#I played MKX and i love the mk kids so much

[icedlava1]

#I played MKX and i love the mk kids so much #mortal kombat x #mkx #mortal kombat #mortal kombat fanart #takeda takahashi #takeda #kung jin #mkx cassie cage #cassie cage #jinkeda #jin x takeda #you can see this as ship art or not. idrc. I think it’s funny either way lol #jay art #my art

[cienie-isengardu]

The Lin Kuei? As far as social dynamics and structure. You probably have a lot of these questions answered already, so you might just have to consolidate them... but what do think the Lin Kuei social structure is like?

I know there's the Grandmaster whose above everyone, and the Master Assassins (game characters we know about) and Sifu above everyone else, and rank is probably determined by skill less than birth. Sektor doesn't seem to get any special protection or treatment despite his family tree.

But what exactly is the hierarchy among the members? Who out ranks who? Both in teams, and as a group? What are the inter Lin Kuei relationships like, who feels what about who? What exactly is the qualifications? (Cyrax who I admittedly don't pay much attention to, for example confuses me, since he doesn't seem very impressive as a fighter?) How is rank maintained? I know they probably fight for it, but fighting constantly or to the point of death / serious injury seems counterproductive, even in mk? How is peace maintained? How is punishment dolled out, what constitutes punishment in a aggressively combative society like that, and in such a brutal environment, what is punishment?

If there's other things you think of to answer that I didn't ask, answer those too please. I love how much thought you put into these. Your the best. 🥰

"RELEASE THE RAMBLES!!!"

First off, sorry it took me so long to answer. Secondly, thank you very much for such a wonderful ask! Hope you will not regret once the rambles are set free, because there is a lot to talk about :D

The safest way to analyze Lin Kuei social structures would be to start with some basic question: what is a Lin Kuei? And the answer will be of course a clan, more precisely, a clan using assassins and thieves as its main source of income. But there is also another thing about Lin Kuei that will play an important role in creating and sustaining social structures - the strong independence streak and the pragmatism born from it.

Because the vital part of Lin Kuei is their loyalty to themselves. They work for those who can afford their service, but they aren’t bound to any earthrealm government or outworld ruler. I mean, Shang Tsung/Shao Kahn probably had a long-lived deal with Lin Kuei that benefited clan and in MK9 Lin Kuei offered the emperor their loyalty and service, but we also known that cyber Sektor refused to serve Quan Chi/Shinnok [MKX] once he decided the sorcerer had failed to fulfill his part of contract. Which means at the end of the day, the Lin Kuei benefit was the major goal to achieve. Even Kuai Liang’s reformed Lin Kuei shows this tendency - Sub-Zero will work with other Earthrealm Defenders but he isn’t blindly following anyone and is willing to go against fellow combatants (seen especially in banters with Raiden [MK11] where Sub-Zero questions god’s competence to protect the realm).

Interestingly, Shirai Ryu in the past did offer their service to various Japanese leaders / shoguns and who knows, even in modern days the clan still could have served the government as some special forces in time of need (and in return, have some protection and/or supplies from government?). In contrast, there is little to none information of Lin Kuei being loyal to one country - I mean, the sources usually call Lin Kuei warriors the “chinese ninjas” but we have never seen them showing any sign of national pride, haven’t we? Their only pride comes from belonging to Lin Kuei and their own skills. Another point against connection to any government is the fact that Lin Kuei are operating world-wide and collect people with special powers from over all world (Cyrax comes from Botswana [Southern Africa], Smoke/Tomas Vrbada from Prague [Czech Republic] and even Ice Bros were born in USA in old timeline). So, the fact that Lin Kuei warriors are diverse in terms of their powers and appearance/ethnicity will also affect the social structures.

So, the social structures on one hand must create a society that blindly follows Grandmaster’s will, on another be enough A) elastic to adapt a vast number of different people and B) solid to maintain the clan independence from others, Earthrealm and Outworld alike.

The problem with independence is that Lin Kuei works for the best price which also means constant danger. For warriors sent on missions to the safety of the whole clan. Without a clearly defined loyalty to anyone but themselves, Lin Kuei would be left on its own in case of enemy attack or any other potentially dangerous crisis. So the members of the clan must stick to each other because no one else would do that.

Regardless of type or date of source, the clan headquarters - one or many existing at the same time? - is usually presented as located in a naturally hard-to-reach, isolated place and with a clear defensive character, as can be seen below :

Lin Kuei for ages used naturally hard to invade / attack places like mountain peaks separated from the rest of the world by abyss with a bridge that can be easily destroyed and solid, thick walls to protect the clan. But here is a thing to think about - as much as there were a lot of strong, cunning and skilled warriors, Lin Kuei operated world-wide, taking jobs in various parts of Earthrealm and Outworld and some missions could take months if not years to finish and there was no guarantee that everyone would return. Which means the warriors couldn’t always be available in case of an enemy's attack or other serious crisis.

So, to maintain the defensive advantages, especially in a naturally harsh environment, there should be someone to control and if necessary take care of the state of walls, the bridge(s), residential buildings and so on. Which means Lin Kuei would need access to natural resources (wood, stone, metal) for expansion or repair but also for experienced craftsmen. There is also a matter of access to drinkable water and food supply, the most basic requirement for a clan to survive and thrive.

On one hand, warriors could fulfill such roles too, especially if we take into account a paragraph from Mortal Kombat novel by Jeff Rovin (1995):

They [Lin Kuei] would kidnap children when they were five or six and raise them in secret caves or woods to become superb athletes, great scholars, and unparalleled fighters, able to use all weapons and to improvise arms from common objects such as paper rolled to a knife-point or sand packed into a sock. They would train the children, boys and girls both, to be masters of many trades: carpenters, fishermen, priests, and even beggars, so they could blend in and make themselves useful in different towns as they traveled on missions for their lords.

Many young people died during training: some could not hold their breath for five minutes and drowned, others weren’t fast enough to avoid the weapons of the masters, some starved or froze or dehydrated when they were stranded, naked, in deserts or on mountaintops and told to make their way home. But those who survived were the Lin Kuei.

On the other hand, to become masters of the traders mentioned above, those children needed proper teachers. And yes, the already trained warriors could pass the knowledge to the younger generation but warriors first and foremost were responsible for earning money for the clan which is why personally teaching kids anything other than martial arts seems like wasting a time they could utilize in a better (more profitable) way.

This is why I suspect the social structures of Lin Kuei included various groups responsible for different needs of the clan.

The leader

So, we have a Grandmaster, the ruler. In modern times, pretenders for this title needed only to defeat and kill the current leader to take over the clan. Like Cyber Sektor and Kuai Liang did. But such practice may be just an exception to the long tradition, because Cyber Initiative was an extreme project that divided and ultimately destroyed the old version of clan. Killing the previous owner of the title may have some value (as in, eliminating any potential conflict of interest) but at the same time choosing and teaching a successor sounds much more practical. Because leading such a big clan is no easy feat thus any preparation would be useful and beneficial for the clan’s future. Not to mention the possibility of some secret knowledge that should be passed alongside.

Sadly, we don’t have much information about the inner politics of Lin Kuei. From the crumbs here and there, we know about Sub-Zero and past-Grandmasters that:

→ they could have offspring (example: Sektor).

However the sources don’t define if that was required from them in the form of a marriage or just as a way to secure the continuing inheritance of power (a tradition that Kuai Liang could simply ignore) or from their own choice or if the procreation of a child was unplanned and just happened. Whatever the truth was, in the case of Sektor, “it was never in question that he would join the Lin Kuei.”

The line from MK9 Sektor bio suggests that being a child of a warrior does not give immediate status as a member of the Lin Kuei. This in turn could suggest that not every child begotten by Lin Kuei warriors would be forced to join the clan. Sektor, as the son of the Grandmaster simply didn’t have a choice in the matter and who knows, maybe there is some premature qualification should the child be taken or not.

Another interesting part of Sektor’s BIO is this line: “Though this mission will put his clan in good standing with Shao Kahn, Sektor's ultimate goal is to supplant his father as Grand Master of the Lin Kuei." which may suggests that Sektor wasn’t the designated heir after all so plotted to overthrow his father?. I mean, he was sent to the Mortal Kombat Tournament as a participant and then cyborgized while the Grandmaster himself stayed human with a handful of other members of the clan. Then again, Sektor’s ending suggests that Grandmaster wasn’t surprised much by Sektor’s attempt to take over Lin Kuei, so maybe the killing of the previous leader was in fact a necessary part of rite of passage between old and new ruler?

→ it was against tradition for them to personally train new recruits

Stated in Deadly Alliance, in Frost’s Bio:

The winner was a mysterious female named Frost who seemed to have freezing abilities similar to those of Sub-Zero. Breaking with Lin Kuei tradition, the new Grand Master, Sub-Zero, took it upon himself to train this new recruit.

Interestingly, the Grandmaster was supposed to be the absolute ruler yet there were some traditions that actually regulated his or her participation in daily life of the clan. Kuai Liang simply ignored those and chose Frost as his apprentice, who at least in theory, became his appointed heir. By that logic, Sektor shouldn’t be trained by father, at least not before he gained the official status of Lin Kuei and proved himself worthy of Grandfather’s attention.

→ but it was their duty (choice?) to teach advanced arts to a few selected warriors.

This is mainly seen in Mortal Kombat Conquest TV series. The third episode (“Cold Reality”) gave us Shang Tsung’s explanation about clan and its warriors:

“The Lin Kuei, an ancient sect. Their training is the deepest secret as is their code. They are silent, swift and always lethal [...]. For some, a select few… the Lin Kuei Grand Masters will continue their education into darker areas. Then death comes in more interesting ways.”

Then, through this and another episode, the TV series shows that Grandmaster in fact personally oversees the training of Sub-Zero. So, the training of the new recruits may be against the tradition, but passing the advanced knowledge and the final trials seem to be not. Or at least the trials of the warrior with special (ancient) abilities.

This suggests the social status of a warrior - or any clan member - is affected by Grandmaster’s favor or lack thereof. Those chosen will advance, become more powerful and thus sent on more dangerous yet profitable missions. With a successful streak of missions, their notoriety will grow between prestige clients and the Lin Kuei community for good strengthening their social position. And who knows, one day they could take the place of (grand)masters in the inner circle serving closely the leader? On the other hand, those whose loyalty or skills get doubted by the Grandmaster are punished in several ways.

Inner Circle / Ancient (?) Masters

The same as with Grandmasters, there is little confirmed information about Lin Kuei masters. Bi-Han/elder Sub-Zero seemed to be favored by Grandmaster who called him the “our most cunning assassin and thief” (Mythologies: Sub-Zero) but it doesn’t sound like he was one of the inner circle.

In Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm (episode 5, “Old Friends Never Die”), Kuai Liang mentioned “Ancient Masters” who decided to change warriors into cyborgs, while in the Mortal Kombat Conquest TV show we could see that Grandmaster keeps talking to some men about Sub-Zero’s training and powers. Interestingly, those men had uniforms looking more like his own than of any warrior.

(If Lin Kuei co-operated with Shang Tsung for ages, their life-span could be extended by sorcerer’s magic. Or, their own special abilities allow for such a long life. Thus the name of ancient masters?)

I think it is right to assume those masters formed an inner circle that advised the leader and helped in training the chosen warriors and most likely oversaw specific operations / aspects of the clan's life. Most likely with Grandmaster, they made the higher command and were the law.

Warriors

In the simplest way, this is the working class that earns money and builds the reputation of the clan. The warriors were the main source of incoming profit for the clan, but it wasn’t just material goods from assassinations and stealing but most likely also important intelligence data that Lin Kuei could use for its benefit or sell on. Thanks to them, Lin Kuei was also feared and respected in Earthrealm and Outworld alike.

