Off the Beaten Quest

It’s the finale of the Hawthorn Chapter. Heska, Smalltooth, and Vashara have uncovered the truth and it’s not as clear cut as they expected. With a new threat entering the realm, the Dusklighters have bigger problems on their hands.

Welcome to Off the Beaten Quest — a D&D actual play podcast set in the homebrew world of Aarencia. The Dusklighters are mini campaigns exploring parts of the realm we don’t otherwise see in our main campaign. 

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Welcome back to Galdorian Manor

5:00 - The investigation continues

32:30 - The letter that holds the secret

59:57 - False bottoms

1:23:30 - Smalltooth follows a promising lead

1:53:00 - Vashara puts the pieces together

CAMPAIGN CAST

Game Master - Justin Fussell, architect of a world that fights back

Heska - Caroline Dajer, Medusa Oath of Vengeance Paladin

Smalltooth - Allie Goodell, Goblin - Occultist Guild Monster Hunter

Vashara the Lovely - Allie Fussell, Giff Trick Shot Gunslinger

Follow us across social media & join our Patreon!

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/offthebeatenquest 

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@offthebeatenquest

BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/offthebeatenquest.bsky.social

Instagram - https://instagram.com/offbeatenquest

Our Linktree for even more OBQ content! https://linktr.ee/offthebeatenquest

THANK YOU TO OUR BANNERGUARD

Lyra Fawncrest

Bruh_Jimbo

Join our Patreon for weekly shoutouts in our episodes, monthly drops, and exclusive access to our post-session cool downs.

WELL-BEING DISCLOSURE

Like any good story told around the table, Off the Beaten Quest can wander into shadow as well as light. Because our world is improvised, some moments may touch on themes that feel heavy or close to home. If you ever find yourself needing space, we encourage you to pause, skip ahead, or step away entirely. There’s no wrong way to engage with this story — only what feels right for you. 

Your well-being will always matter more than any plot point. If you need additional support, this list of mental health resources may be helpful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources

Viewers can find a masterlist with specific episode timestamps for more common triggers below.

https://bit.ly/41J24Sh

The investigation continues as we move into act 2 of The Case of the Murder at Galdorian Manor. Smalltooth shows why she’s a Dusklighter, while Heska uses her ingenuity to connect the dots, and Vashara waits til the cliffhanger to notice something that’s been obvious since the beginning.

Welcome to Off the Beaten Quest — a D&D actual play podcast set in the homebrew world of Aarencia. The Dusklighters are mini campaigns exploring parts of the realm we don’t otherwise see in our main campaign. 

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Welcome back to Galdorian Manor

5:00 - The investigation continues

32:30 - The letter that holds the secret

59:57 - False bottoms

1:23:30 - Smalltooth follows a promising lead

1:53:00 - Vashara puts the pieces together

CAMPAIGN CAST

Game Master - Justin Fussell, architect of a world that fights back

Heska - Caroline Dajer, Medusa Oath of Vengeance Paladin

Smalltooth - Allie Goodell, Goblin - Occultist Guild Monster Hunter

Vashara the Lovely - Allie Fussell, Giff Trick Shot Gunslinger

Follow us across social media & join our Patreon!

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/offthebeatenquest 

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@offthebeatenquest

BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/offthebeatenquest.bsky.social

Instagram - https://instagram.com/offbeatenquest

Our Linktree for even more OBQ content! https://linktr.ee/offthebeatenquest

THANK YOU TO OUR BANNERGUARD

Lyra Fawncrest

Bruh_Jimbo

Join our Patreon for weekly shoutouts in our episodes, monthly drops, and exclusive access to our post-session cool downs.

WELL-BEING DISCLOSURE

Like any good story told around the table, Off the Beaten Quest can wander into shadow as well as light. Because our world is improvised, some moments may touch on themes that feel heavy or close to home. If you ever find yourself needing space, we encourage you to pause, skip ahead, or step away entirely. There’s no wrong way to engage with this story — only what feels right for you. 

Your well-being will always matter more than any plot point. If you need additional support, this list of mental health resources may be helpful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources

Viewers can find a masterlist with specific episode timestamps for more common triggers below.

https://bit.ly/41J24Sh

Join us as the elite supernatural investigators, the Dusklighters, investigate disturbances at the noble home of Galdorian Manor. What starts as paranormal turns darker as our party begins their investigation.

