Tuesday, November 20, 2007

MK info: Shinnok



SHINNOK

Appearances: MK Mythologies: Sub-Zero, Mortal Kombat 4/MK Gold, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Void
Species: Fallen Elder God
Alignment: Evil
Fighting styles: Kuo Shou (MK:A)
Weapons:
Battle Staff (MK4, MKG)
Amulet Staff (MK:A)
Shinnok is a vengeful and powerful fallen Elder God who appeared in Mortal Kombat 4, Mortal Kombat Gold and Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero as the primary villain. He is also a playable character in Mortal Kombat Armageddon, as well as appearing in its "Konquest" mode.
Shinnok's fall from grace was caused by his lust for power, and more specifically, his desire to take Earthrealm for himself. At the dawn of time, when the realms were created, Shinnok desired to rule Earthrealm and thus acquire for himself immense power. However, Shinnok couldn't enter Earthrealm without the Elder Gods becoming aware of his actions. To resolve this issue without directly defying the sacred rules, Shinnok created a powerful amulet, weakened the dimensional barriers, and entered Earthrealm. During the war against his fellow gods, he came into direct conflict with the thunder god Raiden.
During the final stages of this war, Raiden was forced to choose between sacrificing Earth's indigenous races, or ceding the rule of Earthrealm to Shinnok. The angered Elder Gods intervened and assisted Raiden in his struggle. Raiden defeated Shinnok and stripped him of his amulet. Shinnok was then banished to the deepest regions of the Netherealm. However, at the expense of Shinnok's defeat, the dimensional fibers of the worlds were severely weakened, and the Saurians, Earth's indigenous life form at the time, were nearly exterminated.
In the Netherealm, Shinnok endured constant torture from the Netherealm's overlord, Lucifer. Shinnok was at his mercy until he encountered a sorcerer, Quan Chi, who could travel through the realms at will. Quan Chi agreed to help Shinnok overthrow Lucifer and take his throne, thus becoming ruler of the Netherealm. As payment for Quan Chi's efforts, Shinnok endowed him with incredible powers, making him arch-sorcerer of the Netherealm. During his time in the Netherrealm, Shinnok built a massive army and a fanatical cult of demons called the Brotherhood of Shadow, dedicated to worshiping him. He changed the Netherealm's appearance as well, making it closer to that of Earthrealm.
Unlike Shao Kahn, Shinnok relies less on brute strength and fear-mongering, and more on magical powers and ancient artifacts. He is the ruler of the Netherealm, possessing millions of years' worth of knowledge and power, including the ability to impersonate other beings perfectly.
Shinnok demands unwavering faith and loyalty from his followers, and will not hesitate to kill anyone who doubts or challenges him. Like Raiden, it is unlikely that he can ever be truly killed, since he is a god and thus immortal; if his mortal form is destroyed, he will simply reform himself, usually back in the Netherrealm where he was originally banished.

Signature moves

Moveset Copy
Shinnok can copy the moveset of any kombatant, for a short period of time. (MK4, MKG)
Judgment Fist
Shinnok fires a fist-shaped skeletal hand to his opponent. (MK:A)
Summoned Fiend
Much like a minimal version of "The Hand From Hell" fatality, Shinnok rises a skeletal hand below his opponent. The hand then grabs the victim and squeezes/shakes the opponent, causing damage. (MK:A)
Tricky Portal
Shinnok opens a portal behind himself and teleports, causing damage by bashing his back as he appears behind the opponent. (MK:A)

No comments: