Melvin Conner

Profile

The Youngest Warrior

Melvin is the youngest member of the Action and Adventure Club. When he asked to join in January of 2008, he didn't think Jandor would let him, since he was still only 14, but Jandor readily accepted him. Since then, Melvin has worked very hard to live up to the expectations of his leader and to prove his worth. He sees Jandor as a role model and seeks to emulate him. However this often causes Melvin to be overly hard and critical of himself when he falls short. Though the others have never slighted him because of his size or age, Melvin still feels that he is somehow inferior to the others of the group and this plagues him.

Jandor is aware of Melvin's misgivings to a certain extent and tries to encourage him. He believes that Melvin has great potential but is focusing his efforts in the wrong direction. He often reminds Melvin that he shouldn't be seeking to be anyone but himself.

When Melvin is transported to Mendala during the quickening accident, he was sent 3 years into the past. He ended up in [Hidden Valley] a small town in the [Lost Plains]. Though he realized he was on Mendala he had no idea that he had been sent to the past or what had happened to his friends. Scared and confused he choose to stay in Hidden Valley rather than risk his life trying to find out the truth.

For years he lived in Hidden Valley carrying the burden of knowing that he was doing nothing to try and stop Davron or find his friends. He had learned that the small town was protected by a strange force that prevented almost everyone from finding it and because of this he hoped that meant he would never have to worry about any sort of attack.

When Becky, Alyson, and Bernie finally did find him, he tried to hide from them, but they eventually realized who he was. Melvin was reluctant to join them on their quest but eventually agreed. Though he has grown in skill and abilities, Melvin's confidence is still lacking.

He Who Walks Unseen

Melvin is constantly unsure of his role in the Fantasmal Fighters.  He does not see himself as especially gifted or talented in anything. He has no weapon skills and isn't particularly skilled in mentus or mandamus. His most pronounced skill is his ability to hide, something he learned to do well in Hidden Valley. The town elder taught him the ancient and widely unpracticed art of mentant concealment, which makes it seem as if he has completely disappeared. He uses it often in battle situations not only to keep himself out of harms way, but to aid his friends. Though Melvin does not see this as particularly useful, it has indeed made him a valuable asset.

At one point, Melvin returns to Hidden Valley, discouraged by what he perceives to be his own uselessness. It is during this time that he meets [Illusion], a "talking, mentant, morphing, dog" who brings with him a seal of the Book of War, which he insists is destined for Melvin.

The seal that Melvin receives has a long legacy. Six others have owned the seal before him and he can communicate with them through the seal. They not only guide him, but they can give him their unique powers. Each of the previous seal bearers gained a different ability when they used the seal. When Melvin allows it, they can take over his body and use their abilities again. During this time, Melvin's appearance changes so that he looks like the person who has taken over. The six previous seal bearers are:

Glamdon: The original seal bearer. He gained the seal during the [Great War]. His name means "Strength Beyond Mortals" and he can use mentus in physical attacks.

Tordiz: His name means "Weapon of Virtue" and he can turn pure mentus energy into a weapon of any kind.

Achious: A name that means "Seventh Sense." He has great agility and speed and all of his senses are enhanced.

Welmon: He can heal almost instantly from any wound and block attacks with just his body. That is why his name means "Healing Heart."

Mellious: The "Charmer of Souls." He can use music of any kind to manipulate minds in several ways.

Leveron: He is "Limber beyond Limits" and has the ability to stretch and twist his body in inconceivable ways.

For Melvin, the seal enhances his ability to conceal himself, allowing him to build elaborate illusions that hide him not only from sight but also in the mentant realm. He can even use this ability to conceal others. He is given then name "Shadon," which means "He Who Walks Unseen," by Glamdon.

A True Leader

Though his powers are now stronger than ever, Melvin is still unconvinced that he can truly contribute to the group. Jandor however sees Melvin as a true leader and often encourages him to uncover those hidden qualities that will make him live up to his potential. Often Melvin will take on dangerous tasks even though he is scared.

Melvin was instrumental in defeating Davron on two separate occasions and he has used his unique ability to rescue people on multiple occasions. He also exhibits true leadership abilities when he his teamed with several members of Fantasma's staff to evacuate the city of [Eglictor]. Because of these feats, many members of the Fantasmal Fighters look up to Melvin, even though he does not know it.

Standard Mandamus (see main article on Standard Mandamus)

Mandamus

Mentunus

Summonous

Maximus

Book References

Key Events:

Quest of the Seal Bearers - Book 1: The Warriors Return; Chapters 7, 27
The A&A Club is transported to Mendala. Melvin is sent 3 years into Mendalian past and ends up in [Hidden Valley]. When he is found by Becky Gabbie, Bernie Steward, and Alyson Silvers. Melvin reluctantly agrees to help them on their quest to find the others in their group.
Quest of the Seal Bearers - Book 1: The Warriors Return; Chapter 28
Melvin reveals his ability to quickly conceal and hide himself for the first time.
Quest of the Seal Bearers - Book 1: The Warriors Return; Chapter 31
Disheartened by his inability to fight, Melvin leaves his friends and returns to hidden valley
Quest of the Seal Bearers - Book 1: The Warriors Return; Chapter 36
Melvin is met by [Illusion], a talking dog who gives him a seal of the Book Of War. Through Illusion, Melvin learns about the seal and how he is destined to use it. Melvin is given the name Shadon and with the help and encouragement of the previous seal bearers (who he can speak to through the seal), sets off to help his friends.
Quest of the Seal Bearers - Book 1: The Warriors Return; Chapter 38
With the help of Glamdon, a previous seal bearer, and Illusion, in his alter ego as the silver wolf, Melvin rescues his friends from the underground water removal system of [Marshroot].
Quest of the Seal Bearers - Book 1: The Warriors Return; Chapters 44-45
Melvin uses his abilities to steal the Book of War from Davron and Tabatha. Though Davron was able to recover it, Melvin gave his group the upper hand because by touching the book, all of Davron's creatures disappeared.
• Quest of the Seal Bearers - Book 2: The Five Jewels; Chapters 9-10
  Melvin reveals his abilities and Illusion to his friends. He then uses the seal once again to help evacuate the city of Weedmount with the help of Grand Master Yetherston Quarnbee and Randle Finagald.
• Quest of the Seal Bearers - Book 2: The Five Jewels; Chapters 16, 21, 24, 25, 30, 31, 39
  Melvin leads a small team consisting of Amanda, Yetherstone, Randle, and Wheaton Tinsdale, a quickener. Their mission is to evacuate the summoner encampments of [Eglictor]. Though he is uncertain of his own leadership skills, Melvin earns the trust and loyalty of all in his group and the mission is successful.
• Quest of the Seal Bearers - Book 2: The Five Jewels; Chapters 47, 52, 54
  Melvin and his team coordinate a sneak attack into [Fantasmal Mountain] which is key in defeating Davron's army and regaining the mountain fortress.

Known Outfits:

• Brown tunic and pants; brown traveling robe.
  (Quest of the Seal Bearers - Book 1: The Warriors Return; Chapter 27)

See Also:

• Action and Adventure Club 
• Fantasmal Fighters
• Quest of the Seal Bearers
• Quest of the Seal Bearers: Character Guide