Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance - Konquest Mode
(This section contains only the story line parts from Konquest mode. For your reading pleasure we have removed all instructions.)

Shang Tsung, Bo Rai Cho, Quan Chi, Li Mei, Scorpion, Sonya, Kenshi, Mavado, Johnny Cage, Sub-Zero, Kano, Kung Lao, Nitara, Drahmin, Hsu Hao, Frost, Jax, Kitana, Raiden, Reptile, Cyrax

It is time young warrior for you to begin your worldly training. I have thought you much, but through your travels you will obtain a greater perspective. Remember my words, for they will guide you to your destiny.

The path of every warrior has a humble beginning, and the
road to one's destiny is long traveled. Each of life's
challenges brings you closer to enlightenment. Experience is the
path to understanding.

Every step is a victory. How you maneuver in kombat plays
as much a part of your strategy as how you punch or kick.

Do not assume that offensiveness is always the correct path
to victory. A hasty retreat can give you the space you need to
plan for your next attack.

Learn and forget. Make the technique a part of yourself
before you move on.

Know a fighting
style like you would know yourself. Let no attribute escape you.

One wins battles by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes
is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means
conquering an enemy that is already defeated.

Let your rapidity be that of the wind, your compactness that
of the forest. Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night,
and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.

You must learn to let your fighting technique flow from you.

If you desire total victory in Mortal Kombat, you must learn
to harness the tools at your disposal.

The weapon is an extension of every warrior's soul. Though
a weapon may deliver great amounts of damage to one's opponent,
wielding a weapon also means taking more damage. Be wary of your
health while brandishing a weapon.

Shang Tsung
The Sorcerer Shang Tsung is cursed to consume the souls of defeated warriors in order to stay alive. From these souls he attains greater strength and ability. It could be said that his fighting skill is the culmination of those he has conquered.

The history of Shang Tsung's Snake fighting style is hard to trace historically because it is incorporated into so many Chinese fighting systems. Shang Tsung absorbed this fighting style by consuming the soul of a Shaolin monk.

Shao Kahn had sent orders to Shang Tsung, commanding the sorcerer to aid him in the battle against the united forces of Edenia and the Shokan. The message was delivered by Reptile. At first, Shang Tsung did not recognize Reptile, for he had morphed into something more primal than in years past. Shang Tsung mistook Reptile for an assassin and braced for an attack.

Shang Tsung poised himself in the Crane Style stance. Reptile perceived this to be an offensive move. A battle ensued.

During the fight, Shang Tsung used a Crane pop-up attack on the assassin. This attack allowed Shang Tsung to pop Reptile into the air long enough to execute another attack.

Shang Tsung finally recognized Reptile and ceased his attack. Reptile gave him Shao Kahn's orders to report to the Emperor's fortress, and then he departed. Moments later, there was a ruckus in the outside courtyard. Shang Tsung emerged from his domicile to find that the sorcerer Quan Chi had just defeated Scorpion in a short but heated battle. Quan Chi explained that the ninja spectre had been lying in wait for Shang Tsung.

If Quan Chi had not been there to intervene, Shang Tsung would surely have been attacked by the ninja spectre, Scorpion. Against such a powerful foe, Shang Tsung would have needed to draw his Straight Sword.

In order to ensure Scorpion's defeat, Shang Tsung would have had to Impale the ninja spectre. By stabbing Scorpion and not retrieving the blade, Shang Tsung would have slowly drained Scorpion's netheressence.

Quan Chi had come to Shang Tsung with an offer to form an alliance. He explained in detail how the two sorcerers could greatly benefit each other if they joined forces. Shang Tsung was no fool. He understood the risks involved with Quan Chi's proposal. But after some convincing from his fellow sorcerer, he readily agreed. The first act of the Deadly Alliance would be to eliminate Shao Kahn. Shang Tsung made use of Shao Kahn's mandate to return to his fortress as a means to get within striking distance.

An attack Shang Tsung used while he and Quan Chi fought the Emperor, Shao Kahn, was his Fireball. One variation is the Straight Fire.

Another fireball attack Shang Tsung used against Shao Kahn was his 3D Fire.

After defeating the Emperor of Outworld, Shao Kahn, the two sorcerers traveled to Earthrealm by way of a celestial portal known only to sorcerers and deities. To earn the privilege of crossing over the void, each sorcerer had to kombat a representation of his greatest adversary. For Shang Tsung, the opponent came in the form of Quan Chi.

Shang Tsung and Quan Chi had traveled to Earthrealm to seek out Shang Tsung's nemesis, Liu Kang. By disguising himself as Kung Lao, Shang Tsung was able to approach Liu Kang while he was practicing his meditation katas. In the fight that ensued, Shang Tsung had almost lost to Liu Kang's might. From out of nowhere, Quan Chi threw the Shaolin monk off balance with a surprise attack... and gave Shang Tsung the moment he needed to kill Liu Kang.

The Elder God, Raiden, had witnessed the battle from The Heavens and decided to return to Earth to kombat the Deadly Alliance.

Shang Tsung and Quan Chi left Liu Kang's body where it lay to complete their next task... to locate the Red Dragon clan member, Mavado. They had use of his clan's talents and offered his clan asylum from the coming invasion of Earthrealm, should he complete the task they proposed. Mavado accepted their offer on behalf of his clan and followed the two sorcerers back to Outworld.

Some time after Shang Tsung, Quan Chi, and Mavado had returned to Outworld, Shang Tsung made a pact with two Oni from the Netherealm. He kept them in a chamber in the lower levels of his new palace and fed them mortals to keep them satisfied. In the event that Quan Chi betrayed Shang Tsung, he would release the vengeful Oni upon him.

Shang Tsung has survived for centuries by stealing the souls of warriors. Once Shang Tsung has performed his Soul Steal move, it is said that he absorbs some of his victims' attributes as well as maintains his youth.

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Bo Rai Cho
Native to Outworld, Bo' Rai Cho has trained warriors for centuries to compete in the Mortal Kombat tournaments. After many failures, success finally came when he trained the legendary Liu Kang, who defeated Shang Tsung and became champion of the Earthrealm tournament.

The earliest reference to any drunken style is in the Sung Dynasty (960 - 1276 A.D.). Rumors indicate, however, that it was in fact Master Bo' Rai Cho who first brought the Drunken fighting style to Earthrealm while trying to thwart Shao Kahn's takeover of that realm.

Master Bo' Rai Cho is as skilled at Mi Zong as he is at Drunken Fist.

Jojutsu is the Japanese art of the short staff. It was first used by Muso Gonnosuke in the early 1600's after his loss to the swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi, while using a long staff of 6 feet. With assistance from Master Bo' Rai Cho, he subsequently developed a style with a shorter staff of 4 feet. Although he beat Musashi in a second duel, he was later defeated in his first Mortal Kombat tournament. Gonnosuke's soul was consumed by the sorcerer Shang Tsung.

Master Bo' Rai Cho adapted Muso's Jojutsu style to include close-kombat, high-frequency attacks.

Master Bo' Rai Cho has 2 special moves in which he hurls his big belly at his opponent for rib-crushing devastation.

Master Bo' Rai Cho has never married. Most heroes impress the ladies with their kombat skills. Master Bo' Rai Cho repulses them with his.

In a vulgar, but most effective maneuver, the young Bo' Rai Cho would vomit on the ground in front of his opponent. If his opponent stepped in the bile, he would slip uncontrollably. This moment of immobility would give Bo' Rai Cho a chance to attack.

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Quan Chi
The sorcerer Quan Chi is as vile as they come. His kombat skills come from a great understanding of sorcery, rather than from actual training or practice.

Tang Soo Do is a relatively modern Korean martial art developed by Hwang Kee. It is a combination of several arts, which Hwang Kee studied during his life. These arts included Soo Bahk Do (Korean), Tae Kyun (Korean), Tang Method (Northern Chinese), and Southern Chinese (unspecified).

Scorpion had brutalized Quan Chi while they were both stranded in the 5th plane of the Netherealm. The ninja spectre drew strength from that realm, whereas Quan Chi's sorcery weakened.

Quan Chi had to rely on his most basic of attacks to fend off Scorpion's assaults.

Quan Chi has a knack for reversing his fortunes. What seems like a devastating blow eventually turns to his advantage. Call it his sorcerer's luck. This dark fortune also applies to his fighting ability. When an opponent strikes, Quan Chi can perform what is called a Reversal to get the upper hand.

It seemed that Quan Chi had been trapped in the Netherealm to be forever tormented by the ninja spectre Scorpion. But fate turned to Quan Chi's favor when two Oni, Moloch and Drahmin, presented to him ancient information regarding his amulet.

This new information, inscribed on tablets, detailed the amulet's purpose and how to control it. Quan Chi used the information to escape from the Netherealm through a cloaked Realm Gateway without his Oni companions.

Quan Chi emerged in Outworld to find himself inside a large stone structure. He felt his powers returning and used them to decipher the hieroglyphs on a large sarcophagus. He was amazed to discover that he had stumbled upon the tomb of the long-forgotten Dragon King and his undefeatable army.

As Quan Chi's magical strength returned, he slowly regained the fighting prowess drained from him during his time in the Netherealm. The fighting style Escrima was one of his first skills to reappear.

Quan Chi had regained enough strength to wield his Double Broadswords. Although this technique was similar to the single broadsword, Quan Chi considered the more advanced use of two weapons to be quite advantageous in kombat. They also proved to be advantageous in freeing himself from the tomb to search for the sorcerer, Shang Tsung.

By the time Quan Chi had reached the rumored abode of Shang Tsung, his Special Attacks had regained full strength. And just in time, it would seem, as Quan Chi was soon confronted by none other than Scorpion. The imbecile ninja must have somehow escaped the Netherealm through the same portal as Quan Chi, but had emerged elsewhere in Outworld. The two adversaries battled furiously, but Quan Chi gained the upper hand when he cast his Skull Fireball at the unsuspecting Scorpion.

Quan Chi can focus his Fa Jin into a foul skull spectre and propel it at his opponent. This attack is painful, but it also serves to intimidate the
weak-minded.

Although Quan Chi thought he had defeated Scorpion with his Skull Fireball, the ninja had only been feigning death, and sprung a surprise attack with his spear. Reeling from the pain inflicted by the Skull Fireball, the enraged ninja proved to be much more aggressive this time.

Although Quan Chi had blasted Scorpion with his Skull Fireball multiple times, he finally restored to his Rising Star kick, and sent Scorpion flying backward into a moat of acid that surrounded the courtyard.

A short time later, Shang Tsung emerged from a doorway to applaud his fellow sorcerer's victory. Shang Tsung had not interfered with their battle, and had remained inside his home until the kombat had ceased. Scorpion's demise in the acid bath led Shang Tsung to believe that Quan Chi had defeated Scorpion with a lucky shot.

The Special Attack that had sent Scorpion hurling into the acid bath is called the Rising Star kick. It is a pop-up attack that can also be used to dodge projectiles.

Quan Chi tried to propose an alliance with Shang Tsung, but Shang Tsung did not believe that Quan Chi was a worthy ally.

Shang Tsung believes that the Rising Star kick is indeed fast enough to hit an average warrior, but he laughs at the idea that it could defeat an aggressive opponent such as the ninja spectre, Scorpion.

Shang Tsung was impressed with Quan Chi's fighting abilities and agreed to listen to his proposal for an alliance between the two sorcerers. Quan Chi began by explaining that he could provide an endless supply of souls for Shang Tsung to consume in return for Shang Tsung's assistance in reviving the Dragon King's undefeatable army. Their combined efforts would strengthen both sorcerers. Shang Tsung would achieve immortality, and Quan Chi would obtain military power.

Quan Chi had discovered that the amulet he stole from the Elder God, Shinnok, was in fact a key to manipulate inter-realm portals. Quan Chi pledged to unlock a portal to The Heavens to allow Shang Tsung to feed from the limitless souls of that realm. In return, Shang Tsung agreed to transplant the souls of defeated warriors into the mummified remains of the Dragon King's army. With a handshake to seal the unholy pact, the Deadly Alliance was formed.

In order for their plans of realm domination to take root, Quan Chi and Shang Tsung needed to eliminate the only two beings capable of stopping them. The first was the Emperor of Outworld, Shao Kahn.

Shao Kahn had been weakened by his defeat during the Earthrealm invasion, and Princess Kitana's military forces were causing an incredible strain on his remaining power. Under the pretense that they would aid the failing Emperor, they gained entrance to his throne room and sprung their attack. In a spectacular battle of brute strength and magic, Shao Kahn was defeated.

After slaying the Emperor, Shao Kahn, Quan Chi and Shang Tsung attempted to travel to Earthrealm by way of a celestial portal known only to sorcerers and deities. Although Quan Chi could reveal the cloaked portal with his amulet, he could not use the artifact to control it. To earn the right to pass, each sorcerer would have to defeat a representation of his greatest adversary. For Quan Chi, that challenge came in the form of himself.

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Li Mei
Although quite young, Li Mei grew up in the presence of martial arts masters and can hold her own in a fight. When Kano's troops invaded her homeland under the banner of the Deadly Alliance, she fought bravely and bested many of Kano's men. She might have defeated Kano himself had Quan Chi not interfered.

Baji Quan is a 500 year old Chinese art meaning Eight Extremities Fist. Primarily a close-range style, Baji Quan uses all eight extremities such as the head, shoulders, elbows, hand, feet, back, hips, and knees. Baji Quan is actively being taught to the Taiwan Military Police.

The Baji Quan fighting style is characterized by its sudden release of explosive power, and both long and short-range techniques.

One of Li Mei's fighting styles is Lui He Ba Fa, or the Kung Fu system of six harmonies and eight methods.

Lui He Ba Fa was developed by Chen Tuan, a famous Taoist of the Later Choi or Sung Dynasty, who lived on Mount Hua in Shenshi, China. The style was brought to Outworld by the martial arts master Bo' Rai Cho some 200 years ago.

The Lui He Ba Fa fighting style is famous for the utilization of one's entire body for spring-like power and movement like a swimming Dragon.

Kano's troops destroyed Li Mei's town and enslaved her people. She almost defeated him once.

Prior to 1870, the Sai was carried by special units of the Okinawan police. The Sai most likely migrated to Japan from China, Malaysia, or India where it is also used.

The Sai weapon style is known for its lightning strikes, devastating jabs, and hook attacks.

You must learn to harness your Fa Jing, or Inner Power. Li Mei has learned to focus her Fa Jing into a lightning fast projectile she calls the Sparkler.

Li Mei has learned to channel her Fa Jing into a powerful special move she calls the Flying Fists.

Your next opponent will be the sorcerer Quan Chi, enslaver of your race. He and Shang Tsung have forced your people to build a palace fortress, under threat of death. They have used Kano's loyal army to maintain their control over its construction.

Li Mei's Kartwheel kick causes a deadly strike to the top of her opponent's head.

Quan Chi had seen Li Mei's fighting skills during the attack on her town, and recognized her formidable warrior spirit. He greatly desired to transplant her soul into one of the mummified soldiers, and offered to release her people if she could win the Deadly Alliance tournament. The tournament was to be held in the palace once its construction was completed. Li Mei accepted the challenge to free her people.

Li Mei's Klock Kick causes a massive uppercut to her opponent.

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Scorpion
The ninja spectre Scorpion utilizes the forces of the Netherealm to kombat his foes. Although he takes no sides in the battle against the Deadly Alliance, his primary goal is to destroy the sorcerer Quan Chi for slaying his family and clan. Scorpion is nearly unstoppable and will not rest until he has exacted his revenge.

Hapkido has a mix of both powerful and quick attacks.

Scorpion's Ninja Sword fighting style utilizes speed and reach.

In order to break free from Drahmin and Moloch, Scorpion executed a Hapkido combo that pushed the two Oni away from him. He then chased after Quan Chi to prevent him from escaping the Netherealm.

Scorpion's Pi Gua fighting style is based on single solid hits, but it has a few combos to round it out.

Scorpion's Backflip Kick is used to prevent an opponent from approaching. It also works well as an anti-air attack.

Although Scorpion's Summon Hellfire special attack is useful against defensive or blocking opponents, it can be dodged and leaves him vulnerable to attack.

Scorpion can hurl a roped spear across the arena to impale his opponent and pull him closer for a free unblockable hit. That hit can be whatever attack he chooses, but it is most effective when it is the first strike in a combo.

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Sonya
Sonya Blade was part of a Special Forces unit assigned to kombat international criminal organizations. She and her partner, Jackson Briggs, had tried to warn the U.S. government of the impending threat from the realm of Outworld, but their words fell on deaf ears. It was not long before the unprotected realm of Earth fell under invasion from the Emperor of Outworld, Shao Kahn.

Kenpo is a western variation of Japanese Karate. It was originally introduced to the Hawaiian Islands as Kenpo Jujutsu and was later adapted into what is now called Kenpo or Kenpo Karate.

