Intro
The Summer of Plunder campaign is reaching it’s high point. We’ve completed 7 weeks and there’s 2 left to go. This past week the Natives picked up an extra Campaign Point from the Wanted Man special event, and the combat resolution on the campaign map proved dramatic! The Dutch are still ahead in the national standings but both the Pirates and Natives made big gains this week, catching up and putting them in the possible running again. This campaign could still be won by any of the 6 nations. Some have a harder road, and some have a bigger target on their back! Check out the Week 7 Map & Objective Update post for full details on the big moves on the campaign map.
In this update, we’ll give away some more prizes, hear from each Nation’s Commander, and enjoy some pictures of people around the world enjoying some piratical games of Blood & Plunder and Oak & Iron.
- Intro
- Nation Report
- Games Player by Each Nation
- Points Generated by Each Nation
- Faction Report
- Individual Player Report
- Week 7 Player Report for Oak & Iron
- Week 7 Objective – The More the Merrier
- Week 8 Objective – Run Out the Guns!
- Best Photo of the Week – William Oakley Jr
- Random Player who Accomplished the Weekly Objective – Patrick Davis
- Random Entry for Week 7 – Timothy Stone
- Random Prize of the Week 7 – Brian Howell
- Spain – Week 7 Commander Update
- England – Week 7 Commander Update
- France – Week 7 Commander Update
- The Netherlands – Week 7 Commander Update
- The Native Americans – Week 7 Commander update
- The Pirates – Week 7 Commander Update
- Minor Powers – Week 7 Commander Update
- Featured Player – Oliver Kahler
- More Pictures! So Many Pictures!
- Final Thoughts on Summer of Plunder Week 7
- Additional Recommended Reading
Numbers and Stats
Let’s look at some numbers on games played, nations and factions represented, and player leaders.
Nation Report
Which nation has seen the most play this year? The English! With 332 games logged so far, the English player base is also the largest with 72 different players contributing. The Pirates come in second with 277 games logged by 62 players. The French and Dutch have very close numbers with the French having a slight lead in both stats while the Spanish and Natives have similar numbers this year.
Games Player by Each Nation
Player Points Generated by Each Nation
Each game earns players and nations points through:
- Playing a game – 1pt
- Playing at a game store or convention – 1pt
- Playing to the weekly objective – 1pt
- Teaching a new player(s) – 2pts
This is nearly a meaningless statistic but the efficiency of each game played varies a bit by nation:
- Dutch – 3.38pts per game
- English – 3.06pts per game
- Pirates – 3.06pts per game
- Native Americans – 2.97pts per game
- Spanish – 2.87pts per game
- French 2.84pts per game
Faction Report
There are a LOT of factions to enjoy in Blood & Plunder. Between the Oak & Iron factions and all the Blood & Plunder factions, there are a few more than 100 factions people can use in this campaign and it’s always a goal to have all of them used by the end of the event! By this point in the campaign, all the Blood & Plunder Factions have been played, most several times. All the Oak & Iron Factions have also been played except for the fan-made Native American faction which can be found on Timber & Sail.
The most-played factions always change a bit from year to year. I find it very interesting that the French Buccaneer faction has taken the top spot this year by a decisive margin! Those 17th-century factions are still getting some major love! Great to see.
The most played factions this year include:
- French Buccaneers – 83 games
- Golden Age Pirates – 66 games
- Dutch Caribbean Militia (RtB) – 59 games
- Brethren of the Coast – 51 games
- British Army – 44 games
- British Royal Navy – 43 games
- Spanish Militia -40 games
The least played Blood & Plunder Factions so far include:
- Juan Corso’s Corsairs – 1 game
- French Royal Navy (NPBtL) – 1 game
- Westo (NPBtL) – 1 game
- Danish Militia – 1 game
Individual Player Report
Which of you pirates has accrued the most infamy so far? Some of you have been playing a lot of games! I’m jealous! Here are the current standings:
Conner Fix is leading with nearly 100 points! Jakub K, Michael Paul, and Danny Perkins are close behind!
At the end of the campaign, there is a special prize of a customized Letter of Marque from Captain Marrow!
