#wttt the western states

[misery-has-no-company-now]

For angst purposes (and loosely based on Nevada Joins the Table) -

Gov has a lot of control over these states; far more than any other. The higher the percentage of federal land in the state, the more control he has over that state.

Nevada practically has to agree to everything Gov wants. He barely has any choice in his life anymore. Gov practically owns him.

The top 5 states (Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Alaska, and Oregon) can actually easily be summoned by Gov just by him saying "(State), come here." All the 10 can be summoned by Gov actually but the lower 5 (Wyoming, California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico) are tougher to call like that since they have more power to refuse but the upper 5? No choice. Whatever they doing, it doesn't matter. They are forced to stop it and appear in front of Gov. Nevada and Utah have on multiple occasions been called in the dead of night when they were fast asleep (yes Nevada needs his beauty sleep) to 'see' Gov and they had to go. In front of the other states, Gov just pretends that with the exception of Nevada, he cannot summon any of these other states without Florida's help. But when no one else is there, he uses the power he holds over them thanks to the federal land he occupies in these states freely as he pleases.

Gov also uses this to his advantage by forcing these five to agree with him on whatever he says doing the meetings, much to their (and everyone else who knows') anger.

They spend many a night crying in each other's arms due to the helplessness that engulfs them daily. Sometimes there's also bitterness towards and resentment against the other states who are 'more free' than them. But it's not like they can do anything about it anyway, though the other states sometimes try to help them by convincing or forcing Gov to not do something he wanted to towards them/make them do something he wished for.

Since some of the states on this list were amongst the last few ones to be admitted to the union (like Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Alaska), they didn't realise for quite a long time that Gov's power over them was not normal, and that most of the other states had a lot more control over their land and themselves. Nevada and Oregon are kind of older in terms of statehood (so is California but he's not in the top 5 so didn't feel the effects this much) and thus they knew from the start that this was not right; but obviously again there was nothing they could do. It just hurt them more since they were aware of the freedom they were denied.

Literally all these states are in the west. Except Washington and Montana (and I guess Hawaii too but she doesn't consider herself as in the west since she joined the meeting of misfits so...yeah), all the western states are in this list and highly under Gov's control (maybe that's why the west decided to take turns in being the leader, because none of them wanted to be around him for longer than they needed to be, and that's why Washington went first). Gov finds it more convenient and easier to deal with have meetings with the west and all the western states (including the other two) are kind of scared of him and his power even if not all of them show it.

Since New Mexico and Wyoming are my go-to angst states (aka the ones I apparently love hurting the most), even though they have more control due to a smaller percentage of their state being federal land and Gov technically should have less power over them, he has hurt them and threatened them so much (like with atomic bombs in New Mexico's case, implying/outright announcing that he might take away their statehood and make them a territory under his charge again to both of them, then in Wyoming's case reminding him how much the others forget that he is a state - and now Gov is one of the few who remembers their existence, etc.) that he exerts a lot more authority over the two of them too.

All of this is largely why the West is so messed up :( [in their heads, I mean]. That's all I have for now but feel free to add on. Unfortunately for these states, I consider the west the best for angst (:

[fandomgeeknerd]

montana, florida and nevada: we're full <3

the states: that won't stop me cus i can't read/j

[poison-marshmellow]

Nevada: So, are you two dating now?

New York and California: Yes.

Nevada: Why?

California : I happen to find New York very appealing.

Nevada: Yeah, I can understand that. I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with New York .

[washington-wttt]

If anyone has any headcanons for the western states specifically feel free to share them with me

Shipping or non-shipping are both alright, it doesn’t really matter to me, I’m just hyper fixated and wanna hear other peoples ideas(Especially any about the west coast, but any are good)

[emlovesstates]

Guys, I just had a realization that Utah was probably wants a cowboy like the other western state

And I don't know how to feel about that

At least for the other western states, it makes sense like California definitely cowboy Colorado also considered cowboy Arizona cowboy, New Mexico, cowboy, Montana cowboy, Wyoming, cowboy

[pikachicachan]

Random WTTT fanfic idea:

Utah doesn't swear so the western states compete to see who can make him swear! Thing is - the southern and northeastern states catch wind of the contest and want in!

