Star Rod

The Star Rod is stolen from Star Haven by Bowser at the beginning of Paper Mario and used to grant all of his wishes. Mario and his partners must save the seven Star Spirits to deactivate the power of the Star Rod.

According to Russ T., who lives in Toad Town, the Star Rod was created by ancient magic long ago.

A different form of the Star Rod was seen in Mario Party 8. After completing the game's Star Battle mode, MC Ballyhoo will award the player with not only a year's supply of Candy, but the Star Rod itself, which he had be carrying in Big Top all this time. However, Bowser swoops down and steals the rod, claiming he's the real Superstar. The player then chases Bowser to an area called Bowser's Warped Orbit, where it is recovered after a long battle. This form of the Star Rod has not yet shown any true power.

The Star Rod is most likely a nod to Nintendo's Kirby series. The Star Rod (from the Kirby series) was seen in Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee as an attack item. It sends out starts at other players to hurt them. The Star Rod has the most power when used by Captain Falcon or Sheik.

Trophy Information from Super Smash Bros. Melee
''This magic wand holds 16 star shots and sends foes flying at a low angle when thrown. It's most powerful when Captain Falcon or Sheik performs a Smash Attack while holding it. In Kirby's Adventure, the Star Rod is the secret power behind the Fountain of Dreams. King Dedede steals the Star Rod in order to seal away the nasty Cloaked Nightmare.''