#Tsung was literally dead what was he supposed to do about it

[unnecessarybeltbuckles]

still makes me laugh

[soulofamy]

syzoth for the “send me a character and i’ll tell you” thingie?

Send Me a Character & I'll Tell You✨️

My first impression "isnt he supposed to be a villain? why does he look so much like a kicked puppy?" lol my first exposure to syzoth was through a maximillian dood mk1 video reviewing fatalities, i have never touched MK before that. i kinda had just heard his name tossed around in the peripheral and made assumptions about him

My impression now i think he deserves better than what the storymode of mk1 gave him, he got so little. "heres the reason i look like a kicked puppy" and then we never hear from him again. such a shame. but god i love him

Favorite thing about that character i love that his life was filled with tragedy but that he became a better person for it rather than a worse person. i would love to see what his life was like pre-shang tsung. thats a million dollar animated mk movie idea if i ever did have one

Least favorite thing i dont really like that shang tsung was like "i killed your family!" and then syzoth was like "rah!!" and then it was never addressed again. like they were literally walking through a forest that housed the souls of the dead, that would have been the PERFECT place for syzoth to discuss how much his wife and sons deaths hurt him. like imagine this: johnny: 'do you know anyone here?' baraka: 'some distant relatives' syzoth: '...my wife and son...' LIKE !! he never addressed it again in the story, and literally no one gave him their condolences, not even baraka who i feel would have sympathized!!

Favorite line/scene pretty much anything that took place or was said in the escaping sun do scene.

Favorite interaction that character has with another i like when he, while invisible, lifts ashrahs hat. i feel like you could interpret it as him being a little playful maybe. i also like all his intro dialogues with ashrah and with johnny

A character that I wish that character would interact with more ashrah LOL i want to see them bond

Another character from another fandom that reminds me of that character i spoke about it here in this post how he reminds me of amy sorel from soulcalibur but he also reminds me a bit of chase young from xiaolin showdown, at least from an aesthetic perspective

A headcanon about that character he sleeps in his zaterran form and as such, blankets dont really do anything for him. he doesnt generate his own bodyheat so a blanket doesnt really keep him warm. however, this changes if he has a warmblood partner. he will at least start out sleeping in his human form and share a blanket with them because he likes the warmth. he may or may not shift back into his zaterran form while sleeping

A song that reminds of that character i dont have one

An unpopular opinion about that character ive seen the blender images where his hood is removed and i have to say, im not a fan of his haircut.

Favorite picture this one by @terminaltimeline feels very powerful to me and makes me wish to see what syzoths life was like before mk1's events. it also inspired me to write my fic sins of the father

thanks for the ask!

[cienie-isengardu]

What is up with Shirai Ryu?

Or, is Hanzo a hypocrite?

While looking through various MK11 intros, I’m kind of tired about the whole “honor” stuff that Hanzo and Kuai Liang and so many other characters like to talk. Mainly, because honor is very unspecified term whose meaning (thus the line between acting honorable and dishonorable) will change from one person to another. And as much I love cultural clashes between characters of different clans / fraction or realms, Hanzo’s talks about Shirai Ryu make me wonder what the hell is going on with his clan right now?

Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu were rival clans for ages, but the japanese ninjas - and the whole ninjutsu created by them - has its roots in Lin Kuei teaching. Bi-Han called himself thief and assassin and we know that ninjas played similar roles through the ages. Stealing, killing, doing all dirty job someone paid for, it was what Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu did for years. The two fractions of course vary in clan traditions and family matters, but I think we can all agree that morally wise, assassins and master thieves aren’t the common image of honorable men, right?

