Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
In this episode LaFondiose interviews LTD, a long-time wargamer, scenario designer, and creator of the imaginative Maustrian Wars of Secheession. LTD shares his lifelong journey through board gaming, from childhood Lego battles to complex narrative campaigns involving anthropomorphic mice in a rich, evolving world. He explains how he runs large multiplayer campaigns via Discord, using simple mechanics, asynchronous play, and in-world "cheese" economies to fuel a mix of diplomacy, intrigue, and tactical battles.
LTD also reveals his practical umpiring philosophies: keep rules simple, prioritize player interaction over mechanics, and use automation tools like the dispatch bot and AI writing aids to manage complexity. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining tone and community standards, even fining players in-game for swearing. The conversation offers deep insights into DIY gamecraft, creative worldbuilding, and the balance between structure and player-driven storytelling. A must-listen for umpires, narrative designers, and fans of emergent gameplay. Find LTD’s campaigns and videos by searching Maustrian Wars on YouTube.
In this episode LaFondiose interviews LTD, a long-time wargamer, scenario designer, and creator of the imaginative Maustrian Wars of Secheession. LTD shares his lifelong journey through board gaming, from childhood Lego battles to complex narrative campaigns involving anthropomorphic mice in a rich, evolving world. He explains how he runs large multiplayer campaigns via Discord, using simple mechanics, asynchronous play, and in-world "cheese" economies to fuel a mix of diplomacy, intrigue, and tactical battles.
LTD also reveals his practical umpiring philosophies: keep rules simple, prioritize player interaction over mechanics, and use automation tools like the dispatch bot and AI writing aids to manage complexity. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining tone and community standards, even fining players in-game for swearing. The conversation offers deep insights into DIY gamecraft, creative worldbuilding, and the balance between structure and player-driven storytelling. A must-listen for umpires, narrative designers, and fans of emergent gameplay. Find LTD’s campaigns and videos by searching Maustrian Wars on YouTube.
