#c.i.:intros

[cienie-isengardu]

Why Kuai Liang was not given his cryomancer power but fire?

After rewatching character intro dialogues from previous games, I think I figure out why Liu Kang changed Kuai Liang into Scorpion/pyromancer in his timeline and the reason is so he did to not have to deal with two cryomancers at the same time AND I’M SAYING IT ONLY HALF-JOKING.

If there are two things we can say about all cryomancers presented in games and old Mortal Kombat Conquest TV series is that they have a rocky relationship with authority and all of them are abrasive, straightforward and challenging, and yes, this applies to Kuai Liang too. He may grow up into wise, patient sage but he was as relentless, aggressive and stubborn in his quest to avenge Bi-Han as the other cryomancers were when dealing with people/situations they did not like or agreed with.

Generally speaking, cryomancers are those who are hard to keep on leash because of their independent streak.

Now, one may ask, but why change Kuai Liang and not Bi-Han, if Grandmaster Kuai Liang dedicated his life to protect Earthrealm while Bi-Han is the best known as evil Noob Saibot?

The thing is, Kuai Liang was loyal to Bi-Han (and Smoke) above everything else and only the devastating experiences like brother’s death, Cyber Initiative project and enslavement under Quan Chi’s magic - and born from it guilt - set him on the path of redemption. This is by no means a critique of Kuai Liang as in majority of “intercarnations” the younger Sub-Zero has the sense of honor from the start however it is personal tragedies that truly force him to face some harsh truth about his clan and his older brother to whom both he was deeply devoted. In a way we may say that Kuai Liang’s redemption arc is a reaction to experienced trauma.

Stripping him from devastating experiences of being changed into a killing machine (or losing best friend to C.I. Project, depending on timeline) and being a slave to dark magic would also strip Kuai Liang from the obstacles he needed to overcome to grow into a wise, patient Grandmaster and dedicated protector of Earthrealm. And in this universe Shang Tsung, Quan Chi and the dark nature of original Lin Kuei were - in theory - eliminated from happening, so Liu Kang would be left with a young, rash, stubborn cryomancer deeply devoted to his older brother above anything else.

And let’s no forget that this cryomancer last time without second thought ignored his superiors’ orders and went on the revenge quest in the name of fallen brother, openly putting family over his life-long oath to Lin Kuei, did not aid Sonya and dying Jax, then disturbed the Mortal Kombat Tournament held in Outworld by demanding from Emperor to bring him Bi-Han’s murderer straight to the Emperor’s face without any hint of respect, and generally, was hell-bent to find and kill Scorpion and all consequences be damned. The nightmare of what he did as Cyber Sub-Zero (MK9) was the first real shock that put him on a different path. But then even as traumatized by tragic events, older Kuai Liang still wasn’t blindly following others’ orders. As intro dialogues presented, he has no respect for whatever gods (he do though respect some godly immortals as individuals) and openly criticized or challenged Raiden’s authority in MK11:

Sub-Zero: You failed to protect Earthrealm. Raiden: Do you question my authority? Sub-Zero: I demand you renounce it.

or

Sub-Zero: I am grateful that you saved my life. Raiden: So why fight me, Grandmaster? Sub-Zero: To find out whether you are dark or light.

or

Sub-Zero: Do you serve humanity?  Raiden: And the Elder Gods, Sub-Zero.  Sub-Zero: One cannot serve two masters.

And now, strip Kuai Liang from trauma and who knows how much more stubborn and at odds with godly’s authority he would be?

Bi-Han though? When he stole Shinnok’s amulet [Sub-Zero: Mythologies], the action did not right away ruin his life. Raiden warned him about the possible destruction of Earthrealm and with it, Lin Kuei  and demanded to repair damage done, which Sub-Zero agreed to do.

Rayden: Do you realize what you've done?? Sub-Zero: I was just earning my living. Rayden: Your clan's ignorance and greed will cost this entire realm. You must now set things straight. Sub-Zero: Quan Chi could simply be a lunatic sorcerer. I've never heard of an elder god named Shinnok or of a place called the Netherealm. Rayden: Well, you'd better start believing in both, because you're going to the Netherealm and you're going to bring the amulet back.    We must act quickly. I have no dominion in the Netherealm... You are reality's only hope. Sub-Zero: I'll do it, Thunder God... but only because I have no choice.

