MK info: Taven

TAVEN

Appearances: MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Edenia
Species: Edenian, Half-God
Alignment: Good
Fighting styles: Gold Dragon

Weapons: Drakesword

Taven made his first appearance in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon as the game's hero, featured as the main character in the game's Konquest mode. He is a half-god and the oldest son of Argus, the Protector of Edenia, and Delia, a powerful sorceress who has the ability to see into the future. He also has the ability to control fire, much like his brother Daegon.
The Konquest Mode in Armageddon revolves around a contest between Taven and Daegon set by their father to save the realms from Armageddon. They are sent to Earthrealm and are kept in incubation by two dragons, Caro and Orin, until Blaze calls for them to be awakened and the quest to begin. Their task is to find and defeat Blaze. The victor would succeed his father's place, becoming a full god and Protector of Edenia. He would also decide the fate of the rest of the kombatants.
When Taven is released by his dragon, Orin, he finds that his brother, Daegon, had been prematurely awakened centuries ago. Taven soon discovers that his brother had become corrupted during this time. Daegon's dragon, Caro, reveals to Taven that he killed their parents and formed the Red Dragon clan in order to locate Blaze sooner, as well as to eliminate the competition: his own brother.
Eventually, Taven confronts Daegon in battle on the edge of the crater that Armageddon is said to begin in. Taven emerges victorious, defeating his brother. The Pyramid of Argus then rises from the ground nearby. Fighting his way to the top, Taven finally reaches the end of his quest to save the realms and decide the fate of the other fighters. Not knowing if his victory would disarm the rest of the combatants or kill them all, Taven manages to defeat Blaze in Mortal Kombat. In the end, however, his victory over Blaze does neither of the above, instead actually increasing the powers of the kombatants below, potentially exacerbating the onset of Armageddon. As a result, Taven will make it his duty as a new god to delay Armageddon until a solution can be found.

Signature moves

Fireball/Inner Fire

Taven blasts a fireball at his opponent. In Konquest mode, this attack will often gib enemies with a single hit.
Ground Pound/Ring of Hatred

Taven rises into the air and smashes his fist into the ground, causing a shockwave of fire. In Konquest mode, this attack is used to activate Ground Pound markers, or switches placed in the earth.
Godly Charge

Taven charges forward, ramming his opponent with his shoulder in a show of fire.
Speed of Light

Taven dashes instantly toward his opponent, connecting with three hits.

Escape Move

Taven vanishes and reappears elsewhere, allowing him to quickly evade his enemies. This is a supermove only used during Konquest mode.
Time Stop

Taven halts time, freezing nearby enemies for a short period. This is a supermove only used during Konquest mode.

MK info: Daegon

DAEGON

Appearances: Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Edenia
Species: Edenian, Half-God
Alignment: Evil
Fighting styles: Fu Jow Pai
Weapons: Drakeswords

The main villain of Mortal Kombat Armageddon, Daegon is the evil brother of Taven, and the second son of the Edenian protector god Argus (also the father of Rain) and the prophet Delia. Contrary to his appearance, he is actually the younger brother of Taven. When Delia foretold the future of the realms as Armageddon, Argus had his sons put into incubation guarded by two dragons. They would be awakened one day to fight Blaze and save the realms from Armageddon.
Daegon and his brother Taven have been put in a contest by their parents. They have been put to a long sleep and were to be awakened by their guardian dragons when the time for the quest to begin will come. Daegon awoke prematurely due to an error by his guardian dragon Caro, who lost mental contact with Blaze and mistakenly believed that to be the signal to release Daegon. Daegon had become crazed and corrupted as a result, and founded the Red Dragon crime organization, which had its main target in finding Blaze and used Caro to open portals as transportation. In later years he used the DNA of Caro, whom he had imprisoned, to create human-dragon hybrids, and using the dragon's ability to create portals to transport his clan anywhere they needed to go. The quest required that both brothers take a weapon that was given to them by their father (the Drakeswords) and a gift from their mother (their armor). When Daegon made it to the temple of where the swords were, he took them both.

