Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago
In this episode of the Kriegsspiel Umpiring Chat Show, LaFondiose welcomes KB, one of the most prolific and respected umpires in the International Kriegsspiel Society. KB discusses his recent Borodino mega-game with over 50 players, his evolving design of the 1808 Danish-Swedish War campaign, and his overall approach to scenario crafting, map use, combat systems, and player management.
With over 50 scenarios and four campaigns to his name, KB shares practical insights on after-action reports, player recruitment, command hierarchy, and blending live and play-by-post formats. He explains how he organizes his digital workspace, uses period maps, assigns Discord permissions, and selects combat mechanics appropriate to the scale and pace of each game. The conversation explores the importance of immersion, setting implied objectives through historical context, and empowering players to roleplay effectively within period mindsets.
KB’s collaboration with co-umpire Dogpilot, his reliance on national archives for source material, and his preference for simple, effective tools underscore a philosophy rooted in clarity, consistency, and historical fidelity. A must-watch for aspiring umpires and experienced game masters alike, this episode offers a deep dive into how thoughtful design and disciplined execution can create extraordinary wargaming experiences.
In this episode of the Kriegsspiel Umpiring Chat Show, LaFondiose welcomes KB, one of the most prolific and respected umpires in the International Kriegsspiel Society. KB discusses his recent Borodino mega-game with over 50 players, his evolving design of the 1808 Danish-Swedish War campaign, and his overall approach to scenario crafting, map use, combat systems, and player management.
With over 50 scenarios and four campaigns to his name, KB shares practical insights on after-action reports, player recruitment, command hierarchy, and blending live and play-by-post formats. He explains how he organizes his digital workspace, uses period maps, assigns Discord permissions, and selects combat mechanics appropriate to the scale and pace of each game. The conversation explores the importance of immersion, setting implied objectives through historical context, and empowering players to roleplay effectively within period mindsets.
KB’s collaboration with co-umpire Dogpilot, his reliance on national archives for source material, and his preference for simple, effective tools underscore a philosophy rooted in clarity, consistency, and historical fidelity. A must-watch for aspiring umpires and experienced game masters alike, this episode offers a deep dive into how thoughtful design and disciplined execution can create extraordinary wargaming experiences.
