Jr. Troopa
Jr. Troopa (also known as Master Jr. Troopa) is a young Koopa who never left his shell after he was born. He is a bully that lives near Goomba Village who likes to pick on other kids. Jr. Troopa has his own piece of territory, known as Jr. Troopa's Playground, that he is very protective of. During the events of Paper Mario, the great hero Mario and the elderly Goompa travel to Jr.’s playground to find the Goomba’s missing Hammer. Eventually, they find the hammer (and Goombaria’s missing Peach Doll) and head back to Goomba Village. However, Jr. Troopa discovers the plumber in his territory and challenges him to a fight. Mario easily trashes the young Koopa, and then heads on his way. Humiliated, Jr. Koopa swears revenge against Mario. Thus begins the career of one of the most persistent villains in Mario’s history.
Throughout the game, Jr. Troopa stalks Mario and his allies during their quest to save the Star Spirits from the clutches of the Koopa Troop. The young Koopa will arrive at the most inopportune moments and attempt to defeat Mario with new attacks. After each defeat, Jr. Troopa returns in a stronger from. After the first fight, the bully gains a harder shell, then a pair of wings, a spike on his head, and, lastly, a magic wand. In the last fight between Mario’ party and Jr. Troopa (in Bowser's Castle), the young Koopa can mix and match all of his abilities and proves to be a very dangerous foe. However, like every other time before, Jr. Troopa is defeated by Mario and his friends.
Jr. Troopa is so persistent, he even makes a cameo appearance in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. He is the background of the photo Zip T. e-mails to Mario.
One of Jr. Troopa’s greatest strengths is his persistence and willingness to better his abilities. However, this persistence is also one of his greatest weaknesses. For example, as Mario is leaving Toad Town on the back of the Whale, Jr. Troopa suddenly appears and challenges the hero to a fight. Comically, Mario doesn't notice the bully and rides the Whale to Lavalava Island. As persistent as ever, Jr. Troopa swims across the entire ocean just to fight Mario. Just as he gets to Lavalava Island, however, Mario is finished with his tasks there and rides the Whale back to Toad Town, forcing Jr. Troopa to swim all the way back. As a result, Jr. Troopa becomes extremely tired by the time he reaches the harbor, allowing Mario and his partners to easily defeat him in battle.
According to Goombario, Jr. Troopa likes to order things by mail. As such, the persistent foe may have ordered all his power-ups from a mail-order catalogue.
Jr. Troopa seems to be a rival of Kammy Koopa, as the two duke it out with magic wands during the ending sequence of Paper Mario.
Although, Jr. Troopa is a Koopa, he is not a member of the Koopa Troop. In fact, his only allegiance is to himself.
Where Mario and company encounter him
- Goomba Village
- Pleasant Path
- Forever Forest
- Toad Town Harbor
- Shiver Snowfield
- Bowser's Keep
Stats and Tattle Information
Max HP:
- First Battle: 6
- Second Battle: 15
- Third Battle: 40
- Fourth Battle: 20
- Fifth Battle: 50
- Sixth Battle: 60
Attack Power:
- First Battle: 1 (Jump Attack)
- Second Battle: 2 (Jump Attack)
- Third Battle: 5 (Swoop)
- Fourth Battle: 6 (Swoop)
- Fifth Battle: 8 (Magic Blast)
- Sixth Battle: 8 (Jump and Magic Blast), 9 (Swoop and Lightning Strike)
Defense Power:
- First Battle: 0
- Second Battle: 1
- Third Battle: 1
- Fourth Battle: 1
- Fifth Battle: 1
- Sixth Battle: 2
Tattle:
- First Battle (as told by Goompa): Mario this is Jr. Troopa. He's the boss of the neighborhood gang. A bit of a bully, obviously. He's more bark than bite. You can beat him easily. Just boost yourself up and don't take any lip! I'll stay right here behind you and watch your progress.
- Second Battle: What was his name? Jr. Troopa? I don't remember exactly... ...Just joking, kid! He looks so adorable hiding in his egg, doesn't he? So cute! It should be a snap to beat him now. ...I think.
- Third Battle: It's Jr. Troopa. I can't get enough of this guy! Wah ha ha ha! Did the little guy get lost in the big bad forest? Apparently he's grown wings, so he can fly now. You'll have to jump to reach him. He's a bit stronger, so it may be worth it to use any items you have to attack him.
- Fourth Battle: It's Jr. Troopa! He swam all the way after us! This kid...he's got guts! He still flies but now he has a spike on his head. It'll hurt if you jump on him. He seems tougher this time... Luckily for us, he also looks pretty tuckered out. Well, he should be tired. The little guy swam to Lavalava Island and back! It seems better to attack from a distance with an item or something rather than attacking him directly.
- Fifth Battle: It's Jr. Troopa! I'm stunned! Really! This guy just will not quit! He's obviously been training. It seems he can use magic now. Sigh... Let's get this over with.
- Sixth Battle: It's Jr. Troopa again! My man! The little guy still has some egg shell left on his body! Aww! Whoa! He's been working out! He looks as though he may be able to change his shape, too. You've got to love this guy's effort, Mario. To follow us all the way here? What dedication! Come to think of it, how do you think he got here, anyway?
