Warning! This article contains some spoilers for The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, episodes 1, 2, and 3.

With The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, the Prime Video show has officially added a new member to the titular team. From the beginning of the show, Vox Machina has comprised of seven characters, eight when counting their bear companion, Trinket. Finally, though, The Legend of Vox Machina’s central cast has expanded thanks to the addition of a new team member beyond Vax’ildan, Vex’ahlia, Pike, Grog, Percy, Keyleth, and Scanlan.

As is the case with the many other characters in The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, this new hero is based on a creation from Critical Role’s first campaign. Named Taryon Darrington, the character will be a central part of the cast throughout season 4, and will likely also appear in some capacity in The Legend of Vox Machina’s fifth and final season.

Taryon first appears in the opening episode of The Legend of Vox Machina season 4. As Grog is speaking to Pike about wanting another adventure, Taryon is thrown through the window, starting a tavern brawl. What ensues embroils the new character into Vox Machina’s latest adventure, setting the stage for season 4, solidifying a Critical Role recast, replacing an original hero, and marking a solid new addition to the fantasy show.

Who Taryon Darrington Is In The Legend Of Vox Machina

Concerning exactly who Taryon Darrington is in The Legend of Vox Machina, not too much is revealed about his character in the first three episodes of season 4. Still, some hints are provided, be it his upbringing, his family life, or his unorthodox fighting style. For starters, Taryon is an aspiring adventurer and writer who, alongside his mechanical scribe, Doty, wants to chronicle the legendary quests on which he embarks.

This is what leads him to seek out Vox Machina in the first place, hiring them to protect his family’s jewels and accompanying them on the adventure. Taryon quickly proves to be an exuberant, extravagant, somewhat annoying, seemingly incapable man, though one who is endearing nonetheless. Throughout the following two episodes, small details about the new Vox Machina member are provided. For instance, Taryon reveals he comes from an excessively wealthy family that resides in Deastok, known for its rare gemstones.

Moreover, these gemstones are what give Taryon his fighting ability. As revealed throughout The Legend of Vox Machina season 4’s opening episodes, Taryon has many stones of different sizes, shapes, and colors. Each one seemingly provides Taryon with a new ability; the “Battering Ram” stone forms a magical ram that, quite literally, batters anything in its way. Another, unnamed purple stone is thrown at the floor, causing smoke explosions. As the season progresses, more of Taryon’s powerful gemstones will undoubtedly be revealed.

Why Taryon Darrington Was Recast For Vox Machina’s TV Series

Up to the ending of The Legend of Vox Machina season 3, all members of the titular team were voiced by the voice actors who originally played them in Critical Role’s first campaign. However, Taryon Darrington breaks that streak. For the first time, an original Critical Role character has been recast, with another voice actor bringing them to life in The Legend of Vox Machina. In the former, Sam Reigel played Taryon after doing the same for Scanlan for many episodes.

That said, in The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, Taryon is voiced by Wayne Brady. Brady is a friend of Riegel, explaining why the latter, as both a producer on The Legend of Vox Machina and the voice of the character in Critical Role, was likely more open to having the former voice Taryon. According to Riegel, Brady had the voice acting talent, a great singing voice, and knew how to get the right amount of comedy out of Taryon to make him fit into the world.

From a more meta perspective, another actor was likely needed to avoid confusion for general audiences. While yes, Riegel is a talented and experienced enough voice actor to make Scanlan and Taryon sound different, there is always the possibility of crossover that is evident to viewers. Therefore, it was the best choice for someone other than Riegel to voice Taryon, with Brady being the ideal choice for the recast in The Legend of Vox Machina.

Taryon Darrington (Sort Of) Replaces Scanlan In Season 4

Speaking of Sam Riegel and Scanlan, Taryon’s role in The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 somewhat makes up for the gnome’s absence in the story. In the original Critical Role campaign, Scanlan departed from the group after the battle with the Chrome Conclave, choosing to spend more time with his estranged daughter. This was also the case in The Legend of Vox Machina season 3’s finale, changing the capacity of Scanlan’s role in season 4.

Rather than being a main character as he was in the first three seasons, Scanlan was reduced to a supporting role, with Taryon taking his place as a main member of the titular group. While not a direct replacement, given that The Legend of Vox Machina season 4’s trailer confirmed that Scanlan will still appear to help his allies, Taryon will at least be a fixed member of the team this time around, with the gnome taking a backseat.

Why Taryon Darrington Is The Perfect Addition To Vox Machina

One of The Legend of Vox Machina’s biggest strengths is its cast of characters. As a result, introducing a new main member of the team after three seasons, and replacing a fan-favorite like Scanlan to boot, could be a major risk. Ultimately, though, the move pays off, as Taryon quickly proves he is a perfect fit in the world of The Legend of Vox Machina. In many ways, the character embodies many of the show’s core traits.

Like the series, Taryon is funny, goofy, and over-the-top, but with a clear emotional depth running beneath. The pompous silliness that accompanies Taryon at first showcases the former elements, while his budding relationship with Percy, his interesting, effective powers, and the hints at his family life hint at the latter. The Legend of Vox Machina is one of the best shows on TV currently at balancing serious, emotional stakes with goofy humor, making Taryon a piece of the puzzle that fits perfectly as the series’ newest main character.

Release Date

January 27, 2022

Network

Prime Video

Showrunner

Brandon Auman

Directors

Young Heller, Eugene Lee, Alicia Chan

Writers

Eugene Son, Travis Willingham, Chris Wyatt, Kevin Burke, Suzanne Keilly, Mae Catt, Todd Casey, Ashly Burch, May Chan, Marc Bernardin

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  Laura Bailey

  Vex’ahlia (voice)

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  Taliesin Jaffe

  Percy (voice)