Of course, both Hanzo and Kuai Liang decided to reform their respective clans, pledged to serve Earthrealm as the protectors rather than working for anyone who can afford their service. Thus both grandmasters reject job offers from gods & Outworlders alike; reject offers that would pose a danger to their home realm. What is nice and all, but clan has its own needs; there are people who must be feed, clothed, sheltered, medically equipped, armed with the right equipment and trained. This of course cost a lot money and maybe the Shirai Ryu and Lin Kuei do have the right funds accumulated over the centuries. But as far as MK11 intros are concerned, Sub-Zero most likely did not change completely Lin Kuei. Of course, Kuai Liang’s clan is meant to be protectors of Earthrealm, but there is still (rogue) Frost who is proud to be an assassin. And since she joined the clan between MK9 and X, the fact she is so aware of the clan history, the feud with Shirai Ryu and assassins traditions may imply that at least to some degree Lin Kuei is/was still involved in “old bussiness”. Whatever the case - Lin Kuei still training assassins who just don’t work anymore for “outsiders” or Frost (with Noob) being a rogue " remains of ancient glory”,  both versions are representing the better and the darker sides of Sub-Zero’s fraction.

Hanzo on another hand, as solely representation of Shirai Ryu in MK11 game, seems at times as, well, deluded person. Especially when intros aren’t clear if that was supposed to be P.O.V of current or past Hanzo.

First, let me quote little backstory provided by MK: Mythologies Sub-Zero:

Scorpion is the code name for a modern day member of the Shirai Ryu named Hanzo Hasashi [...] He learned this technique from his own father, a ninja himself who forbade his son to become a member of this ancient group of assassins and wanted him to accept the trappings of modern day life. But the lure of quick money and his own wish to afford his wife and child the finest in life force him to join the Shirai Ryu.

His latest mission leads him into the heart of China, home of the rival Lin Kuei and location of the Shaolin temple where his mission is to steal the sacred Map of Elements.

So, Shirai Ryu are ancient group of assassins, the last mission of Scorpion was to steal the sacred Map of Elements from Shaolin Temple and Hanzo wasn’t forced to join the clan, he did it mainly for money to afford his family in finest way.

After coming back to life, Hanzo made great effort to redeem his clan and became ally to other heroes. At the same time, he himself says Shirai Ryu are not bound to Special Forces (U.S.)’s laws what results in fact Sonya Blade keeps eye on Hanzo and his clan. Probably attacking SF’s base and killing captured Quan Chi is/was still fresh in her mind. Anyway, the real question is, what Shirai Ryu does? What kind of jobs the clan takes, from where Hanzo get money to cover needs of his ninjas and funds to rebuild destroyed years ago home? What Shirai Ryu ninjas do between crisises threatening safety of Earthrealm?

The reason why I wonder such things is tied up with Hanzo’s character banters, particularly with other merceneries.

Scorpion: Why seek out my clan?

Kano: You're a clan of assassins, ain't you?

Scorpion: You refer to the Lin Kuei.

It is hard to tell, if Scorpion here is the younger or current version thus if he talks about old Lin Kuei (a true statement about clan of assassins then) or refer to Kuai Liang’s one clan that was supposed to change for better. Whatever the case, if clan of assassins is what refers to Lin Kuei, I’m sorry, what Shirai Ryu is or was then? Because it was assassin clan too not so long ago and Hanzo himself joined and worked for such group.

Kabal: The Shirai Ryu hiring, Scorpion? Scorpion: We're family, not mercenaries.

Not mercenaries, said a man who was once hired to steal sacred Map and did it solely for money (or maybe even satisfation/chance to kill Lin Kuei). Even if Hanzo is speaking only about current situation of clan, it still does not answer are his ninjas involved in illegal jobs or are they just train in case of emergency?

This statement (and other intros with Jacqui anc Jax) makes it clear to join Shirai Ryu means became part of the clan for good. But frankly, that still does not mean that family unit like ninja clan can’t (couldn’t) be mercenaries. I mean, mercenary is person primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics and you know, taking jobs like assassination or theft is, well, dark side of mercenary profession. Soo, did Hanzo’s statement “not mercenaries“ was purely about joining the clan (not hiring unknown people) or as a whole, no more doing illegal stuff by his clan to gain money?