So, on one hand, being a warrior in itself was a prestige rank that gave a chance to gain fame. The skilled and smart could advance into higher positions (the master assassins and thieves) and maybe even get Grandmaster’s attention. On another the life of a warrior was the most dangerous and hazardous occupation in the clan with little prospects for a long life. The victory was paid in warrior’s blood and pain while punishment for failure was severe and harsh.

The easiest way to classified them would be those two categories:

→ the common ones,

in games and comics looking alike, without distinctive features. It is hard to tell, if they possess any special abilities, if they were blood related to each other, what kind of missions they took.

→ the master assassins and thieves,

whose uniforms and weapons are modified to their personal taste and style of fighting and who have greater independence than warriors from the first category. I think it is right to assume that named warriors should be classified as such. So we have Sub-Zero/Bi-Han, Tundra/Kuai Liang, Smoke, Cyrax, Sektor, Frost, comics!Hydro.

Yet, this division may be in fact disastrous due to lack of enough sources. I mean, the lack of individuality does not necessarily imply a lack of appropriate abilities and for all we know, the “nameless” members just wear proper uniforms for their duties. Something that maybe even the named characters would wear if any source actually showed their downtime between missions. Frankly, the classic “ninja look” also makes everyone look alike, with only proper colors to distinguish between characters. Like the old comics version of Sub-Zero and Hydro - the main detail to tell them apart was the color of their eyes because both wore the typical Lin Kuei blue and dark uniform.

There is a lot to say about Lin Kuei warriors, so I will focus only on the aspects most vital to the subject and the role and effect it has on the Lin Kuei social structures.

→ armors, uniforms and their colors

Lin Kuei seems to have various uniforms, from those with plain (“classic”) look to very ornamented ones. Like I mentioned earlier, there may be an established type of clothes the warrior should wear on duty between missions while during the job the uniform was personalized due to the owner's skills and preferences. Some more advanced designs could be also a sign of personal achievements and were given / passed down (as family heirloom?) to said warriors.

The most noticeable thing however is the color. Since most clan members shared some kind of blood-ties (thus specific set of genes), the color may represent their connections to a specific branch of the clan. For example, blue was used by cryomancers and those warriors who had water-related powers. At the same time, blue seems like the most common color used by Lin Kuei. It makes sense for Kuai Liang’s warriors to use such tone, as to honor their leader and maybe even cut off from the dark past of the clan but frankly, Sub-Zero’s freezing power was called “ancient one” in Mortal Kombat Conquest TV series that alone was set ages before the last tenth Tournament happened, so maybe the ice/water always played a big role through the history and Lin Kuei simply adapted it for its common use? As to combine the reputation of the clan with the terrifying powers of cryomancers?

There is also grey color used by Smoke that fit well to his special power and yellow worn by Cyrax. Albeit if that has any connection to his unique genes or is just a color for a specific branch of clan or just esthetic, hard to tell.

Then we have a red color that most commonly is related to fire, something that Sektor frequently used at least in the new timeline. At the same time, various Grandmasters used red / reddish or burgundy colors (examples: [1] Mortal Kombat Conquest TV series, [2] Mythologies: Sub-Zero, [3] Sektor’s Ending in Mortal Kombat 9). So the red accents on Sektor’s uniform may in fact be a sign of his blood-ties to the leader (or leading family?).

Whatever true reasons lie behind the meaning of colors, Lin Kuei warriors seem to be segregated in certain smaller groups. Interestingly, even if Sektor’s red color in fact symbolised his connection to Grandmaster, this played little to none role in the MK9 game. Of course, the source did not show much inner dynamic between Bi-Han, Sektor and Cyrax but even with so limited space, Sub-Zero was the central figure in the group screen time which makes an impression he was in fact the leader. Then, the argument about the Cyber Initiative project happened only between Sektor and Cyrax, which could also imply Sub-Zero outranked them so they did not want to bring attention of their superior to their personal conflict. Especially since disobedience to Grandmaster was a serious crime.

→ codenames

Mortal Kombat X and 11 provided information that Shirai-Ruy does have some system of official ranks including the term Chujin that in general was a middle rank between ninjas (Takeda Takahashi is a known example). Lin Kuei has complex social structures but as far as we know, they do not use analogous to Japanese ninja system of ranks and yes, I know I categorized the named characters as the master assassins and thieves but frankly, I don’t remember other warriors to refer to them as such. The warriors just called each other by codename and various sources say the codename wasn’t something that permanently belonged to one individual. The name of “Sub-Zero” is the best example since it was used by many warriors through the course of a long period of time.

In both timelines, Bi-Han and Kuai Liang come from lineage of cryomancers serving Lin Kuei

and currently have ongoing conflict to whom the codename truly belongs. Because apparently, the name is passed to new generations once the younger cryomancer will prove their worth, most likely, by defeating the present champion. This does not mean that one must die because frankly, “retired” cryomancer still could teach adepts or serve the clan in a meaningful way. Also, which is very prominent with cryomancers, their mastery over ice grew stronger with passing years, so Bi-Han and Kuai Liang’s Grandfather in fact could be a pretty powerful warrior even as an old man.

The important thing however is that, the codenames may determine the position in clan hierarchy. We don’t have a way to analyze the subjection between codenames and social status of Sektor, Cyrax or Smoke but names used by cryomancers may define their level of mastery over ice. The title of Sub-Zero has existed for ages and I think it is right to assume this is a codename intended only for the best of the best. Sadly, we don’t know how high in the hierarchy was “Tundra” but we can’t cross the possibility that Bi-Han at some point in his career used that name too, before he managed to earn the mantle of Grandfather’s name.

So, Lin Kuei may not use typical ranks and instead stick to codenames passed from one generation to another. Thus no one is addressing Bi-Han as the master assassin and thief but everyone knows that the person using the codename “Sub-Zero” is one of top warriors in the service of the clan.

→ combat experiences, teachers and retirement

Combat experience is something that affects a warrior’s position in a clan because no amount of training (even as hellish as training of Lin Kuei adepts) will be the same as real life and death struggle. The more experienced a warrior is, the more valuable become to the clan. At the same time, old age will slow down even the best of the best fighters at some point. Surprisingly, the first game mentioned (hinted) the idea of retirement in Lin Kuei in Sub-Zero’s (Non-Canonical) Ending:

"After receiving the title of Grand Champion, Sub-Zero disappears back into the shadows from which he came. His only goal in the tournament was...the assassination of Shang Tsung. He was paid a large sum of money by one of Tsung's wealthy enemies. With his mission accomplished, Sub-Zero will collect his fortune and retire from his dangerous profession."

The original Sub-Zero was usually described as 32 years old. Which doesn’t sound old, but if we take into account the previously mentioned passage from the book, the teachings started at the age of 5 or 6 which could mean Bi-Han already survived two decades of harsh servitude to the clan (that abducted him and his younger brother). No one leaves Lin Kuei but there is a possibility that at some age the warrior may step down from the dangerous profession. Then, such a “retired” fighter could train adepts and young, less experienced members of the clan and maybe even start a family that will produce offspring - preferable with special powers - to supply the clan with new recruiters.

Because of that I assume that warriors in their prime were used mainly to do the dirty job and get as much money and valuable items as possible. Once they survived to a certain age, they shared the gained wisdom with less experienced fighters. We don’t know how students and teachers (“sifu”?) were assigned to each other; it may be related to their family ties or similars powers (cryomancers teaching cryomancers, like Kuai Liang and Frost) or the veterans picked youngsters for certain skills or traits that made them worth the time and effort. Anyway, veterans, as those who survived years of service, should be placed high in the hierarchy. Because their experiences and wisdom help to shape a new generation of warriors earning money and fame for the clan.

→ they work alone, in pairs or in bigger groups.

We rarely see the “nameless warriors” working alone - in case of danger or mission, they form a small army and do as they are commanded by Grandmaster (MKX) or one of master assassins, like Bi-Han (Mortal Kombat 2021). In contrast various sources show that named characters usually worked in pairs (Smoke & Tundra, Cyrax & Sektor, Sub-Zero/Bi-Han & Hydro) or alone (Bi-Han, Frost) and in some special cases, commanded larger groups of warriors.

This is an interesting detail, because all the named warriors seem to be to some degree familiar with each other even though it looks like they were permanently paired. Of course, training together will have this effect, but Lin Kuei operated world-wide and in different realms so it is not guaranteed that warriors had time to hang out between missions or to be at the same time in headquarters. If they possessed diverse, opposing elements, after passing the trials and earning the title of warrior, they could be trained separately. Thus again, a smaller chance to form (forbidden) friendship. Which is why I think there must be some exercises that force fighters to cooperate or test their skills in some sort of tournaments. Partially to see how well they fare in fight (thus judge their usefulness to clan), partially to establish hierarchy between them.

Who and how decides about pairing certain fighters is completely a mystery. On one hand, Hydro (water) and Sub-Zero (ice) were compatible and probably naturally increased their own powers. But we also have Kuai Liang (ice) and Tomas (smoke) whose elements seem like not the best combination since Smoke’s power should work better with fire (at least his battle cry, “Where there is Smoke, there is fire!” suggests that) and there is Cyrax and Sektor who powerwise may work well, but their mindsets are extremely different.

Are warriors forced into such partnerships by their superiors or were they allowed to find the right partner, sadly we do not know. On one hand, the dynamic between named characters makes an impression they are in fact an equal partners - Smoke joined Kuai Liang in his quest for revenge on his own (MK9), Sektor didn’t manage to force Cyrax into submission before the man left the clan. Comics!Sub-Zero and Hydro were so close that “Bi-Han” wasn’t afraid to admit his fears of undead Scorpion relentlessly haunting him and Hydro was supportive all the time (“Blood and Thunder”). On the other hand, partnership could provide additional safety and increase the chances of survival during missions and maybe even uphold an already earned social position, so the warriors may seek each other for solely pragmatic reasons, even more since friendship was seen as a weakness and forbidden. I also suspect that though partnership between two warriors was based on mutual benefits, there could be fierce competition between pairs.

Surprisingly, all known to us partnerships are between male characters. There is no gender-mixed duo as far as sources are concerned (unless comics!Hydro was female, trans- or agender person and frankly, for 4 comics issues only one narrator box used the pronunciation of “he” for Hydro, while Scorpion was constantly called by Lin Kuei, other characters or narratives as “he”, which always makes me wonder about Hydro’s gender. Or did comics!Lin Kuei warriors talk about themselves in third person to not betray their and their comrades true identity / gender?). Regardless of the nature of said partnership, those working together share a strong bond. Kuai Liang and Tomas outright considered themselves very close friends (family) despite clan rules that forbidden friendship. Bi-Han was willing to show his weakness / fear to Hydro who in return was very protective of him and even Sektor shows a pathological need to keep Cyrax at his side despite all the oblivious signs how unwise this decision is. Frost, sadly, didn’t have any named partner (what may be related to her role of chief between female Lin Kuei warriors) and if she was included in an important mission, she partnered Grandmaster (MK: Deadly Alliance). And their collaboration was based on a master-apprentice relationship, so it had none of the equality that characterizes the previously mentioned duos.

Of course, ultimately, the warrior who works alone does not need to share the fame (and earning?) with anyone. Bi-Han is the best example of that (Mythologies: Sub-Zero, Mortal Kombat novel (1995) or his bio from the original game). And yes, every warrior should be capable of completing the job, but though weak Lin Kuei fighters may look superhuman in Earthrealm they will not last long in Outworld.

And that brings us to another important matter:

→ the place of activity.

Because those who work frequently in Outworld by default should be considered better in the combat area. But at the same time, Lin Kuei must have a wide and well organized spy network, to keep track of all potential recruits (Smoke and Cyrax), access to science research and laboratories and so on. So, especially in modern times, combat skills may not be the most appreciated feature anymore and some Lin Kuei warriors, no matter how weak they are compared to others, will still have their special value to Grandmaster’s plans. Due to the nature of spying, they could also work alone or in small groups far from their homeland. Thus, operate outside the social hierarchy established between other warriors.

