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{{pmenemybox
{{character infobox
|PM2=yes
|image=[[File:Cortez.png|200px]]<br>Artwork from ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''
|image=[[File:Cortez.png|250px]]
|first_appearance=''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'' ([[List of games by date#2004|2004]])
|hp='''Cortez:''' 60 (has 20 HP per round)<br>'''Weapons:''' 4
|latest_appearance=''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)|Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'' ([[Nintendo Switch]]) ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]])
|atk='''Cortez:''' 4<br>'''Hook:''' 2<br>'''Sabre:''' 2<br>'''Rapier:''' 3<br>'''Sword:''' 2
|def='''Cortez:''' 1<br>'''Hook:''' 1<br>'''Sabre:''' 0<br>'''Rapier:''' 0<br>'''Sword:''' 0
|location=[[Pirate's Grotto]]
|items=None
|moves='''Cortez:''' Stab (4; hits front character), Slash (4; hits rear character), Multi-Stab/Slash (2x4), Bone Throw (4), Headbutt (4), Charge (raises Atk. Power by 4), Bite (4), Recover (devours souls of audience)<br>'''Sword:''' Slash (2x2)<br>'''Hook:''' Poke (2; [[Poison]])<br>'''Sabre:''' Slash (3)<br>'''Rapier:''' Stab (2, hits both characters, [[Piercing attack|Piercing]])
|log= A pirate spirit who stayed at Keelhaul Key to guard his treasure.
|tattle=That's Cortez! He's the dreaded pirate spirit who haunts the island! His HP may seem low, by he's a spirit so even when his HP hits 0, he'll come back. Plus, he has tons of different attacks. He's as tough and scary as he looks. I'd say just keep damaging him, and sooner or later he'll go down for good! Let's give this tormented spirit some eternal rest!
|before=[[Doopliss|104]]
|#=105
|after=[[Smorg|106]]
}}
}}
{{quote|I'll turn your mustache into a bone-polisher, amigo!|Cortez|Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door}}
{{quote|I'll turn [[Mario|your]] mustache into a bone-polisher, amigo!|Cortez|Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door}}


'''Cortez''' is the holder of the fifth [[Crystal Stars|Crystal Star]], the [[Sapphire Star]], in ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]''. During dialogues, he appropriately speaks in a Spanish accent. He resides on a [[Black Skull|pirate-ship-like vessel]], deep within [[Pirate's Grotto]] on [[Keelhaul Key]]. He tries to scare [[Mario]] away (like what [[Tutankoopa]] did in [[Paper Mario|the first game]]) when he thinks the [[plumber]] is after his treasure; when his eerie messages fail, he drops the act in disgust and begins a battle.
'''Cortez''' is the holder of the fifth [[Crystal Stars|Crystal Star]], the [[Sapphire Star]], in ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'' and its [[Nintendo Switch]] [[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)|remake]]. He resides on the [[Black Skull]], a pirate-ship-like vessel, deep within [[Pirate's Grotto]] on [[Keelhaul Key]]. Cortez's name is presumably a reference to {{wp|Hernán Cortés}}, a Spanish conquistador most well-known for embarking upon an expedition that led to the downfall of the Aztec empire, as well as ''cortar'', which is a Spanish word that means "to cut" (referencing Cortez's various weapons). "Cortez" itself is also a common Spanish-Portuguese surname.


After being defeated, Cortez seemingly prepares to vanish, only to reveal that his state of unlife renders him effectively invincible. However, Mario is finally able to explain that he wasn't interested in Cortez's treasure, only in the Crystal Star. Somewhat bemused and wondering why Mario "didn't just say so" in the first place, Cortez willingly hands over the artifact, offhandedly remarking that he never particularly cared for the Crystal Star anyways.
Cortez speaks in a Spanish accent, which in the remake is further elaborated on where he says more words and phrases in Spanish than he did in the original game.


After [[Four-Eyes]] revealed his true identity as [[Lord Crump]], Mario and [[Flavio]] return to Cortez, in order to request the use of his [[Black Skull|ship]]. Cortez was not particularly interested, spouting that he didn't want his ship to be used as a luxury liner. He also tells them that even if he wanted to lend them his ship, the ship is useless, as it won't operate, because of the loss of its power source, the [[Skull Gem]]. Flavio then reveals he has the gem, causing Cortez to be even more furious, and not wishing to help them even further, as Flavio's ancestors stole it from him. He eventually relents after Flavio reminded him that Mario defeated him once, and hints he'll have Mario fight Cortez again for the ship. He also says that if Cortez doesn't help, he'll throw the Skull Gem into the water where Cortez will never find it. After hearing this, Cortez, relenting, then helps them in the battle against the [[X-Naut]]s when Lord Crump attacks Keelhaul Key. From then on, Cortez stays docked at [[Rogueport]], and would ferry Mario to Keelhaul Key and back whenever he wanted. In this regard, he serves much the same purpose as [[Whale (character)|The Whale]] from the first ''[[Paper Mario]]''.
==History==
===Background===
According to [[Wonky]], Cortez often raided the ancient city that predated Rogueport, but was eventually betrayed by one of his crew. He sailed away with all his treasure not long before he died. Eventually, the [[Skull Gem]] which powers his ship was stolen by [[Flavio]]'s ancestor, causing him to be stuck in the Pirate's Grotto on Keelhaul Key, where his spirit guards his treasure.


[[File:Cortez head.JPG|left|thumb|Cortez in his basic form. The [[Sapphire Star]] is visible on the right.]]
According to [[Grifty]], Cortez is the one who defeated the Stalwart Koopa and caused him to be sealed in a magic [[black chest]]. Cortez then took possession of the Sapphire Star.
In battle, Cortez has three forms. His first form appears as a massive skeleton with four arms and no legs, with his spine emerging from a spiky pile of bones on the ground. His limbs all terminate in various weapons - a large sword, a curved sabre, a thin rapier, and a rusty hook that can cause [[poison]]- enabling him to attack either or both heroes every turn. If this form is defeated, Cortez transforms into a serpentine state, trading the arms and weapons for an enlarged rib cage concealing a green gem. This form attacks with a headbutt, and can [[charge]] before throwing a bone at either character, dealing great damage in the process.


