Here be the week's latest worldly events that might affect your life in the Caribbean.

Some rumours run like wildfire across the waves, carried by fishing vessels as they set sail across the seas. Wars, piracy, another captain's exploits, might eventually reach your ears here. Who knows, maybe you're the one people are talking about...?
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:54, Sun 23 Jan 2022.

Fellow mariners,

As every religious observer among you will know, next week marks the start of a very holy week, which includes Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of lent. Of course, everyone will soon be celebrating (in excess) this upcoming Tuesday, the ever feted Mardi Gras on this 10th of February, year of our Lord, 1671. Every year, Le Marquis des Marais, Petite Goave’s governor, gives a celebration, where the local French elite from across the Caribbean are invited every year. Merchant captains with any foresight will be sure to bring a tonneau (or two) in time for the celebrations in case the Marquis’ reserves run dry.

Of note: the Spanish authorities in San Juan are extending an invitation to any lawful mariners to work directly with their navy. Interested captains are to scout out the shipping lanes for pirate activity and report any such activity to Admiral Manuel de Velasco. The Admiral was last seen in Cartegena.

In other news:

English naval officials are offering a 10gp bounty for the captain of the Empress of the Waves, Mr. Joseph ‘The Bruce’ Nicholson’s head. Mr. Nicholson is wanted for acts of piracy committed in Tortuga, where the Empress of the Waves (a Galleon), is thought to have been damaged in its last altercation with an English Naval Admiral, Chaloner Ogle. Mr. Nicholson is accused of kidnapping Mr. Ogle’s sister, and in so doing, killing the ship crew and setting fire to the English Admiral’s ship. Mr Nicholson is further suspected of having committed acts of piracy against an English merchant trader in Saint John a few weeks earlier.

Merchant Captains are also cautioned to avoid St. Maarten’s at this time, due to more pirate sightings in the area, however authorities are offering another 10gp bounty for sinking William Kidd’s ship from under him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:54, Tue 25 Jan 2022.

Saturday, January 24th, year of our Lord 1671

The Caribbean has seen its share of new mariners this week with ships being registered in Petite Goave (The Merry Widow) and in Basse Terre (L'Enchanteresse) augmenting French interests in the region according to the Marquis des Marais, whom we all know has invited the French elite to Petite Goave for its famous Mardi Gras celebrations.

Mrs. Kitty Chatelain of the Merry Widow was last seen in Bridgetown, while Mr. Jean Lefanu of the Enchanteresse set sail from Basse Terre.

We wish both captains safe travels and fair winds, whatever they may be up to.


Spanish authorities in San Juan have extended their invitation to any lawful mariners to work directly with their navy. Interested captains are to scout out the shipping lanes for pirate activity and report any such activity to Admiral Manuel de Velasco.

The Admiral was last seen in Cartegena.


In other news:

English naval officials are still offering a 10gp bounty for the captain of the Empress of the Waves, Mr. Joseph ‘The Bruce’ Nicholson. Mr. Nicholson is wanted for acts of piracy committed in Tortuga, where the Empress of the Waves (a Galleon) kidnapped its Commander's sister, and in so doing, killing the ship crew and setting fire to said ship. Mr Nicholson is further suspected of having committed acts of piracy against an English merchant trader in Saint John a few weeks earlier.

The Empress of the Waves was last seen in Port San Juan where it was being retrofitted with weapons. Witness accounts confirm that the English Officer's sister is alive and well.

Merchant Captains are also cautioned to avoid St. Maarten’s at this time, due to more pirate sightings in the area, however authorities are offering another 10gp bounty for sinking William Kidd’s ship from under him.

[Private to group Notice to Mariners:

"Mardi Gras"
Earn: 15gp & 1 rumour
Requires: Influence Check
Location: Petite Goave

To complete, discard two rum cargo (for 0 gp)
when selling cargo at Petite Goave. You have
just saved the Governor's Party! Gain 15gp
for your troubles, as well as privileged information. ]

[Private to group Notice to Mariners:

"Lead the Way"
Earn: 10gp
Requires: No Spanish Bounty
Location: San Juan

Claim this mission and find a Pirate Player
(of your choice) through Scouting.

Once the player is found, this completes the
mission. The player will then be forced into
an engagement with a Spanish Naval Ship
(if it is in play), otherwise, you must engage
him yourself. If the Spanish ship survives,
it stays in the waters where the Pirate Player
was found.

Sorry Nicholson, I don't make the rules.. well.. I do... Hahahaha]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:59, Thu 03 Feb 2022.

Monday, February 9th, year of our Lord 1671 - Lundi Saint

It has been a tumultuous week on the high seas, and now with Palm Sunday behind us and Mardi Gras scheduled for tomorrow, the French aristocracy from la Martinique to Haiti's west coast have converged on Petit Goave for the long awaited fête. However, not everyone is in a festive mood!

Indeed! The English with their tough of crime and their Pirates Must Hang attitude underscores HMS Terror's arrival in Nassau. Admiral Robert Maynard, isn't reputed for his soft stance on pirates either, so it will be interesting to see if the Admiral will have any effect on the local pirate gangs, or if Joseph Bruce Nicholson will even blink an eye.

English naval officials are still offering a 10gp bounty for the captain of the Empress of the Waves. Mr. Nicholson is wanted for acts of piracy committed in Tortuga, where the Empress of the Waves (a Galleon) kidnapped its Commander's sister, and in so doing, killed the ship crew and set fire to said ship. Mr. Nicholson is further suspected of having committed acts of piracy against an English merchant trader in Saint John a few weeks earlier.

