#amelea

What exactly is the wither?

Is it like another one of the main “deities” like Trixtin in Pixandria or Aeor and Exor with its own followers or is it like summoning a demon which can be done multiple times with the wither being more of a species than a specific mythical creature. How do other empires view the wither?

Have they ever fought the wither before? Is it a dangerous threat like an Armageddon with it being a huge historical event or is it seen more as a natural disaster? Is it seen as a myth like a creature told in folk tales but most don’t believe to be real. Do other empires battle it as a kind of ritual or show of strength? (mostly asking for Gilded Helianthia as I can total see that empire having ceremonies where their best warriors try to kill the wither)

How did the wither rose alliance come to be?

This is the main question I want answered in this ask. Judging by what you wrote about them it seems like the wither rose alliance only truely came to be once Fwip, Sausage and Gem became the rulers (although I wouldn’t be surprised if I misinterpreted something). In the original mincraft story they got their name from killing the wither as they wanted to prank Jimmy with wither roses so I’m wondering why did they fight the wither this time? This is kinda overlapping with above but did the WRA empires have any connections/experiences with the wither before hand and if so how will it affect their judgement on the name? Is the killing of the wither viewed by the people as a great feat for the trio and an achievement or a horrible decision that could have gone terribly wrong? Is this related to that one event where Fwip and Sausage saved Gem’s life (you haven’t really talked about it that much)?

And finally, how does the Overgrown feel about the wither rose and the name of the WRA?

It hasn’t been talked about in any of the Overgrown’s posts but I feel like, considering Katherine’s lore in the empires smp, flowers would be quite culturally significant as they live in the flower forest so a flower like the wither rose, one that harms and takes life away from other people, wouldn’t be treated lightly. Is the wither rose seen as a bad omen or is it similar to how we view a skull with it still symbolising death and murder but not be taken to seriously where mentioning skulls or using it in naming or it’s imagery isn’t seen as horrifying. Is it treated with the same amount of respect as other flowers as even though it’s deadly it’s still a part of nature or is it something to be condemned and feared? When the Overgrown found out about the name of the WRA did they find it a cultural offfence, was the alliance more feared because of it or did the Overgrown view it as mortals trying to be edgy, and how did their perception of the name change overtime?

Sorry, this is a lot but I am really getting into this au and I hope this ask gives you some fun ideas

So I haven't talked a whole lot about the Nether and how it works for the AU on here, I'm realizing.

The wither in particular is not part of the pantheons. It's generally classified as a cursed construct, since its cobbled together from pieces of the undead. Knowledge of how to summon it is carefully guarded, but if you know where to look isn't too difficult to find.

And young Fwhip, Gem, and Sausage, between the three of them. Definitely found it.

Summoning a wither is a) something only done occasionally, for specific resources and b) usually something done in semi-controlled circumstances, and is considered a military operation, more or less, with multiple people on hand to help take it down. It is not something that three teenagers are supposed to sneak out to do together. (But Fwhip wanted a nether star and they all wanted roses and so they did it and somehow didn't die, though they definitely got close.)

It was considered a feat mostly because of how young they were when they did it and the fact that it was just the three of them.

And that is when the three of them started calling themselves the Wither Rose Alliance, more of a joke between friends, back when Sausage was the only one of them who was royalty, and even he was still not king yet. And it just kinda stuck. (This will all, or at least a good chunk of it be in their origin/backstory fics)

They all became friends fairly young, Fwhip and Sausage first, and then they found Gem and then Sausage found Pearl. The time that Fwhip and Sausage saved Gem's life (instead of vice versa) was the very first time they met when they were very small, and is also how Fwhip and Gem ended up siblings. (Gem is adopted, in this AU)

The Grimlands, the Crystal Cliffs, and Mythland (and Helianthia) were usually allied on some level, being most of the kingdoms with primarily mortal, land-dwelling populations. (Mezalea's close ties with the Ocean and the Swamp caused some divides there) They've also been pretty close with Pixandria, historically. The Grimlands especially, Pix was a frequent visitor there throughout Fwhip and Gem's youth.

When the Roseblings and Sausage (and Pearl) became rulers of their respective empires that just brought them all even closer.

As for wither roses themselves, they are widely viewed as representative of death, specifically unnatural death, though in the case of the WRA its also a symbol of their bonds with each other on a personal level. Because they ultimately come from the undead, they aren't really associated with Trixtin.

The Overgrown actually has some wither roses of their own. The fae are not opposed to violent and horrific murder as a general rule and are, in fact, something of enthusiasts tbh. Katherine's peaceful goals are oriented more on a political level than a personal one.