After his second form is defeated, Cortez reverts to his "natural" state, a mere floating head. Although he is limited to a simple bite attack, he compensates by animating his discarded weapons, effectively giving Mario and his partner five opponents to worry about. The weapons have different properties to their attacks, and are immune to frontal attacks due to their pointed tips; however, they can be destroyed simultaneously by a moderately strong attack that hits all opponents. If Cortez takes heavy damage, he can also absorb the souls of the [[Audience]] to restore his [[Heart Point|HP]], similar to [[Hooktail]] and the [[Shadow Queen]]. The only difference is that Cortez can only absorb souls equal to half the current audience members while the [[Shadow Queen]] will absorb them all and Hooktail scares away the uneaten members.
===''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''===
Cortez tries to scare [[Mario]] and his [[partner]]s away (in the same vein as [[Tutankoopa]] in [[Paper Mario|the first game]]) when he thinks they are after his treasure; when his eerie messages fail, he drops the act in disgust and begins a battle. After his defeat, Cortez seemingly prepares to vanish, only to reveal that his state of undeath renders him effectively invincible. However, Mario is finally able to explain that he was not interested in Cortez's treasure, only in the Crystal Star. Somewhat bemused and asking why Mario "didn't just say so" in the first place, Cortez willingly hands over the artifact, offhandedly remarking that he never particularly cared for the Crystal Star anyhow.


Cortez is the one who defeated the Stalwart Koopa and caused him to be sealed in a magic [[Black Chest]].
When Four-Eyes revealed his true identity as [[Lord Crump]], Mario and Flavio return to Cortez, in order to request the use of his ship. Cortez was not particularly interested, spouting that he did not want the Black Skull to be used as a luxury liner. He also tells them that even if he wanted to lend them his ship, the ship is useless, as it will not operate, because of the loss of its power source, the Skull Gem. Flavio then reveals he has the gem, causing Cortez to be even more furious, and not wishing to help them even further. He eventually relents after Flavio reminded him that Mario defeated him once, and hints he will have Mario fight Cortez again for the ship. He also says that if Cortez does not help, he will throw the Skull Gem into the water where Cortez will never find it. Cortez relents, and proceeds to help Mario in battle against the [[X-Naut]] attack on Keelhaul Key. From then on, Cortez stays docked at [[Rogueport]], and would ferry Mario to Keelhaul Key and back whenever he wanted. Goombella's field [[tattle]] on Cortez is viewable after Mario returns to Rogueport from Keelhaul Key.


At the end of the game [[Goombella]] says [[Admiral Bobbery]], Cortez, and a few others went to sail the [[Mushroom World|world]].  
At the end of the game [[Goombella]] says [[Bobbery]], Cortez, and a few others went to sail the world.


==Field Tattle==
In the Nintendo Switch remake, Cortez appears in the end credits alongside the other Chapter 5 characters, where he scares Flavio off the stage. He laughs with Bobbery at Flavio’s cowardice before he leaves in a tornado, taking Bobbery with him.
*''That's Cortez, remember? The dread pirate ghost feared by all? Ring a bell? Boy, hard to imagine someone that scary would like us... But he's just a big sweetie! Plus, he's like our taxi service between Rogueport and Keelhaul Key! I love him!


==Names in Other Languages==
===''Super Mario-kun''===
{{Foreignname|
[[File:SMKun 34 Cortez.png|thumb|Cortez in ''Super Mario-kun'']]
Cortez appears in volume 34 of ''[[Super Mario-kun]]'', where he fights with Mario and his partners on their quest for the Crystal Stars. He is initially only able to speak in groans and exclamations. Before he deals what seems to be a finishing blow, Cortez carves a message in the stone wall behind them, thanking them for playing with him. Mario hears Cortez's voice as it is revealed that he was always lonely during his life as a pirate king, and he thanks the party before he seems to disappear as his soul is finally laid to rest. He reappears moments later as a gag. They take a commemorative photo before Cortez bids them farewell from Keelhaul Key. On the ship, Mario and the others realize in shock that many other creepy, undead spirits appear in their photo after its development.
 
Cortez reappears later in the same volume during a flashback when [[Bowser]] is telling the story of how he was chasing after Mario. After arriving at Keelhaul Key, Bowser makes his demands clear to Cortez, who engages Bowser in battle to protect his new friend. A punch sends Bowser flying, causing several objects stored in his shell to fall out, including a photograph of him and Mario fighting. Cortez picks up the photo, interpreting them as playing as he did with Mario earlier. He tells Bowser that Mario is headed to [[Poshley Sanctum]]. After the flashback, a panel shows Cortez apparently reading volumes of ''Super Mario-kun'', stating that Mario and Bowser seem to be good friends.
 
===''Animal Crossing: New Horizons''===
Although Cortez does not physically appear, he is directly mentioned in ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing: New Horizons|Animal Crossing: New Horizons]]'' by Captain Gullivarrr, who was added in the update released on July 3, 2020. One of his possible wake up quotes is "Arrr! Have at ye, Cortez! Three swords AND a hook? Let's make this a fair duel..."
 
==Battle==
[[File:Cortez head.png|left|thumb|Cortez in his basic form. The [[Sapphire Star]] is visible on the right.]]
===First form===
In battle, Cortez has three forms. His first form appears as a massive skeleton with four arms and no legs, his spine emerging from a spiky pile of bones on the ground. Cortez wields a different bladed weapon in each hand - a bronze sword, a cutlass, a rapier, and a rusty hook that can cause [[Poison (status effect)|poison]]. Between his ensemble of weapons, Cortez can attack either one or both heroes every turn.
 
