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Connor

Connor is a tanner, artist and local knight who lives in the town of Daventry, in a small community outside the city center. Despite his humble class, he is brave and noble. Connor's first girlfriend was Sarah, and he was the future suitor of Rosella. He was the son of the local villager Lyrr.

Background[]

Growing Up[]

Not much is known of Connor's early years. It’s known that he was born a peasant, the son of a local villager named Lyrr. When Connor was a small child, King Graham had a tradition of inviting the village children (such as Connor) into the castle for birthdays of those working in the castle (such as William of Daventry, son of Seneschal Oswold).[1]

When he was still a young child, Daventry, was not the lovely and peaceful kingdom of days gone by, but had become a land devastated by a terrible affliction. The kingdom had fallen victim to the ravages of a dreadful three-headed dragon, which had burned the land all around and drove many people away from the town, and killed many others.[2][3] The town was left in ruins. It’s not known if Connor and his family were among those who fled the kingdom, or just fled the village to eke out survival within the ruins of Daventry. It is not known if his father was among those killed by the dragon or not.

Coming of Age[]

Several years after the coming of the dragon, with return of the kingdom’s lost prince Alexander (who defeated the dragon)[4], the kingdom was restored, and the town was rebuilt. Soon after, in the kingdom of Daventry, Connor and the other inhabitants enjoyed peace and prosperity under the majestic King Graham.

Then in his late-teens, now an adult, Connor became a tanner for his local farming community just outside of Daventry town, and traded with nearby hunters. He had also had become a local knight, and guardian of his village[5][6]. He spent a lot of his time training his combat abilities when he wasn't busy with his tanner work. He was also the local artist[7], and kept everything he needed to paint in his house.

He developed an interest in the Widow Burke's daughter Sarah. He became friends with several individuals in his village including Joseph whom he has worked and toiled side by side with on occasion.[8] He apparently spent much of his free time painting, and at Julia's Tavern drinking, she was always there for him when he had his troubles.[9][10] The kingdom remained at peace for a time.

Daventry Invaded[]

Not long after, when Connor was but a young fledging knight, or squire (within a year of the lost prince’s return), a dark storm abruptly descended on the kingdom. Hidden among the storm clouds was a strange Floating Castle which drifted into the kingdom and set down several miles away from Castle Daventry. All of the kingdom’s knights (which included Connor), both from the nobles and the rustic and peasant knights (Rangers) were all called to the castle to preparation to defend the kingdom from the invading forces. Alexander helped train the soldiers and knights for impending battle.

Soon after Graham called a council bringing Alexander, and all the knights together to discuss the castle and invading forces. During the council a dark magician named Telgrin entered the castle and demanded allegiance as the new King of Daventry, and killed one of the knights who tried to stop him. When king refused the evil sorcerer then stole Graham’s soul (leaving the body as a husk) and left for his castle. All of the knights were left without a king. When the prince volunteered to save his father and the kingdom, the knights stayed behind to defend the castle. Connor and the knights could only returned to their homes after Alexander had rescued the kingdom. And things were again peaceful for a short time.

The Shattering of the Mask[]

But one day, the kingdom's serenity turned to disorder. An evil being, Lucreto, took up quarters in the sacred sanctity of the Mask of Eternity, and summoned a dark spell causing the mask to explode into pieces that fell to the world below. Meanwhile, the young townsperson named Connor was about to become the most important person in the world's history. As he talked to his friend Sarah, the Mask of Eternity rained down on the land, one piece landed at Connor's ip feet. Just as he picked it up, the supernatural spell reached the ground. In a flash, every inhabitant of the beloved kingdom had turned to stone. That is, every inhabitant but one. With the sacred mask piece in hand, Connor was somehow protected from the consequences of the omen.[11]

Connor vowed rescue Sarah’s family, and rest of the citizens of his village. While making his way through the now monster infested village he followed a raven towards the lake where he found a wizard half turned to stone. The Wizard explained to him what had caused the disaster, and helped the knight by giving him a magic map to help him navigate the landscape.