During Shao Kahn's invasion of Earthrealm, Sonya faced off with a Black Dragon member known as Kano atop a high building. She had dealt with Kano before, and was intent on making this encounter the last. After Kano had dealt her a devastating blow, she feinted defeat to draw Kano in. When he was in position, she hurled him over the side of the building to the street below. She later reported Kano's death to the Special Forces.

The Japanese occupation of Korea from 1910 through the end of WWII influenced Tae Kwon Do through the introduction of Shotokan. Initially taught to the military, Tae Kwon Do is the Korean equivalent of Karate, with more emphasis placed on kicking.

Kano is no push-over. He hates the Special Forces as much as Sonya despises the Black Dragon. He will make you work for it this time.

During her fight with Kano, Sonya had turned his attack against him by performing a Reversal. This move allowed her to catch Kano's attacking limb and counter with her own move.

After Shao Kahn had been defeated, Sonya and Jax discovered the cyborg ninja Cyrax immobilized... caught in an instructional loop. They brought him to the Special Forces tech labs and restored his humanity. To show his gratification for releasing him from a digital nightmare, Cyrax pledged his services to the Special Forces and currently reports to the Outerworld Investigation Agency.

Kali Sticks is a martial art of the Philippines. The jungle environment on those islands has naturally led to the development of fighting techniques which utilize sticks and/or long knives.

When the rogue swordsman, Kenshi, joined the Special Forces Outerworld Investigation Agency, his first assignment was to locate the missing agent Cyrax who had been reported missing in Outworld.

Sonya was intrigued by Kenshi's ability to sense an opponent without the use of his eyes.

While on assignment demolishing ancient inter-realm portals in the East, Sonya received a distressing message from Jax that the Outerworld Investigation Agency had been completely destroyed by an accomplice of Shang Tsung and Quan Chi. A new threat from Outworld was imminent. But without their inter-realm portals, Jax and Sonya had no means to prevent the attack.

Sonya was visited by the God of Thunder, Raiden. He asked for her aid in the coming fight against the Deadly Alliance. Sonya agreed to join her old friend and ally, but she expressed concern that all inter-realm portals on Earth were now destroyed. Raiden instructed her to meet with the other heroes on the old island fortress in the Lost Sea where he would address this issue.

Sonya arrived on Shang Tsung's abandoned island fortress and was greeted by one of her allies against evil, Kung Lao. He seemed depressed, but would not offer an explanation. The two of them sparred on the beach to pass the time as they waited for the other warriors that Raiden would have contacted.

By late afternoon, a small boat, apparently formed of ice, floated to shore. It was the Lin Kuei ninja, Sub-Zero, and his warrior-in-training, Frost. Sonya was not excited to see Frost. Her first meeting with the new Lin Kuei recruit was not a pleasant one. Sonya had a score to settle.

By nightfall, the remaining Earthrealm warriors had arrived. Raiden then appeared and transported the heroes to a celestial portal to Outworld. To earn the right to pass into Outworld, each warrior had to defeat a representation of his or her worst adversary. Sonya had thought it would be Frost, but to her surprise, it was a stranger with an image of a red dragon on his back.

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Kenshi
Although blind, the swordsman who simply calls himself Kenshi is an accomplished warrior. The sword of his ancestors guides his movements as if he could see. The sword also seems to give him powers far beyond that of average kombatants.

Tai Chi Chuan, or "Supreme Ultimate Fist", consists of 13 postures which form the basis for all modern Tai Chi. It is considered an internal form of martial arts where internal energy, or "Chi", is an important element.

After the Special Forces operative, Cyrax, was reported missing in Outworld, Kenshi was recruited as a free agent to search for him. His ulterior motive for accepting the task, however, was to seek out the sorcerer Shang Tsung as well.

Kenshi is descended from a line of long-forgotten warrior kings who resided in a region somewhere between Europe and China. Their people were comprised of a mixture of both cultures.

For many years, Kenshi roamed the East, challenging the master swordsmen of that region to sword duels. He desired to become the greatest swordsman in the world and slew many great warriors to prove his superiority.

The Katana is the traditional Japanese long sword used by the Samurai. Modern martial art forms still in existence today are broadly referred to as Kenjutsu, Kendo, and Iaido. Kenshi's technique has both reach and above average speed.

After defeating a master swordsman in Japan, Kenshi was confronted by an old Chinese man named Song who explained that, for a price, he could lead Kenshi to an ancient sword of historical importance. Although he was annoyed by the old man's persistence, Kenshi finally agreed to meet him at a remote location in China where the sword was located. He convinced himself that he should have a sword that reflected his greatness.

When Kenshi traveled to China to meet with Song, the old Chinese man guided him through an underground labyrinth, which led to a burial chamber. Song instructed Kenshi to lift the heavy stone lid from an altar-like structure. Song explained that Kenshi would find the sword hidden inside.

Upon opening the altar, the last thing Kenshi saw was a bright green blast. He stumbled back, blinded. The old Chinese man, Song, was in fact the sorcerer Shang Tsung who devoured the souls of the warrior kings that Kenshi had released. Shang Tsung left Kenshi to die in the labyrinth, but the sword he found inside the altar led him out by some other-worldly power.

More than a decade after betraying his warrior king ancestors, Kenshi had been spying on the activities of Shang Tsung in Outworld when he learned of the sorcerer's alliance with Quan Chi and their assassination of Emperor Shao Kahn. He relayed the information to Jax in Earthrealm, but upon returning to Outworld, he found that his portal beacon no longer received a signal. He was trapped in Outworld.

Kenshi's Telekinetic Toss hits twice and has good range, but it is slow to start and will leave you vulnerable. You will also take more damage than normal if you are struck while performing it.

Kenshi sympathized with the plight of the enigmatic kombatant, Ermac. The Outworld warrior spirits that had manifested themselves in the form of a ninja had been violated by Shao Kahn in much the same way that Kenshi's ancestors had been enslaved by Shang Tsung. Kenshi was taught the Telekinetic Slam by Ermac in return for freeing him from the control of the Emperor.

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Mavado
The Red Dragon member, Mavado, is much more skilled and disciplined than Kano, his counterpart in the Black Dragon. His excessive training with the Red Dragon has led him to develop a long-forgotten fighting technique known only to that clan. This technique utilizes ropes with hooks on the ends to propel him in battle.

The Red Dragon clan has existed for centuries as a secretive criminal organization. In the last century, many of the more reckless members became dissatisfied with the restraints the code of the Red Dragon placed upon them and broke away to form their own gang, the Black Dragon. Since then, it has been the Red Dragon's number one priority to eliminate their former brothers. It was thought that the Black Dragon had been completely destroyed until one member resurfaced... Kano.

Another fighting style Mavado has learned since joining the Red Dragon is Wing Chun.

Like the Black Dragon thug, Kano, Mavado uses a double-weapon fighting style. It is rumored that Mavado acquired his Hookswords from the former Black Dragon member, Kabal, after a vicious battle. Even though Kabal had only been a member of the Black Dragon for a short time, Mavado had sworn to eliminate him.

Kano had heard of Kabal's apparent demise at the hands of Mavado. He would have killed the Red Dragon warrior had he not been trapped in Outworld all this time.

The Red Dragon is known by criminal organizations to place a priority on stealth rather than brute force. Mavado is no exception. In his quest to destroy the Black Dragon clan, Mavado ordered his subordinate, Hsu Hao, to pose as a member of the Chinese secret military and "aid" the Special Forces in capturing or killing Black Dragon members. The Special Forces would therefore be doing the Red Dragons' work for them.

Combining stealth with fighting skill has made the Red Dragon a powerful organization. The Red Dragon are not known to the Special Forces, but they soon will be.

Mavado was approached by the Outworld sorcerers, Quan Chi and Shang Tsung, who requested the aid of the Red Dragon. They needed to destroy the Special Forces' techno portals to hinder their ability to travel to Outworld. In return, they offered the Red Dragon sanctuary during the coming invasion. Mavado accepted their offer and instructed his subordinate, Hsu Hao, to complete the task.

In addition to destroying the Special Forces' inter-realm technology, Shang Tsung had one more request. If Mavado could eliminate the Earthrealm spy that Kano had spotted in Outworld, Mavado could name his price. Shocked to find that Kano still lived, Mavado requested the chance to face Kano in Mortal Kombat as payment for slaying the Earthrealm spy. Mavado then traveled with Shang Tsung and Quan Chi to a celestial portal where he had to defeat a representation of his greatest adversary.

