Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door -- Save the Princess. Save the Kingdom. Go on a Treasure Hunt.

The story begins:
"Ahem! Today... I'm going to tell you the story of the Thousand-Year Door. An awfully long time ago, in a strange and far-off land, a big bustling town thrived. It was a town where all people lived very happy lives. And it was said that the town was very prosperous. But one day... tragedy befell this blessed place. A great cataclysm struck the town and its people. Darkness filled the skies, and the earth roared and shook. It was as if the very world had come to a violent end. And in but a single night... the town sank into the depths of the earth... Many moons rose and set... Stories of the town passed into the pages of fairy tales... And when the town's site no longer held relics of its past... people gathered at that spot and built a new town. But word soon spread among the people who moved in... that an ancient city lay deep underground... and that a magnificent treasure rested there. Indeed... This is the tale of the fabled treasure of Rogueport. Yes, this is where it begins, in the sea town of Rogueport. The tale of the quest for the legendary treasure... and the Thousand-Year Door... starts here."

Princess Peach finds herself in the bustling center of Rogueport without Toadsworth watching over her, paranoid. She came here on vacation, but was stuck with him. She wants to go out on her own and see things of interest to her. Now that she's by herself, she notices that Rogueport has a distinct vibe. Some one calls out to her. It's a merchant with a wise assortment of wares. Peach takes interest in a pretty box and wonders what's inside. The merchant says that, according to legend, inside is a map of the location of a legendary treasure. The box's lock is magical and will only open for one with a pure and noble heart. The merchant can't open it. The merchant makes her a deal: if she can open it, she can have its contents. Peach agrees and opens the box. A bright light shines.

At Mario's house, Parakarry delivers the mail. Luigi gets it and tells Mario it's from Peach. It reads "Hello there, Mario! I am now on holiday, traveling in the Mushroom Kingdom. In my travel, I came into possession of a mystical map... a treasure map, actually. It was inside a box I got from an old merchant in a town called Rogueport. But since it would be too difficult for me to try to go find the treasure all by myself... I thought you could help me hunt for it! You will, of course, won't you? I've included the map with this letter, so please bring it with you when you come. I'll meet you at Rogueport. (That means you MUST come!) -Peach"

Mario checks out the map she sent, then travels by boat to Rogueport. Press (A) to start the prologue.