Welcome to Off the Beaten Quest — a D&D actual play podcast set in the homebrew world of Aarencia. The Dusklighters are mini campaigns exploring parts of the realm we don’t otherwise see in our main campaign. 

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Welcome to the Hawthorn Chapter

16:00 - The arrival at Galdorian Manor

38:00 - The dinner before disaster

52:00 - The investigation begins

1:05:00 - Distrust in the Drawing Room

1:43:00 - The Lord meets his demise

CAMPAIGN CAST

Game Master - Justin Fussell, architect of a world that fights back

Heska - Caroline Dajer, Medusa Oath of Vengeance Paladin

Smalltooth - Allie Goodell, Goblin - Occultist Guild Monster Hunter

Vashara the Lovely - Allie Fussell, Giff Trick Shot Gunslinger

Follow us across social media & join our Patreon!

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/offthebeatenquest 

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@offthebeatenquest

BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/offthebeatenquest.bsky.social

Instagram - https://instagram.com/offbeatenquest

Our Linktree for even more OBQ content! https://linktr.ee/offthebeatenquest

THANK YOU TO OUR BANNERGUARD

Lyra Fawncrest

Bruh_Jimbo

Join our Patreon for weekly shoutouts in our episodes, monthly drops, and exclusive access to our post-session cool downs.

WELL-BEING DISCLOSURE

Like any good story told around the table, Off the Beaten Quest can wander into shadow as well as light. Because our world is improvised, some moments may touch on themes that feel heavy or close to home. If you ever find yourself needing space, we encourage you to pause, skip ahead, or step away entirely. There’s no wrong way to engage with this story — only what feels right for you. 

Your well-being will always matter more than any plot point. If you need additional support, this list of mental health resources may be helpful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources

Viewers can find a masterlist with specific episode timestamps for more common triggers below.

https://bit.ly/41J24Sh

Back at the inn, the party takes time to recover from the horrors of the underground. Adalina reveals a significant secret to Tomoé about her parents, Tomoé has forgotten memories returned to her, all while Jett copes with her progress being reset against her will.

We’re heading into arc 2 of the Wildernlands, but all that means for our party is the stakes continue to grow as it’s not just them that are in the cross hairs any longer.

Welcome to Off the Beaten Quest — a D&D actual play podcast set in the homebrew world of Aarencia. If you love immersive tabletop roleplay, character-driven storytelling, and a table that genuinely cares about the people around it, you're in the right place. New here? Start with Above Table Talks linked below to meet us!

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Welcome back

5:45 - Adalina’s parents are part of the Syndicate

26:30 - Eldred’s departure

45:00 - Jett’s past haunts her present

1:00:00 - Yata’s visit & Tomoé’s memories

1:15:00 - Jett’s hand in Tomoé’s past

CAMPAIGN CAST

Game Master - Justin Fussell, architect of a world that fights back

Adalina Moonsight - Allie Fussell, playing the mage powerful enough to reshape the world - still waiting for someone to stay in it

Eldred Devrye - Morgan Amond, playing the rogue engineered to be perfect - and just self-aware enough to know what that costs

Jett - Allie Goodell, playing the bard that left everything behind - except the parts that followed

Tomoe Fujii - Caroline Dajer, playing a monk who believes in stillness and a world that will not hold still

Follow us across social media & join our Patreon!

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/offthebeatenquest 

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@offthebeatenquest

BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/offthebeatenquest.bsky.social

Instagram - https://instagram.com/offbeatenquest

Our Linktree for even more OBQ content! https://linktr.ee/offthebeatenquest

THANK YOU TO OUR BANNERGUARD

Lyra Fawncrest

Bruh_Jimbo

Join our Patreon for weekly shoutouts in our episodes, monthly drops, and exclusive access to our post-session cool downs.

WELL-BEING DISCLOSURE

Like any good story told around the table, Off the Beaten Quest can wander into shadow as well as light. Because our world is improvised, some moments may touch on themes that feel heavy or close to home. If you ever find yourself needing space, we encourage you to pause, skip ahead, or step away entirely. There’s no wrong way to engage with this story — only what feels right for you. 

Your well-being will always matter more than any plot point. If you need additional support, this list of mental health resources may be helpful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources

Viewers can find a masterlist with specific episode timestamps for more common triggers below.

https://bit.ly/41J24Sh

After being given a mildly hard time by the Tolward Guard, the party finds a church to put Farran to rest. Eldred privately mourns the passing of her brother when divine intervention sets her on an unexpected path.