→ Punishments

A warrior could die on mission at any moment, but also could be killed for various offenses, such as:

Leaving the clan - punished by death and this seems to be a consistent punishment in all sources. Of course a determined warrior could manage to successfully run away (like Takeda, the founder of Shirai Ryu or Kuai Liang did) but Lin Kuei does not forget such crime and will hunt down the fugitive for years. The best example comes from the Mortal Kombat book, in which Sub-Zero spent two decades hunting down his own ex-partner in crime to kill him in a brutal way in front of the man's family.

So even if someone managed to run away and start a new life, there was no escape from the clan's wrath. In the modern time, Cyrax was captured and cyborgized - for him, it was fate worse than death. This actually brings the question, if there were warriors responsible for hunting down fugitives or was it the duty of those whose partners broke the sacred rule of “no one leaves Lin Kuei”?

Failure of mission - another known major crime punishable by death yet most likely not applies to Kuai LIang’s reformed clan.

In the Conquest TV series, by Grandmaster’s order two warriors that failed the mission were killed by then current Sub-Zero. This was as much public execution to show others what happens once you fail as presenting the ice powers of freshly promoted cryomancer:

“Before you stand two who have failed. For this there can be but one consequence and it must come from within, within us. Earth, wind, fire, water. To control one element of the four that make up life is power. A twist of nature, an aberration, one who brings forth true killing force. Before you stand one whose ancestors have passed on such power to us. Remember this well. Behold... Sub Zero. [Grandmaster’s speech, episode 3, “Cold Reality”]”

This is just one example from the distant past but it may also be a suggestion that warriors with special powers played the role of executors.

Another example, from Mythologies: Sub-Zero, thus relative modern times:

Scorpion: Yessss... I am Scorpion. You killed me in cold blood.

Sub-Zero: I had no choice. If I had not stolen that map I would be the dead one.

Frankly this attitude is both inhuman treatment of subordinates (failure in itself is just another source of experiences and sometimes failed mission wasn't the result of someone’s mistake or incompetence but of independent circumstances) and unpragmatic (losing manpower). We may only wonder if warriors were punished for failing all kinds of missions or just selected ones. At the same time, a fighter that survived to old age should be really respected - with such harsh laws, not many members live to old age and those who did through the decades failed little to no missions.

Lin Kuei punished also impostors:

which brings us back to the point about codenames and their relationship with social position (and hey, Noob’s complaints aren’t baseless). We don’t know though what kind of punishment was used for such an offense.

Disobeying Grandmaster was also a big deal. I suspect this could be punished by death too although rather not in Kuai Liang’s clan:

“When Sub-Zero made historic peace with his clan’s enemy, Scorpion, defiant Frost challenged her Grandmaster as unfit to lead. Sub-Zero defeated and banished Frost. [MK11]”

In general, Lin Kuei laws were harsh and cruel and it was really easy to lose such hard-earned privileges and positions.

Recruits

In ancient times, children were abducted at the age of 5 or 6 and forced into harh training. Some didn’t survive but those who did became fully pledged to Lin Kuei warriors. In modern times, it seems like most adepts have some blood-ties to other members of the clan and usually are “given” for training freely. There are exceptions to the rule, like Bi-Han and Kuai Liang, who were stolen from home at a young age. Finally, there are people who seem to join Lin Kuei on their own (or at least they think it was their choice), like Smoke, Cyrax and Frost.

(Tomas and Frost are confirmed users of special powers. Cyrax most likely possesses some unique genes too or at least is capable of well controlling his own energy (chi) during fight. Frankly, it looks like Sektor is the only one named Lin Kuei who does not utilize any special power. Ironically, considering how Grandmaster (Oniro) from Defenders of the Earthrealm was shapeshifter. Who knows, maybe Sektor didn’t inherited father’s unique skills?)

So even recruits are a diverse group to begin with and include people ethnically totally different from the majority(?) who needed to learn a new language(s) and culture from scratch. This alone gives a ground for potential conflicts though there is little to none examples of racism between Lin Kuei adult members? I mean, Lin Kuei used to look down on everyone who wasn’t one of them all the same, with special hatred for Shirai-Ryu - not for being Japanese (different ethinc group) but just for being Shirai-Ryu.

The adepts were trained by older warriors and looking at Sub-Zero’s origin (MK9), some adepts trained with family members (Kuai Liang and Bi-Han and maybe even under their Grandfather’s eye?) and teacher (Sifu?) could train more than one student at the same time.

In a way, those coming from the lineage of warriors could be from the start at better social standing than those who were “no ones” or came from far away lands and needed to earn respect of others. Those blood-related to clan members either developed specific powers during training or at least possesed special DNA that could be passed down to the next generation. So, even if those children weren’t the best of best fighters, they still have something valuable to the clan.

At the same time, again, Sektor doesn’t seem to have any special privileges, not once in game(s) called his father as anything other than Grandmaster and in general, he did not have much presence (respect?) between other warriors. I mean, he freely spoke only with Cyrax who in the end did not listen to him at all and almost always fell silent if there were more people around. So yeah, how big an impact on social dynamic between fighters had their blood-ties is not sure.

I’m not gonna talk much about the life of adepts (and there is a lot to say about potential pathologies and harm done to the kids), but they for sure were the lowest rank in (warrior) hierarchy, at least until they proved their worth.

So, the Lin Kuei warriors could be separated in three categories, from lower social rank to the highest:

adepts (in-training, maybe assisting in missions under the watchful eye of their superiors),

warriors (the one earning income),

veterans (teachers)

and the circle was completed.

(For some reason, the circle of Lin Kuei warrior life resembles the “Three-field system” but I have weird associations, I guess).

Household?

When we talk about the Lin Kuei clan, the first association that comes to mind is its warrior nature. But with such a large organisation, warriors are just one social class rather than the majority. Because someone needs to feed them, cloth, arm, heal, which seems logical to assume that there were other specializations that keep the clan running.

I mean, Lin Kuei is an independent faction that as far as we know, has no ties to any earthrealm government. This alone suggests to keep that independence the clan have to possess their own source of food, water, medical supplies and access to other necessary resources, so no enemy could besiege their strongholds and starve them and so on.

⇒ The medics will be for sure an appreciated branch of the clan. And yes, warriors to some degree must have medical knowledge (if not to save people then at least to know how to successfully kill them) but at the same, with so many specific genes and used in fight elements, some Lin Kuei members may have different medical needs than normal people.

⇒ Armorers (and smiths?) provide clan additional defensive equipment and weapons. And we know that even in modern times Lin Kuei barely used firearms and relied more on shurikens, knives and swords.

⇒ Scientists, computer experts and researchers, especially in modern times when C.I. Project became a thing, most likely playing a big role in the clan, fulfilling Grandmaster’s wish to change warriors into cyborgs. May not be liked by the traditionalist members of Lin Kuei, but favored by the leader (so be untouchable).

⇒ Farmers and craftsmen, providing the clan with the basic needs. I doubt they had much impact on social dynamics and may not even live on the grounds of the Lin Kuei Temple / Fortress. I imagine them living in the surrounding villages (or at the foot of the mountains?), giving the Lin Kuei food and handicrafts (and maybe even their own children?) as a tribute, and in return get protection.

My conclusion is that, Lin Kuei have pretty complex social structures in which Grandmaster and his closes circle administrate the whole system, warriors, depending on their age and expertises, are responsible for earning money and prepare the new generation to replace them, while household is there to keep previously mentioned groups alive and in the best condition. Everyone plays a role that helps to maintain Lin Kuei independence and reputation.

So, finally I get to the main part of the question about the dynamic between characters.

Who outrank who is a good question. The Grandmaster of course is above everyone else and so are the “ancient masters” / inner circle. Bi-Han seems to be one of the favored warriors by Grandmaster, the only(?) one confirmed to be the most cunning assassin and thief and the use of a codename associated with “ancient power” only adds to that impression. So, in regard to the named five characters (him, Kuai Liang, Smoke, Cyrax and Sektor) I would say Bi-Han outranked everyone. At the same time, he does not act arrogant against his fellow clansmen. Okay, to be honest, he seems to not interact much with anyone but that is rather the abrasive, asocial nature of cryomancer than anything else, really. And we have examples from various sources that Bi-Han wasn’t always rude to people around him. (Noob is another deal, but even then he has a more passive-aggressive attitude toward his brother than outright hate / arrogance).

Anyway, Bi-Han outranked the others. And yet, he does not seem to perform any special social functions - except maybe at Grandmaster’s command executing those who failed. In contrast, in MKX intro vs. Sonya, Frost was described by Kuai Liang as “chief among [female Lin Kuei]” which implies her high rank and responsible position in social structures.

One may wonder why Bi-Han most likely wasn’t given similar honor but to be an effective chief, the person must be available and close at hand. Going with Mythologies, the elder Sub-Zero barely came back from one mission (stealing map of elements) to be sent right away for another difficult task (stealing Shinnok amulet and side trip to Netherrealm) and then next one (Mortal Kombat Tournament). Of course, the game due to its limited time and space, won’t focus on realism such as making a proper preparation for the job but even if Bi-Han was allowed little rest between one and another mission, it really looks like he didn’t spend much time at Lin Kuei Temple. Thus there was no point in giving him any big group to oversee, if he wasn’t available to control what was going on between his subordinates. Also, he seems pretty familiar with Smoke and Kuai Liang’s close relationship but there are not many hints that he tried to do something about their breaking clan rules forbidding friendship.

Then again, there is a possibility that Kuai Liang, Smoke, Cyrax and Sektor did in fact belong to Bi-Han’s own “cohort” what could explain

A) why all the five characters are always so closely tied up to each other while the rest of clan members are just a background and

B) why with Sub-Zero’s death everything went to hell between them.

(And again, the amount of duties to female Lin Kuei could keep Frost from leaving headquarters too often, thus no need for partnership with anyone. Because of that, she grew angry at Kuai Liang for “holding her back” and at the same time not respecting enough to grant her the title of Sub-Zero).

Pragmatic resolution to solving inner conflict would be some kind of neutral judge (chief) and the fight for rank and position most likely happened under watch of superior(s). As in, official challenge, especially for top ranks like Sub-Zero. The official fight did not need to end with someone’s death but this could be one of rare situations when a warrior could kill the other fighter - or even the hated teacher / master? - without much consequence. Of course, Lin Kuei proved pragmatism is not always a priority but I strongly believe the clan structures were based on discipline and so arbitrary fights were also severely punished. What is the point of having warriors if they can’t be sent to earn money due to unnecessary injuries? Also, corporal punishment in itself shouldn’t be that big deal for society growing up in brutal ways since early childhood - which is why I suspect that the punishments were administered in public. As a form of humiliation, to force the guilty people to earn respect of fellow warriors again from scratch.

I suspect that warriors could be separated into smaller groups - basing on their special powers or family connection? - that competed with each other. Age could also regulate how one person should act around the others; for example, like youngling around veteran or fully trained fighter. Not sure how this rule could relate to those representing “household”. Were there laws protecting them or could they be bullied/killed on whim? Could warriors even be involved romantically with “servants” / lower class? The good thing from such affair could be the birth of children given to the clan once they were old enough and well, sex with “outsider” in itself can be a good way to relieve the warriors growing tension / stress resulting from living in a brutal environment without complicating things between companions. To be fair, some warriors could have romantic / intimate relationships with each other as well but most likely kept them secret to avoid punishment.

There is also a matter of who and how chose warriors to represent Lin Kuei at Mortal Kombat Tournament. I mean, Bi-Han was always the first choice, supported by the first game and Mythologies but did he choose Sektor and Cyrax as his companions or they naturally were chosen as part of his group or did Grandmaster assign them to Sub-Zero on his own? Dunno but keeping the five named Lin Kuei warriors together through the course of years really makes me think they came from the same, for a lack of better word, a cohort.