Bi-Han risked his life and soul to save the whole realm from Shinnok - as Raiden said:  “The Netherealm is a place for lost souls. If you fail, your soul will join theirs… and so will the souls of this entire realm”, however it was Quan Chi who revealed the whole truth: "Don't you realize why Rayden sent you? The Netherealm is a place for evil beings. You could not exist here unless you were tainted with evil."

This knowledge affected Bi-Han yet he still returned to Lin Kuei. Whether he did that because of loyalty to Grandmaster or just for Kuai Liang’s sake is up to debate but what is important, he did not abandon his assassin profession. 

Now, I know that Mortal Kombat 9 (2011) does not dwell much into details and its story mode does not always follow logic in regard to fights each character participated in, yet during the Mortal Kombat Tournament Bi-Han must have changed sides otherwise his fight with Scorpion would make zero sense. Lin Kuei warriors were hired personally by Shang Tsung to kill Earthrealm Champions and the only reason for the sorcerer to allow for such a fight was if Bi-Han worked against him. 

(And if Bi-Han supported Raiden’s cause, Shang Tsung would have an actual reason to kill Cyrax after Lin Kuei warrior talked with Thunder God over Sub-Zero’s remains. As in, he was afraid another assassin could be persuaded into helping Earthrealm).

Those are two examples* in which Bi-Han prevented or tried to prevent upcoming danger - Shinnok’s return and Outworld’s Invasion (alternatively, he was trying to eliminate the danger of Quan Chi who broke contract by keeping Hanzo Hasashi / Shirai-Ryu as his Wraith, a reason on which Cyber Sektor refused to aid Netherrealm in MKX and Bi-Han’s goal just nicely worked with Raiden’s need). Sub-Zero risked his life for the safety of Earthrealm as he could died during task or be killed by Grandmaster for allying himself with Lin Kuei’s enemy (Raiden) - and Bi-Han did so even when thinking there was nothing wrong with assassining and thieving (“I was just earning my living.”)

This is not really about which brother has a better sense of honor - or duty, for that matter - as both have this sense in various source material. The difference is about the nature of their choices to protect Earthrealm.  Bi-Han’s decisions weren’t born from personal tragedy but from pragmatism as he understood that walking away from the problem wasn’t a wise choice. In contrast, Kuai Liang’s actions were a reaction to an already happened tragedy. In that sense Bi-Han, even as an assassin tainted with evil, acted to prevent bad things before those affected Earthrealm (his life/clan) while Kuai Liang tried to stop history from repeating itself.

Of course, Liu Kang as a mortal did not have any knowledge about Bi-Han's past but as his powers merged with Thunder God, he could gain an access to Raiden’s memories and opinion that affected his own judgment. Raiden praised Bi-Han at least twice for saving Earthrealm (Sub-Zero Mythologies and Mortal Kombat 9) and went so far to ask Scorpion to spare Sub-Zero’s life - granted, more to prevent creation of Noob Saibot he had vision of, but he was still angry at Scorpion in MK11 for breaking the promise

"Your word is worthless. At the tournament I trusted you to spare Bi-Han, and you betrayed me."

Raiden specifically calling Sub-Zero by his given name makes it sound much more personal compared to an actual scene from MK9:

"Spare Sub-Zero's life and I will request that the Elder Gods return the Shirai Ryu to the realm of mortals."

(Another thing to take into account is the age difference between Sub-Zero brothers. It is understandable that Kuai Liang looked up to Bi-Han, an older brother who was at the age of (most likely) 32 recognized as the most cunning Lin Kuei, while Bi-Han was not bound by the same idealization toward his younger sibling and maybe even felt it was his duty to take care of Kuai Liang.)

Bi-Han wasn’t the easiest person to work with, sure, but his cryomancer’s lack of social skills and abrasive nature did not get into the way of serving Earthrealm in an active way to prevent danger. Putting him as he was in different Lin Kuei - now dedicated to Earthrealm and duty bound to serve it - doesn’t sound that weird. 

But why change the element (ice) of one of the brothers at all?