After collecting supplies, his knife, and equipment in the village, he made his way into Castle Daventry to check on his king. He had found that the curse had spread everyone in the castle he vowed to save the King Graham and Royal Family. He discovered that the Magic Mirror was darkened with smoke and fog. But mist cleared long enough for an image of his future adversary to appear to insult and challenge him befor the mirror became dark again.

The Mask had chosen him to be the One, the Champion Eternal, the Chosen One, the Deliverer, the Enlightened One, and the True Upholder. Traveling through many realms, he managed to reach the Realm of the Sun and reunite the pieces, returning life to Daventry.

Connor was the Deliverer of the Dimension of Death, by balancing the Scales of Justice freeing Lord Azriel from his imprisonment, and healing the Sacred Heart, stopping the bloodletting.

Connor’s final destination was the Realm of the Sun where he met his ultimate destiny, banishing Lucreto into the Black Abyss. The platform with the mask rose to the top of the temple, and Connor knelt before it, as the mask activated unleashing magic across the world restoring sunlight, and life to those turned to stone, and finally life back to the plant life in Daventry, and Realm of the Sun.

Connor was last seen amongst the Archons in the Realm of the Sun. But it is said that he would return to Daventry, but that he would never perish. Thus he gained immortality from his quest after obtaining the Chalice of Order[12][13][14][15]

Return to Daventry[]

Upon Connor's return to Daventry, the elderly King Graham, was very grateful to the local knight, Connor, for saving the Kingdom of Daventry from the evil Archarchon, Lucreto, and restoring the Mask of Eternity to its salubrious, protective powers. So grateful, in fact, that he had given Connor the title of Marquis of Daventry, with the responsibility of securing the kingdom’s borders from any outside attacks or evil intentions. [16]

Rosella enlists the aid of Connor, the new Marquis of Daventry, and of her brother, Alexander – now the King of the Land of the Green Isles – to help ‘rescue’ King Graham and Queen Valanice from Rasputris’s evil clutches.. Rasputris is a 'healer' who had made himself so important in the Daventry court that his powerful influence is now corrupting Daventry -- from the inside! Rosella has become very concerned about her parents and their sudden dependence on this itinerant drifter and she tries to evict him from the kingdom, but to no avail. It’s obvious that they are both heavily influenced by Rasputris and, indeed, are overwhelmed by him. What has he done to them?

But during their endeavors, they find that Rasputris is more than he seems – a dirty, unkempt wanderer with bright, hypnotic eyes. In reality he was an accomplice of Lucreto. Unfortunately, he had been accidentally blasted out of the Realm of the Sun when the Mask of Eternity was restored and is now in the process of taking over Daventry ‘from the inside’ in retaliation for Connor having defeated Lucreto and his evil plans. It will not be an easy task to root this powerful character out from Daventry!

Romance Blossoms[]

Following his previous adventure, there were rumors that Rosella and Connor became interested in each other after they met for the first time, after his return to Daventry, their relationship coming between Edgar. During their previous adventure an affection developed between Rosella and Connor. And of poor Edgar, a struggle commenced between him and Connor. But that is another adventure to be told![17][18] Ultimately, it is not known if he ended up with Rosella or Sarah.

Personality and traits[]

He is a noble soul, and although he sprang not from noble stock, he had a clear resolve and his challenge was clear.[19] He had a strong sense of justice, honor and duty and other chivalrous virtues. He is selfless and willingly puts his own life in mortal danger in order to restore Daventry and its people, and his king[20], and help others in need as he encountered them. His motivation was to destroy or banish evil in all of its forms to restore order to the world. He has a good heart and is kind and compassionate towards the good of the world.

He is charitable, and willingly gives alms to his local church for the poor.[21]

He had a sense of melancholy and remorse (it was almost more than he could bear[22]) and was sickened by seeing his friends and neighbors turned to stone[23], but knew he was the only one who could save them, and he made that his only focus.

Connor was chosen by fate and destiny to save the world many aeons before his birth. It was a path he could not deviate from.

