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Scanlan
General Info
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Gender | Male |
---|---|
Job Title | Bard |
Knows about | Music, Spell-craft, Gnomish culture |
Nationality | Gnome |
Alternate Name | Burt Reynolds |
Character Name | Scanlan Shorthalt |
Member of Organization | Vox Machina |
Introduction
Biography
His penchant for chaos and unpredictability helped Scanlan thrive on deception and humor. But beneath this light-hearted facade lies a more complex character, grappling with unrequited love and a troubling past that has made Scanlan the dynamic character we've come to love.
Born into a poor family, Scanlan was orphaned at a young age and relied on thieves and con artists to survive. But the difficulties did not break him; it made him a resourceful and witty character that we admire. Despite his chaotic actions, Scanlan has a heart that deeply cares for those close to him.
Scanlan's charismatic personality combined with his innate talent for music allowed him to master the art of bardic magic. His powerful songs can inspire courage, soothe souls or make the room laugh. Throughout her journey, she used her abilities selflessly and often helped Vox Machina escape from difficult situations. However, Scanlan's journey with Vox Machina was not without personal difficulties. Her unrequited love for Pike and struggles with substance abuse added complexity and depth to her character. His path to self-improvement revealed a more serious and introspective side of Scanlan that hadn't been seen before.
Scanlan eventually reunites with his daughter, Kaylie, who teaches him more about the meaning of love and family. This turning point in Scanlan's life took him away from an isolationist lifestyle and towards a more fulfilling life. All in all, Scanlan Shorthalt is not just a jokester. With a heart bigger than hers, an indomitable spirit and a resilience that overcomes adversity, she symbolizes the unpredictable yet profound nature of life in the role-critical world. His story and character development are a testament to the complexity and depth of his humor and whimsy.
Creation and Development
Scanlan's main inspiration came from The Princess Bride character Andre the Giant. His playful demeanor, lively personality and humorous traits are a clear nod to the beloved character. In addition, Riegel sought to reinforce the unpredictable nature often associated with bards. It was this desire that led to the inclusion of unusually entertaining elements such as Scanlan's charming handle, penchant for ready-made songs, and frequent habit of bold commentary.
In the early design stages, Riegel kept in mind that Scanlan was to be more than comic relief. He had to be able to hold his own in the fight and contribute significantly to the team dynamic in his group Vox Machina. As such, the character was carefully crafted to be a harmonious blend of powerful spells and solid combat acumen. This trait is most evident in the scene where Scanlan alone defeats the boss with his Bigby's Hand spell. In terms of character development, Riegel has slowly added depth to Scanlan over the seasons. Along with the jokes, jokes and eccentricities, there was a melancholy past and a deep desire to be reunited with his long-lost daughter, making Scanlan complex and emotionally real. These stark contrasts in Scanlan's features made Riegel's portrayal compelling and engaging.
Scanlan Shorthalt is not just a character; it's an experience: a fleeting combination of wit, charm, martial prowess and deep-rooted feelings. His creation and development from goofy entertainer to powerful cast member is a testament to the genius of Sam Riegel and the rich and immersive world of Critical Role.
Character Profile
His humor and charm are often his greatest weapon and shield, reducing tension and turning enemies into friends with his music and fun. Gifted with a voice that could charm kings and queens, Scanlan has proven his worth as a member of Vox Machina time and time again. Behind his mischief and jolly banter lies a deep fear of loneliness and abandonment in Scanlan. His mother's death and her estrangement from her daughter Kaylie had a profound effect on him. He masks his insecurities with humor and often jokes even in life-threatening situations.
Despite his past failures and mistakes, Scanlan is brave and willing to stand up for those he cares about. His loyalty to his new family, Vox Machina, is unwavering, even in the face of his most formidable foes. His shrewd wit and quick wit combined with his infectious wit make him a beloved member of the group.
As a fae with such a large personality, Scanlan Shorthalt stands tall, showing that the size of the human mind is not limited by physical stature.
Story Arc
When he was first introduced, he was a playful prankster. Using his wits, he often defeated enemies and made friends wherever he went. But beneath this likable facade lay layers of loneliness and cynicism, born of a troubled past marked by poverty and her family's abandoned life. The turning point in his plot was his near-death experience, which led him to leave the group to find himself and his purpose. Scanlan returned not as himself, but disguised as a completely different person: Taryon Darrington. This name change was the result of a personality change prompted by a new purpose in life and a desire to improve one's ways.
Another aspect of Scanlan's arc was his evolution from a careless father. When she found out she had a daughter, Kaylie, her attitude changed dramatically. He wanted to be a better person and began to put his well-being above everything else.
Scanlan's character metamorphosis was complete when he saved Vox Machina from its near-inevitable downfall. His character has grown from a happy-go-lucky jokester to a trusted ally, signifying his maturity and newfound wisdom. The Dwarf Bard's tales of love, courage and redemption are a truly unique part of the Critical Role universe. Scanlan is now a symbol of transformation and invention, reminding each of us of the power of change and its impact on life's journey.
Cultural Impact
Importantly, Scanlan's character challenges the genre's traditional understanding of masculinity. Despite being cocky and often the smallest member of the group in terms of physical stature, Scanlan has been shown to have the biggest personality and personal reach. Her overtly emotional, romantic and sometimes vulnerable nature gave her a depth and complexity often overlooked in male characters in the fantasy genre. His transition from comic relief to a central, emotionally complex figure was critically acclaimed and remains a fan favorite aspect of the series.
Ultimately, Scanlan's transformation and growth embodies the spirit of the RPG. He starts out as a flirtatious villain, but over time, with a deft performance by Sam Riegel, Scanlan transforms into a multi-faceted character with an intense personal history. This highlights the potential of RPGs as powerful storytelling platforms. With his lute and spell book, this charming mannequin has certainly left an indelible mark on the board game community.