Erron: I thought Shirai Ryu were mercs. Scorpion: You understand little, Black. Erron: I've killed people for being less rude. 

This one is similar to the previous intro but I feel this time the focus is more on the past of Shirai Ryu, since Erron (as hired gun by Shang Tsung / Shao Kahn) lives for one or two hundred years so he may be familiar with old!Shirai Ryu ninjas reputation.

Of course, Hanzo may be right, Black (and us, for that matter) as outsider, does not have insight into internal clan traditions, ethics or internal matters thus the lack of understanding may lead him (and me) to incorrect conclusion. Maybe Shirai Ryu for ages served Japan in a way Special Forces serves now USA? Maybe they worked always for their homeland’s well being? We don’t know. But then if Shirai Ryu aren’t/weren’t mercs, how else one should think about ninja clan that send his own warrior to Shaolin Temple in foreign (hostile) territory to steal sacred artifact while being paid by some weirdo (Quan Chi)? Like, how that was more honorable than, let’s say, Erron working for Kotal?

   Scorp: There will be no deal, Kano.    Kano: Gotta make a buck, mate.    Scorp: The Shirai Ryu are not criminals.

Hanzo says his clan members aren’t criminals. I sorry, aren’t attacking Special Forces, the supposed allies, isn’t sort of crime? Even if two years passed since then, Shirai Ryu ninjas went to foreign country and attacked its army (who were at times helping refuges from Outworld). Of course, they weren’t motivated by greed or bad will, they were following their grandmaster. But Hanzo literally put his own need for revenge above needs of other heroes, including dead ones. Oh, and let’s no forget that past!Hanzo attacked Shaolin monks and killed who knows how many of them. Indeed, no criminals, ha!

Scorpion: The Shirai Ryu do not respect thieves. Kollector: I collect only what is due Shao Kahn. Scorpion: It is robbery, nothing more.

Sorry, what was your last mission again? Stealing from Shaolin Monks some precious map for some dude Quan Chi? I’m sure Shirai Ryu would never respect thieves! Riiiight.

Hanzo of course may talk about reformed Shirai Ryu, but that would look, once again, like he keep silent about past sins. Unless he really believe his clan never did anything dishonorable.

It’s hard not to wonder how exactly Hanzo reformed Shirai Ryu is he alone seems to ignore his own deeds. Mercs are looked down, so are thieves or in general, people working for money. As much as I can agree than Black Dragons - especially Kano - are the worst kind of scum, it would be actually nice to learn more about Shirai Ryu ethics or how ninja define honor. We know that for Hanzo, his “clan's honor is priceless” but he himself did a lot questionable stuff through the course of all games.

My biggest problem with Scorpion and his talk about honor (or in some causes, how pretty quick he is to accuse others of lack of thereof) is the contrast with Kuai Liang. Sub-Zero is the one willing to admit faults of his clan while Hanzo rarely acknowledges such in Shirai Ryu. Sub-Zero is the one trying hard to estabilish Lin Kuei as protectors of Earthrealm AND ally to other heroes, while Scorpion for a long time freely(?) keep himself and his clan isolated. Of course, both grandmasters treat Earthrealm’s best interest as priority, but between them two, it’s Kuai who is seen actively protecting Earth while Hanzo often was the source of problems, like killing capuring Quan Chi. Mind you, I don’t think Hanzo was wrong to assume as long as evil sorcerer will live, Earth is in danger (though, since Quan Chi is demon(?) shouldn’t he reborn in Netherrealm at some point?). But attacking your supposed allies and destroying the one chance to save fallen and enslaved comrades because Hanzo knows better does not strike me as the most honorable thing.

Once again, what is honor in Mortal Kombat? How Hanzo or Kuai Liang or Raiden or anyone define such matter?

I keep wonder about that, because Hanzo talks a lot about how Shirai Ryu are honorable while other merceneries are just thugs and all. What sounds a bit like hypocrisy when one look at Scorpion’s own history. Especially when younger!Hanzo is involved, because he is still the prime example of Shirai Ryu ninja working not-so-long-ago as assassin and thief.