Speaking of which, the Empress of the Waves has definitely set sail from Santo Domingo (corrected from San Juan) heading Eastward, her crew rumoured to be in very high spirits. My fans in Basse Terre have reported seeing her, but that she did not make landfall. Meanwhile further east, in Bridgetown, rumours of altercations between the locals and some of Captain Lefanu's crew made waves as he treated his crew to some down time there. "Rabble's a plenty in Bridgetown of late," said Marmaduke Roydon one of the local Merchants in the area who has some influence with the Merchant Guilds in the Caribbean. "Next we'll be seeing doxies captaining their own ships..! It's high time the English Navy did something about the rabble before things get out of hand..! English Merchantmen will not be trifled with..!"

Further south, rumours out of Trinidad seem to indicate that the Spanish are beating Drums of War again as local authorities there have uncovered a plot to attack Spanish interests in Havana. An enterprising Captain should investigate those claims in Trinidad and confirm whether those rumours are true. Havana's governor will likely shower the messenger with gold for this service.

As always, Spanish authorities in San Juan have extended their invitation to any lawful mariners to work directly with their navy. Interested captains are to scout out the shipping lanes for pirate activity and report any such activity to Admiral Manuel de Velasco. The Admiral was last seen in Trinidad.

Merchant Captains are reminded that authorities are offering another 10gp bounty for sinking William Kidd’s ship from under him. He was last spotted sailing near San Juan.


[Private to group Notice to Mariners:

Missions on the board -- increases from 2 to 3 this turn.

"Drums of War"
Earn: 15gp
Requires: No Spanish Bounty & Influence Check
Location: Trinidad

Enemies of Spain are plotting an attack on
Havana. Claim this mission and inform the
governor of Havana by taking a port action
there. This completes the mission. Spain
immediately goes to war with a random nation.



"Mardi Gras"
Earn: 15gp & 1 rumour
Requires: Influence Check
Location: Petite Goave

To complete, discard two rum cargo (for 0 gp)
when selling cargo at Petite Goave. You have
just saved the Governor's Party! Gain 15gp
for your troubles, as well as privileged information.



"Lead the Way"
Earn: 10gp
Requires: No Spanish Bounty
Location: San Juan

Claim this mission and find a Pirate Player
(of your choice) through Scouting.

Once the player is found, this completes the
mission. The player will then be forced into
an engagement with a Spanish Naval Ship
(if it is in play), otherwise, you must engage
him yourself. If the Spanish ship survives,
it stays in the waters where the Pirate Player
was found.
]

Tuesday, February 10th, year of our Lord 1671 - Mardi Gras


EMPRESS OF THE WAVES HITS SHOAL NEAR BRIDGETOWN

The Empress' Crew seemed red faced when they were forced to push-off the shoals near Bridgetown. It's Captain was quoted as stating that the Empress was commissioned in Nassau in the summer of 1670, and that they were trying to bring their guest Mrs. Swift to port at the time, trying to return the English citizen back to her family.

"They traded their bananas for more goods," said the port authorities who say they had refused any help in repairing the ship of such a infamous figure as her captain. Mrs Swift believes Mr. Nicholson will be cleared of any wrong doings once the situation has been brought to a proper magistrate and given a fair and impartial trial. She respects Bridgetown's decision to refuse service, however she finds it disappointing that such a fine man be branded unfairly after getting entangled with her estranged brother.



MERRY WIDOW DETAINED BY FRENCH AUTHORITIES, SNAKE CONFISCATED

Oh what a tangled web we weave when we try to enter port with contraband, especially when there is a heightened naval presence patrolling the area for the Mardi Gras festivities. Though the Widow's captain wasn't available for comment, the French frigate La Perle's crew proudly showed off their catch to port authorities in Petit Goave. The Marquis has told us that the French Authorities will not be pressing charges: "In fact, we would like to thank Mrs. Chatelain (a French Citizen) for her assistance in the matter."



PIRATES MUST HANG?

Dutch authorities wonder at the English's insistence of being tough on pirates, when their own fleet won't even dare venture further than Nassau's own waters.

"Indeed! HMS Terror's arrival in Nassau has been lack-luster in our opinion... Maybe new evidence suggests that Nicholson might not be so guilty after all? Perhaps the man was justified in his accusations of ungentlemanly conduct by one of His Majesty's own officers."

In light of the above, the Dutch have heightened their own naval presence with Pieter Gilles Schey, whose crew has started patrolling near Curaçao.



BOUNTIES

Regardless of the soft stance their navy has taken in the Caribbean, English naval officials are still offering a 10gp bounty for the captain of the Empress of the Waves. As we have previously reported, Mr. Nicholson is wanted for acts of piracy committed in Tortuga, where the Empress of the Waves (a Galleon) allegedly kidnapped its Commander's sister, and in so doing, killed the ship crew and set fire to said ship. Mr. Nicholson is further suspected of having committed acts of piracy against an English merchant trader in Saint John in January.


Merchant Captains are reminded that authorities are offering another 10gp bounty for sinking William Kidd’s ship from under him. He was last spotted sailing near San Juan.



NOTICES TO MARINERS:

As always, Spanish authorities in San Juan have extended their invitation to any lawful mariners to work directly with their navy. Interested captains are to scout out the shipping lanes for pirate activity and report any such activity to Admiral Manuel de Velasco. The Admiral was last seen in Trinidad.