Looking how crymancer Kuai Liang and MK1!Bi-Han actually shares the same independent streak and the “don’t let your loyalty stunt your growth” mindset, I think Original Younger Sub-Zero would have a much better understanding of current Bi-Han and could if not support him then at least understand his desire of breaking free from Liu Kang as alternative version of Kuai Liang in one of intro dialogues (MK11) outright would refuse aid Raiden, thinking Lin Kuei bleed enough for Earthrealm: 

Raiden: Earthrealm needs you, Sub-Zero. Sub-Zero: Enough Lin Kuei blood has been shed. Raiden: I ask only for your bravery. 

With the implication that current sibling’s mother was a fighter and she died (possibly in line of duty) before game events and how Bi-Han seems to be on much better terms with her (or generally, being more affected by Kitana & Mileena’s mother death than death of his own father), this Kuai Liang’s statement too could easily support Bi-Han’s desire to break from tradition of servitude and Lin Kuei dying for Earthrealm’s sake. 

The older and wiser version of Kuai Liang wouldn’t agree with abandoning duty to Earthrealm, but the young, rash, blindly devoted to his older brother version? Without traumatic events - that weren’t meant to happen - there wouldn’t be the needed impulse for Kuai Liang to look at his life, Bi-Han’s ambitions and clan from a different perspective.

Bi-Han mentioned in one of character intros that Lin Kuei use cryomancy since his ancestors settled in Arctika 

while Kuai Liang said pyromancy is closely kept family secret.

So cryomancy is something passed down from ancestors to modern days, while either in the past people controlling fire married into family and added mastery of this element to gene pool or the Lin Kuei/Kuai Liang’s family found a different way to control it and this is why they guard their secret.  To keep it as simple as possible, let’s agree that Kuai Liang had a 50% chance to inherit ice and the same chance to get fire. On one hand, it is easy to assume, well, if fire is part of his family legacy, then he simply get different gene pool from Bi-Han, why blame Liu Kang?

In Scorpion vs Liu Kang intro, Kuai Liang learned in previous timelines he was always Sub-Zero (cryomancer)

In Sub-Zero vs Geras intro, Bi-Han learned that Kuai Liang was not destined to be his enemy

(once again, considering how loyal cryomancer Kuai Liang was to brother, this statement sounds like admitting this change was against the design of the previous timelines)

and Bi-Han accused Liu Kang of turning his brother against him

but considering how little Kuai Liang interacted with Liu Kang in story mode before Bi-Han’s betrayal, this could be read as Sub-Zero learned or deduced somehow Kuai Liang’s ice powers were changed to fire abilities on Liu Kang’s decision. And from a certain perspective the accusation is true, as in both previous game timelines their brotherly conflict happened always after Bi-Han’s death and change into Noob Saibot.

So, Liu Kang’s choice to change Kuai Liang's power may be a safeguard in case Bi-Han’s corruption at some point still happened. By breaking the cryomancer bond that connected Bi-Han and Kuai Liang, he redirected Kuai Liang's constant devotion to brother into passion for tradition (father’s teaching that support Liu Kang’s case) while giving younger brother a control over element that naturally overcomes Bi-Han’s ice, as proved by previous timelines in which Scorpion’s fire kills Bi-Han.

(Personally I think the change of ice element backfired as it affected their sibling bond. An unfortunate side effect Liu Kang may not take into account. Bi-Han and Kuai Liang still consider each other as brothers and don't seem keen to allow others to get involved in their family matters as intro dialogues suggest but the way how quickly they turned against each other with intention to hurt is surprising. Yes, in previous timelines Kuai Liang and Noob fought frequently and Kuai had a lot of reasons to be angry at undead!Bi-Han but A) this was twisted by dark magic version of Bi-Han and B) Kuai Liang has never abandoned hope to save his brother as was seen in Armageddon [original timeline] and Mortal Kombat 11: Sub-Zero ending [alternate timeline]. But then again, this is a restart of their history and future additions to Mortal Kombat 1 may change that impression.)

Mind you, this is no slander against Liu Kang, as he proved to try his best at keeping realms at peace instead of ruling all realms with an iron fist, however as he himself admitted, he did interfere with some characters’ origin. Shang Tsung and Quan Chi are the best known examples as their on purpose were born to have meaningless life

I gave the sorcerers meaningless lives... They should have never gained power, let alone joined forces.

and as intro dialogues implies, it was his decision to orphan Tomas, presumably so he could join Lin Kuei (and Kuai Liang). As Liu Kang explained: “Being Keeper of Time means making many hard choices" and so I assume there was a reason why he decided to break the otherwise strong cryomantic bond between those two brothers and why it was Kuai Liang who got fire instead of ice, even if previous timelines prove he was great ally as Sub-Zero.