Daegon enlisted the help of Shinnok, who lied to him by saying that his parents were aiding his brother. Daegon confronted and killed them. When Taven was awakened, Daegon used his Red Dragon troops in attempt to get rid of his brother. Taven chased Daegon down to the Netherrealm, but left without finding him, because Shinnok lied to him that Daegon had already left the realm. Taven and Daegon eventually reached Edenia, where they fought for the right to contest Blaze. Daegon was then defeated by his brother.

Signature moves

Fiery Hands

Daegon blasts a fireball at his opponent.
Cloak of Avoidance

Daegon spins backwards, then shoots forward with a devastating punch that knocks his opponent back.
Rushing Shoulder

Daegon charges forward and crouches, ramming his opponent with his shoulder.
Rolling Hatred

Daegon rolls toward his opponent and delivers an uppercut that sends him or her into the air.

MK info: Onaga

ONAGA

Appearances: MK: Deception/MK: Unchained, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Outworld
Species: Dragon
Alignment: Evil
Fighting styles: Dragon (all games)

Onaga is the antagonist in Mortal Kombat: Deception and one of the most powerful characters in the Mortal Kombat series. He was first introduced in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance under the cryptic name of the "Dragon King", the long-dead ruler of Outworld, even before Shao Kahn. Not much was known about him, save for the fact that his army was deemed undefeatable but, at his untimely death, allowed itself to be mummified and kept in a tomb that was not uncovered until the necromancer Quan Chi stumbled upon it. Onaga is one of the series' characters through which the One Being is rumored to work. His most important powers include superhuman strength and resistance to all forms of magic, and the innate power to raise the dead as well.

Millennia ago, Onaga was the ruler of Outworld. Seeking eternal life he ordered the last known dragon egg to be kept hidden and guarded hoping the blood of an infant dragon would grant him immortality. However, he died before this could be fulfilled. Shao Kahn, one of his chief advisors, had him poisoned and took over his rule of Outworld. As a result Onaga's army (considered undefeatable due to Onaga's power to raise the dead) was cast into a mummified state. During the years that followed, Onaga was apparently forgotten. With the exception of his holy men, nobody knew that Onaga had actually cheated death and was able to retain consciousness from beyond the grave. It's unknown for sure how this is, but it's speculated to be because Onaga had drunk the infant dragon's blood in the past.

Quite some time before Liu Kang's victory over Goro and Shang Tsung at the Shaolin Mortal Kombat tournament, Onaga communicated through death to Shujinko through an avatar named Damashi. He persuaded Shujinko to embark on a quest to unite the Kamidogu from the six realms, claiming he was carrying out the will of the Elder Gods, as well as granting him the power to learn the fighting techniques of any warrior he encountered and faced in battle. Shujinko readily embarked on his quest, beginning to set in motion events that Onaga hoped would lead to his eventual return to power. As well, a sect of holy men still dedicated to him had been guarding the egg of the last great dragon in a chamber of molten lava. During the events of Mortal Kombat II, they captured the Outworld elemental Blaze, who was forced to guard the egg until it was ready to hatch and revive the king (Onaga's soul residing inside the infant dragon).

A few years later, Quan Chi and Shang Tsung, the Deadly Alliance, used their powers to resurrect Onaga's army. Their plan was to use this army to conquer Outworld and eventually, all other realms with as well. Raiden embarked on a mission with the Earthrealm warriors to Outworld to stop their plans, but his attempt ultimately failed. His comrades were slain and he himself was defeated by the Deadly Alliance in person. However, their victory was short-lived.