William Kidd was last spotted sailing near San Juan.
Joseph Bruce Nicholson was last spotted near Bridgetown.
French Naval Presence Patrolling Petit Goave during Mardi Gras Festivities
Spanish Naval Presence Patrolling the waters near Trinidad
English Naval Presence Patrolling the waters near Nassau
Dutch Naval Presence Patrols have started in Curaçao


[Private to group Notice to Mariners:

Missions on the board -- increases from 2 to 3 this turn.

"Drums of War"
Earn: 15gp
Requires: No Spanish Bounty & Influence Check
Location: Trinidad

Enemies of Spain are plotting an attack on
Havana. Claim this mission and inform the
governor of Havana by taking a port action
there. This completes the mission. Spain
immediately goes to war with a random nation.



"Mardi Gras"
Earn: 15gp & 1 rumour
Requires: Influence Check
Location: Petite Goave

To complete, discard two rum cargo (for 0 gp)
when selling cargo at Petite Goave. You have
just saved the Governor's Party! Gain 15gp
for your troubles, as well as privileged information.



"Lead the Way"
Earn: 10gp
Requires: No Spanish Bounty
Location: San Juan

Claim this mission and find a Pirate Player
(of your choice) through Scouting.

Once the player is found, this completes the
mission. The player will then be forced into
an engagement with a Spanish Naval Ship
(if it is in play), otherwise, you must engage
him yourself. If the Spanish ship survives,
it stays in the waters where the Pirate Player
was found.
]

Wednesday, February 11th, year of our Lord 1671 - Ash Wednesday


MARDI GRAS RACES IN PETITE GOAVE

Anyone who was at Petite Goave for the Marquis Des Marais' Mardi Gras festivities has been tongue wagging about the race between the Merry Widow and the Enchanteresse. Rumour has it that their respective captains were racing to port to save the day, each spoiling barrels of spirits for the celebration, but most observers contend that the Widow noticed the Enchanteresse tacking towards Petite Goave and decided to race her.

The French aristocrats and civilians alike were locked in wagers as the two ships contended to be the first into port; the Widow taking advantage of the wind as the Enchanteresse dealt with sagging sails, setting tongues wagging throughout the town and quite a few people cringing that they may lose their Louis d'Or, only to have the Enchanteresse sweep past her as she passed the harbour's markers.

When asked if both had spirits for the fête, French authorities said that the Widow's cargo holds were bare when she entered the port, and that Captain Lefanu had graciously provided spirits for the celebrations.

Readers are quick to point out that the Widow had been detained by French patrols that same morning, which might explain the Widow's empty holds when she reached port; however, it does not explain why the Widow was later sold to the local shipwrights in exchange for a French Galleon - the Sirensong.



BOUNTIES

The Caribbean seas are busy: increased naval presence from all the local powers to clamp down on Pirate activities and contraband, it is becoming harder for smugglers to tip-toe around port duties and penalties.

French authorities in Basse Terre are urging civilians to stay away from their waters after reports of a Pirate Frigate started prowling its waters recently. Combined with William Kidd's pirate gang, this new captain seems to be praying fat merchants in the area. A 15 gold bounty is being offered in this case.

Here is a current list of bounties:

• An English 10gp bounty for the captain of the Empress of the Waves: Joseph Nicholson
• A 10gp bounty for sinking William Kidd’s ship from under him.
• A 15gp bounty has been placed on the new Pirate Frigate captained by Ben Hornigold

Pirate, William Kidd was last spotted sailing near San Juan.
Pirate, Benjamin Hornigold was last spotted sailing near Basse Terre
Corsair, Joseph Bruce Nicholson was last spotted near St. Maartens.
Jean Lefanu has last been spotted near Petit Goave.
Kitty Chatelain has last been spotted near Petit Goave.
French Naval Presence Patrolling Petit Goave
Spanish Naval Presence Patrolling the waters near Trinidad
English Naval Presence Patrolling the waters near Nassau
Dutch Naval Presence Patrols have started in Curaçao



NOTICES TO MARINERS:

Given the recent increase in piracy in its waters, French authorities in Basse Terre are considering more extreme measures by offering a letter of Marque in the hopes that a local captain might assist them with pirates in the area.

As always, Spanish authorities in San Juan have extended their invitation to any lawful mariners to work directly with their navy. Interested captains are to scout out the shipping lanes for pirate activity and report any such activity to Admiral Manuel de Velasco.

The Spanish Admiral was last seen in Trinidad, we suspect he is investigating rumours that might potentially lead the Spanish to war.





[Private to group Notice to Mariners:

Missions on the board -- have increased from 2 to 3. The following missions are currently available:


"Drums of War"
Earn: 15gp
Requires: No Spanish Bounty & Influence Check
Location: Trinidad

Enemies of Spain are plotting an attack on
Havana. Claim this mission and inform the
governor of Havana by taking a port action
there. This completes the mission. Spain
immediately goes to war with a random nation.



"French Letter of Marque"
Earn: Special
Requires: Influence check and at least 1 non-French Bounty
Location: Basse Terre

You become a privateer:

- French Naval Ships ignore you
- You are regarded as having a French nationality
- Merchant Raids get +3 gold when attacking non-French ships

All other nations regard you as a pirate. If you get a French bounty, you lose the letter of marque (mission fails).

After defeating any ship, you may return the letter of marque to complete the mission.



"Lead the Way"
Earn: 10gp
Requires: No Spanish Bounty
Location: San Juan

Claim this mission and find a Pirate Player
(of your choice) through Scouting.

