Now, here are some important messages from your brave commanders. Each week our 7 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 8 Commander Update
To the Commanders of the Spanish Armadas,
I write with urgency borne not only of battlefield strain but of betrayal cloaked in shadow. Our alliance with France, though forged in honor and met with mutual effort, has suffered grievous undermining—not from their court, but from the hidden hand that was once our shared instrument: the Pirates of Nassau.
These rogues, entrusted as silent partners to harry our enemies and bolster our reach, have revealed their true allegiance—one sworn not to crown nor cross, but to coin and conquest. Their settlements dot our contested coasts, serving as havens not for allied arms, but for English and Dutch incursion. Worse still, they have turned native tribes into pawns, guiding their savagery with European weapons and devilish precision, laying waste to our missions and farms.
French officials, upon hearing of these violations, have expressed genuine alarm and denied complicity. Their indignation mirrors our own, and I believe them. Yet indignation alone will not stanch the tide.
Thus I have resolved to act.
Effective this morning, command of the Spanish forces across the New World passes to my loyal deputy, Enrique de Andrada—a man of unwavering faith and proven discipline. I entrust him with the preservation of our settlements and the souls therein. As for myself, I shall embark aboard the Santa Dolores at first light, bound for Nassau. This wound shall not fester unanswered.
I go not to parley, but to confront—directly, unequivocally. Let them see the banner of Castile approach their harbor and know that Spain will not be mocked by scoundrels masquerading in the shadows of diplomacy.
Should I fall, I fall in righteous pursuit. Should I triumph, I shall return with justice in hand.
Pray for our endeavors. And may Providence favor truth over treachery.
In faithful service to Crown and Cross, Josué Shivak Commander of Spanish Forces
Picture from David Zelenka
¡Valientes!
With humble devotion, I receive this mantle of service as your commander. It is an honor to address you, again. You have fought hard these past two months and His Catholic Majesty recognizes your efforts. Not every engagement has been a victory on the field but every valiant effort has earned the favor of your king and the gratitude of his subjects.
You brought order to the sullied waters of Antigua when your ships, swollen with the wrath of Holy Spain, poured forth their judgment on the drunken Pirate dogs. Antigua now kneels to Cross and Crown, its harbors secured for our empire. Let this victory be a beacon of hope for those who seek justice on the crimson coasts and a promise to the lawless that the Crown will never cease its persecution of them.
In Campeche, the jungle turned traitor and in Cartagena time was against us. Our soldados fought with the courage of lions and only after sufficient blood-letting did we let the Natives regain control of their ruins, for now. We will have our revenge!
This we have proven time and time again, and this we proved in Panama, driving the Natives back into the dark jungles from whence they came. In time and with sufficient rearmament we will raise the banner of Spain in Panama once again!
Though our campaign draws close to an end, the struggle is not over. With a new fleet of ships and soldados arriving from Spain, we mobilize for one more week of glory!
¡Viva España!
Enrique de Andrada, Espada de la Frontera
Pictures from Spanish Players
England – Week 8 Commander Update
The London Gazette July 30th, 1708 TRIUMPH IN THE WEST INDIES: HIS MAJESTY’S NAVY ADVANCES AGAINST FRANCE AND SPAIN Piracy Dwindles as British Might Secures Trade and Territory in the Caribbean
By Our Correspondent
In most encouraging news from across the Atlantic, His Majesty’s Navy has delivered another string of decisive victories in the Caribbean, asserting further dominance over French and Spanish holdings. Reports from the Leeward Islands and beyond confirm that British forces have successfully wrested control of several key territories from the enemy, bolstering our Crown’s influence in the rich and strategic waters of the West Indies.
The recent seizure of French-held Missisquoi has been hailed as a masterstroke by Admiral Sir Daffyd, whose firm command and unyielding discipline have won admiration throughout the fleet. Fortresses once flying the fleurs-de-lis now bear the proud Union Jack, and British merchant ships sail with renewed confidence through the region’s sapphire seas.
Picture from Vance Frey
Spanish resistance near Jamaica was swiftly repelled last month, when a squadron under Commodore Monson outmaneuvered enemy galleons near Cartagena. The encounter, which resulted in the capture of two Spanish warships and the scuttling of a third, has dealt a stinging blow to Spain’s naval pride and left the Spanish Main considerably weakened.
Equally worthy of praise is the marked decline in piracy across the Caribbean, a menace that once plagued trade routes and colonial outposts alike. Through steadfast patrols and the establishment of fortified harbours, the Royal Navy has rooted out many of the pirate strongholds that once operated with impunity. Notably, the notorious Captain Schmidtke is said to have fled northward, his fleet dispersed and his power broken.
