Aztec Chief
The Aztec Chief (
The man is the chieftain of an Aztec tribe that flourished in Mexico centuries ago. He is the second character introduced in the entire series, and serves as a prefigure to the power of the Stone Mask.
Although his opening scene is omitted from the anime adaptation, he appears as part of a mural in the ending sequence, Roundabout.
Appearance
The chief was a man of muscular build with long shoulder-length hair. He is only shown wearing the Stone Mask, covering his face. He is shirtless with a leopard-pelt cape and wristbands, a necklace with fangs, and a loincloth.
In the Stardust Crusaders OVA, he wears a blue feathered headdress beneath beneath the Stone Mask along with wrist wraps, a sleeveless tunic, and a loincloth. He also has a sun marking on each hand.
Color Schemes
Personality
As the leader of his tribe, he is viewed by his people as proud and powerful. He is shown to be power-hungry, as he declares that he has finally gained eternal life after becoming a vampire. He also seems to be careless in regards to his people, as he slams one of his followers into the ground after draining their life force. His tribe is known to be cannibalistic and to hold sacrificial rituals similar to the one shown.[2]
Abilities
After obtaining vampiric abilities from the Stone Mask, the chieftain demonstrates being able to drain the life force out of people. In addition, he also demonstrates incredible strength, creating a large crevice from slamming a human into the ground.
History
Background
The chieftain of an Aztec tribe, he performed sacrficial rituals for his people.[2]
Phantom Blood
Long before the events of Phantom Blood, the chieftain, wearing a Stone Mask, sacrifices a maiden on an altar as part of a ritual. His mask absorbs her blood and pierces his brain, turning him into a vampire. He proudly announces that he's gained eternal life, and then asks one of his followers to sacrifice his life-force; the follower obliges, and so the chief absorbs his blood. The rest of the tribe cheer for their leader.
It is unknown what happens afterward, as it is stated that this tribe disappeared from history, leaving only their ruins, never to be seen again. Nonetheless, the time of his tribe was the earliest known appearance of the Stone Mask.[2]
Chapters / Episodes
- Chapter 1: Prologue (Flashback)
Quotes
- “Woooooaah! I've finally obtained... eternal life! (おぉお〜ん 我はついに手に入れたぞ!!永遠の生命を!, Oooooon... Ware wa tsuini teniireta zo!! Eien no inochi o!)”—Aztec Chief, Chapter 1: Prologue
- “You! Will you be my life? (汝!わたしの生命となるか!, Nanji! Watashi no inochi to naru ka!)”—Aztec Chief, Chapter 1: Prologue
- “I can drain his life! And this Stone Mask has given me the power of a true ruler! (生命を吸いとるッ!そして!この石仮面から真の支配者の力を手に入れたぞ!, Inochi o sui toru! Soshite! Kono ishikamen kara shin no shihai-sha no chikara o teniireta zo!)”—Aztec Chief, Chapter 1: Prologue
Video Games
Phantom Blood (PS2)
The Aztec Chief is playable in the Phantom Blood PS2 game in Extra Battle Mode, where he must defeat 15 Aztecs at the sacrificial altar. His special attacks utilize the knife he wields.
All-Star Battle (PS3)
The Aztec Chief appears as a Campaign Support Character in All-Star Battle with his mask granting the player an increase in strength and defense.
All-Star Battle R (Various)
The Aztec Chief returns from All-Star Battle in All-Star Battle R to appear as a Support Effect (サポート効果, Sapōto Kōka) titled The Mysterious Stone Mask (神秘の石仮面, Shinpi no Ishi Kamen), costing 900G, and increasing the attack and defense of the player who applies it.
The panel used for the Support Effect's image is from the Aztec Tribe's sacrifice of a young woman for the Stone Mask.[2]