Adalina lets Jett have it as Jett is dealing with guilt and emotions that aren’t meant to be the focus in this moment. Tomoé becomes a listening ear for Eldred before things take a turn no one saw coming.

Welcome to Off the Beaten Quest — a D&D actual play podcast set in the homebrew world of Aarencia. If you love immersive tabletop roleplay, character-driven storytelling, and a table that genuinely cares about the people around it, you're in the right place. New here? Start with Above Table Talks linked below to meet us!

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Welcome back

7:30 - Setting Farran to rest

25:40 - Divine intervention

37:00 - Adalina level sets with Jett

55:00 - Opening up at the tavern

1:20:00 - Adalina’s family makes contact

CAMPAIGN CAST

Game Master - Justin Fussell, architect of a world that fights back

Adalina Moonsight - Allie Fussell, playing the mage powerful enough to reshape the world - still waiting for someone to stay in it

Eldred Devrye - Morgan Amond, playing the rogue engineered to be perfect - and just self-aware enough to know what that costs

Jett - Allie Goodell, playing the bard that left everything behind - except the parts that followed

Tomoe Fujii - Caroline Dajer, playing a monk who believes in stillness and a world that will not hold still

Follow us across social media & join our Patreon!

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/offthebeatenquest 

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@offthebeatenquest

BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/offthebeatenquest.bsky.social

Instagram - https://instagram.com/offbeatenquest

Our Linktree for even more OBQ content! https://linktr.ee/offthebeatenquest

THANK YOU TO OUR BANNERGUARD

Lyra Fawncrest

Bruh_Jimbo

Join our Patreon for weekly shoutouts in our episodes, monthly drops, and exclusive access to our post-session cool downs.

WELL-BEING DISCLOSURE

Like any good story told around the table, Off the Beaten Quest can wander into shadow as well as light. Because our world is improvised, some moments may touch on themes that feel heavy or close to home. If you ever find yourself needing space, we encourage you to pause, skip ahead, or step away entirely. There’s no wrong way to engage with this story — only what feels right for you. 

Your well-being will always matter more than any plot point. If you need additional support, this list of mental health resources may be helpful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources

Viewers can find a masterlist with specific episode timestamps for more common triggers below.

https://bit.ly/41J24Sh

Eldred is safe, but the brother she never knew wasn’t so lucky. The party escapes by the skin of their teeth but not without damage that will take more than spells and salves to heal.

How will Adalina respond when she finds the answer she’s been searching for her entire life? Will Jett recover from relived trauma? Eldred has survived the hardest fight of her life, will she come out the other side changed? Will Tomoé be able to forgive herself for the things she was made to do?

Welcome to Off the Beaten Quest — a D&D actual play podcast set in the homebrew world of Aarencia. If you love immersive tabletop roleplay, character-driven storytelling, and a table that genuinely cares about the people around it, you're in the right place. New here? Start with Above Table Talks linked below to meet us!

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Welcome back, we’re still in the fight

7:00 - The aftermath of combat

32:00 - Getting out of the Underground

48:00 - Back to the Surface

1:05:00 - Ready for round 2!

CAMPAIGN CAST

Game Master - Justin Fussell, architect of a world that fights back

Adalina Moonsight - Allie Fussell, playing the mage powerful enough to reshape the world - still waiting for someone to stay in it

Eldred Devrye - Morgan Amond, playing the rogue engineered to be perfect - and just self-aware enough to know what that costs

Jett - Allie Goodell, playing the bard that left everything behind - except the parts that followed

Tomoe Fujii - Caroline Dajer, playing a monk who believes in stillness and a world that will not hold still

Follow us across social media & join our Patreon!

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/offthebeatenquest 

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@offthebeatenquest

BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/offthebeatenquest.bsky.social

Instagram - https://instagram.com/offbeatenquest

Our Linktree for even more OBQ content! https://linktr.ee/offthebeatenquest

THANK YOU TO OUR BANNERGUARD

Lyra Fawncrest

Bruh_Jimbo

Join our Patreon for weekly shoutouts in our episodes, monthly drops, and exclusive access to our post-session cool downs.

WELL-BEING DISCLOSURE

Like any good story told around the table, Off the Beaten Quest can wander into shadow as well as light. Because our world is improvised, some moments may touch on themes that feel heavy or close to home. If you ever find yourself needing space, we encourage you to pause, skip ahead, or step away entirely. There’s no wrong way to engage with this story — only what feels right for you. 

