There are lots of online sources for game pieces in this class, and I often tell people that finding the right pieces is one of the research challenges of the course. To get you started, though, here are some places you might look:
- Litko Aerosystems, Inc.
Is gaming really so popular that this company can be profitable? Check out the Token Sets they sell. I especially like the Skull and X-Bone Markers set they sell for $5 -- perfect for a pirate game.
- RolcoGames
Has an excellent selection of colorful plastic game pieces and pawns at very affordable prices. I like their tanks.
- Michigan Toy Soldier Company
Has an incredible selection of small plastic figurines, including a whole galleon of pirate figures: mini pirates, medium pirates, pirates in various poses, painted pirates, and more painted pirates -- all 1/32 scale. I also had fun finding gladiator figures (here, here and here -- and plenty more to choose from). They have really improved the search features of this site, so I recommend starting with "Search" and then choosing various combinations of characteristics (I used "scale" and "period" to find my pirates, for example). Or just go right to the "keyword" search box (which is what I used for "gladiators").
- Board Game Design
Has a very good collection of game pieces.
- EBay
More and more useful for finding pieces.
- Icehouse Pieces (like Treehouse)
Icehouse pieces are widely available (even from Amazon) and make a pretty good game piece for abstract games.
- Sky Blue Pink
Has a good and inexpensive collection of game pieces and accessories, including spinners and timers.