Scanlan Shorthalt

Lore & Background

Scanlan Shorthalt's journey with Vox Machina began in the Kraghammer story arc and continued through their battles across Tal'Dorei. He was present during the defeat of the Chroma Conclave, where he helped the party search for the Vestiges of Divergence to gain the power needed to stop the four ancient chromatic dragons. During the Taryon Darrington story arc (episodes 85–99), Scanlan's use of an in-campaign illicit drug known as 'spice' and growing disagreements with the group led to a heated argument that shook the party. This conflict resulted in his departure from Vox Machina, allowing him time away to focus on self-discovery and reconnect with his daughter. Despite his absence, he remained a pivotal figure in the campaign's narrative.

In Their Own Story

Scanlan's temporary exit occurred during the Taryon Darrington story arc, which spanned episodes 85 through 99. This period was loosely defined by Scanlan's absence and the presence of Taryon Darrington, an inexperienced aspiring author who joined Vox Machina. During this time, the party traveled to Ank'Harel on the continent of Marquet and dealt with various smaller story arcs, including Keyleth's Aramenté and a one-year time skip between episodes 94 and 95. Scanlan eventually rejoined the group for the Cult of Vecna story arc (episodes 100–115). This final chapter saw Vox Machina fighting a cult attempting to summon the evil lich demigod Vecna, who sought to ascend to true godhood. With Scanlan back in the fold, the party engaged in one gigantic final battle to stop the 'Whispered One,' ultimately succeeding with the indirect help of prime deities.

Reader's Guide

Scanlan Shorthalt is a gnome bard portrayed by Sam Riegel. He was a founding member of Vox Machina, traveling with them from the Kraghammer story arc (episodes 1–16) through the Vasselheim and Briarwood arcs. During the Chroma Conclave arc (episodes 39–84), he fought alongside the party against four ancient chromatic dragons while they sought powerful magical items known as the Vestiges of Divergence. His character faced a major turning point in the Taryon Darrington story arc (episodes 85–99) when his use of 'spice' and internal conflicts led him to leave the group temporarily. He returned for the final arc, the Cult of Vecna (episodes 100–115), participating in the climactic battle that stopped Vecna's ascension. Following the campaign's conclusion on October 12, 2017, Scanlan appeared in one-shots such as 'The Search for Grog' and 'The Search for Bob,' which explored adventures on the plane of Pandemonium.

Did You Know?

• Scanlan temporarily left Vox Machina during the Taryon Darrington story arc (episodes 85–99) to spend time with his daughter and focus on self-discovery.
• His departure was caused by disagreements with the group and his use of an in-campaign illicit drug called 'spice'.
• Scanlan rejoined Vox Machina for the Cult of Vecna story arc (episodes 100–115) to help stop the lich demigod's ascension.
• He appeared in one-shots set after the main campaign, including 'The Search for Grog' and 'The Search for Bob', which took place on the plane of Pandemonium.