In order to traverse into Outworld, Mavado had to defeat a representation of the sorcerer Shang Tsung. He began his attack with his Grappling Hook Strike.

The double of Shang Tsung had merely been studying Mavado's moves and began to fight back.

Shang Tsung's double learned quickly and Mavado's Grappling Hook Strike was no longer effective. Mavado had to switch his attack to his Change Sides Hook 3D escape move.

Again, Shang Tsung's double learned to counter Mavado's moves.

Mavado traversed to Outworld with Shang Tsung and Quan Chi and parted ways to search for the man they believed to be a spy from Earthrealm's Special Forces. Surprisingly, the first agent he encountered was Sonya Blade. Mavado had no idea how she had gotten to Outworld after Hsu Hao had destroyed the Special Forces base, but he knew he would have to eliminate her in order to continue his search in secret.

Mavado defeated Sonya Blade and continued the hunt for the Special Forces spy that the Deadly Alliance felt to be a danger to their regime. It was not long before he was ambushed by Jax. Jax was in pursuit of Mavado's subordinate, Hsu Hao, for destroying the Special Forces base, when he recognized the mark of the Red Dragon on Mavado's back. Although Mavado was not the man he sought, Jax had no problem butting heads with another member of this new and mysterious clan.

After a grueling battle, Mavado finally defeated Jax. He continued his quest for the Earthrealm spy and finally discovered him in a town located high in the mountains. The spy was in fact the swordsman, Kenshi. The two warriors squared off and prepared for Mortal Kombat.

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Johnny Cage
The Hollywood movie star Johnny Cage is more concerned with flash than with substance. Even with this lack of discipline, his moves are still quite effective. Although Johnny Cage chooses fighting styles that offer the best screen presence, you must learn them to round out your training.

One of the classic Hollywood fighting styles is Karate.

Johnny Cage first used Karate in his 1998 film, 24 KARATE GOLD, in which he played a Secret Service agent.

A crowd pleaser in the movie was his Knife Hammer Strike. This move allowed him to pop an opponent into the air long enough to execute another attack.

The Cutting Kick is a 3D attack. Johnny Cage used it to catch a charging bad guy off guard.

Another more flashy fighting style is Jeet Kune Do.

Johnny Cage used Jeet Kune Do in his first film, NINJA MIME. The movie was a flop in the US, but a huge success in France.

A memorable scene in NINJA MIME entailed Johnny Cage using his Knuckle Fist pop-up... silently... against a very rude man. This move allowed him to pop his opponent into the air long enough to execute another attack.

The Nunchaku is a close kombat weapon based fighting style that relies heavily on the high frequency of its attacks.

Johnny Cage first used the Nunchaku in his Oscar winning film, HWAAAAA!! Johnny played the villain opposite the great Channie Jack of Hong Kong theater. Execute some of these high attacks he used against Channie.

In the final battle of the movie, Johnny Cage used his Nunchaku pop-up attack he calls the Cross Back Strike. This move allowed him to pop an opponent into the air long enough to execute another attack.

In the Karate fighting style, Johnny Cage can link multiple attacks together to create an onslaught of damage to his opponent. This first set is a sample from Johnny's 1989 classic, EXITING THE DRAGON OF DEATH.

Let us now begin a set from his appearance on the TV series WU SHU where Johnny played a martial arts cowboy in search of inner peace.

In the climactic fight scene of WU SHU, Johnny Cage's character, Jesse Wong, used a Style Branch combo called the Out Take. In this combo, Johnny started with two Karate attacks, changed to Jeet Kune Do style, and finished with a Jeet Kune Do attack.

In his movie, WHO'S THAT?, Johnny Cage played a lone security guard in a department store. In one sequence, he used his Runner Up combo to deal with some punk teenagers. The combo starts in the Jeet Kune Do fighting style and ends in the Nunchaku fighting style.

Johnny Cage has reworked his classic Johnny Uppercut move. It is not only an effective anti-air attack, but it also allows him to slide under projectiles and some high attacks.

In 1991, Johnny Cage was a contestant on the hit game show, Celebrity Smash TV. In the final round, he threw his Forceball at Mutoid Man and won the game. Johnny Cage donated all his prize money to charity.

Johnny Cage uses his Shadow Kick as a fast, medium-range attack to counter his opponent's missed attacks.

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Sub-Zero
Sub-Zero has found that the Lin Kuei Dragon Medallion has greatly improved his normal fighting abilities. In addition, it has enhanced his freezing powers in unexpected ways. You must learn Sub-Zero's enhanced fighting styles if you wish to seek enlightenment.

Shotokan is a style of Karate, which has its roots in Okinawa. Historically, Okinawa enjoyed a great trade economy, which exposed the locals to martial arts from many lands. Master Funakoshi Gichin founded Shotokan karate in 1936 in Tokyo. It is more linear, and can be a very aggressive and devastating style.

Many years ago, Sub-Zero had been hunted by his fellow Lin Kuei, Cyrax, for challenging and eventually leaving the clan.

In a battle with Cyrax, Sub-Zero used an attack called the Mountain Punch. This attack allowed him to pop Cyrax into the air long enough to execute another attack.

The Dragon style is a southern Chinese style that imitates the movements of the mythological beast. The main attacking parts of the Dragon are its claws and tail, which are mimicked by the hands and legs of the practitioner. The Dragon is a symbol of power and strength.

Sub-Zero's strength has increased greatly since donning the Dragon Medallion. Using the medallion's energy, he has developed a very powerful move called the Dragon Attack.

The Dragon Medallion has amplified Sub-Zero's freezing abilities, or Kori, in such a way that he can form complex objects out of solid ice from surrounding water vapor. One such object is his Kori Blade.

Sub-Zero has trained many years to hone his natural ability to freeze. This trait has been passed down through many generations of his family line. But with the power of the Dragon Medallion amplifying this ability, his Kori attacks are more powerful than ever.

Sub-Zero's Freeze projectile attack has become legendary throughout the realms of Earth and Outworld. It is an excellent means for stopping his opponents in their tracks.

An interesting new attack the medallion has unlocked for Sub-Zero is his Ice Shaker attack. Both offensive and defensive, this attack surrounds him with a super-chilled barrier that flash-freezes any opponent within range.

Many years ago, Sub-Zero's brother was manipulated by the sorcerer Quan Chi to retrieve for him an amulet from its hiding place in Earthrealm. The sorcerer later framed Sub-Zero's brother for the death of Scorpion's family and clan, which led to his demise at the hands of the enraged ninja spectre, Scorpion.

Scorpion has hunted Sub-Zero for years. He believed that Sub-Zero murdered his family and clan. Now he believes Quan Chi to be the true murderer, and will not harm Sub-Zero.

At one time, the Red Dragon clan would have been considered a potential ally of the Lin Kuei. But now that Sub-Zero has transformed the Lin Kuei into a force for good, the Red Dragon will pose a great threat.

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Kano
Kano has a knack for survival. Not only has he survived massive attacks from his enemies, but his lack of loyalty allows him to change sides to suit his goals. This mercenary has betrayed many who have called him ally.

Meaning "mind form", Xing Yi is a simple and practical style of kung-fu that originated in the San-Shih province of China. This is a northern Chinese system, which relies on short basic forms for training. This art has long been associated with Ba Gua beginning in the early 1900's, and the two are often taught together.

High atop a skyscraper, Kano faced off against Special Forces agent Sonya Blade during Shao Kahn's invasion of Earthrealm.

Kano had kicked Sonya into one of the stone gargoyles on the roof of the skyscraper.

Sonya was on her knees, defeated. Kano grabbed a lock of her hair in his fist, and prepared to finish her. Suddenly, the wench sprung a leg grab flip attack, and sent Kano over the side to the street below. If only he had used a low attack right away.

Kano lay severely injured, and would surely have perished had Motaro not seen the fight. The Centaur brought Kano back to Shao Kahn's fortress and revived him with magic.

Reversals of fate are not uncommon for Kano.

Like the Special Forces agent, Jackson Briggs, Kano is skilled in martial arts fighting techniques that specialize in throwing an opponent to the ground. The style Kano uses most is Aikido.

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed in the first half of the 20th century by the founder of the Black Dragon clan, Morihei Uyeshiba. Through Aikido, Uyeshiba developed extraordinary self-defense skills. He could take down and pin opponents of much greater size.

Although Motaro had rescued Kano, it was merely to imprison him so he could later face the wrath of Shao Kahn for his failure to defeat Sonya. But the Shokan warrior, Sheeva, slew Motaro outside of Kano's cell. She was on her way to assassinate Shao Kahn as well when Kano offered his assistance if Sheeva let him out of his cage.

