Pandorite

"I'm trying to sleep, OK?"

- Pandorite

A Pandorite is a monster-in-a-box found in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Pandorites resemble squat, pudgy ghosts that disguise themselves as Treasure Boxes. As such, Pandorites can easily prey on unsuspecting adventurers searching for valuable treasure.

Mario and Mallow encountered a Pandorite while exploring the ghoul-infested Kero Sewers. In battle, the Pandorite proved that it was not only very clever, but that it was also very powerful. The heroes discovered that Pandorites have both high physical attack and defense, and high magical attack and defense. Also, almost all types of special attacks are ineffective against Pandorites (except, fortunately, for Mario's various Jump attacks). In battle, the Pandorite wielded powerful fire magic, including the Flame and Flame Wall spells. The ghost also used the attack Scream, inducing the Fear status ailment and cutting an ally's attack and defense in half. Additionally, the treasure chest ghost used the special technique Carni-Kiss, allowing Pandorite to viciously bite a party member and cause significant damage. When not using special attacks, the ghost inside the box occasionally revealed himself and attacked Mario's party. Eventually, Mario and Mallow overcame this Pandorite and continued their journey.

Fortunately, like real treasure chests, Pandorites do hold a considerable amount of treasure. After Mario and Mallow defeated the Pandorite in Kero Sewers, the heroes received ten experience points, thirty Coins, a Flower Jar, and a valuable Trueform Pin. This Trueform Pin proved useful in the eventual battle against the guardian of Kero Sewers, Belome. Later in the game, if Mario returns to the Treasure Box that previously held the Pandorite of Kero Sewers, he will receive an additional fifty Coins. In fact, as soon as Mario leaves Pandorite's room, the Treasure Box will be filled with the Coins, meaning Mario can simply exit and reenter the room to claim the additional reward.

Pandorite's name comes from the Greek legend of Pandora. According to the legend, Pandora was the first female human ever created who opened a box that released the world's misfortunes, such as plague, crime, poverty, greed, and war.