Russ T.

"Aargh! Words are mocking me! I need that Dictionary!"

- Russ T.

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 (presumably a member of the Fearsome 5) 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.

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.