Tail

A Tail is a modern attack item in the Paper Mario series. They appear as stickers in Paper Mario: Sticker Star, Battle Cards in Paper Mario: Color Splash, and regular battle items in Paper Mario: The Origami King. A Shiny Tail variant exists in Paper Mario: Sticker Star and Paper Mario: The Origami King. Previously used for counterattacking, these items are now used for regular attacks. They can be purchased at shops and found in other rare conditions.

Paper Mario: Sticker Star
Tails first appear as stickers in Paper Mario: Sticker Star. Regular tails can be purchased for 20 coins at Outlook Point, while Shiny Tails go for 40 coins a pop. Notably, Shiny Tails can only be purchased after clearing Whitecap Beach and obtaining the third Royal Sticker. Shiny Tails can occasionally be earned by defeating Rocky Wrenches. Here, rather than being used to attack enemies in battle, they are used for counterattacking and must be equipped during Mario's turn. He is then able to swing the tail while an enemy is attacking to damage and possibly defeat that enemy.

Mario is required to bring either a Tail, Shiny Tail, or some type of baseball bat to the final battle with Bowser, as he is required to deflect the Chain Chomp during the fourth stage.

Paper Mario: Color Splash
Tails reappear as a type of Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash. Mario is now required to paint them in before they are played. Additionally, Shiny Tail variants do not appear here. They are again used for counterattacking - Mario can now use them until he takes damage. Tails appear all throughout Fort Cobalt, as they are dropped by enemies and sold for 80 coins. The Toad running this stand mentions a secret weapon, hinting to the upcoming boss. Tails are key to this boss - Mario must equip them and fire back the projectiles launched by the Super Ludsub to damage and destroy the ship.

Paper Mario: The Origami King
Tails make their next appearance in Paper Mario: The Origami King. They are no longer used for counterattacking, and act as regular battle items. Mario is able to use one to swing at a 2X2 enemy formation to inflict excellent damage. They can be purchased for 240 coins at Shogun Studios. Later on, they can be purchased at Toad Town for 360 coins.