Monty Mole auctioneer

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Monty Mole auctioneer
Sprite from Paper Mario: The Origami King
Species	Monty Mole
First appearance	Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020)

“Step right up! Calling all savings seekers, coupon clippers, and thrifty types alike!”

—Monty Mole auctioneer, Paper Mario: The Origami King

The Monty Mole auctioneer is a character in Paper Mario: The Origami King. He is a Monty Mole residing in Overlook Mountain, where he conducts an auction between a trio of Koopa Troopas and Mario, who is required to participate in the auction to obtain the green Shell Stone. The auctioneer appears joyful at the prospect of what he claims is a bargain - however, a long session of bartering makes him come across as desperate and suspicious.

History

Mario may find the auctioneer at his stand toward the start of Overlook Mountain, where a few Koopa Troopas have already been drawn in. As Mario approaches the stand, the Monty Mole speaks of the promise of an unbelievable bargain for an unbelievable treasure. He asks Mario to participate, although Mario does have to agree for the opportunity of receiving the green Shell Stone. If the player declines, the auctioneer waits until Mario comes back and accepts before beginning the auction.

After Mario has joined in the auction, the Monty Mole shows them the green Shell Stone, which he claims is a Miracle Orb capable of many things. He begins the offer at 10,000 coins, which he views as reasonable for the one-of-a-kind item, although the Koopa Troopas clearly do not think so. The player may accept the offer at this price or decline. If they choose to decline, then, due to neither Mario nor the Koopa Troopas purchasing the Shell Stone, the auctioneer offers it again at a lower price. This continues as the player declines, with the auctioneer coming across as more desperate and irritated, eventually claiming his rent depends on it and that the bank will not like this. The Koopa Troopas also become more and more in disbelief until the price is lowered down to 300 coins. At this point, the auctioneer states this is his final offer, while the Koopa Troopas discuss buying it collectively. If Mario does not purchase the Shell Stone at this point, the Koopa Troopas purchase it (with the Monty Mole auctioneer saying that he will go to the poor house due to only getting 300 coins) and Mario must purchase it from them afterward for 1,500 coins. Either way, Mario ends up with the Shell Stone.

Over time, the Koopa Troopas leave, although the Monty Mole remains at his stand. If the Shell Stone is purchased at a higher price, the auctioneer appears satisfied. If the Shell Stone is purchased at a lower or minimal price, the Monty Mole states he is still surprised he managed to pawn it off, revealing he found it on the side of the road.