The ninja Reptile was in the chamber holding the last dragon egg searching for Nitara and Cyrax when the egg hatched and sent its energy into Reptile, fulfilling the prophecy of Onaga's return. The Dragon King, as such, used the transformed body of Reptile as a host, after which he had gained the ability to rise from the dead himself through Shujinko's actions. Shujinko having placed all the Kamidogu in the Nexus made their power accessible to the Dragon King. From beyond the grave he absorbed a portion of Kamidogu power and gained the ability to rise from the dead. After he was revived he first went to the Nexus to reveal to Shujinko that he manipulated him into collecting the Kamidogu for him and not for the Elder Gods. Shujinko realized that his life had been mislead by evil and ran out of the Nexus which left Onaga to collect the Kamidogu for himself, making him invulnerable and augmenting all his current abilities.
Just as the army stood ready to receive commands from Quan Chi, who had emerged victorious in a battle with his former ally Shang Tsung, Onaga returned. Even the combined might of Shang Tsung, Quan Chi and Raiden was not sufficient to defeat him. Raiden's desperate last measure was to use a self-destruct magic that released his godly essence, but that only succeeded in destroying Onaga's army and, presumably, the two sorcerers. Onaga was unaffected and was now in possession of the amulet Quan Chi previously held. He then revived the Earth warriors as his pawns and used them and a newly-forged alliance with the Tarkatan horde to keep Edenia's army at bay while he searched for the spells that would allow him to fuse the Kamidogu together and grant him supreme power. However, just as he was about to do so, Shujinko rallied the remaining warriors against him and, empowered beyond the Dragon King's own expectations by his ability to absorb other warriors' fighting abilities, defeated Onaga and destroyed the Kamidogu, leaving Onaga with only Shinnok's amulet as his sole form of protection. It was at this time in which Nightwolf took action. Having absorbed the sins of his tribe, he travelled to the Netherrealm with the intention of sealing Onaga's soul within the realm. His mission was a success, as he bound Onaga's soul to a mystic symbol, weighed down by his people's sin.
Some time later, Onaga was approached by Shinnok in the Netherealm. Shinnok offered to restore Onaga's rule over Outworld if Onaga would help Daegon defeat Blaze and gain godlike power. As this would also ensure his release from the Netherealm, Onaga reluctantly agreed, though he held his own suspicions against the fallen Elder God. He was released from his bondage and returned to his own body, then feigned reluctant acceptance into a treaty between himself and the others, but swore to gain Blaze's power for himself.

Signature moves

Dragon's Fire

Onaga spits a fireball at the opponent.
Jumping Stomp

Onaga jumps into the air and stomps on the ground creating a tremor.
Sliding Kick

Onaga slides forward, knocking the opponent down.
Dirty Face

Onaga steps back and creates a cloud of dust that knocks the opponent back.
Flame Breath

Onaga rears up and spits fire at the opponent.
Flying Throw

Onaga grabs his opponent by the torso and flies straight up into the air, bringing the opponent with him. Once at a certain height, he throws his opponent straight back down. (MK:D)

MK info: Kobra

KOBRA

Appearances: MK: Deception/ MK: Unchained, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Earthrealm
Species: Human
Alignment: Evil
Fighting styles:
Shorin-Ryu (MK:D)

Kickboxing (all games)
Weapons:
Kali Sticks (MK:D)

Machete (MK:A)

Kobra could be described as Mortal Kombat's stock street brawler character. Infamous for his brutality and savage killings, Kobra shows no mercy to his opponents. Introduced in Mortal Kombat: Deception as the second of Kabal's recruits for the new Black Dragon, he is a gifted young martial artist, eager to put his skills to the test.
For years, Kobra wondered whether his martial arts training would work in a real fight. Even though he has been practicing his skills at his NYC karate school, no one was allowed to really hurt each other. So, he went to New York's back alleys in order for him to put his skills to the test.
At first, he started on street gangs. Then, he went to gangbangers and drug dealers. The thrill and excitement of fighting started to consume him, and he started killing his opponents. Kobra continued his killing streak and added looting to his list when he robbed convenience stores and gas stations. Eventually, the NYPD caught him; at this point, Kobra had no clue as to how many lives he had destroyed.
When Kobra was being taken downtown, he heard gunfire and officers shouting. Kabal and Kira had found out about him and came to induct him into the new Black Dragon syndicate. After killing the officers and escaping, Kabal took Kira and Kobra to Outworld, where they worked for Havik, the cleric of Chaos who had brought Kabal back from the brink of death. Their quest would be to defeat Onaga so that Havik could consume the Dragon King's heart.

Signature moves

Windmill Kick

Kobra slides forward a bit and performs a devastating arcing Axe Kick which causes the opponent to bounce off the ground allowing for a juggle.
Burning Fist

Kobra dashes forward with a flaming fist extended forward, which knocks his opponents down.