===Second form===
Once this first form is defeated, Cortez transforms into a serpentine state, trading his arms and weapons for an enlarged rib cage concealing a green gem. This form attacks with a headbutt, and can [[Charged|charge]] before throwing a bone at either character, dealing great damage in the process. Attacking the pile of bones will cause Cortez to lower his upper half, and doing so twice will cause him to open his rib cage, exposing the green gem. This gem lacks Cortez's usual 1 defense, and additionally takes 1 more damage than usual from all attacks.
 
===Third form===
After his second form is defeated, Cortez abandons a body and returns to a simple floating head. Although he is limited to a simple bite attack, he compensates by animating his weapons from the first state, effectively giving Mario and his partner five opponents to worry about. The weapons have different properties to their attacks and are immune to frontal attacks due to their pointed tips. Using a moderately strong attack that strikes all opponents, such as a [[Thunder Rage]] item and [[Vivian]]'s [[Fiery Jinx]], can disable the weapons simultaneously. This effect is temporary, for they reanimate themselves after two turns. [[Flurrie]]'s [[Gale Force]], if successful (though it will not affect Cortez himself), can blow the weapons out of the stage permanently. If Cortez falls to 10 HP or less, he can absorb souls of the [[audience]] to restore his [[Heart Point|HP]], similar to [[Hooktail]] and the [[Shadow Queen]]. The only difference is that Cortez can only absorb souls equal to half the current audience members, and the remainder will remain to support Mario; by contrast, the [[Shadow Queen]] will absorb the entire audience, and Hooktail scares away the uneaten members. With good planning, it is possible to defeat Cortez with a swift assault before he gets a chance to absorb the souls of the audience.
 
==Profiles and statistics==
===''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''===
====GameCube====
{{:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door bestiary|transcludesection=Cortez|align=horizontal|image=[[File:PMTTYD Tattle Log - Cortez.png|216x160px]]}}
{{:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door bestiary|transcludesection=Cortez's Weapons|align=horizontal|image=[[File:Cortez.png|250px]]}}
 
====Nintendo Switch====
{{:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch) bestiary|transcludesection=Cortez|align=horizontal|image=[[File:PMTTYDNS Tattle Log - Cortez.png|180px]]}}
{{:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch) bestiary|transcludesection=Cortez's Weapons|align=horizontal|image=[[File:PMTTYDNS Tattle Log - Cortez.png|180px]]}}
 
====Field Tattle====
*"''That's Cortez, remember? The dread pirate ghost feared by all? Ring a bell? Boy, hard to imagine someone that scary would like us... But he's just a big sweetie! Plus, he's like our taxi service between Rogueport and Keelhaul Key! I love him!''"
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
TTYDNS Cortez 1.jpg|First form
TTYDNS Cortez 2.jpg|Second form
TTYDNS Cortez 3.jpg|Third form
</gallery>
 
==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jap=コルテス
|Jap=コルテス
|JapR=Korutesu
|JapR=Korutesu
|JapM=Cortez
|JapM=Cortez
|Fra=Cortese
|ChiS=科尔特斯
|FraM=  
|ChiSR=Kēěrtèsī
|ChiSM=From the Japanese name
|ChiT=科爾特斯
|ChiTR=Kēěrtèsī
|ChiTM=From the Japanese name
|Dut=Cortenaers
|DutM=From {{wp|Egbert Bartholomeusz Kortenaer}}, a Dutch admiral from the 17th century
|Fre=Cortese
|FreM=Similar to the English name
|Ger=Cortez
|Ita=Cortez
|Kor=코르테스
|KorR=Koreuteseu
|KorM=Cortez
|Spa=Cortés
|Spa=Cortés
|SpaM=A Spanish surname
|SpaM=Same as in English and Japanese; a Spanish surname
|Ger=Cortez
}}
|GerM=-
 
;Bone Pile
{{foreign names
|Jap=ほねづか
|JapR=Honezuka
|JapM=Bone Pile
|ChiS=骨冢
|ChiSR=Gǔzhǒng
|ChiSM=Bone Pile
|ChiT=骨塚
|ChiTR=Gǔzhǒng
|ChiTM=Bone Pile
|Dut=Bottenstapel
|DutM=Bone pile
|Fre=Tados
|FreM=Clipping of ''Tas d'os'' ("Pile of bones")
|Ger=Beinhaufen
|GerM=Leg Pile
|Ita=Elsa Vertebrale
|ItaM=Vertebral Hilt
|Kor=뼛더미
|KorR=Ppyeotdeomi
|KorM=Bone Pile
|Spa=Montón de Huesos
|SpaM=Pile of Bones
}}
 
;Cortez Hook
{{foreign names
|Jap=コルテスクロウ
|JapR=Korutesu Kurō
|JapM=Cortez Claw
|ChiS=科尔特斯钩子
|ChiSR=Kēěrtèsī Gōuzi
|ChiSM=Cortez Claw
|ChiT=科爾特斯鉤子
|ChiTR=Kēěrtèsī Gōuzi
|ChiTM=Cortez Claw
|Dut=Haak
|DutM=Hook
|Fre=Crochet
|FreM=Hook
|Ger=Enterhaken
|GerM=Grappling hook
|Ita=Uncino Cortez
|ItaM=Cortez Hook
|Kor=코르테스클로
|KorR=Koreuteseu Keullo
|KorM=Cortez Claw
|Spa=Garfio de Cortés
|SpaM=Cortez's Hook
}}
 
;Cortez Rapier
{{foreign names
|Jap=コルテスレイピア
|JapR=Korutesu Reipia
|JapM=Cortez Rapier
|ChiS=科尔特斯刺剑
|ChiSR=Kēěrtèsī Cìjiàn
|ChiSM=Cortez Rapier
|ChiT=科爾特斯刺劍
|ChiTR=Kēěrtèsī Cìjiàn
|ChiTM=Cortez Rapier
|Dut=Degen
|DutM=Rapier
|Fre=Rapière
|FreM=Rapier
|Ger=Rapier
|Ita=Stiletto Cortez
|ItaM=Cortez {{wp|Stiletto}}
|Kor=코르테스레이피어
|KorR=Koreuteseu Reipieo
|KorM=Cortez Rapier
|Spa=Estoque de Cortés
|SpaM=Cortez's Rapier
}}
 