Your well-being will always matter more than any plot point. If you need additional support, this list of mental health resources may be helpful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources

Viewers can find a masterlist with specific episode timestamps for more common triggers below.

https://bit.ly/41J24Sh

The party finds Eldred, but saving her won’t be easy. They’re pushed to limits they’ve never experienced before, yet somehow find a way to push through - but it comes at a great cost.

A lifelong secret is unveiled to Eldred at her darkest moment. Will it break her? Or will it give her reason to continue pushing forward?

Welcome to Off the Beaten Quest — a D&D actual play podcast set in the homebrew world of Aarencia. If you love immersive tabletop roleplay, character-driven storytelling, and a table that genuinely cares about the people around it, you're in the right place. New here? Start with Above Table Talks linked below to meet us!

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Welcome back, let’s rejoin Eldred

33:00 - Epic Hero Entrances 

47:00 - Jett & the healing potion

1:03:00 - Adalina loses control

1:22:00 - Farran’s sacrifice

CAMPAIGN CAST

Game Master - Justin Fussell, architect of a world that fights back

Adalina Moonsight - Allie Fussell, playing the mage powerful enough to reshape the world - still waiting for someone to stay in it

Eldred Devrye - Morgan Amond, playing the rogue engineered to be perfect - and just self-aware enough to know what that costs

Jett - Allie Goodell, playing the bard that left everything behind - except the parts that followed

Tomoe Fujii - Caroline Dajer, playing a monk who believes in stillness and a world that will not hold still

Follow us across social media & join our Patreon!

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/offthebeatenquest 

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@offthebeatenquest

BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/offthebeatenquest.bsky.social

Instagram - https://instagram.com/offbeatenquest

Our Linktree for even more OBQ content! https://linktr.ee/offthebeatenquest

THANK YOU TO OUR BANNERGUARD

Lyra Fawncrest

Bruh_Jimbo

Join our Patreon for weekly shoutouts in our episodes, monthly drops, and exclusive access to our post-session cool downs.

WELL-BEING DISCLOSURE

Like any good story told around the table, Off the Beaten Quest can wander into shadow as well as light. Because our world is improvised, some moments may touch on themes that feel heavy or close to home. If you ever find yourself needing space, we encourage you to pause, skip ahead, or step away entirely. There’s no wrong way to engage with this story — only what feels right for you. 

Your well-being will always matter more than any plot point. If you need additional support, this list of mental health resources may be helpful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources

Viewers can find a masterlist with specific episode timestamps for more common triggers below.

https://bit.ly/41J24Sh

Back with the main party and their newfound acquaintance, the search for Eldred continues. Jett is forced to face her past once again as the group heads into the underground to not only investigate the sounds of the screams, but hope they have something to do with Eldred. 

Adalina refuses to give up on her friend. What is the cost of a mission this risky?

Welcome to Off the Beaten Quest — a D&D actual play podcast set in the homebrew world of Aarencia. If you love immersive tabletop roleplay, character-driven storytelling, and a table that genuinely cares about the people around it, you're in the right place. New here? Start with Above Table Talks linked below to meet us!

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Welcome back!

5:00 - Farran the Fearless

18:00 - The Sealery

42:00 - Uncovering the Underground

1:03:00 - Breaking into the Syndicate

CAMPAIGN CAST

Game Master - Justin Fussell, architect of a world that fights back

Adalina Moonsight - Allie Fussell, playing the mage powerful enough to reshape the world - still waiting for someone to stay in it

Eldred Devrye - Morgan Amond, playing the rogue engineered to be perfect - and just self-aware enough to know what that costs

Jett - Allie Goodell, playing the bard that left everything behind - except the parts that followed

Tomoe Fujii - Caroline Dajer, playing a monk who believes in stillness and a world that will not hold still

Follow us across social media & join our Patreon!

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/offthebeatenquest 

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@offthebeatenquest

BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/offthebeatenquest.bsky.social

Instagram - https://instagram.com/offbeatenquest

Our Linktree for even more OBQ content! https://linktr.ee/offthebeatenquest

THANK YOU TO OUR BANNERGUARD

Lyra Fawncrest

Bruh_Jimbo

Join our Patreon for weekly shoutouts in our episodes, monthly drops, and exclusive access to our post-session cool downs.

WELL-BEING DISCLOSURE

Like any good story told around the table, Off the Beaten Quest can wander into shadow as well as light. Because our world is improvised, some moments may touch on themes that feel heavy or close to home. If you ever find yourself needing space, we encourage you to pause, skip ahead, or step away entirely. There’s no wrong way to engage with this story — only what feels right for you. 

