#and attacking a darker or duller color is heavily frowned upon without a reason

[anxiousapplepie]

So the rose's live in a society where children are encourage to fight each other. And fighting and stabbing seem pretty commonplace. So that brings the question. What do Rose's see as abuse and what do they not?

A very good question! And this one's got a lot of nuance and way too many factors, so lets see if I can get the general vibe explained

Roses have a super-duper strong sense of community, and they WILL make sure to build each other up in positive ways in all aspects of their lives. But unfortunately, the pressure to conform is equally strong, and if a Rose thinks they are "helping" a bud or a peer to fit in better so they can "be more happy and fulfilled", I don't think I need to tell you that isn't cash-money even if it IS the expected reaction. Most Roses won't think that is abuse, even if it's obvious the Rose they are "helping" is more miserable after the discipline/peer pressure/murder has happened.

But also? In the cities, fighting and duels and violence is one of the only socially acceptable ways TO deal with things 'you can't talk about' without needing to go through the confusing song and dance of "Rose Etiquette". No matter your job, your age, your status or your family history, any Rose can fight anyone to settle a score, prove a point, or for petty reasons like not liking someone's attitude. (pokemon battle logic) And if you try saying "hey, this is wrong and abusive" to one of the only approved ways a City Rose can use to air their grievances or opinions in an equal playing field? You'd be murdered for trying to take away the only option a Rose could have to use their voice in any meaningful way.

I'm not saying it's a good system, but it's the only one the city Roses have after everything they'd done to their society. XD