;Cortez Sword
{{foreign names
|Jap=コルテスソード
|JapR=Korutesu Sōdo
|JapM=Cortez Sword
|ChiS=科尔特斯直剑
|ChiSR=Kēěrtèsī Zhíjiàn
|ChiSM=Cortez Sword
|ChiT=科爾特斯直劍
|ChiTR=Kēěrtèsī Zhíjiàn
|ChiTM=Cortez Sword
|Dut=Zwaard
|DutM=Sword
|Fre=Épée
|FreM=Sword
|Ger=Schwert
|GerM=Sword
|Ita=Spada Cortez
|ItaM=Cortez Sword
|Kor=코르테스소드
|KorR=Koreuteseu Sodeu
|KorM=Cortez Sword
|Spa=Espada de Cortés
|SpaM=Cortez's Sword
}}
 
;Cortez Sabre
{{foreign names
|Jap=コルテスサーベル
|JapR=Korutesu Sāberu
|JapM=Cortez Saber
|ChiS=科尔特斯军刀
|ChiSR=Kēěrtèsī Jūndāo
|ChiSM=Cortez Saber
|ChiT=科爾特斯軍刀
|ChiTR=Kēěrtèsī Jūndāo
|ChiTM=Cortez Saber
|Dut=Sabel
|DutM=Sabre
|Fre=Sabre
|Ger=Säbel
|GerM=Sabre
|Ita=Sciabola Cortez
|ItaM=Cortez Saber
|Kor=코르테스세이버
|KorR=Koreuteseu Seibeo
|KorM=Cortez Saber
|Spa=Sable de Cortés
|SpaM=Cortez's Sabre
}}
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*He is named after the Spanish [[wikipedia:Aztec|Aztec]] conqueror [[wikipedia:Hernán Cortés|Hernán Cortés]] (although Cortés was not a pirate).
*He might be based on the [[wikipedia:Flying Dutchman|Flying Dutchman]], as both are a pirate spirit on a lost ship. The Flying Dutchman is sometimes said to devour souls (so does Cortez).
*He has a personality similar to [[Jonathan Jones]]. They are both pirates, they allied themselves with Mario after being defeated in combat (at one point helping him defeat one of the main antagonist's most powerful followers), and they have red and blue minions ([[Podoboo|Lava Bubble]]/[[Bandana Red]]; [[Ember]]/[[Bandana Blue]]). Both guard blue [[star]]s in their respective games.
*Despite having only 20 HP, Cortez's recovery move will recover up to 100 HP, depending on how many audience members are present.
*Despite having only 20 HP, Cortez's recovery move will recover up to 100 HP, depending on how many audience members are present.
*Oddly, Cortez's artwork does not show his true form; instead, it shows one of his battle forms.
*This fight can be done quicker if the player chooses to use [[Flurrie]] for the fight, as she can blow away Cortez's weapons, making the battle much easier.
*If Cortez's Rapier misses the character in front (due to a Lucky), the character in the back will automatically perform a [[Guard]].
*If Cortez's Rapier misses the character in front (due to a Lucky), the character in the back will automatically perform a [[Guard]].
<br clear=all>
 
{{PM2}}
{{PMTTYD}}
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Pirates]]
[[Category:Bosses]]
[[Category:Skeletons]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Characters]]
[[Category:Paper Mario Series Characters]]
[[Category:Paper Mario Series Bosses]]
[[Category:RPG Characters]]
[[Category:RPG Bosses]]
[[Category:Allies]]
[[Category:Allies]]
[[Category:Pirates]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door bosses]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Bosses]]
[[Category:Super Mario-kun characters]]
[[Category:Undead]]
[[de:Cortez]]
[[Category:Heroes]]
[[it:Cortez]]
[[Category:Villains]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]
[[Category:Royalty]]  
[[Category:Kings]]

Latest revision as of 09:59, December 12, 2024

Cortez
Cortez
Artwork from Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
First appearance Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004)
Latest appearance Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch) (2024)
“I'll turn your mustache into a bone-polisher, amigo!”
—Cortez, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Cortez is the holder of the fifth Crystal Star, the Sapphire Star, in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and its Nintendo Switch remake. He resides on the Black Skull, a pirate-ship-like vessel, deep within Pirate's Grotto on Keelhaul Key. Cortez's name is presumably a reference to Hernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador most well-known for embarking upon an expedition that led to the downfall of the Aztec empire, as well as cortar, which is a Spanish word that means "to cut" (referencing Cortez's various weapons). "Cortez" itself is also a common Spanish-Portuguese surname.

Cortez speaks in a Spanish accent, which in the remake is further elaborated on where he says more words and phrases in Spanish than he did in the original game.

History[edit]

Background[edit]

According to Wonky, Cortez often raided the ancient city that predated Rogueport, but was eventually betrayed by one of his crew. He sailed away with all his treasure not long before he died. Eventually, the Skull Gem which powers his ship was stolen by Flavio's ancestor, causing him to be stuck in the Pirate's Grotto on Keelhaul Key, where his spirit guards his treasure.

According to Grifty, Cortez is the one who defeated the Stalwart Koopa and caused him to be sealed in a magic black chest. Cortez then took possession of the Sapphire Star.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door[edit]

Cortez tries to scare Mario and his partners away (in the same vein as Tutankoopa in the first game) when he thinks they are after his treasure; when his eerie messages fail, he drops the act in disgust and begins a battle. After his defeat, Cortez seemingly prepares to vanish, only to reveal that his state of undeath renders him effectively invincible. However, Mario is finally able to explain that he was not interested in Cortez's treasure, only in the Crystal Star. Somewhat bemused and asking why Mario "didn't just say so" in the first place, Cortez willingly hands over the artifact, offhandedly remarking that he never particularly cared for the Crystal Star anyhow.

