Welcome to the Week 2 Campaign Map update for 2024 Summer of Plunder. In this update we’ll take a look at the results of the players votes and commander actions to see how they changed control of the world map. There were lots of skirmishes and several Nations claimed additional Unaligned territories. There were also couple of hefty conflicts with some hard hitting votes.
At the end of this post we will go over the objectives for week 3 of the campaign.
We’ve had another record breaking turnout with 252 games played compared to 177 in week 2 of the 2023 campaign. That’s an impressive 42.37% increase!
Photo by David Milam
Week 2 Announcements
We’ve added a new field that appears when you check “Yes” that you taught new players. It allows you to get credit for teaching multiple new players instead of just 1. If you taught more than one player in previous games you are welcome to add them to the next entries as it’s too much of a pain to update previous entries as it could potentially shift historical voting.
Week 2 Campaign Level Combat Results
Boston Under Seige!
In the early hours before dawn, the harbor of Boston was caught off guard by a surprise invasion. Under the cover of darkness, dozens of longboats emerged silently from the fog and misty waters. Waves of Spanish soldiers stormed the harbor before the English could even muster a defense.
By sunrise, many Bostonians awoke to find the Spanish had secured a decisive victory, their banners waving triumphantly over the captured harbor.” (English 1 – Spanish 2)
Photo by Charles Young
Campeche sees British Incursion
British patrols ventured cautiously into the native regions. The patrols, tasked with mapping the unfamiliar terrain and gauging the strength of native forces, moved deliberately through the underbrush. Native scouts, ever vigilant, tracked the intruders’ movements, shadowing them from a distance. A series of skirmishes erupted as the British patrols pushed deeper, each encounter escalating the conflict. Despite the initial cautious approach, the British soon found themselves entangled in a fierce and unpredictable struggle for control of the region. The Brits pulled back and withdrew from the region. (English 1 – Natives 1)
Pirates Sack Cartagena
Drawn by rumors of a Spanish treasure galleon, pirates launched a surprise attack on Cartagena. Cannons roared and muskets cracked as the seasoned pirates overwhelmed the defenders, lured by the promise of immense wealth. By midday, Cartagena’s defenses had fallen, and the pirates eagerly searched for their elusive prize. While there was no ship in the harbor, the city was sacked and looted.” (Pirates 3 – Spanish 2)
Cayman Isles Formally Colonized by England
Continuing their expansion in the region the Cayman Isles saw an influx of English colonists and farmers, drawn by the promise of fertile land and prosperity. Settlers began constructed sturdy homes and creating a thriving community amidst the tropical landscape. The region will no doubt become a key outpost in the Caribbean and a beacon of English resilience and ambition. (English 3 – Unaligned 1)
New Governor Appointed to Charleston, SC
In the wake of a devastating plague in Charleston, the British made efforts to stabilize the region by appointing a new governor. With the loss of his predecessor to smallpox, the city had fallen into disorder. Tasked with rebuilding the city and restoring order after the tragic losses, the governor’s leadership marks a pivotal moment as Charleston struggles to emerge resilient and renew its growth and prosperity. (English 2 – Unaligned 1)
Photo by Larry McIver
Dutch Merchants held Hostage in Nassau
In the shipping lanes near Nassau, Dutch merchants are captured by Pirates. Among the passengers was a wealthy noblemen, who was subsequently held for ransom. After some negotiations between his kin and the buccaneers, all of the merchantmen were turned loose unharmed. (Dutch 1 – Pirates 7)
Skirmish in the Natchez Region Reported
Under the moonlit skies of the Natchez, English settlers fought off a Native incursion. Chaos erupted in a fierce skirmish ensues between the English settlers and the raiders. With superior firepower and unwavering resolve, the English defend their outpost, repelling the attackers and maintaining their foothold in the region. (English 2 – Natives 2)
Photo by Than Taylor
Battle of Norridgewock Valley
In the dense forests surrounding Norridgewock, tensions between the French and Native tribes escalate into a ferocious battle. Warriors from both sides clash relentlessly, their cries echoing through the wilderness as arrows and musket fire fill the air. Despite fierce assaults from the Natives, the French forces hold their ground with discipline. As dusk falls, neither side had gained a decisive advantage, leaving behind a haunting scene of fallen warriors and wounded survivors amidst the dense foliage—the brutal conflict leaving the land scarred and broken. The region remains uncontrolled. (French 5 – Natives 5 – Unaligned 2)
Spain’s Rear Guard Harasses Panama
Remnants of the Spanish defenders now ousted from Panama continue to harass the Pirates who have set up shop in the region. Awaiting reinforcements or rescue they fight a guerilla war in defiant resistance, but they lacked the numbers to liberate the region.