Kano and Sheeva proceeded to the throne room of Shao Kahn. When they arrived at the door, Kano suggested that he go in first to distract the Emperor. Kano would give the signal for Sheeva to enter and slay the preoccupied Shao Kahn. But Kano betrayed Sheeva and informed Shao Kahn of her assassination plot. When Kano called her in, Shao Kahn thrust a sword through her chest from behind.

Like the Red Dragon clan member, Mavado, Kano uses a double-weapon fighting style. Kano's Butterfly Knives have a 200-year history as part of the Shaolin system. Kano hates the Shaolin and uses the knives in his own way.

Mavado's main goal is to wipe out all traces of the Black Dragon.

Impressed with Kano's loyalty even in the face of severe punishment or death, the Emperor Shao Kahn put him in charge of his armies in place of the slain Motaro. He ordered Kano to return to Outworld to bring reinforcements for the final attack on Earthrealm.

Another member of the Red Dragon is Hsu Hao. He's a right sherman as well.

By the time Kano had garnered his troops for the final invasion, Shao Kahn had been overpowered and retreated to Outworld. Kano has remained in that realm serving his emperor since then.

Reptile also serves Shao Kahn in Outworld. He's been kissing up to the emperor for years.

Princess Kitana had succeeded in separating her realm of Edenia from Outworld. To ensure Shao Kahn would never again have a chance to claim her world as his own, she led her army in a pre-emptive strike against the weakened Emperor. Kano's armies were overwhelmed, and it seemed to him that he may have joined the losing side.

Kano's army repelled Kitana's first assault. Kano had proven to be an excellent general. Unknown to Kano, however, Kitana had allied with the Shokan armies, led by Prince Goro. Their combined forces attacked with intensified ferocity.

Kano had once again repelled Princess Kitana's forces, but he did not know for how long he could hold them off. He went to personally inform Shao Kahn of the victory, but discovered the Emperor to be engaged in a spectacular battle with the two sorcerers Quan Chi and Shang Tsung. He stood behind a pillar and waited for the outcome of the battle.

At first it had seemed that Shao Kahn would emerge victorious, but the combined strength of Quan Chi and Shang Tsung proved to be too much for the weakened Emperor. The sorcerers had won. Kano then emerged from the shadows, and pledged his allegiance to the Deadly Alliance.

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Kung Lao
Kung Lao is a descendent of the first mortal to ever defeat Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat. With the help of his fellow Shaolin monk, Liu Kang, he has protected Earthrealm from the forces of evil. But when Kung Lao discovered the dead body of Liu Kang, he had but one objective: to avenge his death and bring the murderer to justice!

It was the Thunder God, Raiden, who informed Kung Lao that the sorcerer Shang Tsung had slain Liu Kang and consumed his soul.

Mantis was developed in 1600 by Wang Lang in the Ming Dynasty in Northern China. Wang Lang based this martial art on observations he made of a preying mantis fighting a cicada.

The Mantis fighting style is known for its quick and accurate attacks.

Kung Lao is a master of the fighting style Shaolin Fist.

Around the year 539 AD, a holy man named Ta Mo developed an exercise program for his fellow monks. The program included several Indian fighting techniques. Over time, this exercise program grew into a Kung Fu fighting style.

Kung Lao has trained in the broadsword technique since his early teen years.

The Broadsword is known as the arm of foot soldiers and Manchurian officials. It is categorized as a short weapon and is designed for slashing rather than thrusting.

Kung Lao realized that he could not defeat Shang Tsung without additional training. The Outworld master, Bo' Rai Cho, had taught Liu Kang the flying kick he needed to defeat the sorcerer in the past. Kung Lao eventually located Bo' Rai Cho, who agreed to train him for the battle to come.

The move Bo' Rai Cho taught Kung Lao that would allow him to defeat Shang Tsung was the Whirlwind Kick.

The rim on Kung Lao's hat is made of razor sharp steel. Kung Lao can throw the hat at an opponent to inflict damage from a distance.

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Nitara
The vampire Nitara first manipulated Reptile into destroying the console on Cyrax's arm, which rendered the cyborg stranded in Outworld. She then manipulated Cyrax to retrieve a mysterious Orb hidden somewhere in that realm.

Nitara's first fighting style is the Leopard style, which is known for its cruel and cunning attacks.

The Leopard style is one of the most vicious and crafty of the animal fighting styles. Not as strong as the Tiger style, but it is superior in its swiftness and jumping ability. The techniques simulate those of a Leopard, stressing the importance of free movement and quick actions.

Like Nitara, Scorpion is a creature of the darkness.

Nitara saw in Reptile a fool to be exploited. She deliberately led him away from his master Shao Kahn both to gain his trust, and to allow the sorcerers Quan Chi and Shang Tsung to perpetrate their assassination plot. Had Reptile been at the Emperor's side, they would never have succeeded.

Fu Jow Pai was originally "Hark Fu Moon", or Black Tiger System. It was renamed by Grand Master Wong Bil Hong to "Fu Jow Pai of Hoy Hong Temple". The teachings of Black Tiger Claw Kung Fu has been passed down through the ages without any written documentation, making it difficult to compile its history.

The Kama is a farm implement used for rice harvesting. It was adopted as a weapon in China, Okinawa, and Japan when vampire invaders from Outworld were witnessed using similar weapons. In China and Japan, the Kama was often used in conjunction with a chain to encircle opponents. The Okinawans preferred to use two Kama together. The Kama is one of the five principle weapons of the Okinawa art of Kobudo Kobujutsu.

Nitara uses this traditional vampire weapon to viciously tear open her opponents. Through careful manipulation, Nitara had coerced Reptile to destroy Cyrax's arm console, preventing the cyborg ninja from returning to Earthrealm.

Nitara was suspiciously present immediately after Cyrax defeated Reptile. She made him an offer to return him to his home realm, if he would aid her in retrieving a mystical object that bound her realm to the realm of Outworld.

The Vampire nation has existed for eons, and has traveled to many realms to feed on the blood of lesser species. Earthrealm has been an excellent source of food, but its sun emits a form of radiation that is quite harmful to vampires. As a result, vampires can only traverse to that realm for brief periods of time, and only to the hemisphere opposite the sun.

One attack used often by vampires is the Blood Spit. By regurgitating previously consumed blood, Nitara can hurl the bewitched liquid at her opponent from a distance.

Vampires must consume the blood of others to survive. It has been this way since before recorded vampire history. If Nitara feels her life force diminish during a battle, she can rejuvenate her health by extracting a small amount of blood from her opponent, leaving him weaker.

An effective special attack used by the vampire elite is the Unicorn Kick. Although the name sounds most frightening to a vampire, it is not so intimidating to others. The kick itself, however, is indeed something to fear.

Nitara's realm had been merged with Outworld by Shao Kahn ages ago, and the two worlds have been combined into one, forming a more powerful empire.

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Drahmin
An Oni is a demon from the Netherealm. They are foul creatures consumed with hatred and possessed with the desire to inflict pain and suffering upon others. Drahmin is no exception. With his right arm completely encased within an iron club, he eagerly crushes his opponents to dust.

The torturous environment of the 5th plane of the Netherealm can twist any being into a vicious monster. Such is the story of Drahmin, the Oni Tormentor. Once a mortal man, he was banished to this unforgiving realm and forgotten for ages. He is no longer the being he once was.

Drahmin and his Oni companion, Moloch, first encountered the sorcerer Quan Chi during a battle with Scorpion. Quan Chi pleaded with the two Oni to protect him. In return, he offered to release them from the Netherealm.

Drahmin and Moloch cast Scorpion away with their combined attack... but for how long? The ninja spectre gained strength from this realm with each passing moment. At the same time, Quan Chi's powers were fading the longer he remained. If Quan Chi had the means to free Drahmin and Moloch, he had to do it fast. Drahmin had no patience for broken promises. Especially the promise of freedom.

An Oni has a built-in rage that is difficult to suppress once unleashed. Drahmin had tapped into this rage when he fought Scorpion.

Quan Chi needed more information about the 5th plane of the Netherealm in order to devise a means of escape. The two Oni took him to an extremely ancient structure where Drahmin had seen tablets covered with unfamiliar writing.

The entrance to the site had been blocked by fallen stone debris. Drahmin smashed the larger blocks to pieces with his Iron Club and the three of them walked into the old roofless structure.

As Quan Chi was reading from an old stone tablet, Scorpion smashed it to dust with a shot of his spear. Quan Chi called for protection and Drahmin and Moloch sprung into action once again.