It would be hilarious if even Gov and/or Alaska subtly participated too! 🤣🤣🤣

[doueverwonder]

Table History: Northwest of the River Ohio

our @wttt-week day 3 submission is mostly just me infodumping about one of my favorite subjects the Old Northwest. It included what is now Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and part of Minnesota. It was originally part of Virginia; which at the time with it all was bigger than Texas. Virginia originally 'temporarily' ceded the land, because Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey were refusing to ratify the Articles of Confederation (which required unanimous approval) as long as Virginia was able to keep their claim on the land. Delaware and New Jersey ended up ratifying them before Virginia Ceded the land. But Maryland stayed stubborn and ratified it MONTHS after everyone else because of it.

nerdy fun fact: being the known rebellious state they are Minnesota's existence technically violates the Northwest Ordinance as it stated in Article 5: "There shall be formed in the said territory, not less than three nor more than five States; and the boundaries of the States, as soon as Virginia shall alter her act of cession, and consent to the same, shall become fixed and established" and Minnesota made 6.

ao3 link here

~~~~~

“No.” Maryland leaned back in her seat, her nose turned up at the mere suggestion that she would fold like New Jersey and Delaware. 

“Why not?” Congress asked, the expression of distaste made him look all the more like Pennsylvania. He had grown at a frankly astonishing rate, aging even faster than a human child would, going from barely five to his mid-teens in barely three years. 

“It’s unfair.” She stated it again, 

“Holding the articles over Virginia’s head to get her to surrender so much land is also unfair.” Congress responded, the same argument Maryland had heard over and over. She, Delaware, and New Jersey had made a deal; they wouldn’t ratify the articles of confederation until Virginia agreed to major downsizing. New Jersey folded first, Delaware was soon to follow, they needed a unanimous decision but Mary was going to get her way. 

Congress got up excusing himself for a moment, Maryland knew Virginia was in the other room. Initially they tried these meetings together but they just turned into shouting matches, so Congress would go back and forth trying to bargain with both, it wasn’t having much effect either though. 

Sure enough he left the room going just across the hall, where Virginia was waiting for the news that Maryland had finally dropped this ridiculous notion of ceding so much land. Almost a third of the entire nation and Virginia was proud to have it, her last holdout of the western land granted to her by James the first and she was not about to let someone as insignificant as Maryland take it from her. 

“Congress” Virginia smiled, “good news?” 

“No.” he stated rather plainly, “Are you sure you won’t reconsider a temporary–” 

“I’m sure. The land is rightfully mine, does she want to see the charter again?” 

“She tore up the last copy” 

Virginia scoffed, of course she did. Childish truly. “We’ll go on without her.” 

“We cannot go on without Maryland,” 

“Of course we can.” Several state governments had already passed resolutions to form their nation without Maryland, if they could just get Congressman Burke to stop insisting so heavily this would lead to more division they would be fine and dandy. 

Congress folded his hands behind his back, his entire life thus far had been dedicated to keeping the states happy and preserving the friendship that had been written into the very articles they were trying to get Maryland to ratify. Sometimes he didn’t think he did a very good job. 

“If you would just consider a temporary deal, as we discussed the other day, once Maryland has signed and tensions have fallen we can restore the land to your ownership and–” 

“No.” Congress already hated that word so. He had been hearing it a lot. 

There was a long moment of silence, before he decided shouting be damned. “Come with me.”

He turned on his heel, not waiting to see if Virginia actually followed, but assuming she would. 

He re-entered the other room, frankly relieved when he saw Virginia did follow him. He pulled the chair out for her, hesitantly she sat eyeing Maryland suspiciously. Maryland straightened up, looking as if she were ready to get up and walk out, that was until Congress closed the door. 

“Maryland, why will you not ratify the articles of confederation?” Congress asked, taking the seat on the side of the table between the two of them. 

