Russ T.

“Aargh! Words are mocking me! I need that Dictionary!”

—Russ T., Paper Mario

Russ T. (also referred to as the Wise Toad on various occasions) is an intelligent Toad and inhabitant of Toad Town who lives in a house near the entrance to the town. His name is a pun on the word "Rusty". In Paper Mario, Mario, if he needs advice, can visit Russ T. at anytime in order to gain some information on various subjects, ranging from game mechanics to legends. He is often found reading his large collection of various books.

During the beginning of the game, Russ T. attends the party at Peach's Castle and can be found talking with Frost T. and will introduce Mario to Frost T. if spoken to and tells Mario that Frost T. comes from the Shiver Region. He was one of the few who escaped from Peach's Castle when Bowser and the Koopa Troop invaded.

According to a Toad inhabitant of Toad Town, Russ T. is quite popular at parties (possibly explaining his presence at Peach's party), due to his large amount of knowledge and trivia. The famous explorer Kolorado is also mentioned to borrow books from Russ T. on occasion, which Russ T. doesn't like, as Kolorado is quite careless with Russ T.'s beloved books.

When Shy Guys invade Toad Town and began to cause havoc, one of them steals Russ T.'s Dictionary, without which, Russ T. can no longer research anything. If Mario finds the Dictionary in the Shy Guy's Toy Box, he can return it to Russ T. and receive a Star Piece as a reward. Additionally, Russ T., once his Dictionary is reclaimed, can also decipher a note written in Shy Guy for Mario; this note, once translated by Russ T., gives a hint about how to access the Red Station in the Shy Guy's Toy Box.

A letter addressed to Russ T. from a Baby Yoshi can be found on Lavalava Island. Mario and Parakarry can deliver the letter and gain a Star Piece from Russ T. in exchange for it.

Russ T.'s Information

Star Rod

So it is told that far away, at the very top of the sky, there exists a Star Haven, where Stars make their home.
In Star Haven, there's a treasure called a Star Rod. According to legend, it was made with ancient magic.
There are said to be Stars that are particularly strong and good-hearted. They are called Star Spirits.
Using the magical Star Rod, these Star Spirits grant the wishes of everyone in this world.
That's why, when we make a wish to the night sky and it comes true, it's all thanks to the Star Spirits and their Star Rod.

Basic Controls

Now, if you will, how about a little timely information on how to operate the controls.
Move the Control Stick and press the Button to spin and run. That, my friend, is a Spin Dash.
Also, when you talk to somebody, you can press to go back and read the previous message again.
Hmm, let's see. Ah! If you press while out and about, the amount of HP, FP, Star Points, and Coins will be shown.
And what else... If you move the Control Stick slightly, Mario walks slowly and quietly.
Sometimes it's good to walk slowly rather than always running, don't you know.

Shooting Star Summit

If you go east from the place where Princess Peach's Castle used to be, you'll find a place called Shooting Star Summit.
At the foot of the summit live Merluvlee and her brother, Merlow.
The older sister, Merluvlee, can see things you're looking for by fortune-telling.
The hobby of the younger brother, Merlow, is collecting Star Pieces.
If you take him Star Pieces, he'll swap them for Badges.
In point of fact, these two are the granddaughter and grandson of Merlon, who tells fortunes in Toad Town.

Message board in Toad Town

There is a message board on the side of Merlon's house that posts news.
It would appear that many people enjoy scribbling on the back of the message board.
Indeed, various things are always written on it.
You may want to take a quick look occasionally. Sometimes you'll read interesting news.

Candy Canes in Pleasant Path

Have you seen any Candy Canes? They're those striped objects growing beside Pleasant Path.
They're mysterious objects. Nobody knows anything about them. Even I don't!
There are rumors, though... Many believe that if you do something for the Candy Canes, you'll be rewarded later.
Why don't you investigate?

Koopa Koot

In Koopa Village, there lives a selfish village senior named Koopa Koot.
This old Koopa Koot stops passers-by and asks them for favors. Or so I've heard, anyway.
And yet, they say that even if you meet his requests, he gives you only one coin.
But it's been rumored that every once in a while, he gives out something good. Who knows what he might have...

Blocks in Pleasant Path

I remember reading something interesting in a book recently.
It seems there are three blocks laid on the ground somewhere on Pleasant Path.
And then...what was it? Ah! When you do something to the blocks, supposedly you can receive something good.
Unfortunately, the book was quite vague on what to do.

Fire Bars

Do you know about Fire Bars? You know, those flaming obstacles that spin round and round?
They're terribly dangerous and you'll be burned if you touch one.
According to a brilliant book I read some time ago, there's a way to beat them.
But if you can't touch them, how do you beat them? Maybe the book wasn't so brilliant...

Radio stations

In our fair land, there are several radio stations to listen to.
If you occasionally check the radio, you might just hear some useful information.
I've heard that someone in Koopa Village has a radio, so why don't you ask if you could have a listen?
Actually, one of the radio stations, FM Shroom, will soon be celebrating its 10th anniversary. Sounds exciting!

Chet Rippo

Have you seen that Chet Rippo character around Toad Town?
I've heard rumors that if you talk to him, he will increase one of your point levels.
But be careful, because when he increases one of the point levels, the other two levels will go down a wee bit.
So I would suggest giving the matter a lot of thought before committing to the deal.

Trivia

• Russ T. shares similarities to Toadbert from the Mario & Luigi series as both are intelligent blue-spotted Toads who wear glasses and aid Mario in his adventures.He also shares similarities with the Blue Toad from Super Mario Galaxy.