Once the player is found, this completes the
mission. The player will then be forced into
an engagement with a Spanish Naval Ship
(if it is in play), otherwise, you must engage
him yourself. If the Spanish ship survives,
it stays in the waters where the Pirate Player
was found.
]

Thursday, February 12th, year of our Lord 1671


MACHINATIONS

The high seas have been quiet as pawns are moved across the Caribbean. Is there a hand in the events that come, or is the entire plan devine in nature? As tensions continue to rise, Dutch interests have started an expansion mission, hoping to open trading posts within non-Dutch ports, while it is rumoured that the French have backed Joseph Bruce Nicholson with a letter of Marque.

Up to now, the nefarious pirate had no official nationality, but has crossed a line that English, Dutch and Spanish alike are bound to be threatened by in taking sides in what can only been seen as a pre-curser to war by French authorities. This, combined with Spanish investigations into matters in Trinidad edges everyone closer to a war that might see the entire Caribbean map redrawn.

Who will benefit is all a matter of speculation, but with Nicholson adding his weight behind French interests in waging an unofficial war against any trader of any other origin than French will drastically affect the entire Caribbean.



BOUNTIES

French authorities in Basse Terre are urging civilians to stay away from their waters after reports of a Pirate Frigate started prowling its waters recently. Combined with William Kidd's pirate gang (and now Nicholson) now praying fat merchants in the area, bounties on the following are bound to increase significantly in the days / weeks to come:
Here is a current list of bounties:

• An English 10gp bounty for the captain of the Empress of the Waves: Joseph Nicholson
• A 10gp bounty for sinking William Kidd’s ship from under him.
• A 15gp bounty has been placed on the new Pirate Frigate captained by Ben Hornigold

Pirate, William Kidd was last spotted sailing near San Juan.
Pirate, Benjamin Hornigold was last spotted sailing near Basse Terre
Pirate, Joseph Bruce Nicholson was last spotted in Base Terre.
Jean Lefanu has last been spotted near Caracas.
Kitty Chatelain has last been spotted near Cartegena.
French Naval Presence Patrolling the Caribbean Sea
Spanish Naval Presence Patrolling the waters near Trinidad
English Naval Presence Patrolling the waters near Havana
Dutch Naval Presence Patrols have patrols in Curaçao



NOTICES TO MARINERS:

As always, Spanish authorities in San Juan have extended their invitation to any lawful mariners to work directly with their navy. Interested captains are to scout out the shipping lanes for pirate activity and report any such activity to Admiral Manuel de Velasco.

The Spanish Admiral was last seen in Trinidad, we suspect he is investigating rumours that might potentially lead the Spanish to war.





[Private to group Notice to Mariners:

Missions on the board -- have increased from 2 to 3. The following missions are currently available:


"Drums of War"
Earn: 15gp
Requires: No Spanish Bounty & Influence Check
Location: Trinidad

Enemies of Spain are plotting an attack on
Havana. Claim this mission and inform the
governor of Havana by taking a port action
there. This completes the mission. Spain
immediately goes to war with a random nation.



Dutch Trade Post (NEW):
Earn: 20gp
Requires: No Bounties & Influence Check
Location: Curacao

The Dutch West India Company seeks help in establishing four (4) trade posts. Make influence rolls in non-Dutch ports (as part of a port action) receives 5 gold if successful. Failures can be retried during a new port action. Afer succeeding a 4th port, you must take a port action in Curacao to succeed the mission and earn the 20 gold.



"Lead the Way"
Earn: 10gp
Requires: No Spanish Bounty
Location: San Juan

Claim this mission and find a Pirate Player
(of your choice) through Scouting.

Once the player is found, this completes the
mission. The player will then be forced into
an engagement with a Spanish Naval Ship
(if it is in play), otherwise, you must engage
him yourself. If the Spanish ship survives,
it stays in the waters where the Pirate Player
was found.
]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:24, Tue 15 Mar 2022.

Thursday, February 12th, year of our Lord 1671


FRENCH ATTACK SPANISH ASSETS - TAKE OVER SAN JUAN

Tensions are now at their highest in the Caribbean as the French Corsair Joseph Nicholson sinks Admiral Valasco's ship west of Basse Terre. The attack coincided with another French incursion on Spanish held San Juan. The French were quick to clap down on any resistance. With the Spanish is disarray, their invitation to any lawful mariners to work directly with their navy has been terminated as no admiral is currently able to lead their fleet.

Havana has declared war on France as a result, and have slapped a reward on Nicholson's head, adding to the bounties that the English had sanctioned. Meanwhile, the French seem to have enlisted the help of local pirates, further complicating matters near Tortuga and Petit Goave.

Meanwhile, le Marquis des Marais has bolstered the French fleet with a Man'o'War -- L'Orage, and is currently patrolling the central Caribbean sea.



BOUNTIES

French authorities continue to dissuade civilians from entering French territorial waters near Basse Terre citing that Pirate Ben Hornigold and Nicholson are still prowling its waters.


Adding to the troubles around Basse Terre, William Kidd continues to patrol the waters to the north praying fat merchants in the area.


Here is a current list of bounties as they stand:


    A Spanish bounty of 15 GP for Captain Joseph Nicholson, added to the
    English 10gp bounty for the captain of the Empress of the Waves
    A 15gp bounty has been placed on the Pirate Ben Hornigold
    A 10gp bounty for sinking William Kidd’s ship from under him.