When Four-Eyes revealed his true identity as Lord Crump, Mario and Flavio return to Cortez, in order to request the use of his ship. Cortez was not particularly interested, spouting that he did not want the Black Skull to be used as a luxury liner. He also tells them that even if he wanted to lend them his ship, the ship is useless, as it will not operate, because of the loss of its power source, the Skull Gem. Flavio then reveals he has the gem, causing Cortez to be even more furious, and not wishing to help them even further. He eventually relents after Flavio reminded him that Mario defeated him once, and hints he will have Mario fight Cortez again for the ship. He also says that if Cortez does not help, he will throw the Skull Gem into the water where Cortez will never find it. Cortez relents, and proceeds to help Mario in battle against the X-Naut attack on Keelhaul Key. From then on, Cortez stays docked at Rogueport, and would ferry Mario to Keelhaul Key and back whenever he wanted. Goombella's field tattle on Cortez is viewable after Mario returns to Rogueport from Keelhaul Key.

At the end of the game Goombella says Bobbery, Cortez, and a few others went to sail the world.

In the Nintendo Switch remake, Cortez appears in the end credits alongside the other Chapter 5 characters, where he scares Flavio off the stage. He laughs with Bobbery at Flavio’s cowardice before he leaves in a tornado, taking Bobbery with him.

Super Mario-kun[edit]

Cortez
Cortez in Super Mario-kun

Cortez appears in volume 34 of Super Mario-kun, where he fights with Mario and his partners on their quest for the Crystal Stars. He is initially only able to speak in groans and exclamations. Before he deals what seems to be a finishing blow, Cortez carves a message in the stone wall behind them, thanking them for playing with him. Mario hears Cortez's voice as it is revealed that he was always lonely during his life as a pirate king, and he thanks the party before he seems to disappear as his soul is finally laid to rest. He reappears moments later as a gag. They take a commemorative photo before Cortez bids them farewell from Keelhaul Key. On the ship, Mario and the others realize in shock that many other creepy, undead spirits appear in their photo after its development.

Cortez reappears later in the same volume during a flashback when Bowser is telling the story of how he was chasing after Mario. After arriving at Keelhaul Key, Bowser makes his demands clear to Cortez, who engages Bowser in battle to protect his new friend. A punch sends Bowser flying, causing several objects stored in his shell to fall out, including a photograph of him and Mario fighting. Cortez picks up the photo, interpreting them as playing as he did with Mario earlier. He tells Bowser that Mario is headed to Poshley Sanctum. After the flashback, a panel shows Cortez apparently reading volumes of Super Mario-kun, stating that Mario and Bowser seem to be good friends.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons[edit]

Although Cortez does not physically appear, he is directly mentioned in Animal Crossing: New Horizons by Captain Gullivarrr, who was added in the update released on July 3, 2020. One of his possible wake up quotes is "Arrr! Have at ye, Cortez! Three swords AND a hook? Let's make this a fair duel..."

Battle[edit]

A screenshot of Cortez in his ship in the Pirate's Grotto.
Cortez in his basic form. The Sapphire Star is visible on the right.

First form[edit]

In battle, Cortez has three forms. His first form appears as a massive skeleton with four arms and no legs, his spine emerging from a spiky pile of bones on the ground. Cortez wields a different bladed weapon in each hand - a bronze sword, a cutlass, a rapier, and a rusty hook that can cause poison. Between his ensemble of weapons, Cortez can attack either one or both heroes every turn.

Second form[edit]

Once this first form is defeated, Cortez transforms into a serpentine state, trading his arms and weapons for an enlarged rib cage concealing a green gem. This form attacks with a headbutt, and can charge before throwing a bone at either character, dealing great damage in the process. Attacking the pile of bones will cause Cortez to lower his upper half, and doing so twice will cause him to open his rib cage, exposing the green gem. This gem lacks Cortez's usual 1 defense, and additionally takes 1 more damage than usual from all attacks.

Third form[edit]

After his second form is defeated, Cortez abandons a body and returns to a simple floating head. Although he is limited to a simple bite attack, he compensates by animating his weapons from the first state, effectively giving Mario and his partner five opponents to worry about. The weapons have different properties to their attacks and are immune to frontal attacks due to their pointed tips. Using a moderately strong attack that strikes all opponents, such as a Thunder Rage item and Vivian's Fiery Jinx, can disable the weapons simultaneously. This effect is temporary, for they reanimate themselves after two turns. Flurrie's Gale Force, if successful (though it will not affect Cortez himself), can blow the weapons out of the stage permanently. If Cortez falls to 10 HP or less, he can absorb souls of the audience to restore his HP, similar to Hooktail and the Shadow Queen. The only difference is that Cortez can only absorb souls equal to half the current audience members, and the remainder will remain to support Mario; by contrast, the Shadow Queen will absorb the entire audience, and Hooktail scares away the uneaten members. With good planning, it is possible to defeat Cortez with a swift assault before he gets a chance to absorb the souls of the audience.