“Virginia should not be allowed to have a third of the land in the nation, it’s almost certain she’ll exploit it for her own gain and place herself as a dominant power over the rest of us.” Maryland kept eye contact with Virginia, even as she spoke to Congress. 

“And Virginia, why are you so against ceding this land?” 

“I am not required to follow the whims of my neighboring states, today it's the territories past the Ohio river, tomorrow it’s the District of Kentucky.” Virginia leaned forward a bit, resting her arms on the table, “and they are mine, not hers, to decide what to do with. King James the first, God rest his soul–” 

Maryland scoffed, sounding entirely tired of the argument, “King James has been dead for over a hundred and fifty years, and we no longer answer to an English monarch. Though I shouldn’t be surprised at their Loyal Old Dominion citing their decrees still” 

Congress was not the best at reading people, but even he knew that struck a nerve with Virginia. Someone had told him Massachusetts had used it back during the beginning days of the revolution. She would have never left England without a proper nudge, and the revolution would have failed without her support. 

Maybe that was the key here, Virginia knew the new nation couldn’t go on without her, Maryland they could live without sure. But Virginia was the eldest, she had the most land, the most money, England’s golden child, her leaving would hurt him more then the rest combined. It's why the others were warming up to the idea of leaving Maryland behind, if it meant keeping Virginia’s favor, it's why New Jersey and Delaware didn’t follow through with the agreement. They needed her, and Virginia knew it. 

Congress needed to take control. His plan might be able to cater to Virginia ego and ensure Maryland got what she wanted, but it would have to work or the nation might as well be pronounced dead in its cradle. 

“Maryland, we know you are facing raids from the British and can’t hold out much longer.” Immediately he saw the distaste on her face from him just announcing this aloud in the presence of Virginia, Mary needed her to think she was doing just fine alone. 

Before she could retaliate he kept talking, “Virginia will not permanently sign over anything, but is willing to temporarily cede the territory Northwest of the Ohio River if it means you will ratify the articles and accept help.” 

He glanced at Virginia, who was biting her tongue to keep from saying anything about having not agreed to that in the slightest. 

“Temporarily?” Maryland asked, “How temporarily?” 

“Until the war is over and we are able to reassess how much of this advantage you claim it gives her truly exists.”

“None.” Virginia commented, “The notion is–” 

“A reasonable concern,” Congress cut her off, the proposal already painted Virginia as a hero of sorts, and he needed Maryland to know he wasn’t on a side. 

“Maryland, do you agree to these terms?” 

Maryland leaned back in her seat, looking both over, “I’ll have to speak to some of my representatives but it should be to their liking.” The smirk on her face said she thought she had won, even if it meant putting up with Virginia being seen as noble. 

“Perfect,” He looked to Virginia, “Any other objections?” 

She scoffed, “Plenty, but they can wait.” 

~~~~~

“The agreement was reached at the end of December, Virginia officially signed over the land January second, and Maryland ratified the Articles of Confederation March 1st.” 

“Wait.” Illinois raised his hand though he really wasn’t waiting or asking permission to speak, “so you’re saying, if you hadn’t stepped in none of us would have existed?” 

“No.” Gov couldn’t decide if he was happy about that or not, if Virginia had kept the land he wouldn’t have to deal with Ohio and Michigan fighting all the time, but on the other hand he did quite like Minnesota. “If I hadn’t made the executive decision to tell Virginia about the raids, and Maryland about the compromise then the order of events never would have happened to the eventual establishment of the Northwest Territory.” 

“I never should have done it,” Virginia said, though the tone was half joking, “would have saved me all that time running after Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois” 

“What do you mean?” Ohio sounded thoroughly offended, “We were perfect kids.” 

Virginia raised her brow, looking at him skeptically,

“We tried our best?” Indiana corrected. The look didn’t change at all, except for getting a bit more tired.

