Frogfucius

"Yes, 'Old Wise People' can often give good advice..."

- Frogfucius

Frogfucius is sagacious frog who lives at Tadpole Pond. He is also Mallow's adoptive grandfather. During a rain storm, while Frogfucius was enjoying a snack of crickets, a small basket floated into Tadpole Pond. In the basket, Frogfucius found Mallow as a baby (when he was just a little ball of fluff). Taking him in, Frogfucius raised Mallow as a tadpole, and as his grandson.

Background
Frogfucius is extremely wise and people travel from all over the world to Tadpole Pond just to ask for the sage's advice. Since the waterways of the world bring news to the pond, Frogfucius is able to keep up with current events. He studies philosophy and likes to impart his wisdom onto his tadpoles. In fact, Frogfucius has a student who matures from a tadpole to a frog during the course of Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Frogfucius also appears to have the power to levitate; however, in reality, a Lakitu with a fishing pole merely carries the wise amphibian through the air. Sometimes, this Lakitu accidentally drops Frogfucius, ruining the levitation effect. The fact that he wishes to deceive others into believing that he can levitate is just one the many indications that, despite his great wisdom, Frogfucius is truly vain and prideful.

''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
After Mario and Mallow arrive in Tadpole Pond following their journeys in the Mushroom Kingdom, Frogfucius reveals some stunning truths to the two adventurers. First, the sagacious frog states that Princess Peach is no longer at Bowser's Keep and warns Mario about the threat of Smithy and his minions. Frogfucius also hypothesizes that the Star Pieces are somehow connected to shooting stars and the power of wishes (a theory that Geno later confirms to be true). Finally, Frogfucius tells Mallow the truth of his origin. The sage bluntly tells Mallow that he is not a tadpole, much to Mallow's surprise. The sage tells Mallow he should accompany Mario to find his real parents, who turn out to be King and Queen Nimbus. Additionally, Frogfucius explains that Mallow will not be a burden on the heroic Mario, as the ball of fluff's control of the weather will surely be useful. With the truth revealed, Frogfucius directs Mario and Mallow to Rose Town, the site of the latest attack by the Smithy Gang.

Frogfucius also has a sweet tooth for Cricket Pie and Cricket Jam. As a reward for some Cricket Pie, Frogfucius will give Mallow the Froggie Stick, the staff Frogfucius used as a young frog. For delicious Cricket Jam, Frogfucius will give Mario a whopping fifteen Frog Coins. If Mario and partners are to return to Frogfucius any time throughout their adventure, he will direct them to the next location they are told to or give them advice.

''Mario and the Incredible Rescue
Additionally, in the book Mario and the Incredible Rescue, when Mario, Luigi and Toad arrive at Tadpole Pond, Frogfucius tells Mario that Toadofsky has the one of the six Mushrooms. The gang thanks him and they continue on their adventure.

The Wisdom of Frogfucius
Throughout the Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars Nintendo Player's Guide, Frogfucius provides advice to Mario and Company (as well as the player) in the overview of each world. The following is a collection of his points of wisdom.

World 1: Mushroom Kingdom
"We haven't yet met, Mario, but listen up anyways. Somewhere around here you'll find a Star Piece.  Take good care of it, and keep looking for more.  Something tells me they're going to be as important as beating Smithy himself.  If you want to know more, drop by my study in Tadpole Pond.  Be sure to take good care of my grandson, Mallow.  Oh, by the way, you wouldn't have any dainty delectables made of crickets, would you? I love 'em!"

World 2: Pond to Pipes
"When you win enough Experience Points, you'll move to a higher level, gaining more power as you go. As a bonus, you can boost one category even more.  Always choose the category that offers the biggest point gain."

World 3: Mole Mountains
"It is written that Flower Power (FP) rules the world. The tadpoles scoff at this, of course.  All they care about is growing legs.  But for you, since you have legs already, I suggest increasing your total FP to 99 by collecting Flowers (1 FP) found in Treasure Boxes, Flower Tabs (2 FP) given to you by characters, and Flower Jars (5 FP) hidden all over the place.*  What?  You want more? You're not from this pond, are you?  Okay, don't look directly at the eggs in the shell game and try to catch sight of Yoshi out of the corner of your eye.  Also, look for special boosts during battles."

'''ONCE AGAIN!..............GIVES ANOTHER TURN HP MAX!..........................FILLS HP UP LUCKY!..................YOSHI GAME FOLLOWS '''ATTACK UP!............INCREASES ATTACK BY 25 DEFENSE UP!...............INCREASES DEFENSE


 * *Frogfucius is actually mistaken. While Flowers do increase Mario's FP by 1, Flower Tabs actually increase Mario's FP by 1 as well (not 2), and Flower Jars increase Mario's FP by 3 (not 5).  Flower Boxes, on the other hand, do increase Mario's FP by 5.

World 4: Seaside
"Out with the old and in with the new, I always tell my pupils. Naturally, they take this as an excuse to throw me out of the pond, completely missing my point.  I really shouldn't expect more from tadpoles.  As for you adventurous types, you should remember to sell off old weapons and armor after you replace them with newer, better items.  You'll make good money for your used equipment, which you can spend on worthwhile things.  I highly recommend this course of action."

Trivia

 * Frogfucius's name is a portmanteau of "frog" and "Confucius," the latter of which was a famous philosopher.