Cryomancers most likely stuck together (Bi-Han and Kuai Liang) and Smoke tagged along. Cyrax looks like an easy going type of person who isn't afraid to speak his mind so I wouldn’t be surprised if he were either on good terms with most clan members or pissing the rest while human Sektor, in contrast, is much more introverted, or even withdrawn from social interaction. This is of course only my subjective feeling, but he lacks a dominant presence to make a big impression. Not like the older Sub-Zero or Cyrax. Then we have Tundra!Kuai Liang whose loyalty belongs first and foremost to an older brother than the clan itself and to honor Bi-Han he will get into all sorts of dangerous problems and conflicts not caring for consequences at all. A behaviour that may not sit well with Sektor (even more, if he never had such a strong bond with own father/other people?). Sektor and Kuai Liang have a long history of ideological conflict and I suspect they truly could agree only about not giving up Cyrax’s remains to anyone and whatever was going on, protect the body at all cost.

Interestingly, as much as Kuai Liang and Tomas or Kuai Liang and Cyrax were close and on good terms (especially after the fiasco of C.I. project), Bi-Han and Sektor seem to be much closer to each other. If not in the stricte emotional sense, they at least share the pride in Lin Kuei and strive for perfection (manifesting itself in accepting their drastic changes for example). Even with limited sources, the storyline never(?) put Sektor and Bi-Han against each other, either as humans or cyborg and wraith and I strongly suspect there may be something much deeper about their relationship that lack of interaction on screen could suggest in the first place (x)(x).

Then we have tradition vs technology.

This most likely is a modern issue that could be the basis for serious inner conflicts between warriors. Those taking jobs in Outworld for sure must be powerful fighters, especially since technology is not something working well there. Bi-Han in most if not all sources was a traditionalist who didn’t use much or outright refused to use technology and I wouldn’t be surprised if he worked in Outworld frequently (especially Bi-Han in the newest movie was presented as a close associate of Shang Tsung). For the weaker warriors, advanced technology could be a life-saver. Then there is the whole Cyber Initiative that divided (and ultimately destroyed) Lin Kuei. For such a project, the clan either worked with independent / private researchers and cybernetic experts or actually had its own specialists (another possible social group?).

From MK9 we know Cyrax spoke in public against Grandmaster’s plan. In Defenders of the Realm, Smoke and Kuai Liang run from the clan at the first occasion to avoid such fate. Logically thinking, Sektor (supporter of the advanced technology) should not get along well with Bi-Han (stubborn traditionalist), the same as he fell out with Cyrax, Smoke and Kuai Liang. And yet there is not much evidence suggesting any big conflict between them. Of course, Sektor could simply not speak against his superior(?) the same as he argued with Cyrax but in all fairness, I doubt Bi-Han’s lack of use of technology was a secret not openly critiqued by others. I mean, even comics!Kuai Liang said about his brother that Bi-Han was “stubborn in many ways, refused to utilize modern technology on his missions. A shame, really. He was among the Lin Kuei’s finest --although fast becoming obsolete”. If Sektor and Bi-Han (and the rest of the group) worked together on joint missions, the issue of technology would come sooner than later. Though I suspect that no matter what Sektor would say, Bi-Han outstubborn him anyway. On other hand, it looks like only Sektor needed/chose to use advanced technology (flame thrower) while the rest relied on their special powers. In that case, being Sektor between gifted people for sure was a hard deal.

So, if I have to rank them I would say Bi-Han → Sektor & Cyrax who most likely were at least a bit higher than Kuai Liang (younger cryomancer) and Smoke. In case of conflict, I think as long as it was possible, they solved their problems among themselves. Bringing authority (Grandmaster, one of chiefs(?) or Bi-Han)’s attention was never a good idea because it could lead to public punishment / humiliation. Bi-Han may or may not knock some sense into others if the inner conflict gets out of hand or at least told them into face how idiotic they are (and he is pretty famous for insulting/mocking even those he shouldn’t. Like Quan Chi, a powerful client. Which is why I doubt he would tone down his natural abrasiveness. Especially not for an idiot that actually deserves it ).

And yet, whatever conflict was between those five characters, they still stayed loyal to each other. At least until someone outright broke one of the most punishable laws, like leaving the clan.

For example, Cyrax and Sektor argued about C.I. project - and most likely it was already an ongoing argument between them. Cyrax even was “among those speaking out against the Grand Master’s plan”. Not a good thing for their partnership yet Sektor still vouched for Cyrax when Shang Tsung had his doubts about the man. Or how Bi-Han changed sides during Tournament (MK9) - otherwise his fight against Scorpion would have zero sense - and maybe he did discuss the course of his action with his fellow clan members. But whatever he told or not what was going on, Cyrax was absolutely ready to kill Scorpion to avenge fallen cryomancer (“Scorpion will pay for this!”). Then we have Smoke not abandoning Kuai Liang even though he was already turned into Cyber Sub-Zero and attacked his friend and of course furious Tundra interrupting the Outworld Tournament and literally demanding from the Emperor to bring him Bi-Han’s murderer to kill. Hell, even Noob and Cyber Sektor stick to each other despite everything that happened.

Those five were a really loyal group, weren’t they?

So, in general:

the social structures of Lin Kuei were diverse and complex,

the punishment was harsh and deadly - in some cases, executed by a fellow warrior in public.

Bi-Han most likely had a high position in clan hierarchy but he wasn’t outright called a master

and there is possibility Sektor, Cyrax, Smoke and Kuai Liang worked under his command.

Most of the Lin Kuei members share blood ties to some degree but experiences and skills seem to outrank any family bond. In contrast to friendship, keeping touch with family (within the clan) is rather not forbidden. There may be a conflict between friendship (a choice) and family matters (a fate / tradition of serving Lin Kuei to uphold).

Kuai Liang and Smoke broke clan rules forbidding friendship (and Bi-Han did nothing about that?).

Cyrax most likely were familiar with Tundra and Smoke enough to like / respect each other. In the case of Tomas, the additional factor for keeping together could be the fact that both were born as outsiders (different ethnicity, lack of blood ties to clan).

Cyrax and Kuai Liang had ideological conflict with Sektor, who in turn seems to be on good terms with Bi-Han.

Bi-Han on the other hand seemed to not have any conflict with the four named warriors? Kuai Liang was his brother (and there is no example he was abused in any way by the older sibling, I think?), MK9!Smoke may not be on a first name basis with Bi-Han (didn’t call him in game as anything else than Sub-Zero or Kuai Liang’s brother) but he was accepted as Kuai Liang’s close friend. At the beggining of Tournament, Cyrax was seen on Sub-Zero’s right side and there is the scene-parallel (with Sektor cut off from the frame, the impression is that we were shown the honorable/”good” Lin Kuei) and he showed protectiveness toward Sub-Zero.Then there is Sektor who somehow get along with Bi-Han (and Noob) without any complaints or problems. Of course, Smoke, Cyrax and Sektor could be smart enough to not get in any open conflict with abrasive Bi-Han. Kuai Liang is a whole different matter, I guess.

The named characters in fact didn’t need to like each other but they were taught discipline and loyalty to the group from the start. Though it would be really hilarious if the most abrasive cryomancer with little to no social skills was in fact the one that keep them all together and was a bridge between strong-willed/hotheaded Kuai Liang & Smoke, independent Cyrax and blindly loyal, withdrawn Sektor.

I’m not sure if such a mix of strong personalities was the norm between warrior groups or was it just Bi-Han’s luck to get involved with duos of Tundra-Smoke and Sektor-Cyrax at some point. Anyway, this is my take on social structures and dynamics between Lin Kuei.

Hope it satisfies your curiosity!

#mortal kombat #lin kuei #sub zero #bi han #kuai liang #cyrax #sektor #tomas vrbada #smoke #hydro #lin kuei grandmaster #my meta #my replies #lin kuei social structures #lin kuei social dynamic #what a great thing to talk about! #sorry it took so long #RELEASE THE RAMBLES ha! #only if anyone is ready for like 20 pages in google doc XD #thank you for the ask! #i don't have an idea how asocial bi han became (in my mind) the bridge between strong headed tundra smoke and cyrax #and withdrawn sektor but here i am #but no #seriously it makes sense that mk lore is all about sektor cyrax smoke and ice bros #if they were part of the same group #to begin with right? #i just don't have an idea who could look at abrasive asocial bi han and thought yep let give him some troublemakers and one withdrawn #and see how it will work! #i bet it was some sort of revenge for bi han's lack of care for manners and social norms

[outworldgay]

i really like your blog and i totally came here after watching the movie a few days ago and found your blog ! i agree with kung lao being super cool lmao I had previously played an old game when i was younger and i guess my interest remained dormant until the film released and now this is all i wanna talk about !! lao has always been one of my favorite characters in the series and i was so happy to see how cool he was in the film

Aw thank you! and you're def not the only one who came here after the movie bc every time it released in a different country i received a small spike of followers & notes on my posts abt Kung Lao & Liu Kang lmao

It's funny you say that tho bc that's kind of what happened to me until I played mkx & mk 11. I had played so many mk games as a kid and always liked Kung Lao (my brother and i played a lot of Shaolin monks together and he always played as Liu) but my interest sat pretty dormant until i revisited it years later with mkx and the release of mk 11 (despite my disappointment w the latter)

I've always liked Kung Lao and at one point I'm p sure my blog was the first one to pop up when you visited the kung lao tag bc i made a lot of content abt him lmao. Nowadays i don't write much anymore but it has been so nice to see Lao get the love he's deserved for so long tbh.

The film wasn't great but what i did enjoy, i enjoyed a lot. Id like to see where the series goes bc i think it has potential to improve.

#replies #anonymous

[heamatic-archive]

how did u get into mortal kombat, pls tell me the story!!

For munday, you’re allowed to ask me anything you want.

Oh dear! It may be a loooong story, I don’t really know haha! (It probably will be, so sorry for the novel I’m about to write!) I got into the franchise when I was 13 years old, so… twenty five years ago ( yikes! I’m old ;.; ) when my dad brought home the first game for the Sega Genesis. I don’t know what attracted me to it so much: it was different from any other game I’d played before I suppose? I’d never played a fighting game before – and I fell head over heels for Sonya as soon as I saw her. My 13 year old ass was like “I wanna be like Sonya when I’m older” (well I missed the mark by a few miles oops lol ).

Fun anecdote: the Sega Genesis version of Mortal Kombat 1 only had blood and fatalities if you entered the blood code. So the game never did any fatalities on me until I rented Mortal Kombat II, where it was suddenly free for all. First time MKII did a fatality on me, I shut off the console and didn’t wanna play the rest of the day because I was traumatized. I got thrown into the Acid Pit lol But it grew on me rather quickly. Anyway, I didn’t know there was blood and fatalities until then. Note that I did not speak english at the time, only french, so even though my dad bought a few video game magazines, neither of us could read them anyway. Lol

But I digress. I remained a huge fan until MK4 when I didn’t have the console to play. And the graphics then didn’t do it for me. In fact, while I did keep playing during the 3D era, I wasn’t a big fan of it at the time. I mostly played the mini games, like Chess Kombat (which I think they should definitely bring back!).

Fast forward a few years and MKvsDC came out. Not the best of games, but it was decent enough, and it was the first game associated with Warner Bros. Honestly? People can shit on it all they want, this is the game that decided the fate of the franchise. WB wouldn’t have picked it up without testing the waters with Midway. A little while later and MK9 was announced, and suddenly my love for the franchise came back full force. The only reason I didn’t roleplay it at the time is because I didn’t know there was a roleplay community for MK at all at the time lol I was still rping on forums.

MKX came about and I actually, believe it or not, refused to play it for years because my dumbass was under the impression the original cast had been completely replaced with their kids. I wasn’t interested in their kids: I wanted my beloved characters. Little did I know they were still there, because I was dumb and didn’t do my research. I caved in six months or so before MK11 was announced and was shocked by how cool the game was… and pissed off at myself for being so damned stubborn. By then I WAS rping on tumblr however, and gave Mileena a try – unfortunately the community was dead, so I didn’t last very long. Maybe a few weeks at best.

