Goombella is one of Mario's best friends and an aspiring archaeologist appearing in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. She was one of Professor Frankly's students when studying at U Goom, and she's the first ally to join Mario in his search to find the Crystal Stars. She constantly travels with Mario and the rest of his friends in the quest to get the Crystal Stars, as she is an extremely important character, having been the first to learn the true identity of the magical map given to Mario. She could be considered the "brainy" one of the group and is Mario's go-to source for info throughout his adventure.