Welcome to the first update in the 2024 Summer of Plunder Campaign for Blood & Plunder and Oak & Iron! This year promises an abundance of adventure and fun, and we’re thrilled to showcase the progress of our campaign thus far. We had 229 games played this first week.

Changes to the Campaign Map System for 2024

Whether you’re a seasoned participant or just joining us for the first time, we’ve introduced an exciting new system for this year’s campaign. This year, we rebalanced and restructured the game from the ground up. Chief among the changes is the voting method for control of our dynamic campaign map. This year the players have the majority of the control for the outcomes and the commanders are more like shepherds guiding efforts.

We’ve also made changes to keep the balance of power even more stable. Regrettably we has some issues with a runaway leader and play to win dynamic. We’ve fixed that by giving all Nations the same number of actions by players and commander regardless of the number of players or games played.

You can do a deeper dive into the Summer of Plunder Campaign info and rules here. If you haven’t yet joined our Discord community, now is the time to explore the narrative fun of the community event further.

In this weekly Campaign update, we’ll delve into the changes on the campaign map and share some narrative “fluff” about the events that transpired. We plan to release these Campaign Map updates every Sunday. On Mondays we’ll release a second update with captivating snapshots from players’ games, offer up a the prize awards for the week, and bring you some news from our intrepid national commanders as they guide fellow players through this thrilling campaign.

Campaign Level Combat Results

Pirates Raiders Sighted in British Antigua

Antigua Pirate raiders were spotted off the coast of Antigua. His Majesty increased patrols in the region to ensure the safety of the British shipping lanes. (English 1 – Pirates 1 = Tie)

Campeche is Secured by the Natives

The Natives drive out the few European colonists in the region, securing the region from foreign settlers. (Natives2 – Unaligned 1)

Cayman Isles

An English Royal Navy scout ship was spotted mapping the region of the Cayman Isles. Rumors abound that the English may be making a move to settle in the region soon. (English 1 – Unaligned 1)

Natchez

The sounds of saws and crashing trees echo in the Natchez region as settlers clear the land for new homes and farms. Small cabins and outbuildings begin to dot the landscape, and fields are plowed for planting. The expanding settlements mark the steady encroachment of colonial ambition, transforming the dense forest into a patchwork of cultivated land and burgeoning communities. The English flags fly high above the newly built blockhouse. (English 4 – Unaligned 1)

Charleston, SC

Native raiding parties struck settlements near Charleston, SC. English militia in the region were called upon to escort citizens to safety. The region remains an area of danger for settlers. (English 1 – Natives 1 – Unaligned 1)

Fort Noorhooka

With a successful planting season of corn, beans, and squash and an abundant store of fish in the region, the Tuscarora Natives begin expanding and building new settlements along the banks of the Roanoke Rivers. Their influence in the region continue to grow as their tribes enjoyed a prosperous spring (Natives 3 – Unaligned 1)

Havana

A small band of rogue sea rovers attempt to raid a tobacco warehouse in Havana. Their efforts were foiled when a vigilant Hostigador sentry spotted the raiders and sounded the alarm. Following a brief but bloody conflict, the sea rovers fled into the night. (Pirates 1 – Spain 5)

Jamaica

Just days ago, a fishing boat encountered a formidable Spanish flotilla en route to Jamaica. Sailing with all haste, the smaller vessel managed to arrive just hours ahead of the invasion fleet. Its crew alerted the governor who scrambled a hasty defense. Though outgunned, the English ships maneuvered deftly amidst the smoke and chaos and managed to defy the odds. By nightfall, the sea was littered with debris and the wounded, but the English resolve held firm. Both sides withdrew their battered fleets. There may be a delicate ceasefire in Europe, but there is clearly no peace beyond the line. (English 6 – Spain 6)

Norridgewock

The Norridgewock region saw a fierce battle between French forces and Native American warriors. Moving in unison, the French troops advanced step by step, muskets ready, their coordinated fire lighting up the early twilight as they pushed deeper into contested territory, aiming to deliver a devastating enfilade upon their adversaries. Using their knowledge of the terrain for swift counterattacks, the Natives harassed the French with hit-and-run strikes. After hours of intense combat, both sides withdrew as night fell, each bloodied but unbowed, resulting in a hard-fought tie. (France 3 – Natives 3 – Unaligned 1)