Now MK11 gets announced, and I get hella excited because those graphics? HOLY shit. But I still didn’t have it in me to rp in the community yet. And even if I had, I didn’t know which muse I could pick up. But I kept up with the news, with each trailer, and even got to play the demo when it came out, where you could only play as 4 incomplete characters: Jade, Scorpion, Baraka and I forget the other now. Cassie’s trailer dropped and I remember I was completely enamored. I didn’t like Cassie much in MKX except in Story Mode, and even then, didn’t like her enough to pick her up… but when I saw her in MK11? Right up my alley. Few days later I was adding her to my blog called Grimsouled at the time, a multifandom/oc/multimuse. And honestly? Next to Becky? Best time I’ve had rping in a long while. Later on I picked up Raiden since I was already writing him as a side character in threads – then I picked up Sindel when she was announced because I loved her since MK3 – and finally I picked up Fujin a couple of months ago after seeing his trailer: same as Cassie, I fell in love with him right away. There’s a few reasons I dropped the other muses I had when it was still called Grimsouled instead of Heamatic, or moved them to new blogs (like Maria from Silent Hill 2), but mostly it naturally turned into an MK multimuse as the last year went by.

I’ve really enjoyed the story of Mortal Kombat, especially as of recent. The characters are generally deep and developed, but there’s still enough left to interpretation to make your own headcanons. I like that it took on a more serious tone in the recent years, and the graphics have blown my mind with MK11. Are there mistakes? Oh yes, plenty. But to me it doesn’t matter, it’s the essence and maybe a bit of nostalgia keeping me around. I like this game. It’s FUN. And I love the muses I picked up. :)

I hope that uh… answered your question. Guess I had a lot to say after all LOL Sorry for the wall of text XD

tldr: my dad brought MK1 home when I was 13, 25 years ago, and I’ve MOSTLY been in love with this franchise since.

@conorbyrne

#conorbyrne #╰ *:･ﾟ❤ ──❝ e-mails ❞ ❪ asks. ❫ #[ me? shutting up about MK? NEVAR ] #[ thank you for your question love! ]

[frstbiitten]

Okay but SERIOUSLY: you've been writing Frost a long time. What attracted you to her in the first place?

For munday, you’re allowed to ask me anything you want || Open

Okay it all started when I was 8 years old, I wasn't into video games by that time because I didn't have a console and I still don't have one, but I will... one day. Anyway, thing is the one of my friends that we're still friends to this very day, thing is that she invited me to her home to have a nice time together and play and all that, and she told me her brother got a PS2 and has been play MK Armageddon, I thought "I have no idea what that is" but still, we got to play Mortal Kombat Armageddon.

The thing about MKA is that it has SO MANY CHARACTERS and I only knew Sub-Zero, Scorpion and Reptile by that time just because... I don't know why I knew about them but anyway, we tried some characters, my friend made me freak out about Meat, Mileena scares me the fuck out but... I liked the game. Thing is that she told me that there was a woman with Sub-Zero's powers and I was like "NO WAAAAY THAT IS SO COOOL!!!" (Because she knew I liked him), and even if Frost had a different moveset... she became my main. Then she got Deception, Deadly Alliance and we played the story modes together, it was really fun but I was so sad that Frost took the path she did in those games.

By that time is kind of confusing to explain why I liked her so much, it was something about being almost like an iconic male character like Sub-Zero... but it was a woman no less. For me that concept was amazing, just what I needed. And now that I'm older I'm realizing that what drew me to this character wasn't exactly something in regards to her aesthetic, it was her powers. But since they added a little bit of lore in the comics in regards to her past I thought "wow... this is some good shit I like it", and even made me love her more when the MKX comics came out, those little bits of lore when she fights with Cassie show that Frost was someone who was really trying to survive through the world and was there because she needed, somehow, a motive to show she is worth of living... imagine how much I screamed when she appeared again by the end of the comics, it was so epic for me to see Frost and Kuai meeting for the very first time.

To me she is really unique and if NRS took the time to expand her character, she could have been amazing, I don't feel repulsed at the idea of Frost becoming a cyborg, at first I was like "Awww shit... here we go again". But anyway, I also started to write her because I didn't see anyone else doing it and I didn't feel like writing a character so significant like Sonya or Kitana, doesn't mean I don't like them but I didn't feel like I connected with them, you know what I'm saying? Frost to me is linked to a part of my childhood that I loved, to one of my best friends and she knows I write her currently and she told me "Honestly... I'm not even impressed you do it now, you loved her when we were kids". So yeah.... is like a full circle.

#heamatic #((IM SORRY THIS IS TOO LONG)) #❄‖ ∵ｓｏｆｉ.ｅｘｅ ｈａｓ ｓｔｏｐｐｅｄ ｗｏｒｋｉｎｇ∴ — ooc.

[fromthewifecage]

Ok love let’s get personal 😏 tell me what made you fall for Johnny! His gorgeous body? Charming personality? Award winning (ha!) smile? I want all the wonderful (smutty 😏) details you’ve got!

What started it? 2 words. Linden Ashby.

And I mean it. I saw Mortal Kombat at the cinema (and LOVED it) and of course I couldn’t help but immediately fall in love with this Johnny. I’d played MK before then, even had the very first version on the Master System (so old it didn’t even have enough memory to cope with all the fighters so they cut KANO from it *cries*). He was the perfect mixture of hot and hilarious and he (along with Cary and Christophe Lambert) made the film for me. I honestly adore the film and will happily watch it now. We ignore the 2nd film (yeah, replace Linden Ashby with a random and then kill Johnny after 5 seconds?! That’s going to get me on side, wankers.)

After the film I went back to playing the games and Raiden (“the man with the hat” as my Mum calls him) was always my main (mixed in with some Noob and Smoke). After MK Trilogy I missed out on MK until 9 was released, and yeah, Johnny was alright, he’s funny as hell, but after his chapter he becomes a punching bag :( and I was happy blowing kisses at Raiden.

Then we get to MKX and we meet MY Johnny. Andrew Bowen’s voice is hot as hell and he is SUCH a good voice actor, without him I wouldn’t love Johnny nearly as much. Honestly, his voice does very naughty things to me, very good naughty things (in my knickers). Johnny makes MKX, he starts the thing off and if I play it or watch it through on Youtube when I get a hankering, then I always want more of him. I am a greedy slut.

I think the kharacter design is hot. I wasn’t sure of his Special Forces look to start, and when I play MKX I use either his Ninja Mime skin or his topless kostue (again, slut) and wish they’d gone for something more, well, more Johnny. Yes he’d wear the kombat trousers and vest on missions, but the guy takes care of himself and would have adopted “Treat yo self’ as one of his main mottos, so he’d wear more klassic stuff (if you zoom in on his tux shirt he has his own little JC logos on it , amazing detailing, so he has a clothing line and he’s wear that, all sexy designer looks) when not working. I absolutely ADORE the tux look in MK11, he looks incredible in it. (And oh yessss they’ve rolled up the sleeves to show off his forearms. Anyone looks good doing that, any gender, and age, any size, anyone, instantly boosts your hotness.)

The storyline of MKX where he gets together with Sonya is totally believable. If you watch Maximilian Dood play the Johnny vs Shinnok chapter on Youtube when Johnny says “She called me Johnny” Max will say something like “Oh don’t go get charming on me Johnny, you’re making me like you.” And that is exactly what Johnny’s doing, he’s charming the knickers off Sonya and everyone playing the game. Instant love. You totally see why Sonya falls for him, cos you’d be mad not to.Then you meet Older!Johnny and he’s still utterly hilarious, but now he’s more charming, less of a douche, has the sexy salt and pepper hair, still shows off the tattoo, and I wanted him even more. His obvious adoration for Cassie makes my knickers evaporate. I don’t have/want kids, but if I did a Sonya and ended up pregnant with his kiddo, you know that he'd just be the absolute best Dad.

How they treat his split from Sonya is pretty realistic. The comics show that Sonya kept with her career, and Johnny was a stay at home Dad (obviously still doing his films), and that Sonya wouldn’t take time away from her job caused the family to break up. Again, as a non kid person myself I can totally see Sonya’s side. But I can also see Johnny’s and Cassie’s (and isn’t this just forgotten in MK11?! BULLSHIT.)

Johnny interacting with Kenshi is fantastic (yeah, I totally ship it), and with Kuai (yeah, I totally ship it) and with Raiden (yeah, I totally ship it). (The “I’m guessing it’s not your first time in cuffs. What’s your safe word?” to Quan Chi with Kenshi sniggering is HILARIOUS. As is “Oh sorry ma’am, didn’t see you there” to Shinnok.

I LOVE HIM.)

Now onto MK11. Yeah, he’s GORGEOUS. His face model Colin Ryan is hot as hell (thank you NRS) and thank the Elder Gods they kept Andrew Bowen as his v/a. I’d have gone on a one woman riot if they’d changed him.

Thankfully he is mostly hilarious, and we get to feel his sadness when Sonya dies and he comforts Cassie. The bond between him and his loved ones is beautiful. His fatalities are my favourites (OMG that leer he does at the end of his ventriloquist act is knicker-ruiningly hot. GOD DAMN!)

Young Johnny is an absolute dick until he does that face at Sonya bandaging him up at the end, and we see Older!Johnny start to emerge. He’s a good boy really, his Dad just fucked him up and made him think he had to be a prick.

His clothes. So they kept with the SF styling for Older!Johnny, and it’s still not great. He looks great in it, but he’d look great in a bin bag. I am SO glad they brought out the tux, (I have already squealed on about that, but fuck me it’s amaaaaaaazing) and I LOVE the Ninja Mime kostume. The younger outfits are great too with topless being the icing on the cake. The vests are great, the colours are great, the sunglasses are great.

The non sleezeball intros are hilarious, as are his taunts (the Mime one is especially brilliant, as is the fuck you one!) I love him playing with the toy Johnny, the splits, the autograph (I imagine he’s writing that on my tits).

The bad MK11 stuff: Yeah, MK11 isn’t the best. I honestly can’t buy him and Sonya back together after how their marriage ended. He may have forgiven her, but that would never stop him feeling like she hurt Cassie, and Cassie is his everything, and you just wouldn’t get past that. Sure you could keep the peace, be civil, but feeling his child was abandoned by the other parent is not something that would ever be pushed aside. I think NRS made a huge error in getting them back together, it was obviously to heighten the emotion of Sonya’s death, and that’s pretty pathetic writing on NRS’s part.

Johnny’s intros have him behaving pretty appallingly towards the majority of the female kombatants. There was no need for him to be so sleazy. Sure Younger!Johnny is a sleazy prick, but he’s a ridiculously famous movie star, he can get anyone he wants, why have him sound like a slimeball desperate for pussy? It’s done so badly, ugh. And the non distinction between Older and Younger!Johnny is sheer laziness by NRS. Not hard to make different intros for different variations. Same goes for how they fucked up the revenant skins, kharacters will state they aren’t revenants when they have a revenant skin. Fucking terrible by NRS.

Also I am greedy and wanted more of him in the story, buuuuuut that is appallingly greedy, especially when Kabal, Erron and Bi-Han got 5 fucking seconds of FUCKING BULLSHIT.

And also, what the fuck is up with Johnny’s ending with rehab? Where did that come from? Sure he’s a film star but he never seemed drunk or high or owt so WTF? Sadly I would bet money that they put that in to try to lesson the ‘Sonya fucked up the family’ and shift the blame to Johnny. Go fuck yourselves NRS, go on, go fuck yourselves.

So what is it that makes me love Johnny? The humour and Older!Johnny’s personality, hands down. Make me laugh and I am a very happy woman. Add in muscles and a smile that could kill me?

I LOVE HIM.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.

(Ok and I had this ridiculous daydream once about Older!Johnny getting a part in a Tarantino film, and it totally revitalising his career (just like John Travolta) and making everyone sit up and go “Whoa, I didn’t know he could actually act”. Ridiculous I know.)