Pirate, William Kidd was last spotted sailing near San Juan.
Pirate, Benjamin Hornigold was last spotted sailing near Basse Terre
Pirate, Joseph Bruce Nicholson was last spotted in Base Terre.
Jean Lefanu has last been spotted near Trinidad.
Kitty Chatelain has last been spotted near Cartegena.
French Naval Presence Patrolling the Caribbean Sea
Spanish Naval Presence Patrolling the waters near Trinidad
English Naval Presence Patrolling the waters in Nassau
Dutch Naval Presence Patrols have patrols in Curaçao



NOTICES TO MARINERS:


With the Spanish authorities in disarray, the naval exercises that were previously available have been terminated. However, other opportunities have come to our attention that might interest certain captains:

Famed treasure hunter, Sir William Phips, has arrived in Nassau hoping to conduct a salvage operation of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción that was wrecked off the cost of Cartagena. Sir Phips is requesting the assistance of an abled crew to haul his team and his diving bell from Nassau to Cartagena's waters.

Meanwhile, gossip in Old Providence says that a certain pirate captain is ready to pay a fortune for Spiked Rum.


[Private to group Notice to Mariners:

The following missions are currently available:


"Blotto"  (NEW)
Earn: 9+ GP & 1 Rumour & 1+ XP/Benefit
Requires: N/A
Location: Old Providence

While carrying "Rum", successfully "scout" for
or be scouted by any NPC Pirate. Roll Influence.

Success: No battle, the pirate buys all of your
rum for 9gp a barrel, and provides you with
fresh gossip.

Failure:

Naval battle begins with the NPC. Survive to
complete the Mission.




SALVAGE OPERATION  (NEW)
Earn: 6+ GP & +1XP/Benefit
Requires: Influence Check and No Bounties
Location: Nassau

Famed treasure hunter, Sir William Phips,
is hoping to conduct a salvage operation
of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción that was
wrecked off the cost of Cartagena. Sir Phips
is requesting the assistance of an abled crew
to haul his team and his diving bell from Nassau
to Cartagena's waters.

After arriving at Cartagena, roll Seamanship. If
you succeed, gain 6GP per success. If not, mission
fails.



Dutch Trade Post:
Earn: 20gp
Requires: No Bounties & Influence Check
Location: Curaçao

The Dutch West India Company seeks help in establishing
four (4) trade posts. Make influence rolls in non-Dutch
ports (as part of a port action) receives 5 gold if
successful. Failures can be retried during a new port
action. Afer succeeding a 4th port, you must take a
port action in Curacao to succeed the mission and earn
the 20 gold.


]

Friday, February 13th, year of our Lord 1671


SPANISH MANOWAR JOINS WAR ON THE FRENCH

The sinking of the Esperanza has sent a tidal wave across the Caribbean, but those that expected the Spanish to sit by quietly as their navy is in disarray were quite naive in their assessments. Indeed, a Spanish Warship was last spotted in Caracas where the newly appointed admiral Blas de Lezo has taken the helm of their Flag Ship the San Antonio de Padua, vowing to wage war on the accursed French.



BOUNTIES

French authorities continue to dissuade civilians from entering French territorial waters near Basse Terre citing that Pirate Ben Hornigold and Nicholson are still prowling its waters.


Adding to the troubles around Basse Terre, William Kidd continues to patrol the waters to the north praying fat merchants in the area.


Here is a current list of bounties as they stand:


    A Spanish bounty of 15 GP for Captain Joseph Nicholson, added to the
    English 10gp bounty for the captain of the Empress of the Waves
    A 15gp bounty has been placed on the Pirate Ben Hornigold
    A 10gp bounty for sinking William Kidd’s ship from under him.




Pirate, William Kidd was last spotted sailing near San Juan.
Pirate, Benjamin Hornigold was last spotted sailing near Basse Terre
Pirate, Joseph Bruce Nicholson was last spotted in Base Terre.
Jean Lefanu has last been spotted near Trinidad.
Kitty Chatelain has last been spotted near Cartegena.
French Naval Presence Patrolling the Caribbean Sea
English Naval Presence Patrolling the waters in Nassau
Dutch Naval Presence have patrols in Curaçao
Spanish Manowar last seen in Caracas



NOTICES TO MARINERS:


Profiting from the war between the French and the Spanish, the Dutch West India Company seeks to increase their influence by establishing Trading stations at local ports within the Caribbean.

Famed treasure hunter, Sir William Phips, has arrived in Nassau hoping to conduct a salvage operation of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción that was wrecked off the cost of Cartagena. Sir Phips is requesting the assistance of an abled crew to haul his team and his diving bell from Nassau to Cartagena's waters.

Meanwhile, gossip in Old Providence says that a certain pirate captain is ready to pay a fortune for Spiked Rum.


[Private to group Notice to Mariners:

The following missions are currently available:


"Blotto"  (NEW)
Earn: 9+ GP & 1 Rumour & 1+ XP/Benefit
Requires: N/A
Location: Old Providence

While carrying "Rum", successfully "scout" for
or be scouted by any NPC Pirate. Roll Influence.

Success: No battle, the pirate buys all of your
rum for 9gp a barrel, and provides you with
fresh gossip.

Failure:

Naval battle begins with the NPC. Survive to
complete the Mission.




SALVAGE OPERATION  (NEW)
Earn: 6+ GP & +1XP/Benefit
Requires: Influence Check and No Bounties
Location: Nassau

Famed treasure hunter, Sir William Phips,
is hoping to conduct a salvage operation
of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción that was
wrecked off the cost of Cartagena. Sir Phips
is requesting the assistance of an abled crew
to haul his team and his diving bell from Nassau
to Cartagena's waters.

After arriving at Cartagena, roll Seamanship. If
you succeed, gain 6GP per success. If not, mission
fails.