Profiles and statistics[edit]

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door[edit]

GameCube[edit]

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door enemy
Cortez
Cortez Max HP 60 (has 20 HP per round) Attack 4 Defense 1
Location(s) Pirate's Grotto Role Boss Level 77
Sleep? 40% Dizzy? 50% Confuse? 50%
Tiny? 0% Stop? 40% Soft? 90%
Burn? 100% Freeze? 25% Fright? 0%
Gale Force? 0% KO? 0% Moves 'Stab (4; hits front character), Slash (4; hits rear character), Multi-Stab/Slash (2x4), Bone Throw (4), Headbutt (4), Charge (raises Atk. Power by 4), Bite (4), Recover (devours souls of audience)
Exp. points 0 Coins N/A Items None
Tattle Log #:
105 		Log A pirate spirit who stayed at Keelhaul Key to guard his treasure.
Tattle That's Cortez! He's the dreaded pirate spirit who haunts the island! Max HP is 20, Attack is 4, and Defense is 1. His HP may seem low, but he's a spirit, so even when his HP hits 0, he'll come back. Plus, he has tons of different attacks. He's as tough and scary as he looks. I'd say just keep damaging him, and sooner or later he'll go down for good! Let's give this tormented spirit some eternal rest!
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door enemy
Cortez's weapons
Cortez Max HP 4 Attack Hook: 2
Sabre: 2
Rapier: 3
Sword: 2 		Defense Hook: 1
Sabre: 0
Rapier: 0
Sword: 0
Location(s) Pirate's Grotto Role Support Level 0
Sleep? 0% Dizzy? 95% Confuse? 90%
Tiny? 0% Stop? 80% Soft? 90%
Burn? 100% Freeze? 85% Fright? 0%
Gale Force? 90% KO? 0% Moves Sword: Slash (2x2)
Hook: Poke (2; Poison)
Sabre: Slash (3)
Rapier: Stab (2, hits both characters, Piercing)
Exp. points 0 Coins N/A Items None
Tattle Log #:
105 		Log N/A
Tattle N/A

Nintendo Switch[edit]

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door enemy
Cortez
A Tattle Log image from Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch) Max HP 60 (has 20 HP per round) Attack 4 Defense 1
Location(s) Pirate's Grotto Role Boss Level 77
Sleep? 40% Dizzy? 50% Confuse? 50%
Tiny? 0% Stop? 40% Soft? 90%
Burn? 100% Freeze? 25% Fright? 0%
Gale Force? 0% KO? 0% Moves 'Stab (4; hits front character), Slash (4; hits rear character), Multi-Stab/Slash (2x4), Bone Throw (4), Headbutt (4), Charge (raises Atk. Power by 4), Bite (4), Recover (devours souls of audience)
Exp. points 0 Coins 100 Items None
Tattle Log #:
109 		Log A pirate spirit who stayed in Keelhaul Key to guard his treasure.
Tattle That's Cortez! He's the dreaded pirate spirit who haunts the island! Max HP is 20, Attack is 4, and Defense is 1. His HP may seem low, but he's a spirit, so even when his HP hits 0, he'll come back. Plus, he has tons of different attacks. He's as tough and scary as he looks. I'd say just keep damaging him, and sooner or later he'll go down for good! Let's give this tormented spirit some eternal rest!
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door enemy
Cortez's weapons
A Tattle Log image from Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch) Max HP 4 Attack Hook: 2
Sabre: 2
Rapier: 3
Sword: 2 		Defense Hook: 1
Sabre: 0
Rapier: 0
Sword: 0
Location(s) Pirate's Grotto Role Support Level 0
Sleep? 0% Dizzy? 95% Confuse? 90%
Tiny? 0% Stop? 80% Soft? 90%
Burn? 100% Freeze? 85% Fright? 0%
Gale Force? 90% KO? 0% Moves Sword: Slash (2x2)
Hook: Poke (2; Poison)
Sabre: Slash (3)
Rapier: Stab (2, hits both characters, Piercing)
Exp. points 0 Coins N/A Items None
Tattle Log #:
109 		Log N/A
Tattle N/A

Field Tattle[edit]

  • "That's Cortez, remember? The dread pirate ghost feared by all? Ring a bell? Boy, hard to imagine someone that scary would like us... But he's just a big sweetie! Plus, he's like our taxi service between Rogueport and Keelhaul Key! I love him!"

Gallery[edit]

  • First form

    First form

  • Second form

    Second form

  • Third form

    Third form

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese コルテス[?]
Korutesu 		Cortez
Chinese (simplified) 科尔特斯[?]
Kēěrtèsī 		From the Japanese name
Chinese (traditional) 科爾特斯[?]
Kēěrtèsī 		From the Japanese name
Dutch Cortenaers[?] From Egbert Bartholomeusz Kortenaer, a Dutch admiral from the 17th century
French Cortese[?] Similar to the English name
German Cortez[?] -
Italian Cortez[?] -
Korean 코르테스[?]
Koreuteseu 		Cortez
Spanish Cortés[?] Same as in English and Japanese; a Spanish surname
Bone Pile
Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ほねづか[?]
Honezuka 		Bone Pile
Chinese (simplified) 骨冢[?]
Gǔzhǒng 		Bone Pile
Chinese (traditional) 骨塚[?]
Gǔzhǒng 		Bone Pile
Dutch Bottenstapel[?] Bone pile
French Tados[?] Clipping of Tas d'os ("Pile of bones")
German Beinhaufen[?] Leg Pile
Italian Elsa Vertebrale[?] Vertebral Hilt
Korean 뼛더미[?]
Ppyeotdeomi 		Bone Pile
Spanish Montón de Huesos[?] Pile of Bones
Cortez Hook
Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese コルテスクロウ[?]
Korutesu Kurō 		Cortez Claw
Chinese (simplified) 科尔特斯钩子[?]
Kēěrtèsī Gōuzi 		Cortez Claw
Chinese (traditional) 科爾特斯鉤子[?]
Kēěrtèsī Gōuzi 		Cortez Claw
Dutch Haak[?] Hook
French Crochet[?] Hook
German Enterhaken[?] Grappling hook
Italian Uncino Cortez[?] Cortez Hook
Korean 코르테스클로[?]
Koreuteseu Keullo 		Cortez Claw
Spanish Garfio de Cortés[?] Cortez's Hook
Cortez Rapier
Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese コルテスレイピア[?]
Korutesu Reipia 		Cortez Rapier
Chinese (simplified) 科尔特斯刺剑[?]
Kēěrtèsī Cìjiàn 		Cortez Rapier
Chinese (traditional) 科爾特斯刺劍[?]
Kēěrtèsī Cìjiàn 		Cortez Rapier
Dutch Degen[?] Rapier
French Rapière[?] Rapier
German Rapier[?] -
Italian Stiletto Cortez[?] Cortez Stiletto
Korean 코르테스레이피어[?]
Koreuteseu Reipieo 		Cortez Rapier
Spanish Estoque de Cortés[?] Cortez's Rapier
Cortez Sword
Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese コルテスソード[?]
Korutesu Sōdo 		Cortez Sword
Chinese (simplified) 科尔特斯直剑[?]
Kēěrtèsī Zhíjiàn 		Cortez Sword
Chinese (traditional) 科爾特斯直劍[?]
Kēěrtèsī Zhíjiàn 		Cortez Sword
Dutch Zwaard[?] Sword
French Épée[?] Sword
German Schwert[?] Sword
Italian Spada Cortez[?] Cortez Sword
Korean 코르테스소드[?]
Koreuteseu Sodeu 		Cortez Sword
Spanish Espada de Cortés[?] Cortez's Sword
Cortez Sabre
Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese コルテスサーベル[?]
Korutesu Sāberu 		Cortez Saber
Chinese (simplified) 科尔特斯军刀[?]
Kēěrtèsī Jūndāo 		Cortez Saber
Chinese (traditional) 科爾特斯軍刀[?]
Kēěrtèsī Jūndāo 		Cortez Saber
Dutch Sabel[?] Sabre
French Sabre[?] -
German Säbel[?] Sabre
Italian Sciabola Cortez[?] Cortez Saber
Korean 코르테스세이버[?]
Koreuteseu Seibeo 		Cortez Saber
Spanish Sable de Cortés[?] Cortez's Sabre