One devastating blow Drahmin used to pummel Scorpion was his Super Uppercut.

Scorpion shook off the pain and attacked Drahmin.

Quan Chi had fled down a corridor. In his bewilderment, Moloch loosened his grip on Scorpion just enough for the ninja to escape. Scorpion then chased after Quan Chi. Moloch and Drahmin were not far behind. Up ahead, they saw the sorcerer open some sort of portal and jump through. Scorpion followed. Quan Chi had indeed left them behind. But as they drew nearer to the mystical structure, it was clear to them that the portal had not yet closed. Moloch and Drahmin crossed through the void into Outworld.

Once in Outworld, Drahmin's putrid flesh began attracting insects from all around until he was surrounded by a swarm of Outworld Rotflies.

Moloch and Drahmin had emerged in Outworld next to a large circular stone disc that was lying on its side. Its shape was vaguely familiar to Drahmin. Suddenly there was a scent of mortal flesh in the air. It was Moloch who smelled it first. The mortal had not noticed them until it was too late. The two Oni pounced on their prey.

The mortal was stunned by the first attack. Drahmin seized the moment and attacked the cyborg with a Propeller Clock pop-up attack.

Drahmin and Moloch were close to tasting mortal flesh when the prey they had been attacking spit out an enchanted object that burst into a loud fireball. The two Oni ran from the mortal for fear of another attack. They spent the coming months in the forests near a small town, eating mortals that wandered too close to the treeline.

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Hsu Hao
The Red Dragon operative Hsu Hao's strength is his ability to concentrate on one objective at a time. He is not easily distracted and lives to serve the will of his clan. This characteristic may be a side effect of his cybernetic heart. Without ambition, there can be no distraction. All that remains is duty.

With a history of over 2000 years, Shuai Chiao is the oldest martial art in China. The Red Dragon clan have adopted it as a standard fighting style for entry-level recruits. Although Hsu Hao was already an accomplished martial artist, he was still required to learn Shuai Chiao once he joined their secretive organization.

Mavado was in charge of training Hsu Hao. With his heart removed and replaced with a cybernetic life support apparatus, Hsu Hao made for an excellent student who was extremely focused.

Wrestling may not be a particularly flashy martial art, but it is very effective.

Once Hsu Hao had completed his basic training of the required fighting styles, he was allowed to choose a weapon style from a vast collection of blades in the Red Dragon arsenal. Hsu Hao chose the Sun-Moon Blades.

Like Mavado's hookswords, the Sun-Moon Blades are a double-weapon fighting style.

Hsu Hao completed his training and Mavado gave him his first assignment. He was to infiltrate the Special Forces by posing as a former member of a secret Chinese military group. From the inside, the Red Dragon clan could keep track of the Special Forces as well as covertly feed them information about their rival clan, the Black Dragon. The Special Forces would be unwittingly destroying the Black Dragon for Mavado's clan.

Hsu Hao impressed the Special Forces with his fighting skills and was commissioned as a free agent. He slowly gained the trust of the organization for his help in the capture of Black Dragon clan members.

Hsu Hao's track record gained notoriety within the Special Forces. He seemed to have a 6th sense about the Black Dragon and brought down many of their members. This ability was exploited to its fullest potential by Jax and Sonya, whose special task it was to deal with that criminal organization. They regularly included Hsu Hao in their operations.

Although the Black Dragon was seemingly destroyed, Mavado felt that it would serve the Red Dragon best if Hsu Hao remained under cover until further notice. He was eventually asked by the Special Forces to remain with Jax and Sonya's group to start up the Outerworld Investigation Agency. Kenshi also joined the Agency around this time.

Hsu Hao's new orders came when his superior, Mavado, instructed him to destroy the Outerworld Investigation Agency's ability to travel to Outworld. Once this task was accomplished, he was then to rendezvous with Mavado in that realm to receive further instruction.

Hsu Hao gained access to a small, but very powerful, explosive device and made his way to the underground chamber that housed the inter-realm portals used by the Outerworld Investigation Agency. He powered-up the portal to Outworld and activated the explosive device with a short countdown just as Jax came barreling down upon him.

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Frost
The mysterious Lin Kuei Frost has powers and abilities that closely resemble those of Sub-Zero. Her past is not known, but her moves are becoming legendary. Although she is still in training herself, she will make an excellent subject for study on this journey.

The name Tong Bei, or Tong Bei Quan, can be translated as "Fist Of The Spreading Power From The Back". Like Frost's mysterious history, the origin of this fighting style is unclear. Frost used Tong Bei to win the recent Lin Kuei recruiting tournament.

Grand Master Sub-Zero was impressed with your Tong Bei fighting skills, and will now train you in the fighting art of Yuan Yang. For the remainder of your training, you will refer to him as "Sifu".

Yuan Yang Quan, or Mandarin Duck Fist, is a martial art rarely seen outside of China. Although not much is known about Yuan Yang as a whole, many Chinese styles have adopted its kicking methods, which were reputed to be very effective.

Sifu Sub-Zero is quite enthusiastic about your progress and will now advance your training beyond that of an average warrior. He has noticed that you possess a similar freezing ability to his own, and will train you to harness that power.

By flash-freezing water vapor, Sifu Sub-Zero can form intricate solid objects. One such object is his Kori Blade. Sifu will help you discover if you in fact possess the mental concentration to perform this effect as well.

It seems that Sifu's years of experience, and enchantment from the Dragon Medallion, allow him to form a much larger weapon than you are capable of creating. No matter. Two smaller weapons can be just as effective as one large weapon.

Well done! Now for an effective, yet very tricky weapon attack called an Impale. This move lodges your weapon into your opponent's body to constantly drain life. Once you have successfully Impaled your opponent, however, you are no longer able to use that weapon.

Very well done! It seems you have the ability to control your freezing powers. Good. You will now expand your training to encompass your ability... to freeze.

Sifu Sub-Zero has dressed his wounds from your last lesson, and will continue to train you.

Sifu has the ability to freeze his opponent solid. He would like to see if you have this ability as well.

Most interesting! It seems your freeze attack travels along the ground! Sifu surmises that this must mean it only affects an opponent whose feet are placed upon the ground.

Although Sifu Sub-Zero was frozen, he was not injured in any way. He is used to the cold. What he is not used to is the speed at which you are learning to harness your freezing powers. You will now speed up your training, and learn the Icy Slide move Sifu had perfected many years ago. Sifu Sub-Zero has progressed beyond such novice moves, but he will teach you this basic maneuver.

Too much practice in one area is not good. Sifu Sub-Zero will now switch to a different lesson to better round out your training. You will study attack combinations. By combining attacks, a warrior can more effectively kombat his or her opponent.

Sifu Sub-Zero believes that you can handle training at a quicker pace. The next lesson will include combos from both the Yuan Yang and the Double Dagger fighting styles.

Your Yuan Yang combo training is complete. You will now begin Double Dagger combo training. Remember to focus your Fa Jing through your hands to form the daggers themselves.

The unsuspecting Sonya Blade is en route to meet with Sub-Zero.

Raiden has arrived with disturbing news for Sub-Zero. The sorcerers Quan Chi and Shang Tsung have formed an alliance in Outworld. He has requested Sub-Zero's help in defeating them. If Sub-Zero accepts, your training will abruptly end. Frost must prove herself skilled enough to accompany Sub-Zero on his journey and continue her training.

Raiden is beginning to accept you as a possible ally in the fight to save Earthrealm. If only you knew how to Style Branch all three of your styles into one long combo. Ha! You will show them that your skills are indeed worthy of their quest.

Raiden is impressed. But you must pass this one test before he will believe you can handle yourself against the Deadly Alliance. You must Impale him with your Double Daggers. If you do, he will allow Sub-Zero to bring you along.

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Jax
As an operative of the Special Forces, Jax had developed many special moves that gave him the edge he needed to destroy the Black Dragon. Now that the Red Dragon has infiltrated and destroyed his hidden Special Forces base, Jax must refocus his energy on this new threat to peace.

Jax's newly designed cybernetic arms offer better range of motion and faster recoil, allowing for a move he calls the Piston Punch. This move utilizes rapid multiple strikes that push his opponent back, rendering them momentarily helpless.

As a member of the Red Dragon, Hsu Hao was responsible for the destruction of the Outerworld Investigation Agency: a branch of the Special Forces designed to protect Earth from invasion.

You must learn to harness your Fa Jing, or Inner Power. Jax has learned to focus his Fa Jing into a powerful earth-shaking move he calls the Ground Pound.