Dutch Trade Post:
Earn: 20gp
Requires: No Bounties & Influence Check
Location: Curaçao

The Dutch West India Company seeks help in establishing
four (4) trade posts. Make influence rolls in non-Dutch
ports (as part of a port action) receives 5 gold if
successful. Failures can be retried during a new port
action. Afer succeeding a 4th port, you must take a
port action in Curacao to succeed the mission and earn
the 20 gold.


]

Saturday, February 14th, year of our Lord 1671

THE FRENCH-SPANISH WAR INTERRUPTED BY STRONG GALES

A temporary cease-fire between the French and Spanish armadas was imposed by a sharp drop in the barometric pressure today, forcing fleet captains to return to port as the high seas become too dangerous to navigate. Perhaps the forced return of the mariners to their home ports will be well met by their belles for Valentine’s Day, hopefully a warm hearth will greet them as the temperatures plummet across the Caribbean?

[Private to group Notice to Mariners:

Players currently at sea have their actions reduced by 1, and any ship caught at sea at the end of their turn risk taking two random hits to their ships (mitigated by a success on seamanship roll). Funnily enough, everyone is at sea, therefor you all get 2 actions this turn.]



BOUNTIES

French authorities have lifted their Pirate Warning in French territorial waters near Basse Terre as pirates Ben Hornigold and Nicholson moved their operations westward.

William Kidd continues to patrol the waters to the north praying fat merchants in the area, near French San Juan.


Here is a current list of bounties as they stand:


    A Spanish bounty of 15 GP for Captain Joseph Nicholson, added to the
    English 10gp bounty for the captain of the Empress of the Waves
    A 15gp bounty has been placed on the Pirate Ben Hornigold
    A 10gp bounty for sinking William Kidd’s ship from under him.




Pirate, William Kidd was last spotted sailing near San Juan.
Pirate, Benjamin Hornigold was last spotted sailing the Caribbean Sea
Pirate, Joseph Bruce Nicholson was last spotted in Petit Goave.
Jean Lefanu has last been spotted near Georgetown.
Kitty Chatelain has last been spotted near New Providence.
French Naval Presence Patrolling the Caribbean Sea
English Naval Presence Patrolling the waters in Tortuga
Dutch & Spanish Naval Presence have patrols in Caracas



NOTICES TO MARINERS:


Profiting from the war between the French and the Spanish, the Dutch West India Company seeks to increase their influence by establishing Trading stations at local ports within the Caribbean.

Famed treasure hunter, Sir William Phips, has arrived in Nassau hoping to conduct a salvage operation of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción that was wrecked off the cost of Cartagena. Sir Phips is requesting the assistance of an abled crew to haul his team and his diving bell from Nassau to Cartagena's waters.

Meanwhile, gossip in Old Providence says that a certain pirate captain is ready to pay a fortune for Spiked Rum.


[Private to group Notice to Mariners:

The following missions are currently available:


"Blotto"  (NEW)
Earn: 9+ GP & 1 Rumour & 1+ XP/Benefit
Requires: N/A
Location: Old Providence

While carrying "Rum", successfully "scout" for
or be scouted by any NPC Pirate. Roll Influence.

Success: No battle, the pirate buys all of your
rum for 9gp a barrel, and provides you with
fresh gossip.

Failure:

Naval battle begins with the NPC. Survive to
complete the Mission.




SALVAGE OPERATION  (NEW)
Earn: 6+ GP & +1XP/Benefit
Requires: Influence Check and No Bounties
Location: Nassau

Famed treasure hunter, Sir William Phips,
is hoping to conduct a salvage operation
of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción that was
wrecked off the cost of Cartagena. Sir Phips
is requesting the assistance of an abled crew
to haul his team and his diving bell from Nassau
to Cartagena's waters.

After arriving at Cartagena, roll Seamanship. If
you succeed, gain 6GP per success. If not, mission
fails.



Dutch Trade Post:
Earn: 20gp
Requires: No Bounties & Influence Check
Location: Curaçao

The Dutch West India Company seeks help in establishing
four (4) trade posts. Make influence rolls in non-Dutch
ports (as part of a port action) receives 5 gold if
successful. Failures can be retried during a new port
action. Afer succeeding a 4th port, you must take a
port action in Curacao to succeed the mission and earn
the 20 gold.


]

Sunday, February 15th, year of our Lord 1671

UPRISING IN SANTO DOMINGO, THE BALANCE OF POWER TIPS IN THE CARIBBEAN

A large segment of Santo Domingo's French civilians has rebelled against the Spanish Government!

Taking advantage of the strong gales that have kept ship traffic at bay, local frenchmen, armed with bayonets and muskets stormed Spanish fortifications, allowing for the French armies to descend on Santo Domingo by way of land. As no reinforcements were possible, the port soon fell to the French which is now the strongest military presence in the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, Spanish admiral Blas de Lezo has left Caracas and headed north to assail the French port of Basse Terre, but was intercepted by Le Marquis des Marais. Both fleets are now engaged in a battle of wits in French territorial waters, and wise captains might be able to take advantage of thing while they are busy with each other.

It is rumoured that the French Letter of Marque that Nicholson had has now been retired.


PIRATE SITINGS

New French authorities in Santo Domingo have issued a Pirate Warning. It would seem that Hornigold and Kidd have moved their operations there...

Meanwhile, the infamous Nicholson was last seen at port in Petit Goave.



