Bug City Blues

Connor Boesch

Welcome to “Bug City Blues,” an actual play podcast following a group of street-level Shadowrunners as they get in way over their heads out in the streets of Chicago. Join our talented cast as they navigate the treacherous underbelly of a corrupt metropolis ruled by mega-corporations and gang affiliations alike. Immerse yourself in a neo-noir narrative filled with thrilling missions, high-stakes heists, and haunting secrets. Listen as our runners confront ruthless corporate agents, rival factions, and the enigmatic forces that dwell in the shadows, all while struggling to survive in a city on the brink of chaos. Discover the intense camaraderie, unexpected alliances, and heart-pounding dangers that shape the lives of our crew. Will they emerge triumph or fall prey to the unforgiving nature of their world?

Alex is Pancetta

Chris is Lester Moore

Clinton is River Bear

Nathan is Lockdown

Nikole is Moira Goldleaf

and Connor is the game master.

Join the discussion on Discord - https://discord.gg/5gJDB4QXJ

Check out my other show Clinton’s Core Classics: a Rise of the Runelords First-Edition Actual-Play Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/7zd2gvOpVsnX2rPJhsg0ff?si=66ce9aad8a384da9

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Episodes

Session Zero: Sixth World Primer
Aug 11 2023
Session Zero: Sixth World Primer
Join the discussion on Discord: https://discord.gg/5gJDB4QXJ Hoi Chummer! So glad you could make it. Just a quick note, this episode is specifically a little different than the rest. If you’ve never heard of a Shadowrun or are just getting started this episode is designed to help hold your hand as we cover the history of the sixth world as well as define some commonly seen terms and lingo. So sit back and relax while we talk about the team, the world, and what we hope to see come from the project. Prepare for an unforgettable ride through the dark heart of a city that could eat you alive. Welcome to “Bug City Blues,” the podcast that explores the limits of humanity and the raw reality of street-level runners in the Sixth World. Dreamer by Hazy https://soundcloud.com/hazy_music Forgotten by Auroroa B. Polaris https://soundcloud.com/auroraborealis Onycs by Eden https://soundcloud.com/onycsmusic Space Elves by Lobo Loco https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loco/Alien_Meetings/Space_Elves_ID_710 Beauty Flow by Kevin Macleod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Timewarp by Unroyalty Note: Unroyalty shut down :( The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever. The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever.
The Fool
Aug 16 2023
The Fool
In this, the pilot episode of Bug City Blues, our ragtag cast introduce their characters with which they’ll forge a new -and hopefuly lucrative- team of shadowrunners. Join in the campaign as Alex (Pancetta), Clinton (River Bear), Chris (Lester Moore), Nathan (Lockdown) and Nikole (Moira Goldleaf), led by narrator and game master Connor, delve into a new adventure. Watch your back, shoot straight, conserve ammo, and never, ever cut a deal with a dragon. Join the discussion on Discord: https://discord.gg/5gJDB4QXJ (Somebody yell at me when this expires and I will update the link) Music Credits: Beauty Flow Anxiety Metaphysik Ancient Rite By Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) Spacial Winds I Squee Bell Swirl Noise Edges By Unroyalty (Note: Unroyalty has since shut down) Danya Vodovoz - Misty Rain BlackbirdBard - Liminal Fracture Ostieguy - Electronic Shuffle MokkaMusic - Synthetic Pleasures Onycs - Eden Hazy - Dreamer Lobo Loco - Space Elves Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever.
The Fool, Reversed
Aug 17 2023
The Fool, Reversed
Welcome to your friendly neighborhood Stuffer Shack! These corner convenience stores found across Chicago metroplex and the rest of the UCAS. They operate 24-7, and sell food, clothing, and entertainment - all disposable. But this site holds more than just the latest flavors of Dragon Piss cola - a gang of ne’er-do-well’s seem to be occupying the store. And they appear to match the description of our next lead. Our gang will test their ability to plan an attack, but will it survive contact? Tune in to find out now! Join the discussion on Discord: https://discord.gg/5gJDB4QXJ Music Credits: Beauty Flow Harmful or Fatal Cognitive Dissonance By Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) I Time Warp By Unroyalty (Note: Unroyalty has since shut down) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever. The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever.
The Magician
Sep 15 2023
The Magician