Tele-Punch
Kobra disappears, leaving a trail of smoke behind, then reappears behind his opponent and punches him/her down.

Chi-Blast

Kobra gathers Chi and releases a flaming projectile forward from the palms of his hands. Has another variation where he crouches.

MK info: Kira

KIRA

Appearances: MK: Deception/MK: Unchained, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Earthrealm
Species: Human
Alignment: Evil
Fighting styles:
Xing Yi (MK:D)

Kenpo (MK:D)

Yuan Yang (MK:A)
Weapons: Dragon Teeth (all games)

Kira made her debut in Mortal Kombat: Deception as the first of Kabal's recruits for the new Black Dragon. She possesses a rationality and level-headedness that surpasses her fellow hot-blooded recruit, Kobra. In-game, she utilized special moves and fighting styles imported directly from Kano and Sonya's appearances in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance; as a result, she was labeled an unoriginal character by the MK fanbase, like in Jarek's case (she was, however, better received than Jarek because Kira had unique fatalities as compared to Jarek, whose entire movelist and fatalites in MK4 were copied from Kano).
In the mountains of Afghanistan, Kira had disguised herself as a man, and sold weapons to terrorist organizations. During one such transaction in a cave, her gender was revealed, and she had no choice but to fight her way out. Emerging victorious, she encountered Kabal, who had been waiting outside to behold the victor. He had decided to reconstitute the Black Dragon, and observing how Kira conducted herself in executing her misdeeds in a cold and calculated fashion, he was reminded of the Red Dragon, the organization from which the Black Dragon split. Since the Black Dragon did not have this presence, Kabal offered to make Kira his first recruit. Accepting, Kira devoted herself to her new organization. She then went with Kabal to New York City to recruit Kobra.

Signature moves

Black Dragon Ball

Borrowing this technique from Kano, Kira hurls herself forward as a ball which knocks her opponent down. (all games)
Kiss Of Death

Kira blows forward a purple mist, similar to Sonya's signature move. The mist will temporary blind her opponent, allowing for a free hit or combo. However, this move doesn't affect Kenshi, due to him lacking eyes in the first place. (all games)
Night Shade

Kira crouches down and releases a purplish projectile forward. (all games)

MK info: Havik

HAVIK

Appearances: MK: Deception/MK: Unchained, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Chaosrealm
Species: Chaosrealmer
Alignment: Neutral
Fighting styles:
Snake (MK:D, MK:U)

Tang Soo Do (all games)
Weapons: Morning star (all games)

Hailing from Chaosrealm, Havik is a cleric of Chaos. Neither good nor evil, his ambitions are to spread discord and he will ally himself with those who can seek to further his ends, regardless of their goals. He is known to be a frequent troublemaker in Seido (the realm of Order), where he has formed an alliance with the revolutionary Darrius, and is heralded as a hero by the populace of the Chaosrealm. He opposes the Dragon King, Onaga, who rules by order.
Seeing Onaga's return and plans to unite the Kamidogu as a possible threat to the "never ending turmoil of life", Havik made his way to put a halt to the schemes of the Dragon King. Along the way, he encountered a severely wounded Kabal, who had just been defeated by the Red Dragon Mavado. Healing Kabal's injuries, Havik manages to convince Kabal to restore the former glory that the Black Dragon clan once possessed in the name of anomie. He did this in order to promote chaos in Earthrealm.
Havik, along with Kabal and his new Black Dragon recruits, Kira and Kobra, ventured into Outworld. There, Havik revealed his plans: lure the heroes into a battle with Onaga, and, once the Dragon King had been defeated, take down or distract the victors of the battle long enough so that Havik could consume Onaga's heart. This would grant him Onaga's ability to resurrect the dead. Havik lured the heroes to the Dragon King as planned and thus put his schemes into motion.