Picture from Schmidtke
With safer seas and firmer control of vital islands and ports, commerce flourishes and British settlers expand with greater assurance. Sugar, rum, and tobacco flow freely once more, enriching the treasury and strengthening our hand both at home and abroad.
Indeed, His Majesty’s forces have proven themselves the unrivalled guardians of Britannia’s interests in the New World. Let it be known: the sun rises brighter over British colonies today, and the West Indies grow ever more secure under the watchful eye of the Crown.
God Save the King.
Picture from Julian Nault
Pictures from English Players
France – Week 8 Commander Update
Governor Arpke,
I hope this letter finds you well. I apologize for the lack of communication lately but, as you well know, the war effort has kept us all busy. While I don’t intend to add to the recent misfortunes France has experienced I must admit that our recent efforts have been somewhat lackluster. It took some time to recover both mentally and physically from the bloodbath the sharks enjoyed so much. That was followed by a successful raid only to be ambushed in our camp while enjoying a touch of rum. Shortly after that we had what was rumored to be Henry Morgan’s sword in our grasp only to have it slip through our fingers at the last possible moment. That along with the vicious attacks in the last week has made recent events a heavy burden to bear. I have heard word that Spanish and Pirate commanders have said some of their staff didn’t follow through on all their orders. To that I say actions speak louder than words and I believe the pirates followed their orders to the letter!
All of this has gotten the boys dander up and they were spoiling for a fight. We moved into an area where a regional Governor had resided with the intent of acquiring supplies, riches or possibly intelligence that could aid our cause. It seemed our run of ill luck was to continue as a heavy fog covered the area and we stumbled in a band of pirates looking for plunder. Shots rang out as rain began to fall fouling firearms for both forces making reloading difficult at best. This turned the encounter into a bloody close quarters battle street fight.
The pent up frustration of late over taking my Quartermaster, Martin Brodeur, led two sailors in head long charge into the midst of the pirates. Both sailors managed to fire their blunderbuss into the pirates, reeling them back before all three took axes and swords to finish off any pirate that was foolish enough to stay within arms reach. They were possessed men and nothing could stand in their way, when Quartermaster Brodeur stuck down what passed for the pirate commander with a savage two axe assault the remaining pirates ran for their lives. It happened so fast that if it wasn’t for the bodies laying in the street I would wonder if it happened at all. I take this as a good sign of things to come.
Respectfully,
Captain Jacques Lemaire
Picture from Kyle AprkePicture by John Pollock
A quick note from your Gouvuneur:
Many countries chose a shot at third place this week instead of a shot at glory. France’s grand vision was to see waters safe for all Europeans. Instead, Europe chose further hostility towards us. They, along with the Natives, chose cowardice when attacking the Pirates. To Dutch and England – enjoy playing kingmaker or whatever. The Sun King is bored by your inability to see a bright future for Europe.
To French Players – you’ve all been amazing and The Sun King is generous towards you because you are a people proud to understand the bigger picture. For that, you will all be rewarded. All active French Discord players will receive a few surprises this week so if you’ve played with the French but haven’t joined us on Discord please join us now! We also have a few weekly prizes up for grabs this week. One player who sends in a first person Battle Report will receive both a terrain bundle and a surprise prize. Another player will receive a prize for completing this week’s national objective and all French players will be entered into a raffle too. It’s a prize-a-paloza in Quebec!
You’ve all been loyal, brave, and a whole lot of fun. Your service does not go unnoticed.
Viva la France! And now, a word from the amazing Henri Le Roux:
Picture by Bill Schmidt
From l’intendant
Mes amis, this week was hard on us all. Even with the great assistance of our Jacobite allies, it would seem that le vent, la mer et la guerre tournent contre le Français. Mais it is not over yet. We must not lose heart in this dark time. Mais non, we must hold our heads high, go forth and do deeds that would make Charlamagne proud. We proud soldats et marins will push forth into one more week, fighting on in the name of le Roi!
Aruba, Norridgewock, and Rhode Island all fell to the heretical Anglo-Dutch alliance. Our position in Nouvelle-France has become tenuous, putting our very way of life at risk. Putting the empire of France at risk. Mais the war is not over yet, take heart, mes amis. As we look across the fiery wastes left by our enemies, we must not fall into despair, but focus it into anger, and one last time show tout le monde what the people of France are made of!