(Pirates 1 – Spanish 1)
Trade Negotiations Succeed in San Juan
Recognizing that San Juan, Puerto Rico is a pivotal port for trade, the Netherlands successfully engaged local citizens in negotiations. By means of a lucrative trade pact, they secured advantageous terms for commerce and maritime exchanges. This agreement bolstered Dutch influence in the Caribbean, fostering economic growth and strengthening ties in the region. (Dutch 2 – Unaligned 1)
French Caribbean Militia Establish Outpost in Santo Domingo
In a calculated move, French Caribbean Militia established a strategic outpost in Santo Domingo, solidifying their foothold in the region. This expansion marks a significant step in bolstering French presence and influence in the Caribbean, laying the groundwork for future endeavors and alliances in the area. (French 3 – Unaligned 1)
Photo by Brendan Kempworth
St. Augustine Infiltrated by Piratas Malvados!
In a masterful display of cunning and intrigue, the Flying Gang orchestrated the sacking of St. Augustine. Led by the infamous pirate captain Martin Sheaffer, his crew infiltrated the city under the guise of traders. Unbeknownst to the unsuspecting residents, their true intentions lay in capturing the city’s wealth and taking hostages. With meticulous planning and deception, the pirates swiftly seized control of key points within St. Augustine, exploiting vulnerabilities and outmaneuvering the local defenders. By the time their ruse was discovered, the Flying Gang had already secured the city. (Pirates 2 – Spanish 1)
St Thomas Pledges Fealty to Spain
In a ruthless and grinding series of conflicts, Spain wrested control of St. Thomas from the tyranny of the Pirates. Employing relentless military pressure and a series of strategic bombardments from offshore, the sea rover hideouts were crushed. One by one the disjointed pirate crews surrendered as the Spanish forces tightened their grip. The region succumbed to Spain’s dominance in the Caribbean. (Pirates 1 – Spanish 2)
Tortuga Succumbs to Dutch Rule
In the bustling heart of the Caribbean, Tortuga stands as a notorious haven for pirates from all corners of the sea. Among the chaotic alleys and bustling taverns, shady deals and goods are transferred to fences and shipped north for sale. The Dutch see an opportunity to bring order to chaos and seize the wealth of the region for themselves. Zeelanders and Kapers turn the pirate haven upside down, arresting dissidents and claiming trade goods and assets as their own. (Dutch 3 – Pirates 1)
Photo by Per Jacobi
Campaign Map Update At the End of Week 2
Campaign Map at the end of Week 2
Raid Actions During Week 2
The English conducted the only raid this week, hitting the Spanish. It was successful and transferred 1 Victory Point from the Spanish to the English (result of 7 on the table) .
Photo by Derek Sarrano
Trade Actions During Week 2
Multiple nations’ Commanders ordered Trade actions this week:
Dutch = 1 Action
Natives = 1 Action
Spain = 2 Actions
Current Standings at the End of Week 2
At the end of Week 2, the Dutch are now in 1st place. After capturing multiple territories and conducting a successful Trade action the Dutch have pulled again. The English and Natives are just 1pt behind and the French and Pirates are technically tied for 3rd.
The Spanish Empire maintains a 5pt gain and is again in last. But again, its still early and the chaos and intrigue have yet to fully begin. Expect weeks 3 and 4 to begin to fully embrace the chaos.
Current Location Ownership by Nation
Here is a breakdown of which nations control each location on the Campaign Map.
Campaign Map Scoring System
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.
Week 3 of the Summer of Plunder runs from June 16th (Sun) -22th (Sat). This week the objectives have been chosen by your national commanders. This means that the criteria to earn a bonus point on your entries varies by the nation you represent.
Blood & Plunder National Objectives
Dutch
Play a sea game with grapeshot equipped.