Illinois shrugged, “I lied about all those times I ‘fell’ outside, the allure of mud puddles was too much I was willing to be labeled clumsy for it.”

She sighed heavily wondering if it was too late to ask Maryland for child support. 

[stawpny]

I’m bored and ao3 is kinda dry (atleast for the wttt ny tag)

so here are some NY ships I NEED to see more of 🙏

—

MassYork: ok, I used to be almost totally opposed to this, seeing them having more of a brotherly relationship but with history n stuff it’s kinda not possible. But anyway, probably my main ship for now, bc OHMYGOD “nobody can kill you but me”? GET OUT, GET MARRIED, PLEASE.

like if it’s Mass/Cali/York or Mass/Jersey/York I will eat it up.

no questions, it is already in my mouth. I am eating the fuck outta this.

GeoYork: in my mind they have a cute dynamic. I feel they would be best friends as younger colonies and then have a very complicated relationship until they finally get together. Slowburn kinda, also kinda they have been in relationships dozens of times but something always happens. and isn’t Georgia called the “Empire State of the South”? or am I just hearing things

peach + apple? cobbler + pie? idek but I love them

TexYork: guys pls. southern gentleman and city boy? literally perfect for each other. they would make fun of each other endlessly. accents, vocabulary, actions, plus so much more because they’re very different.

TX taking York to his ranch to meet bro’s cows??? yes please. I’d like to meet Betsy too .

^TexaCaliYork: also a fire ship (see what I did there?) like the ship above, but with the hipster in it aswell. Texas and Cal constantly bicker like children and York sorts it out like a teacher would.

NY: you hurt his feelin’s, go apologize.

TX, scoffing: fine, but don’t expect me to get along with him after.

(spoiler alert!! York forces them into a cuddle pile afterwards to get over there lifelong beef)

IlliYork: they’re enemies, they’re lovers, the whole kit-and-caboodle. they’d switch hats sometimes and hold each others hand when they’re in their cities. they’re idiots and the Midwest and the Northeast hate them for it. It’s kinda gross but in a good way.

they’d be the couple who like hold hands in public but not make a single move other than that to show that they love the other. absolutely no kissing in public, they would just sit there in silence with a death grip on the other’s hand. they would totally insult each other to the face and then say, “Love you, tho.”

FloYork: fun fact: they are absolutely insane together. They influence each other and constantly say stupid shit. Florida would force York outta his comfort zone from time to time but the inner extrovert masked by New York’s fake introvert personality will do it almost willingly. he puts up a “fight” but he would deadass do it bc he thinks this shit is hilarious.

NY would be a little like Florida even if they weren’t dating. like NYC is absolutely batshit so that would mean York would have to be a little too.

NY/CA/TX/FL/LA: little crazy, ik, but I remember reading fics abt these five (including gov, but I’m still questioning if he would be in here or not) and absolutely devouring them. spectacular ship. it’s like a little bit of everything, except the Midwest and the other western states, but almost everything. I would love to see more of them.

they would def fight over each other. (who got to hold hands with who, who got to sleep/cuddle with who, etc.)

—

I’m not forcing you to give into my opinions, but if u like these, I like you 😼

some of these hc’s are not entirely mine, some were influenced, tho most are from the rotting part of my brain

I hope u use these ships in the future or I might spontaneously combust

(spoiler alert 2!! I will still explode [out of love] if u write about them)

ily guys

[milo-by-the-fishtank]

Wttt ask: 1,5,13

Fun fact you are my first ask, so congrats I guess I don’t actually know 

1

I honestly don’t know when I discovered wttt, it very well may have not been me. Autobiographical Memory has never been my strong suit, but if I had to guess, probably when Louisiana joined the table.