But yeah, sure, everyone is greedy bastard and thug, even if said person is doing the same stuff like (old) Shirai Ryu did.

[marshmalleaux-queen]

Things I like about MK11:

The story had some pretty strong moments and threw me for a lot of loops (and I like being surprised)

Approximately 5837462849 different customization options for appearance alone

I FINALLY KNOW WHAT ERRON'S FACE LOOKS LIKE

Raiden seriously did his damnedest to be better than his take-no-shit counterpart (both in the story and in his tower ending) AND I LOVE HIM

Of course, the return of some fan favorite fighters

Liu Kang and Kitana finally got to be together again (and not as revenants)

Things I do not like about MK11 (an unfortunately much longer list):

D'Vorah's existence (I think she's cool as hell to play as, but she's just a massive BITCH)

Kano's existence (I have no buts about this one)

Rhonda Rousey's performance (which is apparently a popular complaint already)

Shao Kahn must be purchased despite being a fairly important story component

Many characters that I enjoy are not playable at all and are barely (if ever) even mentioned in passing in the story or tower endings

That being said, a common excuse I hear for them not being playable is "well it's because they're dead" so how come Baraka is here and Reptile is not??? Why couldn't Kronika's time shit bring back Mileena but it had no problem bringing back Non-Revenant Jade or Kung Lao?

KENSHI AND ERMAC ARE FUCKING DEAD AND I HAD TO DESECRATE THEIR CORPSES FOR TREASURE

Erron does not use his good ol' rooty-tooty-point-n-shooty pistols nearly as often as he should (and honestly I just really don't like the rifle)

They plan to put Shang Tsung in the game with the ability to transform into the cyborgs that we don't get to play as in the first place. Just give us the actual characters pls, it's like Great Value™ Baraka Tarkatan Xenomorph part 2

I was excited to see what they would do with Skarlet in the story, because before she was little more than just Blood: The Character™ and I'm really disappointed that they didn't give her more substance and background

I don't terribly mind the direction they took with Frost but the fact that she is now also cybernetic is just really unsettling for some reason?? Also I wish there was some sort of redemption arc for her (but I haven't seen her tower ending yet so I dunno if that's already been done)

I feel like this game set out to tie up loose ends, fill holes, and answer questions left from previous installments, but in doing so opened up 5926495 more holes

I know that the creators intended for this game to be a sort of gateway to make a new game with an entirely fresh roster, but suddenly chalking it up to the existence of a veritable super god who is responsible for every event that ever happens in the series just feels like a really cop-outty way to do it

Also how the hell do they expect to make a game with an entirely unfamiliar cast when Scorpion and Sub-Zero are literally the faces of the Mortal Kombat franchise

I legit do not know how to feel about Raiden being mortal. I mean I understand he gave up his immortality to Liu Kang for a good reason, but like. Raiden is literally ripped straight from Japanese mythology/religion. How can you have what is supposed to be the thunder god when he cannot do thunder god things 🤔

Jade and Kotal. LISTEN. I have no qualms with either of these characters themselves. I think Jade is cool as hell and I like Kotal's character too. But why are they together? There is jack diddly SQUAT about how they know each other, why they grew to love each other, etc etc. Like look I have no issue with brand new romance plots in my fighting games, fuck I love Takeda and Jacqui together, but at least I knew why they liked each other and how they came to be so close and saw all the things they went through together. I'm sure I'd love Jade and Kotal too but I just don't understand why those two specifically are a thing. It feels like a very forced romantic subplot for the sake of... romantic subplot. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ?????

Being able to only use X-Rays (pardon me, Fatal Blows) once per match, and only at low health. Was the problem that X-Rays could be used too frequently? That the meter could be wasted if blocked or missed? Why not just give the same cool-down period then, without the one-time usage limitation thing?

