Small Frisian Raiders

April 29 1623 marked the fifth year of the Religious Conflict between Protestants and Catholics of Europe. It also was a marking point for the eighty years war between the Dutch, and the Iberian Peninsula mainly Hapsburg Spain. For 55 years the Dutch have been fighting these Spanish speaking soldiers who keep sending ships outward either to return in fewer numbers or none at all. Rumors of this fleet's destination reached the ears of many Dutch citizens and those whom the people forgot even exist. Whatever conflict was occurring over that vast ocean was over that same piece of land someone named Christopher Columbus ran into thinking he had reached Asia. It was not until years later when someone else realized and pointe out the existence of a new world to explore. 

However these Dutch humans were starting expand outward beyond their own little United Province as they might as well call it. On the rocks near one of the Dutch islands a group of Tan Noz sat watching a fleet of eleven ships set sail from the port. None of them knew the name of the port nor cared to ask the humans. To them humans were like food and belongings were valuable, and made for good merchandize to trade with other Goblins and some Sprites of Europe. Most trade came from the vast island called Britannia, and the Island of Ireland. Although they originated in Breton these Tan Noz separated from the rest of the group who set up camp in rocky places along the coasts. For nearly an hour they watched the fleet plotting to set up a lure for such a large fleet. Yet it would fail as there was no storm and it was day time when this small armada embarked. 

Tan Noz are descendants of Hooks who breaded with other fairies, and mermaids. This gave them more a prettier look compared to their ancestors. It did not kill their behavior or their appetite for human flesh. On dark nights or during storms they would often lure stranded ships by attracting them their way and dashing them against rocks so they could pillage what was left. Standing at three feet tall a Tan Noz named Libby sharpened a broken rapier that suited her needs and height. Her eyes were on a Fluyt that was headed home. Her brothers and partners were busy setting up a trap using stolen lamps to attract this vast vessel towards their island. It took all day to set this up forcing them to use the lanterns too much to their liking. When everything was set up and ready their leader waved a large lantern in the air drawing the ship's attention. 

All of her friends and family counted on her, and her team to pull this gig off at the right moment otherwise everything would be lost in the sea. There were times when these humans would send out armed parties to chase after them resulting in skirmishes. A few of their own died whereas most of the parties were too large or too numerous to take on at once. She believed if they got a hold the smaller types of guns that were rare then they could ambush small parties of these humans who thought they were just little rascals, vandals, and scavengers stealing from their Company. Moments later she heard a crash in the water as if something big smashed into the rocks. Screams, wood cracking, and breaking along with the waters splashing about entered her ears. It sort of got to her making her shutter a little. A fellow raider lit a lantern and illuminated the area. She then heard a whistle signaling to commence the pillaging. Libby raced over to the wreck where the humans had crashed in the rocks and the island. 

They came at the humans like a storm of flesh and steel. Aboard this vessel were not just human but other creatures who hid from the crews. Because of the wreck most of the crew were dead, wounded or had abandoned ship for other shores. Among the crew of Dutchmen were goblin-gnome creatures who appeared loyal to the ship and launched at them in waves. Libby's raiding party fought them off before making their way to the wreck. Like hounds on a prey they killed or captured most of the surviving sailors before a larger wave of these creatures came at them. One of these creatures had an ugly appearances a wagging tongue, and thick beard. This one brushed her weapon aside and attempted to mount her against a splintered deck. It was knocked off her by one of the leaders. Libby was too traumatized and held back from the rest of the raid. What did that thing want she asked herself. Libby was too scared to think about it and sat out the rest of the raid.