Trivia[edit]

  • Despite having only 20 HP, Cortez's recovery move will recover up to 100 HP, depending on how many audience members are present.
  • If Cortez's Rapier misses the character in front (due to a Lucky), the character in the back will automatically perform a Guard.
[Edit]
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo GameCube) / Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)
Main characters Bobbery • Flurrie • Goombella • Koops • Mario • Ms. Mowz • Princess Peach • Vivian • Yoshi Kid
Species Bub-ulb • Craw • Crow • Doogan • Duplighost • Glitz Pit Security • Jabbi • Little Mouser • Luff • Nibbles • Para-bomb • Penguin • Pianta • Pig • Puni • Ratooey • Smorg • Toad • Twilighter • Yoshi
Chapters Prologue • Chapter 1 • Chapter 2 • Chapter 3 • Chapter 4 • Chapter 5 • Chapter 6 • Chapter 7 • Chapter 8
Crystal Stars Diamond Star • Emerald Star • Gold Star • Ruby Star • Sapphire Star • Garnet Star • Crystal Star
Bosses Beldam • Blooper • Bowser • Doopliss • Gloomtail • Gold Fuzzy • Grodus • Kammy Koopa • Lord Crump • Marilyn • Rawk Hawk • The Iron Adonis Twins • Three Shadows • Vivian
Chapter bosses Cortez • Doopliss • Hooktail • Macho Grubba • Magnus von Grapple • Magnus von Grapple 2.0 • Shadow Queen • Smorg
Optional bosses Atomic Boo • Bonetail • Gus • Prince Musha • Whackaa
Minor characters Arfur • Audience • Bandy Andy • Battle Mastera • Blooey • The Bob-omb Squad • Bomberto • Bootler • Bub • Bub-ulber • Businessman • Charlieton • Chef Shimi • Chestnut King • Chet Rippo • Chomp Country • Cleftor • Craw-Daddy • Creepy Steeple Boo • Darkly • Dazzle • The Dead Bones • The Destructors • Doe T. • Don Pianta • Doopliss's parrot • Dupree • Eddy the Mask • Eve • Excess Express conductor • Excess Express engineer • Excess Express waitress • Fahr Outpost mayor • Flavio • Flo • Francesca • Frankie • Fred • The Fuzz • Garf • General White • Ghost T. • Glitzville reporter • Gloomer • Gob • Goldbob • Goom Goom • The Goomba Bros. • Goomez • Goomfrey • Goomther • Goose • Grifty • Grubba • Hamma, Bamma, and Flare • Hamma Jamma • The Hand-It-Overs • Hayzee • Heff T. • Herb T. • Ian Foomusa • Ishnail • Jabble • Jerry • Johnson • Jolene • King K • Koopie Koo • The Koopinator • Koopley • Koopook • Korvallis • The KP Koopas • Kroop • Lady Bow • Lahla • Laki • Larson • Lucky • Luigi • Lumpy • The Magikoopa Masters • Master Crash • Mayor Dour • McGoomba • Merlee • Merlon • Merluvlee • Maude • The Mind-Bogglers • Mousimilian • Mover • Mr. Hoggle • Niff T. • Nob • Pa-Patch • Parakarry • Peeka • Pennington • Petuni • Pianta syndicate • Pierre • Pine T. Jr. • Pine T. Sr. • Plenn T. • Podler • Podley • The Poker Faces • The Pokey Triplets • Porter • Prince Mush • Professor Frankly • Pungent • Pungry • Punio • Puniper • Puni elder • The Punk Rocks • Rob • Robbo Thieves • Rocko • Scarlette • Screamy • Shellshock • The Shellshockers • Sir Swoop • Spike Storm • Spiky Joe • Stewart • Swindell • Swob • Sylvia • TEC • Thriff T. • The Tiny Spinies • Toad sailor • Toad sailor's brother • Toad salesmana • Toadette • Toadia • Toadsworth • Toce T. • Tony • Toodles • Torque • Traveling Sisters Three • Twilight Shop manager • Twilight Shop manager's wife • Vinny • Whacka • Wings of Night • Wonky • Zess T. • Zip Toad
Enemies Bandit (Badge · Big) • Bill Blaster (Bombshell) • Blooper • Bob-omb (Bob-ulk · Bulky) • Boo (Atomic · Dark) • Bristle (Dark) • Bullet Bill (Bombshell) • Buzzy Beetle (Parabuzzy (Spiky) · Spike Top (Red)) • Chain-Chomp (Red) • Cleft (Bald (Hyper) · Hyper · Iron · Moon) • Crazee Dayzee (Amazy) • Dark Craw • Dry Bones (Dark · Dull · Red) • Ember (Lava Bubble · Phantom) • Fire Bar • Fuzzy (Green · Flower · Horde) • Goomba (Gloomba (Para · Spiky) · Hyper (Para · Spiky) · Para · Spiky) • Goomboarda • Hammer Bro (Boomerang · Fire) • Koopa Troopa (Dark (Para) · Koopatrol (Dark) · KP (Para) · Para · Shady (Para)) • Lakitu (Dark) • Magikoopa (Green · Red · White) • Pale Piranha (Frost · Piranha Plant · Putrid) • Pider (Arantula) • Pokey (Poison) • Ruff Puff (Dark · Ice · Poison) • Spinia (Spania · Spunia) • Spiny (Sky-Blue) • Swooper (Swampire · Swoopula) • Wizzerd (Dark · Elite) • X-Fist (Punch) • X-Naut (Elite · PhD · Platoon) • Yux (Grodus X · Mini · X-Yux (Mini) · Z-Yux (Mini))