There are probably many more I could complain about but I honestly do not have the energy for it atm

[kalloway]

Is it okay if I read some of the dialogue you've put into your crossover idea. The Camarilla, Anarchs and Sabbat are going to be confused on what's going on.

Oh for sure - I wouldn’t doubt it’d cause quite a bit of chaos tbh!

And sure Anon - just know it’s nothing special - mostly just ideas I had on how I could possibly introduce Magdalene into the mix tbh ����

I’ll provide a bit of context/commentary, cuz I do literally write *just* dialogue lmao (fair warning: it’s p lengthy):

“What you’re asking me to do is an utmost crime, Sorcerer. I refuse.”

“Even if it means becoming more powerful? Heightening your Clan’s position?”

“I don’t care about that. First and foremost, I’m loyal to the Camarilla, and Diablerie is a capital crime - irreversible.”

“Your kind is already doomed to the Netherrealm. Why bother upholding such a masquerade?”

“Because I don’t see myself as a monster, and I don’t forget where I came from.”

(This is an isolated idea between Magdalene and possibly Shang Tsung, after the latter finds out about the concept of Diablerie - possibly from the Sabbat, but also possibly previous knowledge from the Moroi?)

“If what you’re suggesting is true, then we’ll need to take this to HQ. Can you be present tomorrow morning to meet?”

“That’s not possible. I’m a night person - I only conduct business after sundown.”

(Whispers to the other) “…telling you - vampire.”

“Very well. Tomorrow evening then?”

“Sure. But let’s keep it brief, alright? I can’t stay away for too long.”

(Just a goofy bit where one of the Kombat Kids (as I’ve heard Cassie, Jaqui, Takeda, and Kung Jin referred to), or maybe just another soldier in general, is super convinced she’s a ‘classic’ vampire, but no one else is buying it)

“Woah, woah! There’s not supposed to be civilians here!”

“What are you doing here?”

(Magdalene): “Investigating.” (She glances at their uniforms) “What’re the Special Forces doing in a dump like this?”

“Investigating. You really shouldn’t be here-“

“My superior begs to differ. This matter is of the utmost importance, and he’s sent me to look into it on his behalf. I’m not leaving.”

“Do you know anything about this incident then?”

“…not much. Probably about as much as you do: It’s a strange series of events leading up to this by some unknown and unseen party.”

“I’d call this a bit more than strange.”

“Whatever you call it, it’s a problem - obviously for the both of us. The sooner we find out what happened, the better.”

“You’re going to help us?”

“And you’re going to help me. If we’re after the same answers, why not make this whole situation mutually beneficial?”

“Well, we don’t really know anything about you. Plus, this is SF business, we can’t really release much information. Classified, you know.”

“My name is Magdalene Brandeis. You don’t know me or my superiors, but we’re on the same side for the moment.”

“‘For the moment’?”

“I have no say in their choices. Kinda what happens when you join in at a bad time.”

(i’m not really sure how I wanna write Mags, so she kinda jumps between super formal and more casual here - it’s her encountering the Kombat Kids while investigating an extremely suspicious incident that resulted in a lot of strange deaths in the building/area - definitely Sabbat work. Imo they grow much bolder after the turn of events leading to the news of new realms.)

“Hey Cass, I did some looking into that woman we were with at the scene of that incident, and got something really weird.”

“What do you mean ‘weird’? The whole thing was way outta wack.”

“Yeah but this is… weirder. I did a search on the name she gave and eventually got a match on a Missing Person’s report from over in Santa Monica, but… That Magdalene woman’s been missing for well over a decade now.”

“What? No way… what do you think it means?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know if I should bring it up to General Blade or not regarding the incident. She didn’t seem like she was involved in it at all.”

“She definitely seemed like she didn’t want to be seen there… like she was keeping a low profile. Maybe she was involved?”

“But she gave us that insight on those other incidents that match this one.”

“Probably ‘cause she knows about them. How would we know if she was involved? But it fits the alibi.”

“What do you mean?”