Signature moves

Torso Spin

Havik spins his torso around, using his arms to strike his opponent. (all games)
Diving Corpse

Havik dives under his opponent knocking him/her into the air. (all games)
Crackling Legs Projectile

Snapping both his legs at the knee joint, Havik sends a projectile from his hands that hits low due to Havik's position. (MK:D, MK:A)
Head Snap

Havik snaps his neck once and then back into place. This restores health. (all games)
Corpse Taunt

Havik bends his body down and comes back up. This also restores health. (all games)

MK info: Darrius

DARRIUS

Appearances: MK: Deception/MK: Unchained, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Orderrealm
Species: Seidan
Alignment: Neutral
Fighting styles:
Shinto Ryu (MK:D)

Leopard (MK:D)

Goju Ryu (MK:A)
Weapons: Gauntlets (all games)

Darrius made his debut appearance in Mortal Kombat: Deception. He is an ambitious, calculating, and unscrupulous character whose intricate schemes further his own ambitions. To his followers, he is a revolutionary and visionary. To his foes, he is a terrorist.
A former Seidan Guardsman who became disillusioned with the oppressive nature of Seido, the Realm of Order, Darrius leads a resistance movement which seeks to overthrow Orderrealm's senate. He takes advantage of the strict laws of Orderrealm to manipulate individuals into joining his movement. One tactic is to have a Guardsman's family murdered, who will then retaliate and be expelled from the Guard. They are then ripe for induction into the swelling ranks. Others joined him of their own volition, such as the cleric of Chaos, Havik.
During Deception, he hires fellow former guardsman Dairou to steal the Seidan government's Declaration of Order, a scroll depicting its laws. It is also speculated that Darrius hired Dairou to kill Hotaru.
Though not explicitly stated, the similarities between Dairou's background and Darrius's method of recruitment seems to imply that he was the one to order the killing of Dairou's family.

Signature moves
Tricky Blast

Darrius does a 180° turn and releases a bluish projectile towards his oppponent.
Twisty Kick

Darrius dashes forward a bit while he performs 3 spin kicks in succession. This move is taken from Cyrax.
Chest Cruncher

Darrius sidesteps then dashes and punches his opponent on the chest, knocking them down.

Target Practice

Darrius performs a dash punch that doesn't travel as far as the Chest Cruncher, but is a low attack.

MK info: Dairou

DAIROU

Appearances: MK: Deception/MK: Unchained, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Orderrealm
Species: Seidan
Alignment: Neutral
Fighting styles:
Wing Chun (MK:D)
Escrima (MK:D)
Mi Zong (MK:A)
Weapons: Autumn Dao (all games)

Making his debut in Mortal Kombat: Deception, this Seidan guard-turned-mercenary is neutral. Dairou usually gets the job done as quickly as possible, but there might be some honor left in his cynical heart.
He was once a highly respected Seidan guardsman, much like Hotaru, but he was imprisoned when he attacked and killed the man who he was led to believe murdered his family. In Deception's Konquest mode, Dairou is hired to free Shujinko from prison. In the present, he has been hired by Darrius to steal the constitution of Seido and to kill Hotaru. Dairou fails to kill Hotaru given his appearance in Armageddon.

Signature moves

Tombstone Drop
Dairou falls flat on his back, causing his opponent to fly forward through the air allowing for a combo.
Stealthy Shadows
With a puff of yellow smoke, Dairou switches positions with his opponent. The opponent is momentarily confused (unless they are blocking), allowing for a free hit.
Iron Leg
Dairou sends a three-area energy blast that looks like a shuriken at his opponent from his leg.

MK info: Hotaru

HOTARU

Appearances: MK: Deception/MK: Unchained, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Orderrealm
Species: Seidan
Alignment: Neutral
Fighting styles:
Ba Shan Fan (MK:D)

Pi Gua (all games)
Weapons: Naginata (all games)

Hotaru is a general from the realm of Seido, or Orderrealm, and devotes himself to preserving law and order at any cost. So much so that he could be described as a zealot. His special attacks evoke a firefly's glow and power of flight.

At one point, Hotaru had ventured into Outworld to confront Shao Kahn's Tarkatan armies laying siege to the city of Lei Chen. Years later, however, those same forces would be under the command of Onaga (the Dragon King). Believing that this newly resurrected ruler would bring order to the universe, he helps Onaga's hordes in their attacks and pursues those who would stand against them, such as Sub-Zero. At the time of Deception, Hotaru has set out to bring the Lin Kuei Grandmaster to justice before Onaga.
He is, however, unaware that a bounty has been placed on his own head. In the past, Hotaru had served as a guardsman for Dairou while he was incarcerated. Dairou now is under contract to murder Hotaru.

