Hello Space Cowboys and Cosmic Drifters!
I'm seeking four talented players to join me for Bad Deal Blues, a high-production quality, 5 to 6 part actual play audio podcast mini-series using the Orbital Blues system.
About Orbital Blues / Bad Deal Blues
The Game: Orbital Blues
Orbital Blues by SoulMuppet Publishing is a TTRPG about being "sad space cowboys" in a lo-fi, retrofuture galaxy. You'll portray Interstellar Outlaws, down on their luck, trying to make ends meet in a universe that mostly doesn't care. The game is driven by your characters' personal Troubles (their past traumas, vices, and regrets) which fuel their Blues (a measure of their emotional turmoil and, paradoxically, their experience points). It’s about the gig economy, found family, keeping your rust-bucket ship flying, and confronting the weight of your past, all set to your character's personal soundtrack. Expect a blend of gritty action, heartfelt introspection, and the constant struggle for just a few more Credits.
Our Story: Bad Deal Blues in the Tennessee Five System
Setting: We're diving into the dusty, desperate, and dangerous planet of Rothcoe, a scarred mining world in the backwater Tennessee Five system – a place known for its Coaldust epidemic, corporate exploitation, and the lingering ghosts of the MinTech disaster.
Premise & Hook
Our story kicks off in media res: your crew has been ambushed after a deal went catastrophically wrong. With your ship crippled and pursuers hot on your tail, a desperate jump and crash-landing on Rothcoe is the best you can do. Stranded, broke, and hunted, you'll need to navigate the local factions, find a way to repair your ship, and earn enough Credits to escape, all while your personal Troubles and the harsh realities of Rothcoe threaten to tear you apart.
Important Note on Tone
Bad Deal Blues will embrace the core Orbital Blues themes of desperation, moral ambiguity, and the struggle for survival in a bleak universe. While the backdrop includes corporate exploitation and societal decay, the primary focus will be on your characters' internal emotional journeys, their relationships with each other, their pursuit of fleeting hope or simple survival, and the consequences of their choices in this gritty environment.
Series Details & Commitment
Length: 5-6 main game episodes.
Total Sessions: Overall we'll meet a total of 7-8 times.
- Session 0
- Recording Session 1
- Recording Session 2
- Recording Session 3
- Recording Session 4
- Recording Session 5
- Recording Session 6 (Optional / If we feel we need another session)
- Post-Series Talkback Session (Casual discussion reflecting on the game and story)
A Note on Attendance: Because this is a short, narrative series, consistent attendance for our Sunday recordings is essential. Please be mindful of your schedule before applying to ensure you can make every session.
Who I'm Looking For
- Strong Roleplayers & Improvisers: Looking for players who love to embody their characters, make bold (and sometimes flawed) choices, and react authentically in the moment to the world and each other.
- Proactive Story Drivers: Orbital Blues shines when players actively engage with their characters' Troubles and pursue their goals, however desperate or ill-advised. It’s about what your characters do to cope with their Blues and the harsh galaxy. This isn't a game with a GM-led plot on rails.
- Not Looking For Passive Players: This system comes alive with engagement and characters who make things happen, even if those things are mistakes. If you prefer a more reactive playstyle where you wait for the GM to present explicit hooks for every action, this might not be the best fit for this particular game.
Logistics & Requirements
Tech Requirements
- External Microphone (Essential): As this is an audio-only podcast, good audio quality is paramount. You don't need a top-of-the-line studio mic, but a serviceable external USB microphone (or similar) that provides clear audio is a must. (No headset mics or laptop built-in mics, please).
- Webcam: While only audio will be recorded for the podcast, we will use webcams during our sessions. This helps immensely with reading body language, visual cues, and generally makes for a more connected and engaging remote play experience.
Recording & Platforms: Discord for meetup and main communication, backup recording, and Audacity for offline recording. Character sheets are digital using charactersheetonline.com
Game Details
- System: Orbital Blues
- Day / Time: Sundays at 4pm EST
- Session Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours (with a break in the middle)
- Players Needed: 4 players
THE CASTING PROCESS
- Step 1: Fill out the sign up form linked below.
- Step 2: If your sign up form is a good fit, you'll be invited to a short, unrecorded "vibe check" session where we'll do a quick tech check and play through a brief roleplaying scenario to see how everybody's styles mesh.
- Note: This does not mean you are in the cast just yet.
- Step 3: After a successful vibe check, you'll receive an official invitation to the cast!
- Step 4: Once the cast is set, we'll schedule our Session 0 to kick things off.
- Shooting to officially get started mid-July and record every other week from there.
How to Apply
Follow this link to sign up: https://maiaw.fillout.com/orbital-blues-sign-up