5

To be honest, I vibe with mow ships was the one that I saw and said “nope” was Lou/Gov. I’m OK with Flo/Lou/Gov I'm not OK with just the two of them. I don’t think it works. It kind of brings a little weird wrong vibe to me as there’s a really complicated history between Louisiana and the federal government. Please look at the Americanization of Louisiana, and yeah. I think Louis flirts with him because he flirts with everybody, that’s just him he doesn’t care he’s just going to flirt with you. Honestly besides that I can’t say I have found any ships that I really say I don’t vibe with.

13

If we’re saying that the Cryptid states is an AU, which I’m hesitant to say because there’s been shit that’s sudden cannon. So I’m really hesitant to call it an AU. But if I had to pick something else minus things that it would probably be @/icestarphoenix (‘s) state spirit and backroom AU, I must remind everybody I love everything they make, just every idea goes into my brain and I love it. Next would probably just be Western (again should I even call this in AU), Gay Cowboys that’s all I need. Maybe paranormal investigators, or anything to do with Greg.

[dailymothanon]

Pt.1???? A short lil thing cuz I wanted to

Ok so 😼 u see in my brain Alaska here don’t look too damaged from the event but that’s cuz he suffered a brain bleed from it (I will not elaborate, reading about it made it just make sense for him) anyways since New York was like one of the only states that welcomed Alaska since his purchase I figured he might as well like, visit him yknow? Yeahh B) and the rose is his state flower

dw I’m still gonna do requests btw

[not-the-apple-pie-please]

The West goes Camping

(A series of loose ideas and hcs)

When gov first pitched the idea of the western states going on a trip to "bond" and "become more united as a region" most of the west was initially hesitant. Why spend more time with the people you are forced to be around than you have to?

The states muttered a few varied responses, and Gov, disappointed with the largest region of the country, let the topic drop.

When the west had been caught fighting over couch rights? Gov put his foot down. The western states (excluding Alaska, who was not present, and Hawai'i, who would have never gone anyway) were going on a camping trip. 4 days in the mountains with no phones, no service, and each other to spend time with.

Almost immediately the west exploded with complaints. "I can't go a trip with him!" "You want me to spend more time with people?" "The mountains? Are you sure that's a good idea?" Gov silenced all of these complaints with a look, and the next day, the West found themselves stuffed into a van and heading towards the Rockies.

The van they borrowed was officially Utah's van, if the license plate said anything. He rarely had use for a van so big, as his family could normally fit in a regular minivan just fine, but had it so when the kids got older, there wouldn't be space issues.

It seemed to fit the 11 Western States just fine though. In the front was Utah, driving, Washington who had made some very good arguments to get shotgun, including his scapegoat allergy excuse that he used for literally everything. No the states weren't salty about it, what are you talking about.

The row behind the driver's was Montana, Wyoming, and a very excited Arizona. Behind them, California, Colorado, and New Mexico (who was asleep). In the last bench, squished between bags and supplies, Nevada, Oregon, and Idaho.

The music was controlled by Washington, who, very fairly, only took suggestions that had at least one other person agreeing. Yes, they argued more than listened to music. Yes, Utah tried to play is Tabernacle Choir CDs instead.

When they arrived at the campsite, setting up camp was a quick process. Every single one of the western states knew how to set up a tent thanks to their upbringing as wilderness territory, which also helped when they realized they forgot to bring a lighter and matches.

Idaho and Washington headed down to the creek a short walk away from the campsite to catch some dinner for the states. Washington albeit a little reluctant.

[what-in-gaeas-realm]

washington for the character headcanon ask

👻💔🍫

I don’t really think about Washington that much, so this was a fun opportunity/g 

👻-A headcanon about what scares them

Californians buying homes in his state/j

I think he’s afraid of his volcanoes erupting. He remembers the devastation that has followed eruptions in the past, and he’s afraid for his people and his land. He makes jokes about his volcanoes, especially when it’s been years, but the worry is always there, never fully gone. 

🍫-A headcanon about food

Washington has a history with apples. He loves anything with apple in it, but also if you hand him a red delicious he will launch it directly into your face, no hesitation. 