Connor is inquisitive soul, willing to learn, and solve mysteries[24]. He is also alert to danger around him.[25]

He is filled with strength, courage and righteousness, and bears the fruits of his good deeds.[26]

He has a strong sense of direction, even in maze-like environments.[27]

Connor is physically fit young lad, much like Graham was in his youth. His arms are strong and he has powerful fists. He has been training for years, and he is an expert in many different weapon styles from daggers, swords, clubs, axes and spears. He is not afraid to use his abilities and will kill monsters in self defense.

He trains to be one of the rustic knights of the kingdom like Sir Graham before him (he also wears the short tunic, pants, and high boots of the Rangers). He owns a hay target and a target-dummy which he used to train his fighting skills in case the village was ever attacked.

Connor is roughly same age as Alexander and Rosella, perhaps a little younger (he is around twenty). As an able-bodied knight and soldier of the realm he would have been called in to service any time there was an invasion. As was the case when Floating Castle and Black knights invaded the kingdom. The soldiers, knights and volunteers trained in preparation for a siege. The young prince Alexander helped train them despite not being an expert swordsman himself. King Graham brought all the knights and soldiers of the kingdom together for a war council. They along with Alexander witnessed the evil sorcerer Telgrin, enter the castle, kill another knight, and attack the king, and ultimately stealing Graham’s soul before leaving, leaving only a mindless husk of a body behind. Although Connor is not named it would have been his duty to be there and take part in the council and the preparations for war.

Connor will become drunk if he drinks from cups in the tavern.

If he marries Rosella, and if Alexander passes on the throne, Connor may become the next King of Daventry, with his wife as his Queen.

Titles and names[]

See also[]

Behind the scenes[]

According to Roberta much of Connor's story is based on Arthurian legend, and even J.R.R. Tolkien. That Connor's journey is the journey of Arthur's search for the Holy Grail (Mask of Eternity/Chalice of Order)... He is similar to archetypal characters from Arthurian and medieval romance known as the "Knight-errant" who represent the highest virtues of chivalry, honor, and purity (without sin); examples being Sir Perceval, Sir Bors and Galahad (Galahad being the only one who was predestined/chosen to obtain the Grail) of the Round Table in some versions of the story, where as Arthur and Lancelot had been corrupted by their affairs). From a Tolkien perspective, he may be similar to the role of Aragorn, though not without the secret kingly heritage. Though through a marriage to Rosella he may still be in line to the throne.

The significance of Connor's profession of tanner, may be a nod back to Simon the Tanner in the bible. In Jewish tradition tanners were looked down upon as being one of the lowest of the low. Because tanners dealt with dead things they were ceremonially contaminated. Much like how gentiles were looked down upon as lowly and contaminating, so was the tanner. Peter in the bible stayed with Simon on three occasions in the bible, to spread the gospel to the gentiles. This was highly symbolic that even the lowest of the low could find a high place in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Likewise, although he is a local knight (according to Roberta Williams ), Connor is still a lowly peasant and tanner (at the most a rustic knight in training, see ranger). But his is a story is one of virtue, where one of low birth, can obtain nobility through good deeds, and become a valued member of the kingdom. During his journey Connor goes from peasant to knight (essentially of Paladin of ideals). Note: Connor is acknowledged as a knight early on by a fellow knight, James of Daventry. According to manual of King's Quest 4, knights rise from lowly peasants, so the idea is not new to King's Quest lore. Even in the three spin-off novels its implied that Graham may have risen from a lesser birth, and rose to knighthoood (though the companion suggests he is at least the son of a 'nobleman', at least a minor house, or recently 'entitled' family, see noble).

According to early concept material, the character was initially going to be an unnamed marble statue who came to life by the cataclysm[1], as the story was further developed, he was given the name Brendan. At some point he was to be the son of a widowed mother and a deceased fisherman (which she noted was common to these type of stories)[52], and he was given the name/title Connor mac Lyrr[53] (a name based on a Celtic sea god and his children). Mac Lyrr is actually more of a patronymic title, rather than a surname that means “son of Lyrr”, in that sense it makes more sense for him to be known simply as Connor in most instances.