#Johnny Cage #I Got Caged #John Carlton #He's SO Pretty #Mortal Kombat #Mortal Kombat Asks

[sinkingwmyships]

Was rewatching MKX and MK11 storymodes, and wow did SubScorp hit me hard :’3

Prompt list | Wattpad | AO3

This does not contain any spoilers!

         * * *

Prompt: “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Character(s): Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion; Kuai Liang/Sub-Zero; the Kombat kids (Cassie Cage, Jacqui Briggs, Kung Jin, Takahashi Takeda) (mentioned)

Pairing(s): SubScorp

Word count: 1,386

Warning for any hardcore MK fans out there: I only play mobile, and basically know no lore at all except for the MKX and MK11 stories. So don't yell at me if y'all find anything other than SubScorp that deviates from canon ;_;

Also, I guess this is slightly NSFW? There is (almost-)naked cuddling, and implied/referenced sex. But that’s it :P Super mild, I promise.

          * * *

The cold woke Hanzo up first. The slight tingle of Kuai's fingertips as they trailed along his bare skin — slow, affectionate, even though they did numb him a little. Then the soft whisper of his partner's breath, cool against the nape of his neck where his long hair must have parted. He wasn't too surprised when Kuai pressed a kiss to his shoulder, but the place his hand was traveling to was what finally made Hanzo's eyes open.

"Stop." The pyromancer murmured, grabbing Kuai's hand in the process and stopping it where it was: hovering over his abdomen, about to trace over one of the many scars there. He could feel Kuai's surprise when he shifted, loosening the spoon a little:

"Did I wake you up?"

"Mmn." Hanzo hummed a reply as he laced the ravenette's fingers with his own and brought their hands up to his chest, hoping this would be the end of their conversation and they would both fall asleep again. But Kuai did not seem to get the message; his hand twisted out of Hanzo's grasp and once again traveled down his torso. It made the brunet frown:

"Kuai, stop."

The cold tingle left his skin momentarily, and Hanzo felt the cryomancer shift behind him, once again widening the gap between them:

"Sorry. You don't like it?"

"No, it's..." Shit. He reached out to take Kuai's hand, and held back a sigh when he felt him stop moving. "It's fine. You can touch me."

"You sure?" Hanzo nodded, but still tensed up when Kuai's palm came to a rest on his waist. "... Are you ticklish?"

"No?" He huffed, forcing himself to relax. But Hanzo was glad when the ravenette's hand didn't move. Kuai leaned in, until the pyromancer could feel the rumble of his chest:

"Then what is it? I can stop if you want me to. We don't have to do this."

Great. Watch me fuck up this cuddle sesh real quick. He wasn't sure why he remembered what the Kombat kids taught him right then. The brunet leaned back, allowing Kuai's hand to slip forward a little:

"No, it's fine. Really. I just...."

"Yes?"

"I'm...." How could he say it? That he would love for Kuai to touch him, but just not there? Not where his scars were, where his skin broke and twisted and took so many unsightly forms? Where the knots, ridges and bumps could be felt so clearly and painfully underneath that cold smooth touch, his imperfection exposed, his vulnerability made known? It was fine during sex, Hanzo did not care during sex, but now that his mind was clear and quiet, anywhere Kuai's hand touched made him want to squirm. He loved Kuai, of course, but between all the people he had lost and all the ones he might very well lose tomorrow, admittedly Hanzo often found it hard to find a space for himself in his heart.

"You don't like it when I touch your scars." The cryomancer suddenly spoke, and the slight iciness of his breath might have helped to slow the heat that was now rapidly rushing to Hanzo's ears. "Is that right?"

"... Yes."

"Why?"

Now that was a question he could not answer. Kuai shifted, and suddenly he was hovering behind the brunet, having propped himself up on one elbow. Hanzo swallowed when he felt Kuai's free hand move to his midriff — thankfully, to a not-yet-damaged patch of skin this time. That, combined with the genuine curiosity in the cryomancer's eyes, were what finally compelled Hanzo to speak — even if his explanation was far from satisfactory:

"I... just don't like it."

"Then... why didn't you tell me sooner? Earlier tonight, I mean? I'm sorry, I didn't—"

"Don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong." Hanzo cut the ravenette off, then sighed. He wondered if Kuai could feel how fast his heart was beating. "I do like it. When you touch me. You're... it's very sweet. It's just... it's awkward, I guess, when you... you know... because... I...."

He faltered, flustered and annoyed at himself — but Kuai's patience did not waver. He leaned forward, and Hanzo closed his eyes for a moment when the cryomancer's hand brushed across his forehead, combing back the strands of hair that had fallen over his face:

"I'm listening."

"I just feel really weak, and exposed, and gross, and ugly, and... and so I don't like it." Oh, there it was. Hanzo wanted to turn away and shut his eyes and fall asleep immediately, but the crack in Kuai's voice stopped him dead in his tracks:

"What?"

He turned back immediately, thinking that Kuai was crying, but not fathoming why until he saw the look on his face. Detangling their legs underneath the covers, the brunet quickly turned onto his back and raised a hand to cup his partner's cheek:

"Hey—"

"Hanzo, how could you say that?" If he wasn't the pyromancer here, Hanzo would have believed that the blue in Kuai's eyes was burning. "You're beautiful."

No. Stop it. The brunet wanted to turn away, but Kuai suddenly gripped his hand so tight it actually hurt a little. "Hey. Listen to me. You're beautiful, Hanzo. I'm not touching you because I want to shame you. I would never do that."

"I know—"

"Yes, you know, but you don't understand." There was an urgency to Kuai's voice, and if Hanzo wasn't already burning under his skin, the frost forming on the ravenette's hand would have made its way onto him. "I'm touching you there because I love you, Hanzo. I love you a lot. And I don't know why you would look at your scars any other way, but to me, they've always been evidence. Evidence of your bravery, your resilience and your conviction. You went through so much hell, but you always came out on top. You're a warrior, Hanzo. You're so strong, so believe in it, and believe me when I say you're amazing just the way you are. Yes, you're scarred, and no, you're not perfect, but that doesn't mean you're any less deserving of love. So don't talk about yourself that way, okay? Hanzo."

Hanzo let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He let his hand fall to his side as Kuai let go of it, then moved to wipe away the tears the brunet didn't know he had cried, the cold of his fingers now a lot more bearable. When he saw that Hanzo was not ready to reply, the cryomancer simply moved his hand to touch the brunet's long dark locks, stroking his hair and combing through it until Hanzo's breathing returned to its normal rhythm. The ravenette murmured, looking down at his partner's gorgeous face:

"You alright?"

"Better than alright." Kuai let out a small yelp when Hanzo suddenly looped an arm around his neck, pulling him down into a kiss. Most of the air was knocked out of his lungs when the cryomancer fell down on top of him, but Hanzo didn't mind. He flipped them both over and kissed Kuai until his lips lost feeling, before breaking off and letting his face fall sideways onto the pillow underneath them. He could feel Kuai's chest heave, and once the chill he felt with each of his own inhales became more tolerable, Hanzo mumbled into the crook of his partner's neck:

"What you told me... it's true?"

Kuai moved away suddenly, but Hanzo let him — because when he looked up into those ice-blue eyes, all he could see was love:

"Every single word of it."

Reassured, the pyromancer closed his eyes and made himself comfortable inside Kuai's embrace, fully aware that he had hogged most of the bed. The cryomancer didn't seem to mind, though, because Hanzo felt a kiss on top of his head, before sensing the familiar tingle of Kuai's fingers on his bare skin again. He relaxed into it this time, until he realized that Kuai was tracing a scar that would go straight down into his underwear.

"Hey." Hanzo's voice was threatening, but the ravenette could feel him smile against his chest. "Don't push it."

"Yes, Grandmaster Hasashi." Kuai hummed, before letting his hand go lax. He supposed that could wait until another day. Right now, what they needed was sleep.

Outside, the tiniest ray of sun peeked over the horizon.

#subscorp #sub zero #scorpion #hanzo hasashi #kuai liang #scorpion x sub zero #hanzo hasashi x kuai liang #fluff #slight nsfw? #hurt/comfort? #scar worship? #kombat kids #mortal kombat #mkx #mk11 #subscorp fanfiction #subscorp oneshot #mortal kombat oneshot #mortal kombat fanfiction #tumblr prompts #writing prompts #writeblr #sinkingwmyfics

[rebelredeyes]

Why Johnny Cage is my favorite from the MK Universe.

I got asked by a friend why I like Johnny Cage so much. Well there is a lot more reasoning of how I grew to like his character. Which leads me to state, I only know of the rebooted universe of the MK universe. I don’t know what happened in MK 1 to MK 8 at all. I just know MK 9 onward, so yeah. I like Johnny Cage due to his character development.

I will admit, seeing Johnny Cage’s design for the first time ever, I hated it and him. It looked tacky, out of place and only something a crazy or over-arrogant bastard would wear with confidence. And yep, that’s what we got. He was set-up as the first person you play as which is also ironic in a sense of you normally forget the first couple fights of your game as the story was still preparing to take off and also running you through tutorial on how to play. Still Johnny Cage appears first, like the star of the show. Whether is was on purpose or not, it was interesting and fed into his “I’m the star” vibe even more. Then twist on the bridge comes with Sonya which I have explained in a different post. It was good and set up the stage for Johnny’s development which is seen in small cutscenes which makes him seem less of an ass. Still arrogant, but not sucking his own dick level.

It then goes into the comics after MKX’s opening with the sky temple where a lot of things about Johnny get broken down. It’s hinted at that he hides his pain while playing it off as Hater’s Hate, but really it does bother him. Also that he was the one to raise Cassie, not Sonya. Which also seems to imply that he filed for divorce first and it’s why Sonya is so angry with him. She feels betrayed by Johnny for filing and taking custody of Cassie most likely too. And Johnny tries to better himself for Cassie’s sake while making sure never to paint Sonya as the villain.

The bettering himself thing really sticks out more with MK11’s dialogue lines between future and past Johnny. Johnny was afraid of turning out like his dad for Cassie and did his best to not be him. Which could be taken as Johnny’s father was a divorced man who villainized Johnny’s mother for leaving, or at least that's how I take it due to the reflection of Johnny’s actions with Cassie’s upbringing. Still ended up with an arrogant streak in her, but also became more like her mother with a flare of dazzle mixed in from Johnny’s end. Which we know he is proud of and will beat the living shit out of anyone saying different. Which is why the end of MKX is good to me as it shows Johnny is willing to let Sonya back in despite years of fighting as he sees through his daughter the good in Sonya. Yes, he could be bitter and mean like his dad, but chooses to be open and willing to let go of his pride to try again. And it makes me smile. 

Johnny could have been kept as this some complete jerk who screwed Sonya, before breaking it off as she was never around and didn’t want to raise the kid himself. Dumping Cassie off with Sonya, who would not have been a good mom during that time, and leaving their lives for fame and glory. 

Instead we got a guy who only acted tough and was a huge softie who tried to salvage his marriage and raise his only kid without villainizing Sonya for being too busy for them. He probably lost a lot of deals, and took on smaller gigs -B rated films- so he wouldn’t be away so long and could be a constant in Cassie’s life. Just because he didn’t want his past to repeat itself

I love Johnny cage cause he is more than just a movie star that can fight. He is a guy with a heart and a lot of love to give. I just wish more people would notice this.

#mk11 #mkx #mk9 #johnny cage #sonya blade #character development #he is a bean #sometime a jerk too

[torterragarden]

top 10 favorite mk characters!