Signature moves

Grasshopper

Very similar to Liu Kang's Bicycle Kick, Hotaru jumps in the air and repeatedly kicks the opponent sideways. (MK:D, MK:A)
Lava Burst

Hotaru throws a magma ball to the ground, ascending opponent into the air, opened for an attack. (MK:D, MK:A)
Fury Punch and Escape

Hotaru dashes forward with a straight punch with a streak of magma trailing from his feet, then slides back to his original position. (MK:A)
Quick Tricks

Hotaru does the same animation as the Fury Punch and Escape, only this time he slides past the opponent and appears behind them. (MK:A)

MK info: Ashrah

ASHRAH

Appearances: MK: Deception/MK: Unchained, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Netherealm
Species: Demon
Alignment: Good
Fighting styles:
Chou Jaio (all games)

Ba Gua (MK:D)
Weapons: Kriss (all games)

Despite having the appearance of an elegant and humble woman, Ashrah is actually a demon from the Netherealm. She was once a member of Quan Chi's Brotherhood of Shadow, which worshipped the fallen Elder God Shinnok. Ashrah dresses completely in white and appears as a tall, mysterious woman. Her appearance is a blend between aristocracy and innocence. She made her first appearance in Mortal Kombat: Deception. Her occupation is that of a demon hunter. Ashrah's weapon of choice is her Kriss, which is believed to have been "blessed" or is of a "heavenly origin." The Kriss is blessed in such a way that every demon she kills with it causes her to become more human and less demon like. Through this, she can leave the Netherrealm.

One day, Ashrah refused to carry out one of Quan Chi's orders. In response, he sent her sister (a fellow member of the Brotherhood of Shadow) to kill her. While escaping her would-be assassin in the Netherealm, she found a holy sword known as a Kriss. As she learned how to wield the blade, slaying Netherealm demons with it, Ashrah began to recognize that the sword progressively cleansed her spirit of evil with each one she killed. She then resolved to liberate herself from her inherent malevolent nature by using the Kriss to eliminate the evil within her. What she didn't know, was that the blade was actually the "Datusha", a mystical vampire-slaying weapon that corrupts its wielder with the false belief that they are using it for a greater purpose in order to continue its genocide against the vampires and (apparently) other demons. She has allied herself with Shujinko and taught him demon slaying techniques in the past. At one time, she came into conflict with Ermac. Mistakenly considering him to be a demon, she attempted to kill him and lost. During the events of Mortal Kombat: Deception, she searched for Noob Saibot, whom she considers to be a powerful demon, as doing so would enable her to complete her ascension.
Ashrah's bio in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon explains that, after slaying a multitude of demons in the Netherealm, she transcended that plane of hell and emerged in an unfamiliar realm, surrounded by celestial beings of light. The celestial beings made her into their chosen warrior - the wielder of the Kriss who could purify the world, and would ascend into becoming "an angel of light", once she used the weapon to "consume the darkness". After submitting to their will, Ashrah was transported to Vaeternus to start slaying the vampire race, whom she saw as vile beings for their feeding the blood of their prey and spreading their corruption throughout the realms. Ashrah began her quest, slaying numerous vampires. However, she soon was encountered by Nitara, who was warned by her elders of this threat to her realm. Ashrah defeated Nitara but she managed to escape to Edenia, and Ashrah followed her to gain the power of Blaze in order to destroy Nitara and gain ascension.

Signature moves

Heavenly Light

Ashrah fires a white projectile that travels at a very short distance, which knocks the enemy far back on impact.
Lightning Blast

Ashrah fires a projectile into the air which crashes down on the opponent.
Spin Cycle

Ashrah spins in a circle which sends the opponent flying upon impact. Pressing the button repeatedly would allow her to spin longer.
Nature's Torpedo

Ashrah flies missile-like into the opponent while spinning which sends them across the screen. This move is similar to Raiden's Flying God move.