Week 7 Player Report for Oak & Iron
Oak & Iron continues to make up about 10% of the entries. We had some great-looking games this week! Even had some games on Tabletop Simulator! Visit Timberandsail.com if you are interested in how to play Oak & Iron on Tabletop Simulator.
Week 7 Objective – The More the Merrier
This last week there was a challenge to play a game with 3+ players. Multiplayer games always mix things up but can be a challenge to set up. See the Map & Objective Update for more details and stats on last week’s objective.
Week 8 Objective – Run Out the Guns!
This week’s objective is all about CANNONS! Check out tips for fulfilling this objective in the Map & Objective Update as well.
Weekly Campaign Prizes!
OK, it’s time to start handing out plunder! This is one of the best parts of the community event and what helps make the event so great. Don’t forget to check out the full list of prizes for the Summer of Plunder campaign.
Best Photo of the Week – William Oakley Jr
The competition was fierce again this week for the best picture. This prize can only be won once per player during the campaign, but here’s some great runner-up pictures and pictures submitted by people who have already won this prize!
But our grand prize winner for this week goes to William Keith Oakley Jr. and this shot of Flibustiers battling his Natives.
William has been submitting a lot of great photos this year!
The prize for the photo of the week is a set of Activated Tokens from our Pigment shop. William has been playing as the Natives and we have 4 different styles of tokens to choose from!
Random Player who Accomplished the Weekly Objective – Patrick Davis
Each week a random player who accomplishes the weekly objective will be selected at random among qualifying entries. The winner will receive a fancy metal Fortune Coin. And the random winner here is Patrick Davis.
Patrick has been playing for the Dutch this year and it looks like he playe a big naval game in this week!
Patrick will be receiving a deluxe Fortune Coin in the form of an 8 reale coin. These historically accurate reproductions are made by the St. Augustine Mint in Eugene, OR.
Random Entry for Week 7 – Timothy Stone
Our random draw from the entire week’s worth of entries will receive some free minis! Either a pack of 4 Blood & Plunder minis of the nationality they are playing, or an Oak & Iron Ship.
This week’s random winner goes to Timothy Stone!
From photographic evidence, it appears Timothy participated in the Land Tournament at Historicon this week with his French Army force!
Timothy will receive a blister pack of Blood & Plunder minis of his choice as a prize this week.
Random Prize of the Week 7 – Brian Howell
In addition to our recurring prizes each week, we have a unique prize for each week. This week we’re giving away a copy of Pirate Ghosts and Buried Treasure by Captain Marrow.
“Captain Marrow” is a pirate reenactor/impersonator with a great online presence and a local presence in the American SE. Both a lover of pirate history and a player of Blood & Plunder, we’re happy to offer this book by Captain Marrow as a prize this year.
Check out his “Shipwrecked with Captain Marrow” Facebook Profile where he posts regular (daily) pirate history tidbits. Word has it he’s working on another book as well!
This prize is going out to Brian Howell! I hope you’ll enjoy reading some pirate history!
Brian has been playing for the English this year and rocking a very nice-looking (and hard to get!) Corvette!
Commander Reports
Now, here are some important messages from your beloved commanders. Each week our 6 volunteers will donate a bit of time to add some narrative flavor to the game and pass on some information regarding their nation’s goals. If you haven’t yet joined, the best way to interact with the commanders and players in your nation is to join our Summer of Plunder Discord server. This is different than the main Firelock Games Discord server. It’s a fun community to hang out with and there is a lot of plotting and planning going on in secret channels that only players of a nation can see.
Spain – Week 7 Commander Update
To the Loyal Subjects of His Majesty,
It is with a heavy heart that I address you today. Our beloved territories of Antigua, Cartagena, and the Cayman Isles have been subjected to unexpected and ruthless attacks by Dutch forces. These aggressors, driven by their insatiable hunger for power and wealth, have sought to undermine the peace and prosperity we have worked so diligently to establish.
In these trying times, we must remember the strength and resilience that define us as Spaniards. Our forefathers faced countless adversities, and it is their indomitable spirit that we must now channel. We will not be cowed by these surprise assaults. Instead, we will fortify our defenses, rally our forces, and stand united against these invaders.