In the midst of blaring alarms and a ticking timer, our intrepid heroes face a daunting challenge – grab the crucial data and skedaddle before the heat arrives. The rival gang lurking in the shadows is determined to thwart their mission, unleashing malicious lines of code, spectacular bursts of arcane magic, and some good ol’ fashioned muscle. It’s a showdown where survival hinges on skill, wit, and a dash to the restroom for poor Lester. Can our heroes outwit their adversaries? Will bladder control triumph over bravado? And can someone please remind the team that they’re not in a sound effects competition? Tune in now for a thrilling and bladder-clenching episode! Join the discussion on Discord: https://discord.gg/rbazggX8J Music Credits: Reign Supreme Dama-May Urban Gauntlet District Four Stay the Course River of Io Thinking Music By Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever. The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever.
The High Priestess
Oct 5 2023
The High Priestess
With Desmond safely secured in the back of the Goldleaf company car, our heroes reach out to their contacts and see who can provide some much needed emergency medical assistance. Though Desmond is (relatively) safe, the crew will need to gather whatever details they can and continue the search for a highly coveted briefcase full of BTLs. Can our team find the trail before it goes cold? Will Pancetta be able to infiltrate unseen? Can River Bear come up with a plan that doesn’t stink? Tune in to find out now! Join the discussion on Discord: https://discord.gg/GmEdB9wye Music Credits: Stay the Course Kalimba Relaxation Music The House of Leaves Symmetry District Four By Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) 8bit Music for Game by annoyedCactus (https://freesound.org/s/455017/) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever. The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever.
The Empress
Nov 4 2023
The Empress
The gang has infiltrated the abandoned FastFlesh Slaughterhouse and found their paydirt guarded by a large, intimidating troll. Just when the crew goes to make their great escape, things go from quiet to loud. The gangers were none too thrilled to be on the receiving end of a robbing for once. Now, lead will fly and rubber will burn as our heroes try to make it out in one piece! Will Pancetta get the quickdraw on the troll heavy? Can Lester get a leg up on his opponent? What sort of risks will Lockdown take with the team? Tune in to find out now! Join the discussion on Discord: https://discord.gg/zQ7fqmzaj Music Credits: Crusade - Heavy Industry Burn The World The Way Out River Of Io Intuit256 Night Cave Symmetry Unrelenting Chill Wave Zombie Hoodoo Stay the Course By Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever. The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever.
The Emperor
Nov 26 2023
The Emperor
The gang finishes their first job and heads their separate ways. The world reacts to their actions, and in turn they prepare how to best spend that well earned nuyen and karma. For most of them, this means crawling into bed as soon as possible! Later, the crew gets together and discusses how best to refine their skills. Lester experiences post-run clairty. Pancetta wants to spend time with the crew. Lockdown keeps tabs on the team. River Bear checks in and is checked out. Mo has a cactus. Interested to see what trouble our crew can get into next? Tune in to find out now! Join the discussion on Discord: https://discord.gg/TXa6xCMfky Music Credits: Ultralounge Neon Laser Daily Beetle Kumasi Groove Accralate Chill Wave Hard Boiled By Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) 8bit Music for Game by annoyedCactus (https://freesound.org/s/455017/) Special thanks to Aroah for his voice acting talents! Aroah.website Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever. The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever.
The Emperor, Reversed
Dec 30 2023
The Emperor, Reversed
Oh good. Now that all the holiday nonsense is over with I can finally get back to work. Let’s sneak one last episode in before the end of the year. Editors note: We ended up losing a player halfway through this session and weren’t able to finish as strongly as we wanted. We might do a little bit of a rewind next week to include our missing team members. This week: Our players finish their downtime activites when they each receive an invitation from their new colleague Desmond interested in repaying his debt of gratitude to the party. As the group breaks bread together, whispers of a new job opportunity are offered to our crew. What sort of new opportunities await our heroes? Turn in to find out now! River Bear signs up for a class. Lester Moore calls in a favor. Mo considers their transportation situation. Lockdown has a plan. Panchetta orders the vegan option. Join the discussion on Discord: https://discord.gg/8vFMujS2Qu Music Credits: Cold Funk Babylon Morgana Rides I Can Feel It Coming Urban Gauntlet By Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com/) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever. The Topps Company, Inc. has sole ownership of the names, logo, artwork, marks, photographs, sounds, audio, video and/or any proprietary material used in connection with the game Shadowrun. The Topps Company, Inc. has granted permission to Bug City Blues to use such names, logos, artwork, marks and/or any proprietary materials for promotional and informational purposes on its website but does not endorse, and is not affiliated with Bug City Blues in any official capacity whatsoever.