Play a land battle with field artillery
Play an amphibious game with either grapeshot OR field artillery
French
Go Big or Go Home: post a battle report of a game using or fighting against a Size 3 or bigger ship OR use a Commander costing 20+ points. Send a link to the posted report to randolphandrewp@gmail.com (please have Summer of Plunder in the email title). I’ll pick my favorite report as the winner.
English = “Blood and Thunder”: Play a game where you kill an enemy unit with musket fire and a bayonet charge. (e.g. Shoot them then Charge to finish them off)
Natives = Use King Phillip or one of the Custom Summer of Plunder commanders (stats & cards in the Native’s Call to Action) as your Force’s Commander
Pirates = “Drink Up Me Hearties Yo Ho!” We want y’all to send us pictures of your piracy-inspired drinks! They can be non-alcoholic, and must come with an ingredient list! We will choose the winner and they will get a special prize!
Spanish
Trivia Question: Who was the governor of Santo Domingo in 1655 when Cromwell’s western design was repelled from Hispaniola? All correct answers will receive commander cards and new ammo objective tokens.
Dios esté contigo Play a game using the mission priest, spiritual leader, or standard bearer with religious iconography or a ship’s stern/sails with religious Iconography(can be O&I ships). The best picture or model wins a blister of Corsarios. The player who plays the most games fulfilling the challenge will receive a set of Spanish Inquisition models (Monty Python style).
Photo by Daniel Broaddus
Oak & Iron Weekly Objectives
Again, these will vary by Nation as determined by the National Commanders
Dutch
Upgrade at least one ship with extra guns and dismantling shot
French
Go Big or Go Home: post a battle report where you used Additional Guns. Send a link to the posted report to randolphandrewp@gmail.com (please have Summer of Plunder in the email title). I’ll pick my favorite report as the winner.
English = “Blood on the Homefront”: Play a game with half your force (rounding down) with the Merchant Crew Upgrade Card.
Natives = Create a force using the Natives faction available for free on Timber and Sail. A PDF of printable ship tokens or free 3d Printed STLs are available. https://timberandsail.com/factions-natives/
Pirates = “Drink Up Me Hearties Yo Ho!” We want y’all to send us pictures of your piracy-inspired drinks! They can be non-alcoholic, and must come with an ingredient list! We will choose the winner and they will get a special prize!
Spanish
Trivia Question: Who was the governor of Santo Domingo in 1655 when Cromwell’s western design was repelled from Hispaniola? All correct answers will receive commander cards and new ammo objective tokens.
Dios esté contigo Play a game with religious iconography a ship’s stern/sails or flags. The best picture or model wins a blister of Corsarios. The player who plays the most games fulfilling the challenge will receive a set of Spanish Inquisition models (Monty Python style).
Bonus Prize Event – “SHIPWRECKED!”
In you missed the announcement last week, we’ve added a special bonus prize event to the campaign.
STORMS have come to the region and the rough seas have led to the beaching of ships, leaving them ripe for plucking by savvy crews…
Galleon Shipwreck by Liam Taylor
For Week 3 only, you can play a special scenario in this “SHIPWRECKED!” event to receive a custom Leather Dice Tray as donated by Tyler Stone at DeadMansChest.org.
In addition to the leather dice tray, the Nation on the entry of the prize winner will also get 1 Victory Point for the campaign level map. So not only do you win, but you help your team win!
The new Firelock Games Organized Play kits are hitting stores and Quartermasters around the US and overseas. This packet is an excellent resource for local games stores and demo team members to help run games. If you’ve not yet got your kit reach out to jonathan@firelockgames.com to get yours ordered today!
The kit includes options for prizes that can be used in games for weeks 5, 7, 8 and 9.
This was an interesting week. It’s always fun to see how the strategies discussed in our Summer of Plunder Discord by players and commanders actually play out. The Dutch have a minor lead and have captured a lot of territory. But remember, it’s much harder to secure your holdings this year so they will be hard pressed to fight off incoming attacks. We’ll see if they managed to engage in some diplomatic deals to maintain control of their captured territories.
English struck out with the first raid against Spain renewing that age old rivalry between nations. It will be interesting to see how that stirs the pot and if there will be repercussions from Spain.
Multiple nations sought to claim control of Unaligned territories. There are only 3 of the original 12 Unaligned locations available for capture.
As always, watch for the second half of the campaign update where we will announce this week’s prize winners and show off even more great pictures!
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