As for our Scottish friends. I personally escorted caravans of Jacobite settlers, ensuring their safety. Look to these other powers, and who else among them can you call friends? Who would you want as your neighbours if not us. Please come to our aide in this final hour. Bring your noble allies, be they privateers from Brandenburg or militia from Denmark. Maroon and Mikito Zambo. Stand with us against our mutual enemies.
Vive le Roi!
Henri Le Roux, l’intendant de la Nouvelle-France
Picture by Justin Rodriguez
Pictures from French Players
The Netherlands – Week 8 Commander Update
Landgenoten,
I am humbled by your dedication to cause. It is because of your actions that tonight we raise a glass!
As you recall the French Came crawling on bended knee pleading the case of the “civilized” world… spinning yarns about the threat of the Pirate menace. To be fair the rabble have taken many a ship, both friend and foe alike. But it was not some new altruism that guided their mission. No… it was a poorly veiled attempt to salvage what was left of their empire.
Picture from Jason Klotz
For us, and our English allies, we saw an opportunity. We could hamper pirate aggression while simultaneously dealing a death blow to French holdings in the new world!
As France stripped its remaining territories of troops… hoping its battered regiments could muster, we struck. Settlement after settlement fell to a combined Anglo-Dutch assault.
Picture from Jessica Knap
However, our attempt to storm and liberate Boston was foiled by superior numbers of pirates. Our defeat could have been disaster, but as our forces were trapped in the city, cut off from our ships unlikely heroes emerged! Just as the sun was rising on the third day, I looked to the west and there… riding the most magnificent white horse, was a Scotsman… kilt and unmentionables billowing in the breeze! With a shout, he rallied a mighty rabble and they rushed to our aide. With the utmost courtesy, and decorum, they escorted us back to our ships and safety!
Picture from David Manley
Despite our setback, our crowning achievement of our assault, was the liberation of Aruba itself. But for this we cannot take all credit. For as our forces landed on the island, it was discovered france had turned it into a large plantation manned by captured Jacobite mercenaries! As battle commenced the depleted garrison was attacked from behind by the very men they were meant to guard. Pressed by both sides they quickly surrendered.
By the time the smoke cleared and sounds of battle faded, not one but 3 empires lay smouldering!
Rumors abound that peasant riots have erupted across France and its elite are scrambling to find safe harbor. If I were the Sun King I would seriously consider retirement… off the nearest cliff.
Perhaps now… though late the hour, the “Mighty” of Europe will look upon us as equals! The lesson is clear and painful. While small, we pack a punch and if we desire your downfall… WE WILL HAVE IT.
To those peoples of the New World with whom we have no transgression, nor suffered any, we continue to look forward to mutual trust, aid, and bountiful trade.
Men… and ladies… of the republic, its been a long road and the end is in sight. But I must once again ask you to stand ready. THE JOB IS NOT YET DONE!
Matthew “Salty” Doerr Commander of the Dutch West Indies
Picture from Sebastian Valdes
Wow! Folks what a week and what a campaign… All I can say is im proud of everyone! So… a bit delayed (life and such) how about something shiny?!?! I am pleased to announce, in this mega prize dump, the following winners!
Dutch Prizes
Dutch Blood & PlunderPrizes
Martin Collins- Militie blister
Sebastián Valdés – Kapers blister
Paul Trufasu – Enter Ploeg blister
Joseph Kananowics – Sailor sprue
Sam Collins – Militia sprue
Patrick Davis – set of Dutch dice
Howard Hagan – set of Dutch dice
Charles Rodgers – Drunk Sailor
Dutch Oak & IronPrizes
Scott Lewis – English 3rd rate
Entity know only as “Arthur” – set of Dutch dice
Dutch Port Royal Prizes
Charlton Mason – Dutch Faction Box
Harry Fishback – Dutch Faction Box
Martin Sheaffer – Female sailor kit
Dutch Terrain Prizes
Ted McCarty – Medium Terrain bundle
Sebastián Valdés – Scatter Terrain bundle
Phew….. thumbs hurt. That’s all for now!
Pictures from Dutch Players
The Native Americans – Week 8 Commander Update
The fire crackles in the dark, illuminating the faces of the braves who have fought long and hard in the war to defend Turtle Island from the European invaders. Braves that I am proud to have fought beside all summer.
We sit on the eve of our final and most important battles; do not waiver, stay strong and stay united for that is most important.
We have fought hard to bounce back and recapture the lands that were taken from us.
Regardless of how this final week ends, I am extremely proud of all that you have accomplished, I think we have taken the Native Faction to new heights, and that is because of your efforts. I humbly thank you.
Check your weapons. Make sure the blades are sharp. Put on the war paint. Our final push begins!
