The War Has Just Begun – Blood and Plunder Campaign Update

By Glenn Van Meter and Tom Mullane

We are about a week and a half into the Blood & Plunder Global Community Campaign (,) and things are getting heated between the various nations involved. Players all over the world are submitting games they’ve played to to help their favorite nation.

Last week we had an update from Guy over at Blood & Pigment via the Campaign Newsletter, and we found out that with 26 entries so far the French were in the lead with the Dutch and English tied just one game behind them. The Brethren of the Coast were lurking in 4th place. Spain was still getting her ships together and hanging out with the pack of minor nations such as the various Native Tribes, Portuguese, and the Swedes. Scotland had an especially strong showing, leading the rest of the minor powers (and Spain) by one game.

Results of the War as of late Saturday, 19 June. Compiled by Guy Rheuark.

We’ve managed to intercept some results updates and there have been some notable changes in the leaderboard after 15 more entries in just the last few days. Spain managed to get her treasure fleet underway to tie the French and English for 3rd place. The Dutch overtook the French but were relegated to second place as the Brethren of the Coast surged from their shoaled hideaways and took the lead by just one game. It’s still a tight race, and with more than two months to go in the campaign there is plenty of room for rivalries to grow between the various nationalities. Plus, news is always slow to travel in the age of sail, so news of more battles is almost certainly en route via the fastest messenger ships available.

French Flibustiers take aim at North American Braves. Credit Tyler Stone.

From the desk of Jean-Baptiste du Casse, maître de l’île de Tortuga

1691

Brethren, Boucaniers – rejoice! The light of the Sun King stretches across the shores of Tortuga and Hispaniola like a rising dawn, and in this hour of resplendence we stand stand before France – before all the world! – gilded in our victories

In Europe, the slovenly Dutch, in their gloomy black attire, have sought to cast the shadow of war over our great empire. Like gathering storm clouds l’Anglais and l’Espagnol have also beset us, and all of our myriad rivals in the new world. Yet, their storm is burned away in the face of la Rois Soleil, Louis XIV! For the strength of French arms – sans précédent! French victories – sans égal! and French plunder – sans mesure!

Thus, as your governor, I declare these islands, these colons français, for the crown of France. No more shall the Spanish, with their debased tongue, call this place ‘Hispaniola’. From henceforth, it shall be called Saint-Domingue

Even now your fellow Boucanier, Laurens de Graaf, sails against San Domingo to drive the insolent Spaniard from the island. May he return victorious, to be rewarded with fame and fortune!

Vive de Graaf!

Vive Saint-Domingue!

Vive France!

Vive la Rois Soleil!

A word from the Aristocracy

French Commander Tyler Stone

The Boyar’s Desk: Week I

Ahoy, privyet, and salutations my glorious Brethren of the Coast! I’d like to congratulate First Mate Gerry of La Guarida La Pirata for capturing a Sloop from those pastery-packin Frenchies a few days ago! While their musketry proved difficult, First Mate Gerry sailed up and showed those Frenchies how swivels stack up against their wee croissant lickin’ fingers! There was but one survivor who still swore loyalty to his monarch, so they naturally fed him to the sharks!

(Pictured Below)

I’d like to give another shoutout to Commodore Colleen Swader, who boldly attempted to capture a Spanish Treasure Flotilla! Unfortunately those rotten Spanish cowards did what they do best and fled combat, catching wind and sailing off! (Pictured Below)

We need more commanders as bold as Mrs. Swader though, and will be keeping an eye out to see if she catches up with those filthy Spanish dogs!

Starting this week, we will be giving out prizes for those who achieve certain feats while campaigning against the major “powers”! I’ll be giving ye the titles of these so-called “Accolades”, but it will be up to ye intuitive Buccaneers to determine how best to unlock them! For those who have a Weenie Roast, a set of ship accessories may be in store! I will reach out via the olde book of Faces personally to let ye know if ye Acquire the Accolade! We aren’t in this just to win, we are in this to prove our tactical, practical brilliance over these silver spoon-sipping fools! Look to the next newsletter for more piratical updates!

-The Boyar of the Brethren

PS- I’ll be looking for those who are sinking French Ships, and tallying them up to brag about, so capture as many French vessels as ye can!

Brethren Commander Dan Carlson

French and English Buccaneers face each other down over a small farm and mill. Credit Preston Jacka.

Dom dia para você

Gostaria de aproveitar esta oportunidade para apresentar nossos objetivos para esta campanha. Vários problemas me foram trazidos desde que recebi essa tarefa por seu senhor, Pedro II, que viva.

A primeira é que Espanha, apesar das ordens papais, ainda se encontra em Colónia do Sacramento. Isso é uma ferida. Estou dando provisões para apoiar a construção de fortes nesta área. Fortes de qualquer tipo, pedra ou madeira.

A próxima área de atenção são nossas águas costeiras. Precisamos proteger o comércio. Para isso encomendei ao Comandante uma Corveta que comanda uma frota de Carvalho e Ferro Portugueses, utilizando regras que fizeram para homenagear Portugal.

Espero que esta mensagem seja bem lida, pois estou sem prática, e espero a vossa fidelidade a Portugal.

Dom João Inocêncio de Oliveira Horta

Viscount de Barbacena

The same letter using my google translate skills:

Sunday for you I would like to take this opportunity to present our goals for this campaign. Several problems have been brought to me since I received this task by your master, Pedro II, may you live. The first is that Spain, despite papal orders, is still in Colónia do Sacramento.

This is a wound. I am making provisions to support the building of forts in this area. Forts of any kind, stone or wood. The next area of ??attention is our coastal waters. We need to protect trade. For this, I ordered a Corvette from the Commander that commands a fleet of Portuguese Carvalho and Ferro, using rules that they made to honor Portugal.

I hope this message is well read, as I am out of practice, and I hope for your loyalty to Portugal.

Dom João Inocêncio de Oliveira Horta

Barbacena’s Viscount

Native forces sneak through the woody hill country to ambush French Militia. Credit Preston Jacka.

To All Dutch Commanders and Captains,

Gentlemen, our enemies have not been idle. We seized the initiative from most of them, but the pirates plague our VOC trade routes as always. However, this is no time to rest on our laurels! You must continue to press our enemies while we have the advantage.

Capture, sink, or burn their ships. Raze their towns and port facilities if they cannot be captured and held. Hang every pirate you meet.

EENDRACHT MAAKT MACHT! (Unity makes Strength)

Jan Van Meteren

Brethren of the Coast find their objective before their Swedish Militia opponents do — none other than the Swedish commander’s fiancé! Credit Ben Hudler.

For those new to the fight, check out the for some more detailed pictures, after action reports, and calls to arms for major factors. There is plenty of time to get involved, and a low bar for entry! submitting one game is enough to get your stake in for the big prize raffle. Check it all out! Join in with us and get some games in.