Moustafa

Moustafa is a green Nomadimouse that appears in Paper Mario. He lives in Dry Dry Outpost, where he acts as the leader of a secret group of honorable thieves within the town. Mario and his party must find Moustafa during the events of Chapter 2 in order to reach the Dry Dry Ruins, and are led to him by an informant named Sheek.

Moustafa's name is a pun on the common Muslim given name (a name which in Arabic means "the Chosen One") combined with the word "mouse". His original Japanese name, Lawrenchu, is possibly derived from the 1962 historical epic film , based on the life of British military officer 's experiences in the Arabian Peninsula during World War I. The name Sheek is a play on the Arab title, meaning "elder", and likely the word "squeak" or the interjection "eek".

Paper Mario
Upon arriving at the Dry Dry Outpost in Chapter 2, Mario learns that he must speak with Moustafa in order to reach the Dry Dry Ruins and rescue the Star Spirit that is imprisoned there. In order to gain an audience, however, he must first exchange items for information from Sheek. If Mario gives Sheek his favorite thing - a Lemon obtained from the oasis in the desert - Sheek will instruct him to purchase a Dried Shroom and a Dusty Hammer, in that order, from the outpost shop.

This secret combination is known only to Moustafa and his affiliates; purchasing the two items in the designated order leads the shopkeeper to tell Mario that Moustafa resides at the highest point of Dry Dry Outpost, and that he will need to keep climbing higher and higher in order to meet with the leader. Obtaining this hint from Sheek is not necessary for the secret code to work, however. Returning to the door where Sheek is first found and continuing up through the buildings beyond it eventually leads Mario and the party to Moustafa's chamber, where they discover that the informant Sheek is in fact Moustafa himself: "Sheek" is the disguise he uses when out and about in the outpost. If Moustafa is found without speaking to Sheek first, he will remark that Mario "must be very lucky."

After detailing his status and a protector of Dry Dry Ruins, Moustafa gives Mario the Pulse Stone, which helps the party discover the location of the ruins and raise them from the desert sands. If Mario visits Moustafa after defeating Tutankoopa in the Dry Dry Ruins, he will be shocked upon learning that minions of Bowser were in the Dry Dry Ruins, and express eternal gratitude for getting rid of them.

A letter from Moustafa can be obtained by Mario later in the game. After Mario defeats Bowser, Moustafa is seen outside Peach's Castle, where he tells Mario how he sees him as a greater hero, having known all along that Mario would defeat Bowser. Moustafa appears in the post-game parade along with several other Nomadimice, stopping to talk with Rowf and Rhuff before continuing onward.

Additionally, an unnamed Toad near the port in Toad Town reveals that he was once saved by Moustafa after becoming lost in Dry Dry Desert. The Toad claims that Moustafa brought him to Dry Dry Outpost and revealed a great secret to him, though he never elaborates on this. Additionally, the wandering Nomadimouse receives a letter from Moustafa, and seems to have met him previously, though the Nomadimouse only has vague memories of the meeting.

Tattle

 * Sheek
 * "This is Sheek. You'd think the guy could shake the dust from his clothes! If I didn't know he was an information trader, I'd say we should steer clear of him. Still, he's our best source for gossip... As adventurers, we have to deal with all kinds!"
 * Moustafa
 * "Da Da Da Duuum! Sheek reveals his true self! ...I guess that means he's the boss everyone talks about. Oh... I was expecting Moustafa to look a lot cooler."

Letter


Hey, wanderer! I have heard many stories about your deeds. People speak very well of you. If comforts me to know that Bowser's creatures no longer loot the ancient ruins. Unfortunately, some relics are missing. This is a shame. I've heard that a Koopa was wandering around the ruins... That sounds very suspicious. You should be careful if you meet any suspicious types. Anyway, I must go! I look forward to hearing great tales of your adventures. Please drop by the village whenever you like. Anytime. It'd be our honor.
 * Moustafa

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
In Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Moustafa is mentioned in one of Lumpy's diary entries: he received assistance from Moustafa during his search of oil in Dry Dry Desert. According to the entry, Moustafa asked "if you're a nice guy then give me something nice". Despite Lumpy giving him nothing, Moustafa still took Lumpy to the location of the oil.

Trivia

 * The requirement to meeting Moustafa (not as Sheek) by buying a Dried Shroom and Dusty Hammer is similar to the sequel's requirement to meeting Don Pianta, another Dried Shroom and a Dizzy Dial.
 * Goombario seems to recite the classic Zelda melody for finding a treasure if he uses Tattle on Sheek after his identity as Moustafa is revealed, referencing Princess Zelda's alter-ego with a similar name, Sheik.

Maustafa