Another miniature preview for the 2026 Blood & Plunder project! The upcoming Rise of Buccaneers: Jamaica project (scheduled to launch in Q1 of 2026) is focusing on the 1650-60’s, the era where the English really started stepping up their privateering of Spanish shipping and raiding of Spanish ports. Included in this book is a Character (Fighting Man) version of the infamous Henry Morgan and Firelock Games has made a miniature for this Character. Firelock Games has sent out some early preview copies and Dr. D, friend of the blog here and host of his own awesome podcast has painted this mini up and shared some pictures with us so we can share it with you!
Young Henry Morgan
This miniature depicts Henry Morgan as he may have appeared, early in his career, helping lead raids on Spanish towns, up and down the Spanish Main. He is a bit more of a dandy here, and not burdened with the responsibilities (and calories) of his later life.
Here he is with his more mature self.
Beautiful work by Dr. D, a real pro at the painting desk.
Historical Source Material
This mini appears to be inspired by a 1743 engraving found in Charles Johnson’s “A General and True History of the Lives and Actions of the Most Famous Highwaymen, Murderers, Street-Robbers & c”.
We have a very similar pose, with a ramrod straight posture and the left leg extended. This engraving portrays the 1671 massive raid on Panama. While the style portrayed is more 18th century, this mini replaces the tricorn with a more period hat and gives him some luxurious and more natural hair instead of the powdered wig more fashionable in the 18th century.
But the pose is unmistakable!
There are a couple variations on this image out there, likely copied one from another at different times through the decades.
This mini also replaces the buccaneer gun over the shoulder with a sword.
Dr. D’s Paintjob
This is amazing work! Here are some notes from Dr. D himself on the process and experience painting up this mini.
When I got the opportunity to paint a new Henry Morgan I knew I had to jump on it! When the model fell out of the little bag onto my painting desk, I knew it was Mr. Morgan just by the easy casual flair that the model was putting off of it. The raised detail on the vest especially made me excited. It was one of those details on a model that could look insane if given enough time, but still look great with something like a simple contrasting. Little details like that vest designs would really pop if given enough care with some color gradients. The casual sword on the shoulder look is unique among the firelock range as far as I know., and as someone who loves casual disregard of people who want to kill me. I am a huge fan!
Something that really got my ol’ brainpan working was the double single cape sleeve things. That is not something you see very often on models and I really thought it was a place someone could do some incredible freehanding if they wanted to draw some fancy designs. Doing something like that could really make this model a centerpiece of your army. I rate this model highly and I am excited to start raiding Spanish holdings with the future governor of Port Royal at the fore!
You can actually watch Dr. D paint up this mini on his Twitch Channel! Check out the video (linked to the image above), and subscribe to his Professional Casual Network where he regularly paint Blood & Plunder minis (I think every Tuesday evening).
Young Henry Morgan Rules
This mini could be used for the Henry Morgan Commander or a generic English Buccaneer Commander. But we have a preview of the rules for the Fighting Man Character version of the Young Henry Morgan that will be featured in a Rise of Buccaneers book!
Young Henry Morgan +13
Nationality/Factions: Early English Buccaneers or Brethren of the Coast
Unit: May not be attached to the same unit as a Commander
Command Range: 8”
Command Points: 1
Special Rules: InspiringExtra Abilities: If this force’s Commander is removed as a casualty, this model may become the force’s Commander, gains a second Command Point, and gains the Lead by Example Special Rule. (This model may make Strike Tests.)
Once per game, this Force’s controller may replace a revealed Activation Card with another card from their hand. This card replaces the original and determines initiative and actions for that activation.
Wow, that’s a lot! This may be the most expensive Fighting Man Character yet, but he brings a lot to the table. His 13pts is in addition to the cost of the “base model.” So if this guy was on a Freebooter, his total cost would be 19pts (6+13).
Young Morgan can only be included in either the Brethren of the Coast (found in the base rulebook and the No Peace Beyond the Line expansion), or the Early English Buccaneers faction. This is a new faction that will be included in this Rise of Buccaneers expansion! As a rising leader, he cannot be attached to the same unit as the force’s Commander. And that will make sense when we look at one of his extra cool abilities!
He’s a pretty great little Commander with a 8″ Command Range (more than the free Standard Commanders) and 1 Command Point that can be used for any Action. This guy is already better than the 10pt Officer Character we find in No Peace Beyond the Line! He also comes with the ever-popular Inspiring Special Rule that lets you reroll failed dice on Rally tests while Morgan’s unit is active. He was a charismatic leader!
In addition to all that, he has two of those rare “Extra Abilities.” If the main Commander of Morgan’s force dies, Morgan steps up and takes command in a big way! He gains a 2nd Command Point, and gains the Lead by Example Special Rule (very typical of Buccaneer Commanders).
You could take a free Commander and get him killed on purpose and still come out ahead!
In addition to all this, once per game Young Morgan grants the super cool rule that his Legendary Morgan’s Buccaneers Faction grants: “Once per game, this Force’s controller may replace a revealed Activation Card with another card from their hand. This card replaces the original and determines initiative and actions for that activation.”
Young Henry Morgan from Bryan H
Here is another painted Henry Morgan from Bryan who has been playtesting the Buccaneer campaign that includes Morgan:
Final Thoughts on Young Henry Morgan
We have been playtesting a Buccaneer Campaign for this project that includes Young Morgan and he’s a great addition to a Buccaneer force! Not cheap, but he’s good in game, and he’s a good looking model!
A huge thanks to Dr. D for painting up this model and sharing it with us! And another huge thanks to Firelock Games for sending out these preview minis!
Make sure to catch up with Dr. D’s podcast, Arachne and follow his Twitch stream . He has a couple of different podcast series within that podcast, and he just released his 10th episode focusing on Blood & Plunder!
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