*The third example comes from old MK comics, "A Cold Day in Hell" [Mortal Kombat Tournament Edition II] in which Outword and Earthrealm teams were fighting to take Shao Kahn's Medallion. The rule? Who reaches the item first, wins.

The teams were busy fighting each other and as the narrative box said "there was one warrior who understood that this was not a group exercise. Just like Mortal Kombat, here there could be only a single winner" and so "Bi-Han" went ahead alone to finish the mission. Despite being burned alive by Scorpion's fire, he reached the medallion and saved Earthrealm:

and even Shao Kahn himself was impressed by "Bi-Han's" deeds:

It was a brave showing, mortal. Were it within me to do so... I would wish you a season of rest for your tortured soul...

In the same comics, two months after brother's death, "Kuai Liang" was attacked by his clan and in return denouced Lin Kuei as unworthy of the continued services of Sub-Zero

which brings me back to my point about Bi-Han's pragmatic choices to prevent danger vs Kuai Liang's decisions as a reaction to personal tragedy.

So yeah, out of my head I can name three separate examples in which Bi-Han risked his life (and in case of two events, got killed in the process) for Earthrealm's sake.

[cienie-isengardu]

Oops, I’m month late with my reply, sorry for that 😂

You make a good point about Bi-Han’s mindset that ends justify the means and the possibility of his hunger for power to grow with passing time.  However, as much as I can agree that at some point Bi-Han may turn his attention to weaponizing Tarkat illness, I’m still not convinced that at the current (post MK1) moment, he would be willing to do so. Right now his modus operandi seems to rely on stealth, secrecy, blackmail and working in shadows when it comes to Mileena’s regime - something that allows him to control and influence the situation without putting himself or his people in direct danger. His agents in Outworld infiltrated the capital city, he gained critical knowledge about his enemy (Mileena’s sickness, Tanya’s forbidden feelings for empress) yet despite the ongoing conflict with the Royal Family, he is not really set to conquer Outworld by killing everyone on his way. In all fairness, I’m not even sure if he is truly that interested in Outworld beside it being part of his alliance with other characters, because as much as Sub-Zero would like the change of authority to someone more friendly to him and his cause, he still suggested an alliance to Mileena  

Sub-Zero: We would both benefit from an alliance. Mileena: You expect trust after what you've done?

something she understandably turned down. 

Maybe it is just me, but the same as with Liu Kang, I feel Bi-Han is willing to agree to a truce with his current enemies, if Lin Kuei’s safety and independence will be guaranteed. Which is why I don’t see Sub-Zero invested into using Tarkat, because A) he wants overthrown Mileena’s regime but he isn’t interested in anarchy and chaos as was seen in intros with Havik and B) a biological weapon, once unleashed, is not something a person can control which is an opposite of his current modus operandi and C) there is always a chance such a weapon could be used against him and Lin Kuei. Like yes, right now Earthrealmers aren’t  susceptible to illness (though if cryomancers and their descendants are also safe from it or not is up to debate), however there are enough characters with magic, necromancy and science knowledge to mutate it and turn against Earthrealm to think twice if such bio-hazard is worth using. Sure, Bi-Han’s goal may change overtime and his favorite methods thrown away for the more damaging one but as was seen in Bi-Han’s ending, having a powerful weapon - current version of C.I. project - does not mean he plans to use it first and then making demands and more keep it as a tool of intimidation to be used only if people will oppose him.

We've invested much time in this endeavor, and we are beginning to see results. Once again proving the depths of Sektor's genius. When we are done, all of Earthrealm will honor our desires and heed our demands. If not, they will face the Lin Kuei's wrath." 

Which admittedly I feel his mindset is not yet fully of the conquer, the way old timeline Shao Kahn was for example. But then again, it all may change with passing time and having a biological weapon is enough of an intimidation tool even if a person doesn’t truly plan to use it. 

Though again, there is also a chance that Sub-Zero is actually eliminating the threat of such a weapon by trying to eliminate the source - a.k.a. Tarkat illness (sick people) to make sure Shang Tsung, Quan Chi or anyone else won’t weaponize it in the first place and thus gain advantage over Lin Kuei?