Panama

Seeking to emulate the exploits of Henry Morgan, a band of pirate raiders descended upon Panama, launching a surprise assault on the Spanish garrison. Caught unawares, the Spaniards were quickly overrun. The Pirates prevailed, plundering the city’s riches and securing a decisive victory. (Pirates 4 – Spain 1)

St Vincent

St. Vincent witnessed a series of intense battles between Dutch and French forces vying for control. Naval clashes and land skirmishes echoed across the island as each side fought fiercely for dominance in the strategic Caribbean territory. Ultimately, the French emerged victorious, securing control of St. Vincent and marking a significant triumph in their colonial ambitions. (Dutch 2 – France 4 – Unaligned 1)

Trinidad

In a swift and decisive assault, the Dutch captured Trinidad. With naval superiority and tactical skill, Dutch forces overwhelmed the island’s minimal defenses, securing control without firing a single shot. The Netherlands expands its control in the region. (Dutch 3 – Unaligned 1)

Raid & Trade Actions During Week 1

There were no Raids ordered in Week 1 as the Nations feel each other out and see where loyalties lie.

Multiple nations’ Commanders ordered Trade actions, a cautious, but wise move as things start off. Nations that conducted Trade:

• Dutch
• English
• Natives
• Pirates

Current Standings at the End of Week 1

At the end of Week 1, the Natives are in 1st place!  The Dutch, English, and Pirates are tied for second, the French are a single point behind and the Spanish are in last.  It’s still early, so it’s anyone’s game. 

As a reminder, each nation can earn points in the following ways:

• 1 pt per map location owned
• 2 pts per Capital city owned
• 1 pt per Trade action by a Commander
• -1 to +3 for a Raid action by a Commander.  This is a risk/reward action that transfers pts from an enemy but can result in 0 pts or loss of points to the target.
• 1-3 pts may be given to another nation by a Commander as a Tribute for purposes of diplomacy.

This article offers more info on the campaign rules.

Week 2 Objective – “There’s a Storm a Brewin’”

Week 2 of the Summer of Plunder runs from June 9th (Sun) -15th (Sat). To earn a bonus point with your entries, this week’s objectives are as follows:

• Blood & Plunder: Play a game in any theater starting at a +2 on Weather Table
• Oak & Iron: The “Rough Seas” Event Card event card is in play the ENTIRE GAME (draw additional events as normal).

The standard weather table in the core Blood & Plunder Rulebook is found below. You’re going to have a wet time of it! This week could be a good time to explore weaponry that doesn’t require reloads: bows, lances, brace of pistols, bayonets and pikes can all be used in the rain without any penalty. Movement is reduced as well as you slog through the mud!

Another fun way to play this objective is to use “The Storm” scenario from Raise the Black. This Sea Scenario get’s pretty crazy by the end and starting with the Weather at +2 would make it even more insane! But since this scenario already increases weather effects, playing it “as written” (not starting at +2) would also fulfill the objective.

As mentioned in this scenario the No Peace Beyond the Line expansion book has some additional Weather Tables that are specific to different climates. They all have the same sorts of themes, but can add appropriate flavors to your games, depending on what factions you’re playing.

Organized Play Kits by Firelock Games

One other exciting element we’ve added to the campaign this year in partnership with Firelock Games is an Organized Play Kit. This is a packet of tools for local games stores and Firelock Games Quartermasters (demo team members) can order to help run games.

The kit contains:

• Campaign poster with basic info and dates
• Instructions and scenario packet
• 13 exclusive new Blood & Plunder minis
• 24 exclusive alternate art/layout stat cards for Blood & Plunder (6 units)
• 4 exclusive Oak & Iron Commander Cards (2 Commanders) Dropped due to production delays
• 4 Fortune Token coins (early orders will receive at least one deluxe token)

Check out this article to learn more about the Organized Play Kits

Conclusion for the Week 1 Campaign Update

There were a couple of large conflicts particularly the battle in Jamaica between the British and Spanish. The Pirates struck at Panama and captured a location from Spain. But all other nations seem caution and unwilling to attack each other early in the campaign. Most battles occurred and nations sought to claim the Unaligned territories in the region. Nearly all were successful as only 5 of the 12 Unaligned location remain to be conquered.

Watch for the second half of the campaign update with more pictures and info coming out soon!