MK info: Shujinko

SHUJINKO

Appearances: MK: Deception/MK: Unchained, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Earthrealm

Species: Human
Alignment: Good
Fighting styles:
Mantis (all games)

Shaolin Fist (MK:D)
Weapons: Dan Tien Dao (all games)

Shujinko made his debut in Mortal Kombat: Deception as the game's main hero. He is an adventurer who, as a boy, dreamed of fighting Shang Tsung. He has roamed the various realms and studied with many renowned teachers. His old age has made him wise, but at a cost: he bears an immense guilt for releasing Onaga into the realms again, and now that he is discarded by the Dragon King, has vowed to make up for this mistake. Although he shares some traits with the games' Shaolin monk characters, such as his great receptiveness, deliberation and ability to meditate for weeks, he has always been a traveler and a student at heart.

Depicted as a young teenager in Konquest mode of Mortal Kombat: Deception, Shujinko was trained by Master Bo' Rai Cho in the art of Kombat. Soon, however, Shujinko encountered Damashi, who claims to be an emissary of the elder gods, gives Shujinko the power to copy other fighter's abilities and tells Shujinko to embark on a quest. It was from this point on that Shujinko's goal is to find the Kamidogu, or relics that are hidden in each main realms (Earthrealm, Outworld, Netherrealm, Orderrealm, Chaosrealm and Edenia) and place them on an altar in the Nexus of the Elder Gods. In order to be able to do his bidding, Damashi gave Shujinko the ability to absorb fighting styles and special attack patterns of warriors he encountered with great ease.
Shujinko's mission took him more than forty years to complete. By this time, he had missed out on most major events taking place in the realms, such as Shao Kahn's invasion of Earth, Shinnok's short-lived insurrection or the formation of the Deadly Alliance, only hearing about them obliquely or being involved very loosely. Because of his mission, it is said he also missed out on the first Mortal Kombat tournament, despite winning Shang Tsung's approval to participate after a short fight. When his mission was complete, Damashi revealed himself to be none other than the Dragon King, Onaga, speaking to Shujinko from beyond death. After defeating the Deadly Alliance and Raiden, Onaga also had the amulet that belonged to Quan Chi. For this, Shujinko assumed full responsibility, and embarked on a desperate quest to destroy Onaga, believing himself the only person capable of doing so.
Shujinko decided to gather every warrior from all realms and, in one moment, absorbed their fighting abilities to become all powerful. he then marched boldly into Onaga's throne room and pummeled the Dragon king into submission. But before he could land the final blow, Onaga's soul was whisked away by an unknown force (revealed as the after-effects of the Sin Eater ritual performed by Nightwolf to bind Onaga's soul to the Netherrealm.)
Shujinko was then, for a time, known as the hero of Outworld. However, he still felt some degree of guilt of bringing back the Dragon King in the first place. As such, he didn't feel worthy of their admiration. Some time later, Princess Kitana requested Shujinko to meet her at Shao Kahn's fortress, as her Edenian forces had apparently flushed out Reiko's elite guard, the last remnants of the old empire.
Shujinko however came to the realization that he and Kitana parted ways after Onaga's defeat, as she set out to help the spirit of Liu Kang. Shujinko thought either that she departed for Earthrealm for the quest and she came back sooner than expected- or that the invitation had not come from her at all. Deciding that he would not allow himself to fooled again, he made the decision to uncover a possible plot of an unknown enemy to make himself truly worthy of the admiration Outworld has placed in him. It is revealed that the person who sent the deceptive invitation was Mileena, who fought and defeated Shujinko at the behest of Shao Kahn.

In Mortal Kombat: Armageddon's Konquest mode, Taven discovers Shujinko in the dungeons of Shao Kahn's fortress. After freeing him, Shujinko claims that he allowed himself to be captured on purpose so to as to get closer to his enemies, as he plans to take on Shao Kahn, Onaga, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi by himself. He disappears soon after in the pursuit of his mission, leaving Taven to regard him an old fool.

Signature moves

Spear Throw

Sending out a rope with a tipped Kunai at the end, it impales itself in its victim allowing Shujinko to pull him/her through the air towards him for a free hit, as well as causing a small bit of damage. Shujinko even goes as far as saying "Get over here!" when imitating Scorpion's Bloody Spear move.

