Merlon

A wise shaman
Merlon
Species	Shaman/Ancient
Debut	Paper Mario

Merlon is a cantankerous old man who only takes an audience from someone if he allows it. His role is always that of a mystic advisor in the Paper Mario series, whether the role is prominent or as just a side-character.

Background

Paper Mario

Merlon has the gift of foresight, and is able to predict where Mario should go next on his journey in Paper Mario... for a small fee. He is essential in helping Mario reach Koopa Village and the Koopa Bros. Fortress, since he sees through the illusion that the Koopa Bros. are using to prevent Mario from passing and scares them away. Later on he has a dream that leads to the acquisition of the Quick Change badge, and he also sends Mario to Shiver Snowfield to meet his son, Merle.

Merlon seems to be the patriarch of all the Shamans met in Paper Mario, as he is the father of Merle and grandfather of Merluvlee, Merlow, and Merlee. He has the unfortunate habit of rambling, especially when telling a story about himself.

Paper Mario 2

Merlon reappears in Rogueport in 'Paper Mario 2', now offering to raise the rank of Mario's partners at a price of three Shine Sprites. However, according to Wonky, this may not be the same Merlon. Specifically, Wonky says that Merlon hails from a tribe that names themselves after their profession. So anyone with skills like those of Merlon would receive the same name.

Super Paper Mario

Merlon appears yet again, furthering the possibility that this is not the same Merlon as before (as he recognizes none of the Mario cast nor do they recognize him). Here he serves as the leader and elder of Fliptown, a place that exists only in between the other dimensions. He wrote the Light Prognoticus to combat the Dark Prognoticus. Throughout the game, he works closely with Mario to help combat Count Bleck and give advice on where to find friends and family of Merlon that can help Mario.

Oddly enough, although he has many of the same relatives, they are not related to him in the same manner (for instance, Merlee is now a cousin rather than a granddaughter). This Merlon is also descended from the tribe of Ancients that created the Pixls. He himself was able to change a cursed woman into the Pixl Tippy and felt great concern for her. Like his ancestors, Merlon had a romantic side and apparently had somet feelings for Saffron, Flipside's local chef.

A counterpart of Merlon resides in Flopside, going by the name of Nolrem. Merlon and Nolrem are at first the only two aware of the existence of both towns, but as the game progresses, more people catch on to this fact. Nolrem assists the group in the same manner as Merlon by helping them locate the Heart Pillars in Flopside.

Trivia

• Merlon receives his name from the famous Merlin of the King Arthur legend.
• Merlon and his family are similar to the Shamans that you fight in Nimbus Castle in Super Mario RPG.