is time to talk about some things, like the future. I know that you are not the type of man to just mooch off of others, and now that we don't have to save up money to get you legal, you can help contribute to things like rent and food. If I go over the monthly bills with you, would you be willing to help me out?"
Tech grabs your hand and laces your fingers together. "Of course, cyare. I am glad you brought this up, because you are right. I do want to contribute to our living and eating expenses. I assume that my contribution is 50%, since it is just the two of us. I would also like to contribute to any savings for things like vacation or other things."
You smile brightly, happy to have such an understanding partner. "50% is totally fair. I can write out everything for you and you can transfer the money to me each month." You pull out a notebook and start writing out what each bill costs: rent, utilities (water, electricity), renters and car insurance, internet, streaming services (Disney+, Netflix). Luckily, your car is paid off.
Tech runs the math in his head and figures out his contribution, having you write it down on the paper. "I am not sure if Rita will increase my pay once I start full time or not. If she does not, I will still make more than enough to cover my portion, as well as some extra for savings." You nod in understanding.
"My lease is up in a couple months. We can definitely stay here, but I didn't know if you might want to look for a two-bedroom place, so you can maybe have your own space. I know that we are a couple, and I'm more than happy to share with you, but you might want your own space for your things."
Tech had a fond smile on his lips. "That is thoughtful of you, cyare. We can look if you would like, and see if there is anything within our budget." You wrap your arms around Tech's neck and hug him, kissing him on the cheek. He turns his head and catches your mouth, kissing you deeply. You pull back and rest your forehead against his in a keldabe, smiling up at him. "Thank you, Tech."
The day of the con is here. You and Kay had already spent two days at the con at Kay's art booth, and now it was Tech's turn. In preparation for the con, you helped Tech clean up his armor and put away the guns, ordering some new prop ones that got to the apartment just in time! You had asked Tech if he was going to be comfortable with random people asking for his picture, even if they are dressed like his squad. Tech took a moment to answer.
"I do not foresee any issue with the matter, as long as they are respectful. You will be there with me, so between the two of us, we can be vigilant. Do you know when we will be meeting with the celebrity guest?"
"I was thinking of heading over to the autograph area once Kay gets in and can take over the table in the morning, if that is okay with you?" Tech nods as he checks over his armor and the prop guns. He feels a little nervous about meeting the man who voices the clones in animation, but he is intrigued. You have been super excited about meeting him.
You both wake up early to get ready, Tech in his armor, and you wearing a black t-shirt saying "I Need Tech Support" with a drawing of Tech's helmet done by Kay. Since Kay has an appointment in the morning, she trades passes with Tech so he can go in early with you at the vendor entrance. Tech already gets some attention as you walk up, and you are taking pictures for people who ask nicely.
As you get to the booth, Tech gets stopped by another vendor. "You look fucking amazing! Are you a professional cosplayer?" Tech looks over at you for a moment before answering. "No, I am not. I like the character." The other guy looks Tech over in surprise. "Whoa, you even sound like him too! You should totally consider going pro, because your costume is like, legit awesome. Can I get a photo with you, please?" You had turned around and you took the guy's phone to take a picture when Tech gave the okay. The guy walks away, looking starstruck.
"You were right, a lot of people seem to love my character. I do not think I anticipated how much until now, and the con has not even started yet." You chuckle as you clap Tech's shoulder. "Do you think you'll be OK until we meet DBB, or would you like to change now? I don't want to overwhelm you, babe." Tech shakes his head. "I will be fine for now. It is just an interesting experience for me. You can say it is similar to how it was with the citizens at the riot race cheering for me." That makes sense to you.
You start seeing people walk by the booth, figuring they must have let the VIP pass holders in. Some people stop and ask for pictures with Tech, including one guy in stormtrooper armor. You had prepared Tech beforehand for that eventuality. "There is a group called the 501st Legion, named after Anakin/Vader's battalion, that has people from around the world who dress up as stormtroopers for charity events, cons, and sometimes even filming. They'll have a booth and plenty of troopers who may ask for a picture. Are you going to be okay with that, love?"
"Yes. It is not like they are real stormtroopers, let alone bad people. I will be fine." You had given him a big hug for that. You wanted to make sure that this wouldn't trigger any sort of bad feelings or PTSD on Tech's account.
An hour into the con, Kay shows up. "Sorry it took so long! My client was extra chatty. Did I miss anything?" You pull out your phone and show her some of the pictures of Tech with various cosplayers, and bring her up to speed with any sales. She smiles, giving you and Tech a hug as she shoos you away from the booth. "Have fun kids! Make sure to take plenty of pictures and keep your phone on in case I need to go to the bathroom." You laugh as you grab Tech's hand and head toward the celebrity area.
Tech gets a lot of attention as you walk through the crowds. You feel like you are Tech's handler, with everyone asking for pics, and getting a few of your own. Overall, Tech seems to take it in stride. He was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of people who expressed their love for his character and some even shared theories of how he survived the fall. He chuckled at that, wondering what people would think if they knew the truth of the matter.
Once you got to the celebrity area, you scoped out where Dee Bradley Baker's table was and saw a line starting. You both head over and find the end of the line, asking if anyone knew when he might be back. "They said something about him being back around 12:45 pm. He is doing photo-ops right now." You send Kay a text letting her know you'll be staying in line for now. As you stand in line, you strike up a few conversations with other fans, including a guy from Denmark who was visiting the States for the first time. Occasionally, you were interrupted by various people coming up to get photos with Tech.