BOUNTIES

Here is a current list of bounties as they stand:


    A Spanish bounty of 15 GP for Captain Joseph Nicholson, added to the
    English 10gp bounty for the captain of the Empress of the Waves
    A 15gp bounty has been placed on the Pirate Ben Hornigold
    A 10gp bounty for sinking William Kidd’s ship from under him.




Pirate, William Kidd was last spotted sailing near Santo Domingo.
Pirate, Benjamin Hornigold was last spotted sailing near Santo Domingo.
Pirate, Joseph Bruce Nicholson was last spotted in Petit Goave.
Jean Lefanu has last been spotted near Basse Terre.
Kitty Chatelain has last been spotted near Old Providence.
French Naval Presence Patrolling the Caribbean Sea moved into French Territorial Waters near Basse Terre
English Naval Presence Patrolling the waters near Petit Goave
Spanish Naval Presence have headed north and intercepted the French navy near Basse Terre
Dutch Naval Presence has started patrolling the waters near Trinidad




NOTICES TO MARINERS:


Profiting from the war between the French and the Spanish, the Dutch West India Company seeks to increase their influence by establishing Trading stations at local ports within the Caribbean. They have recently upped the ante by offering a Letter of Marque themselves.

Famed treasure hunter, Sir William Phips, has arrived in Nassau hoping to conduct a salvage operation of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción that was wrecked off the cost of Cartagena. Sir Phips is requesting the assistance of an abled crew to haul his team and his diving bell from Nassau to Cartagena's waters.



[Private to group Notice to Mariners:

The following missions are currently available:


"Dutch Letter of Marque"  (NEW)
Earn: Special
Requires: Influence check and at least 1 non-Dutch Bounty
Location: Curaçao

You become a privateer:

- Dutch Naval Ships ignore you
- You are regarded as having a Dutch nationality
- Merchant Raids get +3 gold when attacking non-Dutch ships

All other nations regard you as a pirate. If you get a Dutch bounty, you lose the letter of marque (mission fails).

After defeating any ship, you may return the letter of marque to complete the mission."




SALVAGE OPERATION  (NEW)
Earn: 6+ GP & +1XP/Benefit
Requires: Influence Check and No Bounties
Location: Nassau

Famed treasure hunter, Sir William Phips,
is hoping to conduct a salvage operation
of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción that was
wrecked off the cost of Cartagena. Sir Phips
is requesting the assistance of an abled crew
to haul his team and his diving bell from Nassau
to Cartagena's waters.

After arriving at Cartagena, roll Seamanship. If
you succeed, gain 6GP per success. If not, mission
fails.



Dutch Trade Post:
Earn: 20gp
Requires: No Bounties & Influence Check
Location: Curaçao

The Dutch West India Company seeks help in establishing
four (4) trade posts. Make influence rolls in non-Dutch
ports (as part of a port action) receives 5 gold if
successful. Failures can be retried during a new port
action. Afer succeeding a 4th port, you must take a
port action in Curacao to succeed the mission and earn
the 20 gold.


]

Monday, February 16th, year of our Lord 1671 - Turn 10

SPANISH FORCED TO CEDE; CARIBBEAN AT PEACE AGAIN

After an impressive expansionist tour de Force, France has wrestled two strategic ports from the Spanish, forcing the Spanish court to officially cede its territories of Santo Domingo and San Juan to the French crown.

The Spanish seemed ill prepared, or perhaps over-extended; however the French alliance with the notorious pirates like Nicholson, has proven to be a creative and successful strategy in the French expansionist war. However, the Dutch West India Company continues its covert strategy in  winning influence across the Caribbean by establishing Trading stations at local ports, and have recently offered a Letter of Marque. Speculation abounds at how long the fragile peace will last before something sets off another territorial dispute, but in the meantime, the are fortunes to be made.



NAVAL TRAFFIC / PIRATE SIGHTINGS

Spanish Admiral Blas de Lezo was forced out of Basse Terre territorial waters in a last naval engagement with the French Marquis des Marais. Many believe that the Spanish were attempting a naval bombardment or blockade of Basse Terre, and were thwarted in their attempt. De Lezo was last seen fleeing westward towards Havana.

French authorities in Santo Domingo have issued a Pirate Warning. It would seem that Hornigold is still active there... William Kid, for his part, has looked eastwards and now haunts San Juan's cost.

Meanwhile, the infamous Nicholson was last seen in Curaçao territorial waters.



Pirate, William Kidd was last spotted sailing near San Juan
Pirate, Benjamin Hornigold was last spotted sailing near Santo Domingo.
Pirate, Joseph Bruce Nicholson was last spotted sailing towards Curaçao.
Jean Lefanu has last been spotted near at port San Maarten's.
Kitty Chatelain has last been spotted near Santo Domingo.
French Naval Presence continues to patrol French Territorial Waters near Basse Terre
English & Spanish Naval Presences Patrolling the waters in the Central Caribbean
Dutch Naval Presence has started patrolling the waters near Trinidad


BOUNTIES


Famed treasure hunter, Sir William Phips, has arrived in Nassau hoping to conduct a salvage operation of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción that was wrecked off the cost of Cartagena. Sir Phips is requesting the assistance of an abled crew to haul his team and his diving bell from Nassau to Cartagena's waters.

Here is a current list of bounties as they stand:


    A Spanish bounty of 15 GP for Captain Joseph Nicholson, added to the
    English 10gp bounty for the captain of the Empress of the Waves
    A 15gp bounty has been placed on the Pirate Ben Hornigold
    A 10gp bounty for sinking William Kidd’s ship from under him.