Furthermore, we find ourselves entangled in a complex and arduous war with England. This conflict has seen the exchange of territories, a testament to the shifting tides of power and the relentless pursuit of dominance by both nations. Despite the turbulence, we have demonstrated our capability to adapt and persevere. The recent treaties have seen territories traded, with each side gaining and losing ground, yet our resolve remains unshaken.
Let us not forget that our struggle is not merely for land but for the honor and glory of Spain. We fight to protect our homes, our families, and our way of life. The sacrifices we make today will be remembered by future generations as the foundation upon which our enduring legacy is built.
Photo by Oliver Kahler
continue to stand firm!
I call upon each of you to stand firm, to support one another, and to remain vigilant. Together, we will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger. Let our enemies see that the spirit of Spain cannot be extinguished and that we will defend our territories with unwavering determination.
Viva España!
-Josuè Shivak
England – Week 7 Commander Update
Spanish War Costes Innocente Lives
French Attacke Thwarted
Natives Continnue Aggressiones
Ye moste foul Spaniarde has continued to wage undeclared war againste all true christianns. Goode protestantes face Spanish violence in every corner of ye Indies and Americas. English Royale Navy forces have committed to combatinge ye oppressive Spaniarde beyond ye popish line. Operationes yet progress withe greatt success and ye Spaniard has been forced from much of his former territorey.
Reports of Actions and Ex[editions
Offensives againste ye Spaniard continnue to meet with success. Commanders Ostrowulf and MasterOfFragging recentely oversaw an expeditione of private and government soldiers for ye retakinge of the trade post of Porte Royal. His majesty’s industrious subjects in ye Hudsons Bay Compagny continue to assiste in oure Canadiane wars and profite greatly by doing so. Ye younge Leiutenant Riley Faulk led a squadron to ye Spanishe coaste where, upone disembarking, managed to capture ye Moskito Coaste withe little difficultey. Commandere Goof and ye honorable Lt. Daniel Earl Reynolds III managed to arryve in Palmares in time to thwarte ye Spanishe incursione. Othere settlementes, not so lucky, were razed by Spanishe forces.
A yet confused evente occurred in ye waters off ye English capital in ye Indies. Frenche vessels of war carried a smalle expiditionarie force to Jamaica where ye invadores were soundley defeated. Ye goode Lieutenant Christian Busche helde commande of ye Jamaican coastal defense. When patrols discoverede ye approachinge vessels, Lt. Christian quickly organized a few armed merchantmen with which to meet ye Franks. His well-armed vessels made short work of ye intruders and ye stationed force was once againe at ease.
Natives Continnue Aggressiones
That settlemente of Natche’s was once more burnede by ye savvages. Englishe officialles have callede for ye abandonmente of ye turbulente regione. No furthere English lives are to be expendede in pursuite of ye untenable colonie. Ye heathen warbands made furthere attackes againste goodly christian peoples acrosse ye frontier, and ye savage raiding partyes have greatley diminisht English trade. Ye Englishe forces called awaye to ye war wyth Spain has lefte ye English frontiere weakenned and vulnerable to savage raides. God hathe seen fit to allowe ye innoncentts to fall into ye hands of heathenn murderers.
France – Week 7 Commander Update
My fellow Frenchmen, we have suffered a hard week. Rather than targeting the ever-expanding Dutch Empire the filthy cutthroats and brigands we unseated from Nassau spent the week raiding our stores and targeting our weaker holdings. There is no denying that this is a setback.
However, we are still the only world power with three capitols. We have fought a long and hard campaign and have established a record that will likely not be matched soon. The end of the campaign is still two weeks out and it is sure to be an interesting finale.
Keep your eyes on the objectives, check in with the Discord channel to discuss strategy, and lock all of the doors and windows.
-Cheveliar Tanwyn
The Netherlands – Week 7 Commander Update
Landgenoten,
Drink friends and celebrate, as I bring great news!
Our forces, recently routed and on the back foot, have rallied and reasserted themselves as the finest in the Americas!
By taking advantage of the “great power” struggles between the inbred monarchs of Europe, we have successfully launched a series of attacks and brought the territories of Antigua, Cayman, and Cartegena into our prosperous republic! The wealth and stability be bring is sure to appease the most stubborn of locals!
