The Ochese Creeks had probably been instigators of the war at least as much as the Yamasee.

When the war broke out, they had promptly killed all the South Carolinian traders in their territory, as did the other Creek, the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Cherokee.

The Ochese Creek are buffered from South Carolina by several smaller native groups, such as the Yuchi, Savannah River Shawnee, Apalachee, and Apalachicola.

These natives make several successful attacks on South Carolina settlements in the summer of 1715.

Generally the Ochese Creek are cautious after South Carolina's counterattacks proved effective.

The smaller native groups flee the Savannah River area, many finding refuge among the Ochese Creeks, where plans are being made for the next stage of the war.

The Upper Creek are not as determined to wage war, but have strong respect for the Ochese Creek.

They might join in an invasion if conditions are favorable.

An issue is trade goods.

The Creek people have come to depend on English trade goods from South Carolina.

Facing possible war with the British, the Creek look to the French and Spanish as possible market sources.

The French and Spanish are more than willing to supply the Creek, but they are unable to provide the same quantity or quality of goods which the British have been providing.

Muskets, gunpowder, and bullets are especially needed if the Creek are to invade South Carolina.

The Upper Creek remain reluctant to go to war.

Nevertheless, the Creek form closer ties to the French and Spanish during the Yamasee War.

The Ochese Creeks have other connections, such as the Chickasaw and Cherokee, but the Chickasaw, after killing their English traders, had been quick to make peace with South Carolina, blaming the deaths of the traders in their towns on the Creeks—a lame excuse that is gladly accepted by South Carolina.

The Cherokee's position becomes strategically important.