A brunette woman comes out from behind the curtain and heads over to the line. "Hello! Thank you all for waiting for Dee. He is taking a break right now and should be back over here within 30 minutes. In the meantime, I just wanted to go over a few things with you. Right now, Dee is only doing autographs and selfies, and not doing any recordings. He is in the middle of shooting a series and so we want to save his voice. He may still talk to you in a voice if he chooses. If you want to have a selfie done, please make sure that the timer is turned off, he tends to take multiple pictures. If you do not have something for Dee to sign and want to pick a print, I will pass around a binder with the available prints and give it to you before you get up to the table to save some time."
The woman hands the binder to the first person in line, who you happen to be standing near. You look over the prints, along with the guy from Denmark, who notices a very specific print. "Oh my god, why would they have him sign that one?! That one is devastating!" He pokes the print of Rex with Fives dying in his arms. You totally agree with the sentiment, thinking that is as bad as him signing a Tech "Plan 99" one. As the binder gets passed to you and Tech, you both look for one of the Batch. There were only two of the whole squad, and only one that didn't look like a bad screenshot of a scene.
Tech catches the woman's attention. "We would like one of 16-B, please." The brunette's eyes widen at hearing Tech's voice, not expecting it to sound like a slightly deeper version of Dee's voice as the character. "Wow, you really went all out for the cosplay! That's so cool! I'll be back with that print." You snort when she leaves Tech standing there like a fish, his mouth opening and closing in confusion.
A few minutes after getting it, DBB arrives at the table. As you wait for your turn, you grab Tech's hand and squeeze, feeling the jitters. You have gotten plenty of autographs from celebrities in the past, but you couldn't help but feel nervous each time. You always imagine you'll say more than "Hi" or whatever, but you at least try to say "thank you for coming, it means a lot", because it does.
Once you are at the table, you pay the fee for an autograph/selfie combo. You figured this was a once in a lifetime chance, and you wanted a photo of Tech and Dee together. When it is your turn, you and Tech step forward. Dee takes in Tech and his armor.
"Hello folks! Wow, look at that. Tech, our hero!" You smile as you slide the print over for him to sign, your voice suddenly gone. Tech takes the lead. "Hello, sir. Thank you for being here. My partner and I are really excited to make your acquaintance." Dee stops dead for a moment, really taking Tech in again. You imagine he wasn't expecting to hear Tech's voice match his own in a lot of ways. He licks his lips before speaking again.
"What is your name?" You and Tech share a look before you answer. "You wouldn't believe us if we told you." Dee's eyes go wide at that comment, but then laughs. He asks you for your phone to do the selfies. You hand it to Dee with the camera on and go to step away, when he stops you. "Nuh-uh. Get in there, you're getting a selfie too." You feel Tech wrap his arm around your waist and pull you closer as Dee starts taking photos, making silly faces and bringing the phone closer to his face. Once he is done, you ask if he would be willing to do just one with Tech alone, and he nods, coming around the table and standing next to Tech. As you put the phone down, Dee gets Tech's attention, speaking to him in hushed tones. He claps Tech on the back as he rounds the table. "It's nice meeting you, both of you. Take care!"
As you both walk away, you look up at Tech. "What did he say to you?" Tech stops and pulls you closer. "I think he thinks there is more to me than he originally thought." Your brows furrowed, you went to open your mouth to speak, when Tech held his finger to your lips. "It is alright, mesh'la. There is nothing to worry about. Let us get back to Kay and grab our lunches, okay?" You nod and Tech leans down to plant a kiss on your lips.
🤡 What's a line, scene, or exchange you've written that made you laugh?
1: "WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU, WHY ARE YOU IN MY ROOM, AND WHY ARE YOU COSPLAYING TECH?"
2: "You finally banged!" was the first thing Kay said as she walked into your apartment. Your face grows warm. "And you know that how?" Your sister gives you The Look. "Aside from the huge purple hickey on your neck, nice hiding it by the way, it's the glow." You give your sister an unamused look. "The glow? Am I a fucking lightning bug now or something?"
Both of these had me wheezing 🤣 💀
🎶 Do you listen to music while you write? What song have you been playing on loop lately?
Not all the time, but if I'm writing at night, sometimes I'll be listening to German or Nordic neo-pagan/folk (Faun, SKÁLD). There's been a couple times I've listened to German metal (Eisbrecher, Rammstein, Unheilig, Die Krupps) while writing FFIR. (I have German ancestry, but I do not speak the language. I just really like the music and I'll look up the English translations on my favorite songs)
💖 What made you start writing?
Tbh, I'm really not entirely sure. I'm not the writer in my family, unless you talk about college essays. When reading "Into Your World" by Eagleness, my mind kept going back to the "what if" that FFIR is based on, and it just wouldn't go away until I put pen to tablet. Despite being busy with con prep (crocheting dolls and other things to sell), I found that I really enjoyed writing out the story and sometimes put it first when my ADHD brain wouldn't give it a break 🙃
🧠 Pick a character, and I'll tell you my favorite headcanon for them
Tech- He totally listens to German metal, or any metal music really. If he's on Earth, Eisbrecher is a favorite (would have been Rammstein, if they weren't in some hot water right now- more than usual). In the SW universe, there is totally a Mandalorian metal group that he listens to on the reg.
Things are never boring in Gramercy...not when FFIR Phil has something to say about it! On your way home from class, you may just run into Phil’s Espresso & Advice booth.
Lafayette FFIR Olivier, Laf child in residence Alma, and a group of fearless Laf residents were momentarily trapped in the Jurassic Period during their visit to the Museum of Natural History. They managed to claw their way out just in time to follow the curator of the Geology Department on a private behind the scenes tour of the Meteorite collection.
