Monday, 2 February 2026

Off the painting desk - Shipwrecked!

 The Spanish Armada has been defeated! The Spanish have been vanquished!

The ships make for home but it is a long, long way.

One such ship was the San Pedro Menor .She made it all the way to Ireland but ran aground on the rocks in a tremendous storm-

Most of the crew went down with the ship but some made it to land . Exhausted, traumatised they regrouped and made for the interior of this unknown country-
The small band of survivors was led by Don Estrella, veteran of many campaigns. His wife Dona Verano and their chaplain Padre Marron , a wild unkempt  priest with a predilection for solving mysteries.
Through bog after bog they trudged, exhausted, looking for shelter.
Scouts were sent up hill and mountain , encountering no one on their way.
The banner had been torn from the ship and brought with them.
What will happen to these strangers in a strange land, only time will tell.
To be continued ..
Hopefully this will be the start of some linked games and scenarios over the coming weeks.


22 comments:

  1. An unusual choice of colour especially as the dress is he same colour.. What led to or determined your choice?
    Stephen

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    1. From my research l believe that Don Estrella served as a mercenary in the Duchy of Tradgardland, in his youth. It is quite likely he picked up a liking for Rose coloured cloth there.
      Alan Tradgardland

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  2. I can see their leader, or his wife, leading the party to sing that old Spanish song (translated here into Inglish " Its a long way to Madrid, Its a long way to march ".

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    1. You know that song too, what a coincidence!
      Alan Tradgardland

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  3. Great background story Alan.
    I'm looking forward to the continuation.

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    1. Thanks! Hopefully fun for all …
      Alan Tradgardland

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  4. I love the setting, and can't wait to learn what adventures are awaiting there...

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    1. Thanks! Many bogs to cross , mountains to climb and friends or foes to encounter…
      Alan Tradgardland

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  5. Replies
    1. Indeed…
      Alan Tradgardland

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  6. This looks interesting - of course, you had me engaged as soon as I spotted the Capitans Senora.....!

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  7. Oh this does look to be quite interesting, Alan. I am curious where this will be going...besides deeper in deepest, darkest, greenest, Ireland...

    Eric

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    1. Further in, further up…
      Alan Tradgardland

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  8. Have you seen the Hammer film 'Devil Ship Pirates'? (1964) 'Plot: Following the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, a badly damaged Spanish ship (a privateer named Diablo) captained by Robeles (Christopher Lee) puts in for repairs at a secluded English village.
    The Deception: Upon landing, the crew discovers that the villagers are unaware of the Armada's defeat. Captain Robeles lies and convinces the locals that Spain has won and that the country is now under Spanish occupation.
    The Conflict: The Spanish crew takes control of the town to force the locals to help repair their ship, leading to a resistance movement by the villagers.'

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    1. A new one to me, thanks for the mention of it.
      Alan Tradgardland

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  9. The blog returns with a bang - or a splittering of timbers on rocks. It's going to be interesting to see what develops in that green, green land. An Irish version of Dad's army perhaps?

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    1. We shall see what they encounter on their peregrination…
      Alan Tradgardland

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  10. Aha! The Spanish Fury turn up in Ireland after burning Mousehole and Paul and Penzance in Cornwall? Typical shabby Spanish trick! https://manoftinblog.wordpress.com/arma-dads-army-elizabethan-home-guard-1580s-1590s-operacion-leon-marino/

    Seen off of course by that fine Arma-Dad’s Army in Cornwall? https://manoftinblogtwo.wordpress.com/2025/06/18/arma-dads-army-illustrated/

    What will happen to them next?

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  11. Excellent 54mm fun.
    Watch this space …
    Alan Tradgardland

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