OOF that’s so hard, and it’s... flexible? Like I mean, who I list as my favorites is gonna vary from game to game you know, but since you didn’t specify a game I’m going to assume you mean consistent favorites that I’ll hope/get excited for every game. SO in that case I would say:

1. Sub-Zero (has been my main since I got into MK, something about him just clicked for me and I never left. Except in MKX when I left to main Cassie hgghjdf but given what she becomes in MK11 I never should have abandoned my boy I’ll never make that mistake again)

2. Kitana

3. Mileena

4. Jade (for the record, Kitana, Mileena, and Jade are all very close)

5. Noob Saibot (some day...... some day he will be written well.... I speak that into existence)

6. Kung Jin (I hesitated to put him on here because he’s only been in one game so who knows what will become of him, but whatever, for now he belongs on here somewhere. I love this guy)

7. Sektor

8. Cyrax (he and Sektor could be switched around depending on how I’m answering this, I generally like Sektor more for gameplay but prefer Cyrax for like, personality)

9. Raiden (would be a lot higher if I liked his gameplay more. Like I do like it but not consistently from game to game and not as much as the others)

10. Oof already at 10...... uuuuhh.  Maybe Sindel? It feels dishonest to put her on here because honestly, she’s never really been one of my mains in any of the games she’s been in so far, but she is absolutely one of my favorites in lore and I do get excited for her every appearance for that reason alone so... yeah, Sindel works here

For some honorable mentions because I do not know the meaning of brevity:

Cassie Cage - she was my main and my new favorite in MKX, but I really dislike what they’ve done with her for MK11, and tbh it’s retroactively made me like MKX!Cassie less, since I liked her mainly for what she represented to me and for the promise I thought she had. That’s kind of gone now

Jacqui and Takeda - I thought of the Kombat Kids as a package deal and the fact that they’re not all back and the two that are back barely interact in the game’s story has me feeling less interested in Kombat Kids as a whole, which is a shame because I really did love them, and MK11!Jacqui is still pretty great. Kung Jin still makes the list because he’s gay and as a fellow gay I appreciate the rep

D’Vorah - yeah yeah she killed a lot of fan favorites but she’s easily one of the best designs they’ve ever come up with and she’s cool af

Sonya Blade - I like her a lot, and I like using her in pretty much every game, but I can’t say she’s someone I get particularly excited for most of the time

Johnny Cage and Kung Lao - Same as Sonya, really

Kollector - lmao yeah so if we’re talking just MK11, I would actually put him in my top 5 because I think he’s super fun to play as plus y’all know I’m a shameless monster fucker. But if we’re talking the whole series, I don’t think he’s one of the more interesting characters in general. I’d be glad if he came back in future games but I probably wouldn’t miss him too much if he didn’t

Sheeva - she’s just. She’s so hot. Oh my god. Oh my fucking g o d she’s so hot

Okay that’s probably more than enough honorable mentions I’m gonna list half the cast if I keep going lmao but thank you for asking!!

#sorry about the essay #this is just what happens when you ask me about mk #ask #kytinnhive

[sirbadgerduke]

Retrospective Thought: Top Ten Games of 2017

Another year goes by, and another list of games that I thought were stellar, great and splendid to play. 2016 was a pretty alright year for games, but this year, with a myriad of stellar as fuck releases? personally blew the previous year out of the water with some stellar as hell titles, new IPs or new entries in existing franchises. As good as games this year might be, 2017 was NOT without its controversy, specifically the rise of Loot Boxes(thank you EA, Activision-Blizzard). Nonetheless, without further waiting, here’s my top ten games of 2017. 

10) Yakuza 0(PS4) -

I’m a huge fan of the Yakuza series, seeing it as the last bastion of good Sega Games made by Sega themselves, despite their continuation of fuckin up Sonic. Yakuza 0 is basically a prequel, set before the events of the original game and putting you in the shoes of a young Kazuma and a young Majima Goro. The action is ridiculously fun and over the top as previous entries, including a new Fighting Style that allows you to switch between styles for varying strategies against waves of foes. The story is still as crazy, funny, emotionally gripping and tense as one can get from a Crime Drama centered around the Yakuza. The characters are all larger than life, greatly developed and just a pleasure to see, whether its new guys just for this entry or returning characters at a younger period of their lives. Pick this game up if you haven’t played the Yakuza games, it’s a great starting point. Pick it up if you’re a fan of the series too.

9) Nioh (PS4/WIN) -

Tecmo Koei’s “Dark Souls” only it’s set in Feudal Japan, post Nobunaga. Originally, this title was expected to be out in 2004, but was kicked into development Hell until it’s re-announcement in 2015/16. Following the adventures of William Blake as he searches for Guardian Spirit who has been taken by the evil Edward Kelley. William meets many allies, some who may sacrifice themselves to help him help Japan’s Amrita problem. the gameplay is great and greatly fun, solid and responsive as it needs to be. It blends both the flashy badassery of Dynasty Warriors and the tense, pulse pounding grit of Dark Souls. While playing second fiddle to the gameplay and loot system, the story is delightfully cheesy and over the top, it’s hilarious in most parts and well worth getting engaged in. Buy it for your DW/DS/both DS and DW fix.

8) Resident Evil 7(PS4/WIN/XO) -

Resident Evil needed a dire rehaul, reinvention and a total reimagining from the ground up. RE6 was a dumpster filled with half ideas and lazy gameplay. Resi Evil 7 was teased, showing a rather stylistic change, possibly to jump on the hype left by Silent Hills, but nonetheless it ended up working for the better. The scares were there, more cerebral than ever whilst taking that traditional Resi Evil feel and introverting it into quite possibly the best RE game since 4. Get it if you’ve been wanting that AAA Survival horror atmosphere, definitely worth the price.

7) Pyre(WIN/PS4) -

from the developers of Bastion and Transistor, two incredibly stellar indie titles, Supergiant Games brings out Pyre this year. You are the Reader, you’re travelling with a group of exiles taking part in these “rites” to seek your freedom and return to the commonwealth. mixing parts of an adventure, an RPG and a fucking sports game of all things, these systems and mechanics are all solidly blended together in superb fashion. The story is also one to follow as well, dealing with redemption, rebellion and even death, this is a tale in which character’s mature over time, developing into whichever way you choose throughout the game. A fabulous indie game developed by a stellar indie developer, pick this up as soon as possible.

6) South Park: The Fractured But Whole (PS4/XO/WIN) -

Admittedly, I was not expecting much from this sequel, considering how great Stick of Truth was. But Whole is a fantastic follow up and quite possibly the best licensed game that I can really think of. You follow the story of the kids, Eric and co, as they decide to play Superheroes, hoping to find a lost kitty. In classic South Park style, everyone is not safe, everything WILL be mocked and made fun of, even the “Difficulty” slider is not spared from the same bout of vicious shit flinging. If you’re familiar with South Park, or at least the previous game and it’s brand of humour, then you’ll have a great time with this one, though if you don’t particularly enjoy South Park? You may want to avoid this title. Recommended for those who love offensive humour and South Park. 5) Assassin’s Creed: Origins(PS4/WIN/XO) -

Well it seems taking a year off, retooling and rebuilding the franchise has helped GREATLY with AC:O. Ubisoft are not the greatest of developers/publishers, but I commend them for actually crafting an AC experience that is on par, if not BETTER than AC2. You follow the story of Bayek, a Medjai who’s seeking out individuals of an Order after they had killed his son. While gameplay still has those “creed-isms” Such as stealth and assassinating, the combat, ranged and melee have both been redefined from the ground up for mostly better.While it has a rocky beginning, the story for the most part is damn great, with some really impactful moments here and there, the dynamic between Bayek and his wife ground themselves in a relatable way, giving the series another “good” protagonist in a sea of “bad” ones. If you’re a fan of the series, be wary of the changes to combat, but for the most part you will love it. Buy it to see how an open world is done right. 4) Pokemon Ultra Sun/Moon(3DS) - 

Sun and Moon are great pokemon titles and even good games in their own right, but their “updated” iterations make a good game fantastic. Sure, it’s really a remake, but the added stuff is enough to give a second journey through Alola. More pokes to capture, wider selection of wild pokes in the earlier game, new forms and even new pokes add a much meatier experience on the gameplay side of it whilst the story is vastly improved on with added scenes and characters, giving the UBs more importance helps to make their inclusion not so last minute. While it may be harder to recommend to a passing fan, it’s definitely worth picking up if you’re a pokefan through and through. 3) Injustice 2(PS4/WIN/XO) - 

I loved the original Injustice, even its mishaps, heck Mortal Kombat X was one of my GoTYs for 2015, and I still adore that game/series now. Injustice 2 takes a hard long look at it’s predecessor, looks at its shortcomings and decides to get rid of them, for better or for worse. IJ2 is a vast improvement by definition, more varied selection of fighters to choose from, a better written story plus a Villain that will make you go “Holy shit that’s dope” trust me on that. The game picks up from the last title; Batman is now running things after Dictator Chairman Supes is now put in a cell of kryptonite, whilst Supergirl wants to go rescue her cousin, Earth is in peril by the invading Brainiac, a Krypton Super-Computer who wants to collect all knowledge. The gameplay takes some elements from MKX and even improves upon them, especially the added loot system, giving you that chance to customise how your favourite DC Fighter(or Hellboy/MK/TMNT Fighters, yes even Hellboy and the Ninja Turtles are in this, take that MVC:I!). Varied roster, solid gameplay and a story that doesn’t have any right being as good as it is, a must buy for Fighting Game and DC Comics enthusiasts. 2) Persona 5(PS4) - 

The Persona franchise is one of those JRPG franchises that you either love or hate, I love it if you haven’t read my review on Persona 5. The fifth(Main line, that is) in the super popular gem that is Persona is a fantastic, well written piece of JRPG goodness with music that will blow your socks off, and a story that’s goofy, hilarious yet serious, dramatic and engrossing all packed together neatly. The gameplay while standard Turn Based affair is so solid and fun and with a surprising amount of choice, since you can potentially recruit enemy personas to your team. Each character grows and develops throughout the story, with tragedy and hope mixed in to give you a sorta mix of Persona 3 dark and Persona 4 lightheartedness, and that’s a good thing. Quite possibly my favourite JRPG of this by a huge, wide and long road between the other stuff. Recommend whether you’re new or a veteran to this series, god damn play this game now! Honourable Mentions: In no particular order, here’s a few honourable titles that I loved but haven’t included in my main top ten. Tekken 7, Yakuza Kiwami, Battlechasers: Nightwar, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus, Evil Within 2, Middle Earth: Shadow of War, Gravity Rush 2, Horizon Zero Dawn. 1) NieR: Automata - 

This game...this game is why I love games, stories and music, all in one. A fantastic experience from start to finish, a rollercoaster of emotions whilst using gameplay in conjunction with narration and to break the fourth wall on multiple occasions. You play as 2B and 9S, androids that are fighting the Machine menace to save the earth for humanity, by destroying them to pieces and dodging and moving through bullet hell like segments and even Shmup segments too. Seems standard affair right? Well the story really _really_ slowly reveals itself, giving even development to the bosses and enemies you face, no major character here is one note, at all. Platinum Games managed to get one thing they could never quite master right; an engaging, dramatic and heartfelt story/narration. Execution is far from perfect, but this game is so near perfect it deserves to be played by everyone. The music? There’s a few refrains and already established tracks from the previous game, but why fix something if it ain’t broken right? The music is heartfelt and really emotionally heavy. Yoko Taro is truly the Madman of Video Games. But his mad genius is executed for the most part, really great. Pick this game up if you desire something memorable, meaningful and fantastic. So there’s my list, obviously this is my opinion, you may think differently, or think the same way, it’s fine, everyone’s got an opinion, but this is MY list, so don’t hate because a game I like that you don’t like is here, it’s kinda pathetic. Hopefully 2018 brings even more diamonds.

#nier automata #injustice 2 #persona 5 #south park fractured but whole #nioh #nioh: complete edition #pokemon #pyre #assassin's creed #Yakuza #video games #games of the year #fighting games #action games #adventure games #rpg #JRPG #tekken #evil within 2 #horizon zero dawn

[dark-alice-lilith]

For Mortal Kombat asks: 1, 8, 11, 14

1. Who is your favorite character/your main? Why? 

Kenshi. Okay, MKX was the first MK game that I had played since I was a kid, and like the minute I saw him I was like, he’s gonna end up being my favorite and as the game progressed. I was like yes, this one is my favorite. And besides his personality, I really love the fact that he is disabled but he doesn’t let that hold him back from fighting. Is he a flawed character? Yeah, every character is. But I love him anyways.

