Nether Civil War

Fractures Series
Storyline by Rainimator and the Production Team

The Nether Civil War was a conflict between the Wither Skeletons and Pigmen, which is depicted in the thumbnail of Hard Pill to Swallow.

### Location

Nether Fort, Wither Tower, Nether; Floating Isles, Wither Camp, Overworld

### Result

Collapse of Pigman Tyranny, Rulership of Naeus

### Beligerents

Pigman Tyranny | Wither Skeleton Resistance

### Casualties and Losses

False Pig King; Many Pigmen; Fewer Wither Skeletons

The **Nether Civil War** was a major conflict fought in the Nether, from after the first Pig King's death to the end of Hard Pill to Swallow, fought between the Wither Skeletons led by Naeus and the Pigmen of the second Pig King for rulership of the Nether Horde.

When Glutton, the Pig King's death led to the crowning of the False Pig King, the Withers found his rule tyrannous, encouraging the shunning of the Withers throughout the realm. The warlord Naeus, for fairness between the two species, attempted to take the throne with the support of the Wither Skeletons.

In Hard Pill to Swallow, the lengthy warfare concluded with the death of the False Pig King, leading to the surrender of the Pigmen and the crowning of Naeus. The civil war is recognized for directly leading to the Nether War on Minecraftia.

## War

### The Second Crowning

―Kralos to Naeus

The death of King Glutton, having for centuries had a unified rule throughout the Nether Horde, led to his successor and the Pigmen General the False Pig King being crowned, as it was traditional for a Pigman to assume command.

However, his rule proved tyrannous, and the unity that had for so long prevailed between the two major species the Withers and Pigman had vanished in the new king's rule. The Pigmen shun the Withers, leading to conflicts, battles and such other throughout the Nether, as noted by Kralos, a leader of the Withers.

Caring for the Wither Skeletons, and intending to secure his reign, the warlord of the Nether Naeus commanded the Wither Skeletons against the Pigmen. With his ties to Abigail Crysteffor, he intended to absorb the Royal Star to grow in power.

### Conquering of the Floating Isles

―Lady Azura

Early in the Nether Civil War, the Wither Angels attacked the Floating Isles, a group of levitating islands in the heavens of the Overworld. The group successfully conquered the islands. However, the wary Frostbourne knew that if they let this new faction hailing from the Horde grow in power, it could lead to the Horde's eventual control over the Overworld.

The heroine Lady Azura volunteered to utilize elytra technology of her own make to destroy the brewing faction. Travelling solo to the isles, Azura was successful and managed to navigate the rocks into a Nether Portal. There, she rescued Rain and killed Gigabone, but her accomplishments only angered Naeus' ambitions.

Later, Naeus and Kralos discuss the civil war, the latter imploring the warlord of his strategy in the Nether Fort. Then, the Wither Skeletons exerted control of the Wither Tower and surrounding territory, but were under constant attack from the Pigmen.

### Hogsworth's Faliure

On his throne, the False Pig King sends Hogsworth and the squadron of Pigmen within his command to retrieve Herobrine's head as a trophy, unknowing of the power it could grant. However, the opposition was aware of these powers, and sent a scout to report of their plans.

Hogsworth, who had retrieved the Undead Lord's head from the Overworld, was ambushed by Naeus, Kralos and a squadron of Wither Skeletons in their struggle for the head. The Withers massacred the squadron, although Naeus spared Hogsworth in an attempt of intimidation.

However, the False Pig King is instead angered and punishes Hogsworth, which is the end of the latter's known involvement in the war.

### Naeus' Empowerment and Corruption

Returning to the Wither Tower, the Withers secure the area. Naeus cremates Abigail's body to absorb the Royal Star in the Lava Lakes, granting him manipulation over lightning. Later, he upgrades the weapon of the Ruby Thorn and absorbs Herobrine's powers, which significantly empowers his abilities of Pyromancy. Kralos and the squadron celebrate from below.

### Battle of the Bridge

At the Nether Fort, of which the Pigmen has assumed control, Naeus, Kralos, and the Wither Resistance charge the Pigmen on a bridge. However, under Kralos' coordination, the Pigmen are easily overpowered, granting them access to the throne area.

While all the Pigmen are distracted, the False Pig King is exposed, as a result of sudden, unplanned strategy from the attack. Naeus teleports to the Pig King. As the two warlords engage in a final duel, Naeus' maneuverability, planning and powers all lead to his advantage.

As the duel is won, Naeus using his teleportation and power over lightning, the False Pig King finally falls. The remaining Pigmen surrender to Naeus' rule, leading him to become the third ruler of the Nether Horde, so Naeus' plans will be finally realized.

## Central Figures

### Naeus

*Main Article: Naeus*

Naeus, the Wither Rider, was the leader of the Wither Skeletons' resistance during the Nether Civil War, and thus one of the central figures and upbringers of the war; he helped the Wither Skeletons further their goal against the Pigmen, all to further his own ambitions.