💔-An angsty headcanon

This one’s a lil’ disjointed, as I have a lot of thoughts about this but couldn’t figure out the best way to write it cohesively. 

The states have an interesting relationship with personal autonomy. On the one hand, they are autonomous beings with some amount of free will. On the other, they are entirely beholden to their populations. 

Washington likes Bigfoot/Sasquatch because his people like Bigfoot/Sasquatch. Conversely, he dislikes California because his people really do not like Californians. I think at one point the west coast were all friends, but *gestures vaguely at California* that is no longer the case. Whether or not Washington misses the friendship with Cal, he physically cannot hold affection towards Cal with his population’s distaste towards Cal’s. 

Washington also has a difficult time defining himself. Western and Eastern Washington have rather distinct cultures. Seattle dominates the state and therefore Washington’s personality, but the second largest city in Washington (though with like 500,000 less people) is Spokane which is radically different from the western part of the state. Spokane seems to have more in common with Idaho and Montana (which are also closer than Seattle) than it does with Seattle. We’ve seen East Washington personified before which means they’re distinct enough for the split to occur, but E. Washington doesn’t get to come out very often. This causes some problems for Washington especially when he attempts to define himself.

[fullyamess]

I think that the more "wild land" a state has, the more feral it naturally is. Which means the Western states (all of them topping the list both in terms of percentage and actual size) are often holding onto civility by a rapidly fraying thread

Meanwhile, Illinois at 3% has consciously made the decision to tell you to fuck off and he wants you to know that

[mur-art]

I finally have a smidgen of free time and I'd love to waste it drawing something WTTT-related.

Any requests? Depending on how many I get I can't promise I'll get to all of them but I'll try to do one or two.

-I love the western states so anything with them would make my heart happy

-I'll do shippy stuff but nothin too spicy

[washington-wttt]

Does the west have a group chat and who is the most active?

Oh yeah, we’ve had one for a while actually, everyone considered to be a western state is in it, including California, Alaska, and Hawai’i(Hawai’i only joined bc Alaska did)

Who’s the most active kinda depends, because a lot of us just use it to send memes or updates on events and stuff like that. Although most of the time the only events we actually ever plan on going to are mandated meetings or family game nights(set up by Utah ofc, sometimes his wife and kids join, but not as often)

On the occasion that we feel a bit more sociable we mostly just use it to bully each other though, Utah tried getting us to stop and be nice, but he eventually gave up lol -Washington

[emlovesstates]

<a href="https://archiveofourown.org/works/53356039"><strong>Western group chat 10</strong></a> (424 words) by <a href="https://archiveofourown.org/users/Emiliylovestsates"><strong>Emiliylovestsates</strong></a><br />Chapters: 1/1<br />Fandom: <a href="https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Welcome%20To%20The%20Table%20-%20Ben%20Brainard%20(Web%20Series)">Welcome To The Table - Ben Brainard (Web Series)</a><br />Rating: General Audiences<br />Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings<br />Relationships: Nevada /New York/Georgia (Welcome To The Table), California/Montana (Welcome To The Table)<br />Characters: California (Welcome To The Table), Nevada (Welcome To The Table), Montana (Welcome To The Table), New Mexico (Welcome To The Table), Arizona (Welcome To The Table), Idaho (Welcome To The Table), Alaska (Welcome To The Table), Colorado (Welcome To The Table), Wyoming (Welcome To The Table), Hawaii (Welcome To The Table), New York (Welcome To The Table), Oregon (Welcome To The Table), Washington (Welcome To The Table)<br />Additional Tags: Wttt Beanie boys<br />Series: Part 10 of <a href="https://archiveofourown.org/series/3291721">The west group chat</a><br />Summary: <p>I've made 10 of these<br />Wow<br />Nevada is navigating being a coparent to a bunch of teenagers<br />Washington is trying to join a exclusive club within the states the beanie boys<br />And other states are just there</p>