Jax's Machine Gun attack is a great strategy for keeping an opponent away from you.

Muay Thai, or Thailand kickboxing, is one of the oldest martial art forms. Muay Thai's origin, along with much of Thai history, was lost during the invasion of the Burmese army.

In 1882 Judo was developed in Japan by Jigoro Kano. It is a descendent of Japanese jujutsu with an emphasis on self-defense and sport competition.

The Judo philosophy is maximum efficiency with minimum effort. A kombatant using Judo will try to use his opponent's energy and weight against him by controlling his center of gravity.

Judo is known for its throwing techniques. Throws are used to attack opponents who defend excessively.

The Tonfa was originally the handle from a hand-operated grain mill used on farms.

As early as 1477, there were bans on the use of weapons in Okinawa. The Okinawans began underground training in unarmed and armed kombat.

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Kitana
Kitana has for many years been at war with the Emperor Shao Kahn. She has proven herself to be a great leader and diplomat after allying with the Shokans in a massive strike against the emperor and his armies.

The Eagle Claw system of kung fu used by Kitana originated in southern China during the Sung Dynasty around the year 1250 AD. It was brought to Outworld a few centuries later by an unnamed martial arts master.

Years ago, Kitana had used her skills of negotiation to bring about a truce between Prince Goro and Kung Lao.

Princess Kitana was at war with the Emperor of Outworld, Shao Kahn. She had joined forces with Prince Goro of the Shokan and was effectively confronting Kano's troops.

Although victory seemed attainable, Kitana did not know how long her troops could sustain the attack.

Ba Gua Zhang, translated to English as Eight Trigram Palm, is a relatively new Chinese martial art, having been developed in the late 1800's. Ba Gua Zhang was developed by Dong Hai-Chuan, a Taoist of the Lung Men (Dragon Gate) Sect. The circular movements of the art are attributed to the circular chanting meditations done by the Lung Men Sect. Starting in the early 1900's, Ba Gua Zhang has been associated with Hsing-I.

The base camp of Kitana's military forces was hidden in a valley on the eastern side of the Outworld plains. Further to the East were the Vampire people. Occasionally, lookouts would spot a female vampire watching the camp from a rocky outcropping. All attempts to capture the vampire proved to be futile.

Kitana is renowned throughout Edenia for her proficiency in the Steel Fans fighting style.

The combined forces of Kitana and Goro made one last push against Kano's troops but were unsuccessful in breaching his line of defense. Though Kano's army was fewer in number than the united armies of Edenia and the Shokan, it seemed as though they were being strengthened by some unseen force. Tragically, near the end of that skirmish, Prince Goro was fatally injured. His men brought him back to the encampment where Kitana stayed by his side until he passed.

Much to Kitana's disbelief, Kano's forces retreated. Word started to spread that the Emperor, Shao Kahn, had been slain by unknown assassins. It seemed as though Kitana had won.

While returning to the portal back to Edenia, Kitana happened upon Kung Lao, who was traveling alone. It was through Kung Lao that she learned of the Deadly Alliance and the death of Liu Kang at the hands of Shang Tsung. It seemed that her return home would have to wait.

As Kitana's army was breaking camp, there was a loud ruckus of kombat from the northern flank. A reptilian creature was angrily attacking her men. Though her soldiers were able fighters, they were no match for the savage creature, and were easily taken down. Kitana had to move quickly to prevent further harm and destruction.

The reptilian creature had fled to the East, and Kitana's camp was secure once more. She gave her military commanders orders to remain at the camp until she returned from an excursion with Kung Lao. They were both in need of special martial arts training from the Outworld master, Bo' Rai Cho.

Once they had found Bo' Rai Cho, he trained them in the fighting techniques they wished to learn. Kitana's training encompassed Style Branch attack combos. When she learned to combine her fighting styles into one long attack combination, her kombative effectiveness increased.

Kitana and Kung Lao finally confronted the Deadly Alliance in Shang's Palace. While Kung Lao faced off with Shang Tsung, Kitana engaged Quan Chi in Mortal Kombat. The battle was intense.

Kitana had never confronted an opponent quite like Quan Chi before and had to call upon all her martial arts training to defeat him.

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Raiden
The Thunder God, Raiden, is mentor to all the heroes of Earthrealm. He is ageless, wise, and can harness the wrath of thunder itself.

Raiden had been elevated to the status of Elder god after the war with Shinnok. But when he could not convince the other Elder Gods to prevent Shang Tsung and Quan Chi from awakening the Dragon King's sleeping army, he relinquished his status and returned to Earthrealm. The first of Earth's heroes he warned of the coming danger was Kung Lao.

Nan Chuan consists of attacks that are most effective at short to middle range. Nan Chuan contains a greater number and variety of hand techniques, and fewer leg techniques.

Raiden's movements are as fast as lightning. He can even stop an opponent's blow by grabbing the attacking limb. This move gives Raiden an opportunity to counter with his own attack.

The second of Earth's heroes to be visited by Raiden was Jax. The Outerworld Investigation Agency had just been destroyed, and with it, any mortal means for traversing into Outworld. Raiden instructed Jax to meet with the other heroes on the old island fortress of Shang Tsung in the Lost Sea.

Jujutsu is a term used to refer to unarmed Japanese combat. There are more than 750 documented varieties of Jujutsu. Raiden has mastered them all.

Raiden can harness the invisible power of the wind to Shove a blocking opponent away from him.

Johnny Cage was in the middle of a movie shoot when Raiden appeared to request his assistance in Outworld. At first, Johnny Cage had thought Raiden was merely the actor who was playing Raiden in his current movie project. But when he noticed the "movie Raiden" eating doughnuts at the catering table, he knew his old friend had truly returned from The Heavens.

Raiden has always relied upon his staff in unpredictable circumstances. It is a source of great fighting power.

Next, Raiden visited the new home of the reformed Lin Kuei to ask Sub-Zero for his assistance. Sub-Zero was eager to help and prove that the new Lin Kuei was indeed a force for good.

Being the God of Thunder, Raiden commands all that is a storm. While in his Nan Chuan and Jujutsu fighting styles, he can electrocute and throw his opponents with the force of lightning.

Another shocking attack that Raiden can perform in all three of his fighting styles is his Shocker.

Sub-Zero has been training many of his new recruits, specifically Frost.

Sub-Zero had requested of Raiden that he allow his new recruit, Frost, to accompany him to Outworld. At first, Raiden did not think that Frost was experienced enough as a warrior to take on the Deadly Alliance. But after testing her in kombat, he welcomed her assistance.

Raiden next approached Sonya Blade to ask for her help. She had already been in contact with Jax and had been informed of the destruction of their main base. She was quite ready to do whatever it would take to stop the threat that was about to befall Earth.

Once Earth's heroes had assembled on a beach of Shang Tsung's abandoned island fortress, Raiden appeared to them and explained in detail the events leading up to the formation of the Deadly Alliance. Although Kung Lao had already known, the others were shocked to learn that their old friend and ally, Liu Kang, was dead.

Raiden had brought to the surface the sunken ship Shang Tsung had used to bring warriors to his island. The heroes boarded the ship and were taken to a remote spot in the Lost Sea. None mentioned the fact that there was no one steering the ship.

The Thunder God raised his hand and an enormous storm formed in the air above the ship. Off to one side, a platform of some ancient design appeared from out of nowhere. Raiden explained that it was a celestial portal that could be used to traverse to Outworld. To earn the right to cross to the next realm, each kombatant had to defeat a representation of his or her greatest adversary. For Raiden, that challenge came in the form of Quan Chi.

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Reptile
The warrior known as Reptile has grown much stronger and more primal since his first appearance in the tournament. His physical appearance has morphed into something more animal than man.

Hung Gar, or "Tiger Fist", is the merging of Southern Shaolin fighting styles of Chinese kung fu. It is based on the movements of animals, such as the tiger and the crane.

During the invasion of Earthrealm, Reptile had been ordered by his master Shao Kahn to assassinate Princess Kitana. The style he attacked with was Hung Gar.

After Shao Kahn's defeat in Earthrealm, Reptile returned to Outworld to protect his master. His main duty has been to seek and destroy any possible threats to Shao Kahn's rule. Reptile has slain many would-be rulers before they got a chance to gain momentum against the Emperor.

The latest threat to Shao Kahn is the united forces of Princess Kitana and Prince Goro. The weakened Emperor has ordered Reptile to deliver a message to the sorcerer Shang Tsung. The Emperor demanded the sorcerer's services in defending against Edenia and the Shokan. At first, Shang Tsung did not recognize Reptile. It had been some time since he had seen him, and Reptile had changed much in appearance.

