Firelock Games is back with another Kickstarter, and this time they’re taking us into the world of black powder skirmish warfare with Blood & Bayonets! After backing their last project, Port Royal, which I’m eagerly awaiting to arrive, I was keen to see what they had up their sleeves next. While I’ve got a few of their other games sitting unbuilt, I’ve always loved the vibe of their designs—and Blood & Bayonets looks to be no exception.
A New Era of Skirmish Wargaming
Blood & Bayonets is a skirmish-level wargame set during the black powder era, covering conflicts from the late 17th century through the early 19th century. Unlike large-scale battle games that focus on regiments and formations, this system is designed for small-unit engagements, emphasizing individual soldiers, tactical maneuvering, and the unpredictable chaos of musket warfare. It builds on Firelock’s signature approach—historical accuracy with streamlined yet immersive mechanics.
A big draw for Blood & Bayonets is its low entry point figure-wise, making it an accessible way for players to get into 28mm black powder-era gaming before moving on to systems that require larger armies like Black Powder or Sharp Practice.
Exploring the History: Napoleon’s Invasion of Malta
Given Malta’s historical significance and the island’s role in Napoleon’s campaigns, Blood & Bayonets provides an excellent framework for gaming the French invasion of Malta in 1798. This event saw the rapid French occupation of the islands, followed by Maltese resistance and eventual British intervention. Here are a few potential scenarios inspired by these key events:
- The Landing at St. Paul’s Bay – French forces attempt to push inland while facing stiff resistance from local militia.
- The Siege of Mdina – The French lay siege to the fortified city as the Maltese defenders fight to hold their ground.
- Revolt in Valletta – Maltese insurgents launch a surprise raid on a French outpost, seizing weapons and supplies.
- The British Blockade – British marines land on the island to link up with resistance forces, evading French patrols.
- The Capture of Gozo – The French secure key defensive positions on Gozo before Maltese resistance escalates.
- The Gozo Uprising Against the French – The Maltese population rises up against their occupiers, cutting off supply lines and forcing the French surrender. Read more about this event here.
Bringing History to the Tabletop
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the possibility of running a historical gaming event at the actual locations where these battles took place. The Landing and Capture of Gozo or the Gozo Uprising Against the French could be reenacted at sites like Sopu Tower, Fort Chambray, or Cittadella. Partnering with organizations like Heritage Malta or Wirt Artna could bring this experience to life, blending wargaming with real historical immersion. For more on the invasion itself, check out the Wikipedia article on the French invasion of Malta.
What’s in the Kickstarter?
The Kickstarter offers a range of options depending on your level of interest. The core game comes with:
- A rulebook covering the mechanics, army building, and scenarios.
- Miniatures representing various factions available at launch.
- Game cards to track unit abilities, actions, and special events.
- Tokens and markers for gameplay management.
Firelock has a strong track record of delivering high-quality miniatures and well-researched historical content, so expect these figures to be packed with detail. There’s also an STL option for those who prefer to 3D print their own models.
I’ll be backing at the Admiral level, which means I’ll have enough for two players to have everything they need to get started. That should make it easy to introduce Blood & Bayonets to new players here in Malta.
Who Can You Play As?
The initial factions include:
- British Army – The iconic redcoats, disciplined and deadly in line formation.
- French Army – Masters of maneuver warfare, with a mix of line troops and skirmishers.
- American Revolutionaries – Guerrilla fighters and militia alongside Continental Army regulars.
- Spanish and other European Powers – Covering various forces involved in conflicts across the period.
The rules seem flexible enough to support a wide range of historical settings, from the War of Spanish Succession and the Seven Years’ War to the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. With Firelock’s past focus on the Age of Sail, it wouldn’t be surprising if Blood & Bayonets eventually ties in with Blood & Plunder for some land-sea hybrid battles.
Join the Community
For those interested in discussing the game, sharing hobby progress, and getting updates, there’s already a Facebook group for Blood & Bayonets, which you can join here: Blood & Bayonets Facebook Group.
Why Back This Kickstarter?
If you’re a fan of Firelock’s approach to historical wargaming, this is a great opportunity to jump into a fresh system with tons of potential. Their games tend to be well-supported post-launch, and with a growing range of black powder-era miniatures and games, Blood & Bayonets could easily slot into existing collections.
Personally, I’m excited to see how this game develops, especially with its potential crossover with Blood & Plunder and Port Royal. Whether you’re an established historical wargamer or just looking for a new skirmish experience, this one looks like it’s worth checking out.
You can find the Kickstarter here: Blood & Bayonets on Kickstarter
Let me know if you’re backing this one or if you’ve played any of Firelock’s other games—always keen to hear what others think!
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