Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 38 minutes ago
In this episode, Pete the Elder joins LaFondiose for an in-depth conversation spanning his lifelong journey through wargaming—from backyard trench battles and Warhammer in London to historical miniatures and digital umpiring. He shares firsthand accounts of early live Kriegsspiel sessions in the UK, insights from Paddy Griffith's final events, and his pivotal role in the founding of the International Kriegsspiel Society. His reflections bridge traditional tabletop play and modern digital innovations, offering valuable perspective on scenario design, player engagement, and balancing historical accuracy with entertainment.
The conversation shifts into Pete's latest venture: a dark fantasy skirmish campaign built around emergent play and his evolving Patreon model. Drawing from Dungeons & Dragons and titles like Battle Brothers and Mount & Blade, he outlines a system where mercenary bands, NPCs, and fast-paced 15-second turns combine to create a near-death, highly immersive experience. With candor and humility, Pete reflects on the challenges of scaling, monetization, and sustaining creativity in a volunteer-heavy environment. It's a rich, grounded dialogue for designers, umpires, and players alike.
In this episode, Pete the Elder joins LaFondiose for an in-depth conversation spanning his lifelong journey through wargaming—from backyard trench battles and Warhammer in London to historical miniatures and digital umpiring. He shares firsthand accounts of early live Kriegsspiel sessions in the UK, insights from Paddy Griffith's final events, and his pivotal role in the founding of the International Kriegsspiel Society. His reflections bridge traditional tabletop play and modern digital innovations, offering valuable perspective on scenario design, player engagement, and balancing historical accuracy with entertainment.
The conversation shifts into Pete's latest venture: a dark fantasy skirmish campaign built around emergent play and his evolving Patreon model. Drawing from Dungeons & Dragons and titles like Battle Brothers and Mount & Blade, he outlines a system where mercenary bands, NPCs, and fast-paced 15-second turns combine to create a near-death, highly immersive experience. With candor and humility, Pete reflects on the challenges of scaling, monetization, and sustaining creativity in a volunteer-heavy environment. It's a rich, grounded dialogue for designers, umpires, and players alike.