We in return will get to feast on ample supplies of Spanish wine and olives!
So eat and drink well tonight…. But remember your limits. While tonight we are riding high on the wave of success, tomorrow we are sure to have the attention of the rest of Europe…. And we must stand ready to defend what is ours!
It’s been a long campaigning season…. And I know you grow weary, but the brutal European winters fast approach and with it the end to any meaningful assaults on our territories. So remain steadfast and be ready to act when called upon! We will rest soon!
Matthew “Salty” Doerr
Commander of the Nederlands West Indies
The Native Americans – Week 7 Commander update
In the silent darkness of night, all I hear is the blood pumping through my brain. I look behind. Dark shadows of my brothers move to positions at the edge of the forest. The colonists don’t expect us tonight. They are drunk with cider not knowing yet it was their last taste of this awful fluid.
My brothers are ready, I point at Dred the Native Dragon and TheCoachDT. No words are spoken but they are on the move to take the first guards out. Silently. Shadow Dragon and Chief Tunto are next. Their target is 20 steps closer in the opposite direction. Grey Lock’s Big Clock is a sharpshooter. Together with Mark L, DistroHopper, and his Pnieses, he waits for when I, Brent D, and the rest of our warriors set the hell loose, burning the houses and killing the enemy. He is here to take the enemy commanders out with muskets, before charging in from the hideout to cause pain to these evil creatures.
Tomorrow we’ll rejoice in victory, but not for too long. The enemy continues creeping closer.
Native American National Prize Draw
This week’s lucky winner is Brent Devos, who will receive a box of Young Braves. All prizes will be sent at the end of the campaign.
The Pirates – Week 7 Commander Update
A word from the Boyar
Ahoy captains! Greg Padilla is out raiding the North American Coast, so I am writing out this week’s update! For starters, those traitorous, filthy, yeasty, pox-infected codpieces simply known as the French has received our retribution for a backstabbing most foul. They have been rendered cut off from their supplies while they hide in their 3 capital cities. Rest assured, their shipments of butter, baguettes, and snails are already being out to good use for real sailors!
Our very own Greg Padilla taking prizes the way the gods intended, steel and shot!
Our random winner of this week is Captain Patric Henson! I have reached out and he will be having some plunder shipped his way.
I am going to throw out a reminder for week 9! It’s DRESS FOR SUCCESS week! We need you to send in pictures of yourself in some sort of pirate garb, either on your submissions or on the discord! The winner of that week will get a very special prize from me directly!
An example above for “Dressing for Success”. While known to cut quite the terrifying image, you needn’t be as well dressed as me! Any sort of garb will do! Get creative! Show us how much fun y’all are having!
The end is coming captains, and while we find ourselves on the Far Side of the World, know that we represent a cause more precious than anything handed out by an inbred king with an army of wet-nurses. We are the last thing between the edges of the map being filled in and total freedom for all sea rovers! Orders for votes can be found in the discord! Until then, help ourselves to the French goods at the docks. As usual, refreshments will be served!
Minor Powers – Week 7 Commander Update
Hello again, it looks like the rallying call worked! We have seen a large increase in the number of games played with unaligned factions, and now the previously unplayed factions have each been played! At the end of last week, we were already at 1 game for the Black Caribs, and 4 games for both the Swedish Militia and Miskito Zambo! Great work! By this week we have another entry for Black Caribs as well.
Of the 3 quests introduced two weeks ago, only one has been completed so far. Daniel Wray successfully repelled a charge from Lanceros, pictured below. I like the use of 1st edition Heroscape dice as markers!
This means the other two quests are still open! Make sure when you submit them to note that you completed the quest, and try to take pictures of and describe the in-game event. If I missed an entry feel free to ping me in the Discord group.
I have repeated the tasks below for easier access:
- Black Caribs (win a burned terrain piece)
- Play the Amphibius Raze scenario with the Black Caribs as the attackers and successfully burn down at least one objective building.
- Miskito Zambo (win a unit blister)
- Option 1: As the attacker use the night visibility faction ability to your advantage and destroy an enemy unit before they are able to fire upon you (such as a charge from out of range followed by fighting and winning over possibly multiple turns, as long as the enemy doesn’t fire a shot)
- Option 2: As the defender, destroy a hidden enemy (by negating the hidden rule) from over 12” away.
