In 1519 Cortes and 600 conquistadors arrived in what is known today as Mexico. At first with their mythical horses and a prophecy of a white god, they were received by the Aztecs as saviors. When the truth was learned the Spaniards were expelled from Tenochtitlan but they would return.

As a Lieutenant to Cortes, Abutre Negro was not just his right hand during the Spanish exploration and conquering of Mexico, but his sword hand. Cortes' banner during this period was a red cross with white and blue flames that said to follow it, by faith in Him we conquer. Brandishing the Spanish red "X" on his armor Abutre Negro made it known he was there for only riches and land in the name of Spain. If savages got in the way they would be squashed under his heel. While attacking in the silence of the night he would make his raids leaving no witnesses and taking no prisoners. This was a complete departure from the Aztec ways of warfare.

Soon the Spanish had forced or convinced neighboring tribes to help them take on the Aztecs. With rifles, horses, cannons, and armor in their favor it was hard for these tribes not to agree to join in what should have been an easy victory. However, the Conquistadors severely underestimated the tact and tenacity of the Aztecs. On the verge of defeat Cortes made a last ditch effort and was able to kill Montezuma II. While Dart was preoccupied with the surprise death of his ruler, Abutre Negro was able to strike him down as well. With their ruler and greatest warrior dead the Aztecs gave up hope and surrendered.

Coming up with what he would look like without glasses was the hardest part. While talking with Mike T about the file card translation (ex. "he wanted to be a soccer ref all his life because they wear black but when he got his chance he stole their trophy"), I went and read Mike's article about him. Mike had a very original view that he is an older mercenary type character that inspired the old and scarred look. I didn't realize until after everything was painted that in trying to capture the look of the original I essentailly painted a bright red target on his armor. Lucky for him the Aztecs didn't have guns. The one feature I'm most proud of is the knee design with the tape. Every picture from the time period had that weird ruffle and the tape made it not only look accurate but left it completely posable.