In early concept stories, he was said to be the twenty-year old son of a poor fisherman. He was said to be born on the same day the Mask of Eternity was shattered. Some previews also indicate that Connor was also a fisherman as well. In finalized game and related materials Connor is described as young or as a lad, so he still likely to be in his early twenties, that he calls the Dying Lad, a lad may suggest he is older of the two.

By 1998 most of the backstory was dropped. The last usage of Connor Mac Lyrr occurs in the Spring 1998 issue of InterAction magazine, with his parent having been changed to a villager:

…all of the inhabitants of the beloved kingdom of Daventry have been turned to stone by a disastrous magical curse. All inhabitants but one: the son of a local villager, Connor Mac Lyrr. Players will assume the role of this young, unlikely hero to brave many evil encounters and find the missing pieces of a sacred mask that will cancel out the spell, and restore peace in Daventry.

However, much of that was not mentioned in Holiday 1998 issue, see Strange Things Are Afoot in Daventry.

As the story was refined for the released version of the game, his parentage was never mentioned, and he came to be known simply as 'Connor of Daventry', or Connor, in order to shorten his name. His past was changed to him being a tanner in Daventry.

According to Roberta Williams;

The only character from previous King's Quests will be a couple of cameo appearances by King Graham. I felt that it was time to feature a new character to the saga of King's Quest as long as we were updating the whole look and feel of the series. And--who knows? Perhaps in some future King's Quest game, Connor will at least meet Rosella! Don't worry, though. Connor is a very interesting character in his own right, and I'm sure he will win over many of the traditional King's Quest hearts.
"What if Connor met Rosella? That would be good... We got that problem with Edgar... Love triangles are always interesting." Roberta Williams -Mask of Eternity Talkspot Interview, Part 1.

The idea that Rosella might start dating Connor (then "Brendan"?) appears to very early idea as early as 1995.

"As far as King Graham, Alexander, Valanice, and Rosella are concerned -- they ARE in the game, but they are the poor victims of the evil sorcerer's spell. YOU -- as a "former" statue-turned-alive-knight -- are the main character of King's Quest 8. You can save the royal family from the evil spell they've been placed under. You -- as the knight -- can save them and then get the chance to become a "real man" in the end (a la Pinocchio). Princess Rosella might be SO grateful that he saved her and her family that...who knows?-1995 interview

The existence of Connor, or rather adventures in the kingdom, and for his kingdom, unrelated to King Graham or his direct children seems to be foreshadowed in the KQ1SCI universe: “...And whenever King Graham looked into his magic mirror, he saw visions of adventures yet to come...for him, for his children, and for Daventry, the land he loved.”

Strangely an official article (A Walk Through Daventry) from the Spring, 1992 issue of InterAction might suggest Connor is married (or been married), yet is trying to woo Sarah, as his “sweetheart to be”, a side girlfriend/mistress.[54] Add to that his future interest in Rosella as well. See A Walk Through Daventry.

The detail that Sarah is Connor’s girlfriend/sweetheart is only mentioned in InterAction and the Talkspot Interviews, see KQ8 summaries.

It’s not known who Connor was a squire and apprenticed to (perhaps the late Charles Teasdale or others). Little is known about his father to suggest he was a knight as well. Or if Connor was inducted into knighthood from the army and able bodied soldiers.

Connor (unofficial)[]

Connor has appeared in various fan fiction including games, see Connor (unofficial).

References[]