Icy Breeze

Shujinko can send a blast of ice towards the opponent to freeze them in place for a free hit. This move is borrowed from Sub-Zero.

Flaming Fist

Shujinko dashes forward with a flaming fist extended forward, which knocks his opponents down. This move is borrowed from Kobra.
Flip Scissor Kick

Shujinko flips forwards in a circular motion, bringing his feet over his head and kicking the opponent and then landing back on his feet. Supposedly learned from Bo' Rai Cho and then taught to Li Mei.
Flying Jinko

This move is a variation of Raiden's Flying Thunder God move in which he flies toward the opponent while emitting small shockwaves from his body and shoving the opponent for a distance. If the opponent blocks the move, Shujinko is set up for a Juggling combo.
Bicycle Kicks

Shujinko would fly across the screen with a series of multiple kicks to the opponent's torso. This move is borrowed from Liu Kang.

Tricky Slide

Shujinko does a facefirst slide toward the opponent. If connected, he grabs their ankles, causing them to wobble, then bends upward and kicks them with both feet in the face, knocking the opponent down. This move is borrowed from Sindel.
Opponent Slam

Using what telekinetic powers he has at his disposal, Shujinko would lift up and slam the opponent hard on the ground with a simple motion of the hand/arm. This move is borrowed from Ermac.

MK info: Li Mei

LI MEI

Appearances: MK: Deadly Alliance, MK: Deception/MK: Unchained, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Outworld
Species: Outworlder
Alignment: Good
Fighting styles
Baji Quan (MK:DA)

Lui He Ba Fa (all games)

Mi Zong (MK:D, MK:U)
Weapons:
Sai (MK:DA)

Kunlun Dao (MK:D, MK:U, MK:A)

Li Mei was introduced in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance as a variant of a well-known archetype in most fighting games: she is a young woman fighting against a supreme crime organization or overlord who did her wrong and fights at impossible odds. She is somewhat of a tragic hero.

Li Mei's village was forced into slavery to help construct Shang Tsung's palace around the Soulnado, which had been a long-time legend of her people. In attacking Kano, however, she gained the attention of Quan Chi, who promised her freedom if she could win a tournament. Around this time she befriended an old warrior among her enslaved villagers; the supposed "Champion of the Elder Gods" Shujinko, captured by Kano during his 40 year quest for the Kamidogu. Shujinko offered to train her even though he felt that her chances in the Deadly Alliance's "tournament" were slim. She later journeyed to a nearby forest were she was attacked by Moloch and Drahmin. She escaped through the trees as Shang Tsung came and formed an alliance with the Oni.
In Mortal Kombat: Deception, Li Mei returned (most of the newly-introduced fighters did not). Though her ending in Deadly Alliance depicted her winning Quan Chi's tournament, and "winning" the right to be imprisoned forever in one of the Dragon King's soldiers' bodies, Deception had Bo' Rai Cho rescuing her from this fate. However, he was apparently only partially successful, and Li Mei took on some of the aspects of one of these ancient warriors. As such, she is far more battle-oriented in this game, wearing armor, for example.
In Mortal Kombat: Armageddon's Konquest mode, Li Mei is seen fighting Shinnok in the Netherealm. She begins to gain the upper hand on him until Taven (who is unaware that Shinnok turned evil) appears and demands that she gets away from "Lord Shinnok". Li Mei attempts to attack Taven for interfering, but is defeated and flees. Shinnok later reveals that this was all created as a test for Taven, thus making it unclear if this was the real Li Mei.

Signature moves

Sparkler / Nova Blast

Li Mei shoots out a ball of sparkling energy at her opponent. (all games)
Carnival Spin

Li Mei spins in an impossible circular fashion, kicking the opponent into the air on one leg without having it leave the ground. This move is borrowed from Reiko. (all games)
Flying Fists

Li Mei flies forward at the opponent and punches him/her multiple times in the face. (all games)
Kartwheel / Flipping Heel Kick

Li Mei flips forward in a circular motion, kicking her opponent on the head. (all games)