[Private to group Notice to Mariners:

The following missions are currently available:


"Dutch Letter of Marque"  (NEW)
Earn: Special
Requires: Influence check and at least 1 non-Dutch Bounty
Location: Curaçao

You become a privateer:

- Dutch Naval Ships ignore you
- You are regarded as having a Dutch nationality
- Merchant Raids get +3 gold when attacking non-Dutch ships

All other nations regard you as a pirate. If you get a Dutch bounty, you lose the letter of marque (mission fails).

After defeating any ship, you may return the letter of marque to complete the mission."




SALVAGE OPERATION  (NEW)
Earn: 6+ GP & +1XP/Benefit
Requires: Influence Check and No Bounties
Location: Nassau

Famed treasure hunter, Sir William Phips,
is hoping to conduct a salvage operation
of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción that was
wrecked off the cost of Cartagena. Sir Phips
is requesting the assistance of an abled crew
to haul his team and his diving bell from Nassau
to Cartagena's waters.

After arriving at Cartagena, roll Seamanship. If
you succeed, gain 6GP per success. If not, mission
fails.



Dutch Trade Post:
Earn: 20gp
Requires: No Bounties & Influence Check
Location: Curaçao

The Dutch West India Company seeks help in establishing
four (4) trade posts. Make influence rolls in non-Dutch
ports (as part of a port action) receives 5 gold if
successful. Failures can be retried during a new port
action. Afer succeeding a 4th port, you must take a
port action in Curacao to succeed the mission and earn
the 20 gold.


]

Tuesday, February 17th, year of our Lord 1671 - Turn 11
OOC: I think this is the final round before someone reached 10XP to level up.



INFAMOUS PIRATES PLAGUING THE CARIBBEAN - CAPTURED!

Local trading captains have turned up the pressure on local pirates; in an exciting day on the seas, Captains Jean Lefanu and Kitty Chatelain have each brought the war to the corsairs roaming the seas. They have both captured their ships, and are said to be escorting their captains to local magistrates to be tried, judged, and perhaps executed.

Unfortunatelty, the news of their capture has attracted the attention of a very dangerous pirate that has been hunting the Floridian coast; reports out of Nassau claim that a Man'o'war sporting the Jolly Roger was seen by local fishermen. To the East, Port St. John authorities have sighted a small sloop praying on local merchants.

Famed treasure hunter, Sir William Phips, is still in Nassau hoping to conduct a salvage operation of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción that was wrecked off the cost of Cartagena. Sir Phips is requesting the assistance of an abled crew to haul his team and his diving bell from Nassau to Cartagena's waters, especially now that the pirate Sidwell King Meyer, has descended on the area.

In an effort to curb piracy and make inroads in other islands across the Caribbean, the Dutch have offered a letter of marque and are looking for local captains to help establish trading stations in local ports.



NAVAL TRAFFIC

Spanish Admiral Blas de Lezo descends on Curaçao, possibly looking to bring to justice the infamous Nicholson, rumoured to be in the area.


Pirate, William Kidd was last spotted sailing near San Juan (Captured by Jean Lefanu)
Pirate, Benjamin Hornigold was last spotted sailing near Santo Domingo. (Captured by Kitty Chatelain)
Pirate, Joseph Bruce Nicholson was last spotted in the port of Curaçao.
Jean Lefanu was last spotted near at port San Maarten's.
Kitty Chatelain has last been spotted sailing towards Curaçao.
French Naval Presence seen patrolling near St Maartens.
English Naval Patrols near Santo Domingo
Spanish Naval Presences Patrolling the waters near Curaçao
Dutch Naval Presence last seen patrolling the waters near Caracas



BOUNTIES


Here is a current list of bounties as they stand:

• A Spanish bounty of 15 GP for Captain Joseph Nicholson, added to the English 10gp bounty for the captain of the Empress of the Waves
• A 20gp bounty has been placed on Sidwell's head.
• A 15gp bounty has been placed on the Pirate Ben Hornigold (Claimed)
• A 10gp bounty for sinking William Kidd’s ship from under him. (Claimed)
• A 5gp bounty has been placed on Long Ben Avery.

[Private to group Notice to Mariners:

The following missions are currently available:


"Dutch Letter of Marque"
Earn: Special
Requires: Influence check and at least 1 non-Dutch Bounty
Location: Curaçao

You become a privateer:

- Dutch Naval Ships ignore you
- You are regarded as having a Dutch nationality
- Merchant Raids get +3 gold when attacking non-Dutch ships

All other nations regard you as a pirate. If you get a Dutch bounty, you lose the letter of marque (mission fails).

After defeating any ship, you may return the letter of marque to complete the mission."




SALVAGE OPERATION
Earn: 6+ GP & +1XP/Benefit
Requires: Influence Check and No Bounties
Location: Nassau

Famed treasure hunter, Sir William Phips,
is hoping to conduct a salvage operation
of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción that was
wrecked off the cost of Cartagena. Sir Phips
is requesting the assistance of an abled crew
to haul his team and his diving bell from Nassau
to Cartagena's waters.

After arriving at Cartagena, roll Seamanship. If
you succeed, gain 6GP per success. If not, mission
fails.



Dutch Trade Post:
Earn: 20gp
Requires: No Bounties & Influence Check
Location: Curaçao

The Dutch West India Company seeks help in establishing
four (4) trade posts. Make influence rolls in non-Dutch
ports (as part of a port action) receives 5 gold if
successful. Failures can be retried during a new port
action. Afer succeeding a 4th port, you must take a
port action in Curacao to succeed the mission and earn
the 20 gold.


]