Eventually, Shang Tsung began to recognize Reptile's fighting moves, and ceased his aggressive posture. Reptile calmed down and delivered Shao Kahn's orders. Shang Tsung was to report to the emperor's palace fortress immediately. His duty fulfilled, Reptile departed to return to his master's side. Shortly after leaving, his keen senses picked up on the scent of blood and the sound of battle coming from Shang Tsung's residence.

He raced back to that location to find the sorcerer Quan Chi standing before Shang Tsung. His keen hearing picked up their conversation. They were planning an assassination of his master, Shao Kahn. Angry acidic drool seethed from between Reptile's teeth to the ground below...

Reptile's saliva has long been feared by his enemies. Its corrosive properties make for a most formidable weapon. As a long-distance attack, Reptile can spit this acid at his opponent. He imagined covering the sorcerers in the substance...

Reptile's anger was all-consuming, and he imagined himself in a heated battle with the pasty sorcerer.

Reptile knew he was no match for both sorcerers at once. He decided he could best serve his master Shao Kahn if he could warn him of the impending attack. As he made his way to Shao Kahn's Fortress, he was intercepted by a vampire woman brandishing a weapon that seemed vaguely familiar.

The weapon was a Kirehashi.. an ancient weapon of Reptile's extinct race. The vampire called herself Nitara, and offered the weapon to him as an offering of friendship. With a hiss, Reptile ripped the sword from her hands and began swinging it at imaginary foes.

Nitara did not understand why Reptile was swinging his blade at her. She defended herself.

Nitara continued to defend herself, not understanding the reason for Reptile's unwarranted attacks.

Reptile fantasized impaling Nitara with the Kirehashi Blade. He imagined the blood spewing from the open wound.

Reptile snapped out of his kombative trance and stopped his attack on Nitara. He accepted her gift of the ancient Raptor weapon readily. Nitara's presence had a soothing effect on Reptile. She claimed to have information that would help his master Shao Kahn in the battle with Kitana's forces. Reptile knew he could trust her. He could sense no deceit.

Nitara led Reptile across the plains of Outworld to the hidden location of Kitana's military encampment. If Reptile could get this information to Shao Kahn, the Emperor could send Kano's troops to smash them in a surprise attack. He had to get back to Shao Kahn immediately.

Reptile can travel vast distances quickly by curling up and rolling. In his zeal to help his master, he zipped back and forth fervently, flipping Nitara into the air.

Nitara tried to evade Reptile's Lizard Ball as best she could, but Reptile flipped her up 3 more times before he finally left for Shao Kahn's Fortress.

When Reptile finally arrived in Shao Kahn's throne room, he was devastated to find the Emperor lying dead on the floor. Judging by the smell of magic in the air, he realized that Quan Chi and Shang Tsung had already sprung their attack. He imagined the battle that had killed his master and fantasized about aiding him in battle.

Reptile believed that his master's death was his fault. He should have returned to the fortress much sooner. In anguish over his failure, he wandered Outworld aimlessly, until he once again came across Nitara. Feeling the need to redeem himself, he pledged his life to her service. This time, he would not fail. He would protect his new master well.

Express your anger over Shao Kahn's death by performing these Crab combos. Punish Shang Tsung!

Nitara has no idea why you continue to assault her. She has no other choice but to defend herself.

Pull out your Kirehashi Blade and cut down Quan Chi with these combos to help ease the pain.

Now Nitara is really angry. She gave you that weapon, and now you are using it against her! She will not stand for that.

Nitara does not understand why you keep referring to her as Quan Chi or Shang Tsung. Perhaps you are hallucinating. Until she can assess the situation, she must take what you dish out!

You cannot escape the thought that you failed your master! Your anguish has reached a fevered pitch! Impale the traitor Shang Tsung with your Kirehashi Blade!!

Fortunately for the vampire Nitara, Reptile's Kirehashi Blade was not made of wood. She pulled the weapon from her body, and tried to calm him down. However, Reptile's imagination was out of control by that time. Instead of Nitara, he now saw Kitana before him. If he had not wasted time to inspect Kitana's military encampment, he would have been in the throne room to defend his master.

Nitara forgave Reptile for his uncontrolled bout. Shao Kahn would have killed him for it. Nitara was indeed a master worth fighting for. Her first command was to attack an Earthrealm invader. She instructed Reptile to weaken the outsider by biting his armguard. The battle from that point on would be easy.

Reptile hit the Earthrealm invader so hard that his ribcage burst open. Reptile paused for a moment to flex his leathery muscles in victory. But before he could belt a triumphant scream, a great monster with many teeth came whirling outward from inside his defeated foe's chest. Unable to comprehend this new danger, Reptile fled in fear.

He wandered again aimlessly, realizing that he had failed another master. He was angry with himself and let his imagination run wild. He imagined that standing before him was his true enemy...

Reptile must face himself in Mortal Kombat. Defeat the imaginary manifestation of Reptile 3 out of 5 matches in a duel to the death.

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Cyrax
Cyrax is both part man and part machine. His cybernetic implants give him the edge he needs to defeat the most deadly of foes. He has recently been stranded in Outworld, and must fight to stay alive as he travels with Nitara on a quest to find a mystical Orb.

Like Sub-Zero, Cyrax had once been a member of the Lin Kuei ninja clan. Although he had learned many forms of martial arts techniques, Ninjitsu was his preferred fighting style.

Cyrax was transformed into a cyborg by the Lin Kuei in an automation program that Sub-Zero defied. For that defiance, Sub-Zero became an enemy of the Lin Kuei and Cyrax was programmed to seek and destroy him as a traitor. One of the fighting styles Cyrax downloaded to defeat Sub-Zero was Sambo.

The fighting style Sambo, originally conceived as a means of unarmed crowd control for the police, is a form of wrestling developed by the Soviets in the early 1930s. Sambo is a distillation of over 20 folk arts native to the Soviet Union as well as Greco-Roman Wrestling, Judo, Jujutsu and free-style wrestling.

One of the weapons Cyrax brings with him on his assignments is his Pulse Blade.

Cyrax was eventually reprogrammed by Sub-Zero to defeat Shao Kahn. Once the Emperor's attack on Earth was foiled, Cyrax had no further instructions and shut down in a barren desert. He was recovered by Special Forces agents Sonya Blade and Jackson Briggs who restored his soul through a dangerous technical procedure. He has since joined forces with them to protect Earthrealm from otherworldly threats.

By joining one attack to another in rapid succession, the human cyborg, Cyrax, can more effectively attack his foes. His training at the Special Forces proving grounds began with Ninjitsu combo training.

Jax assigned Cyrax to the realm of Outworld. His mission was to scout out potential threats from that realm and report his findings to Jax back in Earthrealm. On one of his ports to Outworld, Cyrax was ambushed by a large reptilian creature. During the battle, the arm console that allowed him to traverse the realms was damaged. He was stranded in Outworld.

Cyrax had not recognized the warrior he fought to be Reptile due to the lizard's strange metamorphosis from his previous form. He defended against Reptile's assault with his Sambo attack combinations, among other techniques, and eventually defeated him.

After Reptile scurried away in defeat, Cyrax was approached by a vampire woman named Nitara who had been watching the fight. She offered to return Cyrax to his Earthrealm home if he could retrieve for her a mystical orb from its hiding place. Nitara could not approach it herself, but Cyrax's Earthrealm technology would allow him to enter the harsh environment the orb had been concealed in.

One technological advancement of Cyrax's cybernetic systems is his Slice and Dice cutter. This mechanism can cut through opponents even at a distance.

When Cyrax had not reported back from Outworld at the pre-designated time, Jax knew something was wrong. He sent the new recruit Kenshi to search for Cyrax.

Another special attack made possible by Cyrax's bionic implants is his Spinkick. Cyrax is able to deal multiple blows by spinning on one leg and repeatedly smacking his opponent with the other.

Eventually, Agent Kenshi became stranded in Outworld as well when the Special Forces Outerworld Investigation Agency was destroyed by a member of the Red Dragon clan. Jax and Sonya would have to find some other way to return both Kenshi and Cyrax to Earthrealm.

Perhaps one of the most versatile technological advancements in Cyrax's arsenal is his Detonator. From a cavity within his chest, he can expel a timed bomb to blow his opponents to pieces.

Cyrax has never liked any of Johnny Cage's movies and felt especially robbed of his eight bucks when he saw Johnny's film, NINJA MIME. Cyrax is going to beat those eight dollars out of Johnny Cage's skull.

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