Tom Foolery

Tom Foolery
Dragon Quest IV
Sprite(s)
Japanese name	パノン
Romaji	Panon
Old localization	Panon
Class	Jester (NES Version) Comedian (Remakes)
Race	Human

"A comedian's voice is his livelihood, so. If I didn't do me practice, I'd be out o' work quicker than a cow wit' no udders."

—Tom Foolery, after examining a mirror (Cell phone)

Tom Foolery is a character in the Dragon Quest series that appears as a temporary party member in Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen.

Appearance and personality

In his original appearance, Tom Foolery bears a resemblence to both traditional jesters and contemporary circus clowns. He wears a white and red jacket with a frilly collar and wrists. He also dons bright green pants and a yellow sash is wrapped around his waist. Dark green shoes cover his feet and a small cape is draped behind him. He wears white makeup, a bright red nose and a red fez.

His redesign in subsequent remakes is closer to a historical jester's appearance, now wearing a buttoned red tunic with a frilly white collar and wristguards, ending at a black belt around his waist into a patterned frill decorated with bells. He dons baggy red breeches tucked into curved yellow boots. He retains his curly blonde hair and has blue eyes and a mustache.

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Appearances

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen

Warning: Spoilers!
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Tom Foolery is first seen in Laissez Fayre in Chapter 5, as a replacement act for Maya. When the party travels to Canalot in search of the Zenithia Equipment, the king says he will only give the equipment to the person who can make him laugh. The party runs down to Laissez Fayre and recruits Tom for the task, but when he reaches there, instead of delivering on his promise he makes a speech on the necessity of assisting the Chosen. The king is convinced and gives up his treasure, after which Tom leaves the party and begins traveling.

If the party recruits Tom right after getting the ship, he can remain with them for a long period of time until climbing the Stairway to Zenithia.

Stats

Attribute	Stats
Level	Unknown
HP	85
MP	24
Strength	28
Agility	38
Resilience	18 (Not listed in the NES version)
Wisdom	55 (Not listed in the NES version)
Luck	88 (Not listed in the NES version)
Attack	88
Defence	53
Spell	Snooze and Weird Dance
Initial gear	Dream blade, Cloak of evasion, Hardwood headwear

Remake changes

• In the NES Version, Tom will depart upon leaving the castle entirely after the Zenithian helm is obtained whether through exiting the castle town or using the Zoom spell. In the remakes, he leaves the party after they exit the King's chamber.

Selected quotes

Main article: Dragon Quest IV Transcript

Quote

"I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint ye, Yer Highness. I've nuttin' funny I can tell ye.

But I've not been trav'llin' alone. I'm sure me friends'll bring a smile to yer face, even if I can't meself.

So if ye could just see yer way to handin' over the Zenithian Helm, that'd be grand.

Me friends'll be off to save the world with it, and before ye know it, ev'ryone'll be happy as Larry again, laughin' an' guffawin' all day long."

Tom Foolery, in Canalot (Cell phone)

Quote "How d'ye tell who the best weapon trader in town is? 'Tis simple! It's the one that's a cut above the rest! ...D'ye like that one? No? Ah, some people wouldn't know a good gag if it bit 'em on the backside." Tom Foolery, in Lakanaba (Cell phone)

Quote "Sure, it's grand to be travellin' around the place, lookin' for new material to steal...I mean, lookin' for comedic inspiration." Tom Foolery (Cell phone)

Quote "What was the name o' the indolent dog who founded this town? L'azy mutt! Err... Did I mention the dog was French?" Tom Foolery, in The Azimuth (Cell phone)

Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation

In the Lower World version of Clearvale, it's mentioned by a town residence that many entertainers visited. One of which went by the name Tom Foolery. He can be found in an underwater shrine southwest of Graceskull, having lost his memory and uses the bartender sprite.

The IV version of Tom will appear in the near-future version of Reaper's Peak, using his sprite from the DS Version of the game instead of a generic NPC. He is in the inn, and explains that he needed a bodyguard to reach the village. However, it took five days for the pair to make it Reaper's Peak and Hardie left as soon as they got there, leaving Tom to make a pun at his expense.

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies

Tom Foolery appeared as a NPC minstrel ghost in Alltrades Abbey that assign some quests to the player. He has a son locked up in the prison of Stornway.

Etymology

Tomfoolery means to act in a foolish or ridiculous manner.

Trivia

• Tom Foolery and Healie are the only NPC allies to completely disappear later in the game.

Gallery

• 

  Famicom art.