Goompa

Goompa is Goombario's grandfather. He is an elder Goomba, and has extensive knowledge about the world. In fact, Goompa taught his grandson everything he knows. His knowledge of the world comes from his adventures as a youth. In his prime, he used to travel the globe with his friends Koopa Koot and Bootler. Goompa also has a bad back.

Goompa lives in Goomba Village with the rest of Goombario's family. In the beginning of Paper Mario, Goompa is fixing the veranda of their home with a Hammer. When Mario attempts to leave the village, Kammy Koopa appears. Using her magic, she creates a yellow block that prevents Mario from leaving. Mario decides to ask Goompa for his Hammer, and walks to the veranda. Unfortunately, the veranda has fallen apart, causing Goompa and Mario to plummet to the ground below. In order to get back to the village Goompa will temporarily join Mario. Although he doesn't fight, he teaches Mario how to use the game's battle system and gives Mario his hammer.