“Think about it Cass - a woman that’s been missing and presumed dead for over ten years, suddenly shows up at the scene of one of the most horrific crimes in recent history, then starts talking about other similar instances we’d missed going back a few years? She’s definitely in on it.”

“But we have no evidence she’s an enemy-“

“And nothing to prove she’s an ally either, besides her word. Can you trust someone like that?”

“…I’m not sure.”

“I say we report it anyway. At worst, it’s a bad hunch, but at best we possibly nab the person responsible - or one of their lackeys, anyway.”

(I wanted a bit that touched on Mags’ prior involvement in VTMB, so this is just a small call-back to that)

“How did you get in here?”

“Through the front door, actually. I have information you might be interested in, General.”

“And why would we trust someone who waltzes into a military facility like they own the damn place?”

“Because if my superiors found out where I was and what I was going to say, I’d be dead ten times over by now.”

“…who’s your superior?”

“Let’s call them a Council, for simplicity’s sake. They keep a tight leash on their kind, but I’m not… exactly a normal case. Now do you want to hear what I have to say or not? I don’t have all night.”

“Why come at night?”

“It’s quiet at night. I prefer it.”

“Hm. So long as it’s relevant, we could use any help we could get.”

“What causes these incidents - these murders - isn’t like you or I, but something much more primal.”

“An animal?”

“A beast with a superiority complex, honestly.”

“And you think we’d believe that?”

“What else have you encountered could do something like that?”

“I could name a few things…”

“I believe it’s the work of the Sabbat.”

“…the what?”

“The Sabbat. I’ve been informed you’ve heard the term before-“

“Yeah, and it’s strictly SF information only. How’d you hear about it?”

“Everyone knows about it, where I come from. They’re a persistent problem that’s grown wildly out of hand, in recent nights. Do you know what the Sabbat are?”

“We deduce they’re a gang going around murdering innocent people with no rhyme or reason as to why they’re doing it.”

“Hmmm… not bad, not bad. But there IS a reason, and the rhyme may be… disturbing to you.”

“If you know what’s causing the murders and taking our attention away from other more stressing concerns, then by law you’re obligated to inform us.”

“The Sabbat, in essence, strive to be everything you are not: Inhuman. They reject the basic code we all as a society follow, for the most part. They’re arrogant, have no regard for life, and see themselves as higher beings than you. The Sabbat are dangerous, and we’ve been trying to keep them in check for years. Ever since we all found out about the other realms after that incident years ago, we’ve been unable to get a handle on them.”

“…so you’re saying you’ve let them get out of hand?”

“No. The Sabbat are like cockroaches - you can’t seem to ever get rid of them entirely. They’ve never been this persistent or problematic since Los Angeles.”

“What happened in Los Angeles?”

“…nothing worth noting, to you.”

“I-“

“All I’m here to do, is inform you that these are not people. They are not reasonable, and they will kill every single person - human or not - that gets in their way.”

“So what are they, exactly, if they’re not human?”

(I’m not sure I really like this idea, but it was involving Magdalene going out of the way to try and p much stop these guys (Special Forces) from just waltzing to their dooms while also investigating the Sabbat instances. I liked the idea of them being aware of the name, but not aware of what they are. I never decided how to finish that up though, hence the dead-end here)

“The fact that we may very well be able to ascertain our own origins is an interesting premise, don’t you think? Poetic, even. We’ve spent so long in the dark, only to realize it was only *this* realm that held us back.”

(I typed this up after Beckett was mentioned in a previous ask - idk if it’s something he would say, but it’s a line of dialogue I kind of like so 🤷‍♀️)

Aaand that’s all I got, for now Anon! 

Sorry it’s not much - it takes me a long time to sorta piece ideas together or some up with a *coherent* plot of any sort 😂 (it’s why my in-progress fanfic is taking… so long….)

i’m juggling so many AU ideas rn, it’s not even funny. Idk how you writer types ever stay organized or on top of ur fics in reasonable order… I just wing it every time and hope for the best, ngl ᕕ(ᐛ)ᕗ