The Pirates – Week 8 Commander Update
Yo-Ho me hearties! We are holding strong against all flags. The game update has us playing 253 games to date. The play pace seems to have slowed down a bit, but we have one more week to keep getting the games in. As we closed out week 8, our three top point leaders are still holding strong; Christopher Regan holding the lead since the beginning, Greg Flynn hot on Christopher’s heels and Tyler Carlson.
Pic from Christopher Regan
Blimey…dem’ Jamaican Pirates for Port Royal has a solid hold as the top Faction played…I can see why as I’ve tried them out twice now. In my second game, I broke Anne Bonny with a sharpshooter, they worked out pretty good. Who is your favorite Pirate company leader?
Pic from Greg Padilla
Still holding strong second favorite faction is the Oak & Iron Pirates. Who is your favorite Pirate Admiral to use? Like I mentioned before, love me some Black Beard action…Aaaargh! Brethren of the Coast for Blood & Plunder still holding the third place marker. Who is your favorite captain for your Brethren games?
Pic from Mike ColmenPic from Rj Nuckles
How did you fare in this week’s objective? A very attractive game play for Blood & Plunder had me at the edge as I vowed to play Port Royal all week. I forgot I had a cool token for Morgan’s Sword for Port Royal’s objective…and yes, I was able to secure it, but not the Governor’s Chest…the Bonus #3 Objective. Speaking of the Bonus #3 Objective, did anyone else dive in to secure the sword? Finally, Oak & Iron had some tricky weather conditions…curious if anyone wreck and met in Davey Jones’ Locker?
Pic from Connor DaveyPic from BattleBrotherGuy
Since we’re heading into the last week, keep mind of our “Pirate” special Objective: “Flag of Defiance”: send in a picture of your personalized flag, banner, ship, or sails on a figure or ship to represent your pirate force. Alternatively – send a picture of your self-designed pirate flag. This is a great way to finish out the Summer of Plunder 2025 campaign…so show me yer Pirate Flag!!!
Pic from ScarlitWidow Pic from Greg Flynn
Keep those lines of communication open and flowing as our Captain Rum Runner Wray, post updates and additional information in the Discord Pirate channel. This is a very active channel which discusses strategy and voting for raids…so make you vote count for the next raid!
Pic from Allison WrayPic from Rick Smith
Finally, get your games in, raise the Black and most of all…have fun!
Yarrrggh! Rum Runner Wray here-
Quick reminder to play the Bonus Objective if you haven’t already- a huge store credit to one lucky winner- and the chance for a strategic reward on the campaign map! A game this close- it could come down to the wire.
Now time to hand out some Booty!
For participation in the Pirate Drink Contest -the following Pirates receive an award!
Discourse Mini won the Drunk Pirate, Greg Padilla won the Boatswain, And Greg Flynn won a blister of Artillery Crew.
As Kraken Killer mentioned- post your customized figure/flag per the Pirate objective in your game submissions, and in Discord as well. If you submit a game completing the objective- check the box and we will look for your photo to share on the final Update! We still have some prizes to hand out. Here is my submission- a flag bearer and Banner for my salty crew sea-dogs, using a Firelock European pikeman, and a CMON Song of Ice and Fire Banner.
Here is Greg Flynn’s Queen Flagship with a little Skull and Bones!
The idea is to have fun personalizing your models to you- however that looks for you. Remember- have fun with it!
As we wrap up the Campaign- we will be sending out a Pirate Charter (a single page thematic roster) to pirates and unaligned who are interested in receiving one. If you are interested reach out to me with your Mailing address on Discord, or via Email at dbwray2016@outlook.com. That will be mailed out post campaign, along with a few extra surprises. Anyone who wants one will get one- so be sure to reach out!
A brief political update- YARR! First place into the homestretch, with our Native Allies right along side us. The Baguette Baking French Frolickers Risked Raiding Our Oceans, But Better Pirates Prevailed. Good job on defense lads! We stopped the raids, and sure we lost some territory, but when has a Pirate ever cared for land? Some Papists may accuse us of being their Catspaw- but Pirates have stuck to home waters more than most this game. Be sure to check on the Discord for strategy as we close out the campaign.
Unaligned Week 8 Commander Update
To My Fellow Unaligned Captains:
The final week is upon us! This is the last chance for plunder and renown! Look around you. See the faces of your brothers and sisters, this week we stand on the precipice of destiny. These are not mere skirmishes; but the final, decisive blows. For weeks, we have fought for the goals of other nations, let us make a name for ourselves that won’t be forgotten and earn riches enough to retire to our own small kingdoms away from war! Let no man falter! Let no man yield! And we shall carve our names into the annals of history!
