Turtwig as a Troopea Sprite

By TURTWIG VON KOOPA - Turtpea? Troowig? Koopea? We need a name for this...

For those wondering, Ludwig is... or was doing alright after the assassination attempt on him from four months ago. He has been going through some physical therapy to work that out, but a lot of his progress seemed to be reverted upon hearing that ŌKAMI will be getting a sequel (and apparently Ōkamiden doesn't exist?) because Ludwig went into a total state of shock. Given his present vegetative condition, Ludwig's global set of minions have decided to pitch in and send him a nice vegetable-related birthday present. The finest artists in Koopa Kingdom and beyond the dimensions have produced this custom sprite:

You may be familiar with the quadruped Troopea from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, native to the Beanbean Kingdom. These are relatives of Koopa Troopas from Koopa Kingdom. They may look like Koopas... but they have sprouts growing from their heads. You may also be familiar with the Pokémon called Turtwig, which is the quadruped Tiny Leaf Pokémon that also has a sprout growing from its head. Turtwig are commonly seen as “first partner Pokémon” (or starter Pokémon) in the Sinnoh region. Troopea and Turtwig are conceptually similar. In the past, others have noted that Troopea is like a “proto Turtwig”, and some have even requested a custom sprite merging the two, with one guy saying he's working on it back in 2008. But no such sprite was ever actually made, to Ludwig's disappointment. ...Until now!

Ludwig has quite a bit of affection for Turtwig in particular, and Grass types in general, and Troopea is basically a Grass-type Koopa Troopa from his own planet. Given the currency situation, Ludwig doesn't actually get to peacefully visit the Beanbean Kingdom all that much, but he likes Troopeas in theory and is as fascinated by them as someone who doesn't know biology can be.

Ludwig Von Koopa Statement on Attempted Assassination at Nintendo Museum

By LUDWIG VON KOOPA - About yesterday's events (August 19, 2024).

I want to thank The Koopa Kingdom Squirtle Squad, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in the Nintendo Museum, Uji City, Kyoto. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the Koopa at the Visit who was killed, and also to my family of the other Koopalings that were badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in that Country.

Quite a bit is known at this time about the suspected shooter or shooters, who are all alive. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the scales. Much bleeding took place, so I realised then what was happening. GOD BLESS KOOPA KINGDOM!

Regarding the suspects, Nintendo Executive Fellow Shigeru Miyamoto can be seen and heard on video instructing himself and Nintendo employees (in Japanese),

“Yes! Don't shoot Mario or Peach! Aim and shoot at the Koopa Troopas! OK, there are a lot of them! Let's shoot ‘em! Bob-ombs are flying at us! I wonder how I did. What's my score? It seems good!”