Your well-being will always matter more than any plot point. If you need additional support, this list of mental health resources may be helpful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources

Viewers can find a masterlist with specific episode timestamps for more common triggers below.

https://bit.ly/41J24Sh

Most episodes belong to the players. This one belongs to the Dungeon Master.

Justin paints a world in this episode that feels vast, yet claustrophobic - voicing a significant number of NPCs, showcasing power structures that make Aarencia feel real in a way that only great homebrew worldbuilding can. At the center of it is a torture sequence that will make you feel sorry for Eldred, and if you blink you’ll miss a revelation about the drug Jett has been running from.

This is exceptional DMing. We wanted to make sure it gets the credit it deserves.

Welcome to Off the Beaten Quest — a D&D actual play podcast set in the homebrew world of Aarencia. If you love immersive tabletop roleplay, character-driven storytelling, and a table that genuinely cares about the people around it, you're in the right place. New here? Start with Above Table Talks linked below to meet us!

CAMPAIGN CAST

Game Master - Justin Fussell, architect of a world that fights back

Adalina Moonsight - Allie Fussell, playing the mage powerful enough to reshape the world - still waiting for someone to stay in it

Eldred Devrye - Morgan Amond, playing the rogue engineered to be perfect - and just self-aware enough to know what that costs

Jett - Allie Goodell, playing the bard that left everything behind - except the parts that followed

Tomoe Fujii - Caroline Dajer, playing a monk who believes in stillness and a world that will not hold still

Follow us across social media & join our Patreon!

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/offthebeatenquest 

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@offthebeatenquest

BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/offthebeatenquest.bsky.social

Instagram - https://instagram.com/offbeatenquest

Our Linktree for even more OBQ content! https://linktr.ee/offthebeatenquest

THANK YOU TO OUR BANNERGUARD

Lyra Fawncrest

Bruh_Jimbo

Join our Patreon for weekly shoutouts in our episodes, monthly drops, and exclusive access to our post-session cool downs.

WELL-BEING DISCLOSURE

Like any good story told around the table, Off the Beaten Quest can wander into shadow as well as light. Because our world is improvised, some moments may touch on themes that feel heavy or close to home. If you ever find yourself needing space, we encourage you to pause, skip ahead, or step away entirely. There’s no wrong way to engage with this story — only what feels right for you. 

Your well-being will always matter more than any plot point. If you need additional support, this list of mental health resources may be helpful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources

Viewers can find a masterlist with specific episode timestamps for more common triggers below.

https://bit.ly/41J24Sh

The note said Eldred left, but Adalina isn't convinced.

With Jett away on her own errands, Tomoé and Adalina get the only lead available — reports of screaming from a government building nearby, in the middle of the night. It's not much. But it's more than a note.

The episode closes with Adalina approaching a stranger. Someone who might be able to shed some light in the darkness.

Welcome to Off the Beaten Quest — a D&D actual play podcast set in the homebrew world of Aarencia. If you love immersive tabletop roleplay, character-driven storytelling, and a table that genuinely cares about the people around it, you're in the right place. New here? Start with Above Table Talks linked below to meet us!

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Last time…

13:00 - Adalina investigates

24:00 - Jett masks the scent

41:00 - Healing is an option?

57:30 - Tomoé finds*the* clue

1:20:00 - The stranger in the dark

CAMPAIGN CAST

Game Master - Justin Fussell, architect of a world that fights back

Adalina Moonsight - Allie Fussell, playing the mage powerful enough to reshape the world - still waiting for someone to stay in it

Eldred Devrye - Morgan Amond, playing the rogue engineered to be perfect - and just self-aware enough to know what that costs

Jett - Allie Goodell, playing the bard that left everything behind - except the parts that followed

Tomoe Fujii - Caroline Dajer, playing a monk who believes in stillness and a world that will not hold still

Follow us across social media & join our Patreon!

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/offthebeatenquest 

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@offthebeatenquest

BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/offthebeatenquest.bsky.social

Instagram - https://instagram.com/offbeatenquest

Our Linktree for even more OBQ content! https://linktr.ee/offthebeatenquest

THANK YOU TO OUR BANNERGUARD

Lyra Fawncrest

Bruh_Jimbo

Join our Patreon for weekly shoutouts in our episodes, monthly drops, and exclusive access to our post-session cool downs.