Unaligned Commander RhiBranyHud, Josiah Huss
From the logbook of Captain Marts:
‘After receiving a missive from my employers, I turned my beleaguered Barco Luengo north to support my Dutch brethren in Boston.
A sloop was spotted ahead, flying English colors. But something didn’t seem right, a few moments later, a cannon shot impacted the side of his ship. Pirates flying a false flag. “Crews to their positions!” More rounds were fired, though most missed their mark. I ordered my crew to wait until the ship was in position. Another round from the pirates degraded my ship even further, but we didn’t waver. We were determined to get some payback. Another volley from the buccaneer guns saw two more sailors drop to the deck. The rest refused to budge, firing back with everything now that the distance had closed.
A few more exchanges of fire from sailors on both ships only heightened the anticipation. A failed grapple by the sloop, brought cheers to the crew of the Barco. “Board them!” I roared. Grapples were thrown and the sloop was caught. Zeelieden and a group of Dutch sailors poured onto the sloops deck, fighting as their lives depended on it.
The first group was slain to a man, then the second group, after taking casualties, surrendered. Looking around, Captain Sydney Rogers struck his colors. The day was won. Finding food and other resources in the hold, I was pleased that this would help with the affair in Boston. Even better, I thought as I ran my hand along the lines of the sloop, I just increased the fleet by one sloop.’
Epic Game Spotlight
Check out this massive sea battle! Looks like a massive attack on a Spanish galleon by several smaller pirate sloops. Pictures contributed by Johnny Grogan, Ted McCarty, Matthew Taylor-Curby, John Goldrick, and Dave Ruete.
Oak & Iron Update
This was a slower week for Oak & Iron with 8 games submitted but there were some sizable games and some beautiful tables.
Port Royal Update
Players logged 51 games of Port Royal this week! Greg Padilla has been setting up some awesome looking Port Royal games. Check out these shots:
And this port table from Jacob Zuvic really stood out as well!
And here are some more shots from Port Royal players this week:
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.
New End of Campaign Prizes!
Firelock Games has increased their prize support $800 to $1200 worth of products so we have some more prizes to give away. We are pitching in an extra $100 as well to supply a full Nation STarter Box (or $100 equivalent) to a random player of each of the 5 nations that don’t win the campaign. As a reminder, a random player of the winning nation will get a 6th Rate Frigate (or product of equal value if they prefer) and a random player of the 2nd place nation will get a Stone Tower Fort from Stone Temple Studios (along with this new $100 prize).
Best Photo of the Week
This week’s prize for best phot goes to Jacob Zuvic for this epic shot of pirates fighting around a dock. Great ships, great terrain, fun perspective and great minis.
The weekly photo prize is a deluxe handmade Spanish fortune coin from St. Augustine Mint.
Random Player who Accomplished the Weekly Objective
Our random winner for completing the Weekly objective is Lena Lockwood! She played for the Natives this week with the South American Tribes! She has won a set of fancy Activation Tokens! Don’t forget to check your email!
Random Entry for Week 8
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 Ramon Solhkhah! He played a game of Port Royal this week as the Maroons!
Second Random Prize of the Week 8
In addition to our recurring prizes each week, we have a small scatter terrain bundle for each week. This week’s winner is Niguel Vega! He played for the Pirates this week using Caesar’s Men and the Natives using his universally feared Westo.
Whoops! belated Week 7 New Player Winners
Being the Prize Tsar is a tough job. Sometimes, a certain crew member of the blog (who shall remain nameless) forgets to bring me my pickled herring, raw garlic, and bottom-shelf vodka rations. These allow me to work undisturbed and efficiently. Not receiving these rations makes me grumpy and irritable, which results in me overlooking some prizes (I totally didn’t highlight my sheet improperly and missed these, I promise I am very competent). During Week 7, two new players were supposed to win some excellent terrain from Things From the Basement! The two new players who won these prizes are Michael Paul and Patrick Humphrey! My apologies for missing the drawing, but we got you two sorted!
Summer of Plunder on Tabletop Simulator
More Pictures! So Many Pictures!
Final Thoughts on Summer of Plunder Week 8
It’s been a great season so far and we’re looking forward to the big last week of this year’s campaign! It’s great to see all your games out on the table, from the kitchen table Port Royal sessions, to the 10 ship convention games! We hope everyone’s enjoying their wargaming hobby and getting to game with some old and new friends this year. Onward to the final week!