Locations Boggly Woods • Broadshroom • Circuit Break Island • Creepy Steeple • Deepdown Depot • Excess Express • Fahr Outpost • Flurrie's House • Fresh Juice Shop • Glitz Pit • Glitzville • Goomstar Temple • Great Tree • Grimble Forest • Hatesong Tower • Herb T.'s place • Hooktail Castle • Hot Dog Stand • Inn • Item Shop • Jazzafrazz Town • Keelhaul Key • Keelhaul Galleria • Lovely Howz of Badges • Mario Bros.' House • Moon • Netherworld • Niff T.'s shop • Northwinds Mart • Palace of Shadow • Palace of Shadow Tower • Path to Fahr Outpost • Path to Shhwonk Fortress • Petalburg • Petal Meadows • Pianta Parlor • Pirate's Grotto • Pit of 100 Trials • Podley's Place • Plumpbelly Village • Poshley Heights • Poshley Sanctum • Pudding Continent • Pungent's Great Tree Shop • Rapturous Ruins • Riverside Station • Rogueport • Rogueport Underground • Rumblebump Volcano • Sales Stall • Shhwonk Fortress • Souvenir shop • Strudel Continent • Toad Bros. Bazaar • Trouble Center • Twilight Shop • Twilight Town • Twilight Trail • Waffle Kingdom • Westside Goods • X-Naut Fortress
Bowser levels World 1 • World 2 • World 3
Moves Action Command • Appeal • Art Attack • Boat Mode • Bob-ombast • Body Slam • Bomb • Bomb Squad • Charge • Clock Out • Dodgy Fog • Earth Tremor • Fiery Jinx • First Strike • Flee • Gale Force • Ground Pound • Guard • Gulp • Headbonk • Hold Fast • Infatuate • Jump • Kiss Thief • Lip Lock • Love Slap • Mini-Egg • Multibonk • Paper Mode • Plane Mode • Power Lift • Power Shell • Rally Wink • Shade Fist • Shell Shield • Shell Slam • Shell Toss • Showstopper • Smooch • Spring Jump • Stampede • Stylish move • Super Hammer • Superguard • Supernova • Sweet Feast • Sweet Treat • Tattle • Tease • Tube Mode • Ultra Hammer • Veil
Objects Badge • Big Bob • Black chest • Black Skull • Boat panel • Brick block • Candy Pop • Cheep Blimp • Chomp Rock • Cog • Coin • Coin block • Coral • Crystal Ball • Elevator • Flagpole • Flower • Heart • Hidden block • Koopa Clown Car • Meat • Metal Block • Pianta token • Plane panel • Power-draining machine • Recovery block • S.S. Flavion • Save Block • Shine Block • Star Piece • Stone Block • Stone keys • Switch • Teleporter • The Thousand-Year Door • Treasure chest • Warp Pipe • X-Naut ship • Yellow Block
Stats / statuses Allergic • Badge Point • Burn • Charged • Confused • Danger • Defense • DEF-Up • Dizzy • Dodgy • Electrified • Fast • Flower Point • Frozen • Heart Point • Huge • Immobilized • Invisible • Payback • Peril • Poison • Power • POW-Down • POW-Up • Prohibited Command • Regeneration • Sleep • Slow • Soft • Star Point • Star Power • Tiny
Miscellaneous 65th Trivia Quiz-Off • 66th Trivia Quiz-Off • Art Gallerya • Badges • Bestiary (Nintendo GameCube · Nintendo Switch) • Boom-bassa-boom Festival • Bingo! • Block locations (Hidden) • Enemy formations • Flash game • Gallery (Nintendo GameCube · Nintendo Switch) • Glitches (Nintendo GameCube · Nintendo Switch) • Goldbobbington's • Happy Lucky Lottery • Koopa Clan • Level up • Luigi Fan Club • Jazzafrazz Town Drama Slam • Mist • Parade • Partner Hintsa • Pre-release and unused content • Quotes (By character: A–F · G–K · L–R · S–Z) • Recipes • Rogueport Direct Mail Service • Rogueport Restoration Committee • Selling prices • Shine Sprites • Shops • Sound Gallerya • Staff (Nintendo GameCube · Nintendo Switch) • Star Pieces • Star Point amounts • Story predictions • Stump Petuni • Tattles (Nintendo Switch) • Treasure chest locations • University of Goom • Unnamed NPCs • X-Nauts
a Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch remake
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