- Play as any of Black Caribs, Miskito Zambo, or Swedish Militia throughout the campaign (win a promo Unaligned Commander Card)
Historicon 2024!
Many historical gamers from around the country gathered in Lancaster, PA at the HistoriCon convention this past week. While Firelock Games was unfortunately not able to attend this year, there was a rousing Blood & Plunder land tournament with a full 16 players! HistoriCon remains one of the top events for Blood & Plunder and Firelock Games in general. The Blood & Plunder, Oak & Iron, and Blood & Valor tournaments there have been some of the best in the country! Check out some of the photos from this year’s Historicon Blood & Plunder Tournament!
Firelock Games has attended Historicon for years but was unable to set up a booth this year for a variety of reasons, proximity to GENCON. Rumor has it they hope to be back in 2025 so mark your calendars! It’s always a great show.
A big shout out to Dave who ran the tournament and Tyler Stone (of Deadman’s Chest) for winning the tournament! Watch for a tournament report over on his blog! Tyler is a great player, great community leader and has been doing a great job helping lead the French players in the Summer of Plunder Campaign this year. A well-deserved win!
Featured Player – Oliver Kahler
If you haven’t taken notice yet, you should check out Oliver Kahler’s pictures. He is laying out some of the most impressive-looking games of Blood & Plunder! With lavish land tables, impressive sea games, and some great gear and equipment to boot, it looks like good times are had at Oliver’s tables.
Representing Spain this year, Oliver has some beautiful armies on his tables.
His sea games are no less impressive! Check out this sea game where Spanish gunnery deleted an oncoming ship! That looks like some Pargo level of artillery there!
More Pictures! So Many Pictures!
And finally, here are a few more of the photos were submitted this week.
Final Thoughts on Summer of Plunder Week 7
The Summer of Plunder is nearing its conclusion and we just want to remind everyone to not take the winning of the campaign too seriously. There will be drama and treachery, and rugs pulled out. One nation will win and everyone else will not. But it’s all in good fun and not worth getting stressed about. Enjoy it for what it is!
Make sure to check the Summer of Plunder Prizes page to maximize your chance of winning some more plunder at the end of the campaign. Still lots of prizes to ship out, including some big ships!
2024 Summer of Plunder Sponsors
We haven’t acknowledged the various individuals and companies that have donated prizes enough this year! Make sure to send thanks and business to these folks for their support and generosity.
Sponsor Prize List
- Firelock Games – The maker of the great games we play during the Summer of Plunder.
- Feldherr – A premier carrying case company offering a wide variety of cases, bags, and boxes with custom foam trays for nearly every miniatures game. You can win one of their cases.
- TABLEWAR – Maker of gaming table mats, miniature carry trays, and magnetic cases. They have sponsored a 4’x3′ gaming mat.
- Dead Man’s Chest – Tyler Stone has donated 3 custom dice trays featuring his pirate logo.
- Benerson Little – An American author, primarily of non-fiction, focuses on piracy and privateering in the 17th to early 18th centuries. As a long-time consultant for Firelock Games, he has sponsored multiple signed books.
- Seamon’s Quality Sails – Makers of the most gorgeous sails available for Blood & Plunder (we may be a little biased…). They have graciously donated a set of black sails for the 18th-century plastic sloop
- Timber & Sail – An Oak & Iron fansite and long-time supporter of the Summer of Plunder. Jason Klotz is also on staff with Blood & Pigment.
- The Plunder Den – A YouTube channel and Facebook group run by the great Dexter Heide. The content specializes in building great wargaming terrain for Blood & Plunder, Blood & Valor, Blood & Crown,s and a host of other great games.
- Shipwrecked with Captain Morrow – A content creator and author specializing in the area of piracy. He offered a copy of his book, a replica letter of marque, and a letter of pardon.
- Things from the Basement – They specialize MDF miniatures wargaming terrain, accessories, and supplies. Their card and dice storage cases are featured as prizes.
- Generous Individuals! – Matthew Doerr, Dutch Commander and Oak & Iron Champion, has generously donated a Barco Luengo and a deluxe game mat as prizes.