  1. KQKoS, pg
  2. KQ5NES manual: The story thus far
  3. KQ5 Floppy manual: Quest for the Castle
  4. KQ8 manual: Synopsis
  5. Sir James: "I have no need for gold, Sir Knight.", Gwennie: I believe in you, sir knight.", "I'm glad you came back, sir knight."
  6. According to KQ4 manual, it is not uncommon that many knights were once 'lowly peasants'. KQ4 Manual,pg 10
  7. "Connor has created a masterpiece and it is on display at his home."
  8. Connor (KQ8): "([#]WITH FERVOR) Joseph, my friend...you and I have toiled side by side. You are a good man, and I shall persevere to free you from this evil imprisonment."
  9. Connor (KQ8): “([#]SADDENED) Poor Julia; you were there for me when I had troubles. Now you need me. I shall persevere until you are freed from this horrendous evil.”, "([#]WITH COMPASSION) I know Julia will allow me the use of her gold.
  10. "She is the owner of the Tavern, Connor is a young guy, he's a normal guy, and sometimes he might have problems, maybe a few romantic problems, here and there"-Roberta Williams "Town drunk?"-Mark Seibert "No, no, he's not the town dr..no, no, he comes in and drinks his root beer...sarsparilla, and he talks to Julia, as you guys have probably figured out, Sarah is his girlfriend, and sometimes he might have a few problems now and then, and Julia might help him out with advice.-Roberta Williams, Talkspot part 2, December 1998
  11. http://web.archive.org/web/19990224094840fw_/http://www.sierrastudios.com/games/mask/cindex.html
  12. Archons (KQ8): “The Chalice of Order provides the Life Immortal.”
  13. The Mask itself stands for the all-powerful being, the Creator. The Mask is sun-like; in many religions, the sun represents God. In most religions, like the sun itself, you never can look directly at the Creator unless you become immortal. There are certain places in the game's quest…where the player is trying to accomplish that feat.-InterAction Summer 1998
  14. Oracle of the Grove: "Thou shalt go...though shalt return. Never shalt though perish."
  15. Archon acolytes (KQ8 Strategy Guide): "The Chalice of Order provides the light immortal."
  16. King's Quest IX, 'design doc', Ken/Roberta Williams pers.comm, 10/7/2020
  17. Roberta Williams interviews assorted
  18. "And – you never know – maybe an affection will develop between Rosella and Connor? And poor Edgar? Hmmm….a struggle could commence between Edgar and Connor (but not in this game. In King’s Quest 10)!"
  19. "Methought thou wouldst be more...regal.", "Tis true I sprang not from noble stock. But my resolve is strong and my challenge is clear. And sire may I inquire of your identity."
  20. "I vow to you, my lord, with all my heart, that I will place myself in mortal jeopardy before giving in to the vile forces which hold you in thrall."
  21. "Alms for the poor. Hmmm..."
  22. "The plight of the good people of Daventry is almost more than I can bear."
  23. "Mr. Kavanagh, I am sickened by your plight."
  24. The mysterious darkening of yon crystal may be difficult to learn, but I am willing to try.
  25. http://wayback.archive.org/web/jsp/Interstitial.jsp?seconds=5&date=974599680000&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sierrastudios.com%2Fgames%2Fmask%2Fworlds%2Fswamp.html&target=http%3A%2F%2Fweb.archive.org%2Fweb%2F200011190208%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.sierrastudios.com%2Fgames%2Fmask%2Fworlds%2Fswamp.html
  26. http://web.archive.org/web/19990224094840fw_/http://www.sierrastudios.com/games/mask/cindex.html
  27. http://web.archive.org/web/19990224072153/www.sierrastudios.com/games/mask/
  28. James: "I have no need for gold, Sir Knight."
  29. snow nymphs
  30. Gwennie: ""
  31. Sir James
  32. Sir James
  33. The Ferryman
  34. Hillman leader
  35. Sylph
  36. Azriel
  37. The Ferryman
  38. Old man
  39. Old man, Hill Man guard
  40. Old man
  41. Hillman leader
  42. Hillman leader
  43. Hillman leader
  44. Hill Man guard
  45. Hill Man guard
  46. Hill Man guard
  47. Hill Man guard
  48. Hill Man blacksmith
  49. KQ8OSG, pg
  50. KQ8OSG, pg 128
  51. King's Quest IX ('design doc')
  52. roughly 1994-1995 to 1996 MOE notes
  53. "...Connor mac Lyrr...", InterAction (Fall 1996), pg 95
  54. InterAction, Spring 1999:”At the end of the passage is an unlit candle. Pull the candle and the passage will open into an elegant, yet rustic room. Do what all spouses do and adjust the off-center portrait. A key appears; take it.”
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