8. How were you introduced to MK? 

When I was a kid, my dad had it for the Sega Genesis and we used to play it together all the time. But we both always wanted to be Scorpion though.

11. Any unpopular characters that you like?

I don’t think so? I mean there’s some that don’t get as much coverage, but I don’t think I’d consider them unpopular.

14. If you were to be in any MK faction (Lin Kuei, Shirai Ryu, Special Forces, Shaolin Monks, etc.) which one would it be and why? 

Shirai Ryu for sure. Scorpion was my favorite as a kid and before I found Kenshi, so I think that’s a good reason to want to be in it. Plus Takeda’s there and he’s in my top favorites too.

#about me

[frstbiitten]

Mortal Kombat 11: beauty, blood and multiculturalism

(Before starting with this, let me just clarify from the beginning that my english is not the best, since is not my main language, so doing this is a big effort for your girl right here. With this stated, let's continue).

Mortal Kombat 11 gameplays and trailers are out there, and with all of the things they showed up so far, is fair to say that there were some changes (some could say that those changes were for worse which is... okay because you might have your reasons). With this in mind, and the latest Kombat Kast, we can see how much they worked on certain details. You can see this time some intricate designs in Raiden's clothes, how impressive is Gera's metallic accessories, the lights reflecting on the blood spears that Skarlet can create. All of this, from my point of view, is pure beauty.

As someone who played Deadly Alliance when younger, and was shocked by the graphics and the quality of the rendering (now it looks odd to see those "blood worms"), I have to say that NRS is stepping up on their art, even when the results are gorey, and we are here for blood, the smashed heads and the missed limbs. Even though that's were MK's spirit is, in showing the crazy ways a bung of powerful people can destroy the human/other species anatomy in so creative ways, NRS has paid attention to something else, something that for some time it was kind of left in the shadows for some characters.

Character design here is crucial to tell a story.

Let's take Jade for example:

Remember MK9 Jade and her outfit? How could one forget it? It left nothing to the imagination, and so did the rest of the outfits for the ladies. Aside from the sexualization of the women in the past (we have seen it since MK1, let's be realistic), this change makes everything better. But why that MK9 outfit was a mistake and this new is great in every way? Is due to the lack of skin showing? Well, no.

What makes these new outfits special, is not just the fact that they have more details, is because they fit Jade and her personality as a whole. Okay, fair, we haven't seen too much from her yet, but NRS made sure to give us some cultural background about Edenians and Jade's role in the past (or present). Remember who Jade is: she is some type of bodyguard for the Edenian royalty, Kitana's best friend and one of the strongest warriors in Edenia. We see Jade's skills with her weapon of choice, we see her being a bit cocky, a bit sassy, subtle, she is pure elegance when she is in the battle. This fits her much more, because all of that, creates a balance with who she is.

And you can see this with the rest of the characters. Design fits their personalities, fits who they are. Sonya's clothes tell who she is, we see her and we know already a thing or two about her and that strong personality, which is kind of different with Cassie, her daughter is humorous, kind but letal, and that new gear is just amazing (the pink outfit is so her). Raiden's clothes also do the same for him, and did it in the previous games, the juxtaposition between light and darkness, the good and the morally questionable attitude he has now, is palpable by just giving one look to his skins.

And... why multicultural?

Outworld is an invented place, but in the MK world, this place has brought lots of issues to Earthrealm. Now, might it know too much about how things work in Outworld, well, we know is a hard world to live in after all, but just like Earthrealm, it has a story, their characters have a cultural background. Is common in fighting games to being characters from any place of the world (I mean, look at Street Fighter as well). And why this picture? Okay, look at the picture from a moment... we might not know how was Outworld 1000 years ago, maybe, but we know how their people look. Here you can see Shao Kahn, he is alive and with new clothes and accessories, his helmet that now kind of looks like a crown, surrounded by different people. These people are different from each other, we have knowledge that different species live in Outworld and have their own background (tarkatans, edenians, zaterrans, cryomancers, etc), this might not say too much, and even though is not a real world, we can perceive a lot of information here, these people are different from each other, they might not have the same culture as the other who stands next to themselves.

Is going to sound quite risky, but fighting games have this spirit of multiculturalism to being a variety of characters to our options. Yeah, sometimes they stay only on the stereotypes, but (and this is important), NRS created a world based on cultures from this world. I always believed that a part of Outworld was heavily influenced by Arabian architecture, or at least gave like a feeling that it was.

This was painted by Gustav Bauernfeind, a street in Jerusalem, and the color scheme give us already the sensation of where is the location, that is far away from a city, is kind of populated... and remember that scene in MKX when the Kombat Kids arrived to Outworld the first time? We had merchants around, some kind of trial going on (the trial itself with an inch of central american background. It could be some kind of inspiration, influence or some sort of hidden information about the location of where all of that was happening.

Another thing related to this is Kotal Kahn himself.

I remember being in love with the idea of an aztec/mayan influenced character. He gives us this vibe of leadership and at the same time of being someone who is pretty ancient. And we are not wrong since that is explained in the comics, and how he was perceived as a god (oh I forgot to mention, but they kind of missed with the locations... still, let's forget that for a minute). And this perception and influential cultural background can be shown easily by the gears he uses. The crown he wears is a clear example of this, if you are familiar with Central America cultures before they were invaded, and much more familiar with how the leaders used to wear, you will notice that those headpieces were worn by those who took the lead of those respect civilizations. Like Moctezuma and his "penacho", an important headpiece for an important leader.

Kotal is like what I like to call a "character with cultural appreciation behind", because they took different inspirations and symbolisms for him. Like, his headpiece resembles to an eagle (a bird important for the mayans and aztecs), the stones he uses on himself, the fact that his body is painted entirely to give him a bigger presence.

I could go the whole night with this, if could of course. But if we start paying attention to these details, we will see how much the cultural background influences the way a character is presented in the screen. It just takes a bit to see where one detail can take you.

With all the variety of characters we have, we can say that Mortal Kombat, even when the main interest is the blood and all the gorey material, it has some important things to demonstrate. Yes, is a multicultural game itself, there's inspiration from everywhere, there are some beautiful designs that fit the characters, and they can give us a story about them.

Thanks for reading this long material. Is the first time I do something like this, and honestly if I had more time I would have done more. But this is it, for now.

#((i had something to say)) #ooc. #article #mortal kombat #mortal kombat 11 #mk #mk11 #mortal kombat x #mkx

[torterragarden]

mortal kombat 11 every time closer, any character or concept you'd want more than other? :eyes emoji:

Oof good question! I really, really hope the Kombat Kids will be back. I thought they were really fun and likable and I’d be really interested in what they could do if they focused on a new generation of heroes rather than relying on old faces so much. Not that I don’t love those old characters, but instead of just retreading the same ground it’s nice to feel like we’re moving forward in the story and the Kombat Kids helped with that. Given that Cassie was the hero in the end of MKX I’m thinking it’s likely she’ll return? Maybe? I really hope she does, she’s my fave and it would make my url relevant again hghgdf I’m not sure how good the chances of returning are for the rest of the Kombat Kids, but I’m going to hope for it

Apparently this game’s story is gonna be messing with timelines a lot which honestly I’m really excited for cause I love time travel and alternate timelines and all that good shit, it should be really interesting! Especially if characters can confront themselves from other timelines like we’ve been seeing, and it would be a good way to bring back fan favorites who are dead or otherwise shelved. I really love that we’re getting Dark Raiden in this, I’ve been hyped for that since the end of MKX hghf I love Dark Raiden and I love how shamelessly Edgelord that prologue with Shinnok was it’s just ghgdfhkj THE BEST. I had also hoped that Liu Kang and Kitana would be the final bosses of MK11 because that would have been a super interesting direction to take things and imagine the ANGST when Raiden has to confront Liu Kang!! but I’m also okay that they’re not the bosses. Kronika seems like she could be a cool antagonist because unlike most villains we’ve had so far she’s not bent on destruction, she’s kind of... Lawful Neutral, or maybe Lawful Evil who thinks she’s Lawful Neutral. So like, that’s different at least! I am a little bit :// about the idea that she’s like, apparently been behind everything since the beginning and yet she’s only being mentioned now hgghfkd it reminds me a bit of that retcon in MKX that placed D’Vorah in the MK2 events and it just didn’t work lol but it’s maybe not quite so bad, since at least Kronika is an elder goddess working in secrecy so it is reasonable that no one would have known of her, whereas with D’Vorah they were just like “oh yes, remember how D’Vorah was totally there the whole time? no? well she was trust us”. So yeah I’m intrigued by the role Kronika will take in the story and it’s cool to finally have a female boss character in MK after like two decades lmao. And Liu Kang and Kitana will likely still be a major part of the story as both heroes and villains (if those alternate timelines come into play). I do worry that the story could get a bit convoluted and lbr NRS doesn’t have the best writing team when it comes to their story modes but at the very least I’m sure it’s going to be an entertaining ride so I’m looking forward to it

As far as gameplay goes, I’m not sure I like this whole Fatal Blow (or whatever it’s called I’m tired and forgetful) thing? I feel like that’s going to be a very frustrating thing to deal with because it can turn a match around so quickly, which I know is the Point but it’s. idk I feel like that’s something they’ll have to fine tune a lot to make sure it’s not too broken. Also, while the details on the gore look fantastic I haven’t been that impressed by a lot of the Fatalities we’ve seen so far because they seem to be more focused on making them gorey than on making them actually creative. I mean I get it, it’s Mortal Kombat, over the top gore is their Thing and I love it, but I’m also gonna need a lot more Style to those kills. Sometimes the most memorable Fatalities are not the most gore-heavy ones and I hope they’ll keep that in mind (and of course ideally I would want Fatalities to be both gorey and creative). Also hope that they’ll bring back Brutalities cause those were fucking fun, and something like Animalities or Babalities just for the laughs you know 

This ask was answered by the Should Be Sleeping Gang and is probably really incoherent so sorry lol but thank you for sending me an ask about MK I’m literally always happy for an excuse to talk about it

#ask #zzxid

[torterragarden]

Cassie Cage

Why I like them: I mean she’s just a really cool and fun(ny) character but the reason I like her as much as I do has more to do with what she represents to me than about who she is, if that makes sense. MK has never had the best representation when it comes to female characters but it did get better in MKX and while there’s still a lot of room for improvement, Cassie embodies a lot of the positive changes they made to me so yeah. Also like, she’s really fun to play as and she’s my best character so you know

Why I don’t: Nothing I can think of? I mean, she hasn’t really gotten that much development yet… but I guess that’s my answer come to think of it

Favorite episode (scene if movie): Uuh I guess my favorite scene in story mode is her fight with Shinnok at the end

Favorite season/movie: I suppose I could change this to “favorite game” but… she’s only been in MKX so far

Favorite line: I don’t have a specific one but um I like it when she swears alakshd

Favorite outfit: Her default costume

OTP: Jacqcass but I’m also pretty fond of Frossie

Brotp: Any of the Kombat Kids

Head Canon: She’s the least close with Takeda out of the Kombat Kids. They get along well but she doesn’t have much of a rapport with just him alone they kind of talk/hang out more with the group than with just each other ya feel me

Unpopular opinion: Don’t have one as far as I’m aware

A wish: I hope she’ll be in more games and I hope that she’ll still be the main hero along with the other Kombat Kids

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: Pleeeaaase never give her a male love interest

5 words to best describe them: Funny, brave, confident, secretly insecure, oh wait that’s five

My nickname for them: I tag her “my angel”

#ask #weisshowdareschnee #. #.. #... #mortal kombat #cassie cage #my angel