Also, a side note, isn’t it interesting that Lin Kuei seems to be more than just warriors (soldiers) doing Liu Kang’s bidding and could be as well his network spy through centuries, considering how Bi-Han and his brothers rely so much on stealth and operating in shadows and both of their fraction infiltrated Mileena’s capital city?

Kuai Liang is a liar

We need to talk about a Kuai Liang intro I've recently discovered that honestly left me flabbergasted. I have no idea how I didn't come across this intro earlier or why no one else ever talked about it, but the more you look into Kuai Liang's dialogues, the worse it gets. Blatant ableism towards Kenshi, arrogance and disrespect towards his own allies and now this...

Baraka: I wouldn't wish Tarkat upon my worst enemy. Scorpion: Then help me stop Bi-Han from weaponizing it.

What is this? Just what on earth is he talking about here?

Bi-Han never intended to weaponize Tarkat. He wants it extinguished. Not once in the story mode does Bi-Han talk about or show any interest in Tarkat or the Tarkatans, it's not mentioned in his tower ending or any of his intro dialogues with other characters. What Bi-Han wants is an army similar to Shang Tsung's dragon army, so he can take control of a part of Earthrealm. To achieve this, he started the Cyber initiative.

What does any of that have to do with Tarkat? Bi-Han has no need for it. In fact, he made it very obvious what he thinks of those infected with Tarkat.

I looked at every line Bi-Han said in the game that mentions Tarkat as well as all his dialogues with Baraka and Mileena, the two characters that are infected with it.

Sub-Zero: Expect no compassion, freak. Baraka: Such a cold heart, Sub-Zero.

Sub-Zero: Your kind should be exterminated. Baraka: Disease does not make us disposable.

Sub-Zero: Your affliction is divine punishment. Baraka: Actually, it is fate's cruel joke.

Sub-Zero: If your subjects learn your secret -- Mileena: You dare threaten me, Bi-Han?!

What we learn from these dialogues is that Bi-Han wants Tarkat and Tarkatans gone. He thinks their affliction is some kind of punishment, he seems appalled by it, not interested in it. He tries to use Mileena's condition against her only as a method of extortion, but other than that, Bi-Han does not care about Tarkat in the slightest.

Kuai Liang is lying. He's lying to Baraka to turn him against Bi-Han.

How bad can the "bad guy" be if the supposed "good guy" has to lie to make him look worse?

Shang Tsung is the one trying to weaponize Tarkat and yes, Bi-Han was Shang Tsung's ally, but he stopped working with him and told Liu Kang he wasn't aware of Shang Tsung's experiments.

This isn't even the first time Kuai Liang was lying to one of his allies.

Scorpion: Liu Kang's revelation has shaken my faith in him. Raiden: Understandable, given what he chose to hide. Reptile: Am I right to put faith in Liu Kang? Scorpion: He's always proven worthy of mine.

You might remember this dialogue from the second part of my character analysis for Kuai Liang, in which I already talked about how much of a two-faced character he is.

Truth is, Kuai Liang, just like Bi-Han, doesn't hesitate to lie to others when there's an advantage to gain for him. This yet again proves that Kuai Liang has no honor. I don't know how much lower this character can sink and that's not even including the story dlc events. Kuai Liang is a disgrace to the Scorpion mantle. Hanzo might have been a flawed character, but I don't recall him lying and manipulating others to get his way.

[tulipmuses]

my friend just sent me this of jade/jazzy/whatever. apparently after they called out how racist and messed up this is, the entire chat was deleted, and they were kicked out of the rpg. stop applying here, even as a joke you guys. and don’t let these people into your rps if you can help it, we don’t need them in our community. with everything happening in the world right now, let’s support rps that deserve it, and stop joining places to troll or stalk their chat. jaqueline is a tr*mp supporter and jade is emotionally manipulative and racist. my friend was in this rp for one day and they caught her being racist three times outside of this. (bringing in characters who were not properly racially cast). there’s no getting to some people, and sometimes you have to let go and move on. 

[neggplanit-blog]

1). “What is your full name?”

“Sebastian Smythe. No middle name, not that you could pronounce anyway.” 2). “When is your birthday?”

“June 14th” 3). “What is your sexual orientation?”

“Your boyfriend can answer that.” 4). “What are your thoughts about being on this island?”

“There are enough sights to see for now. We’ll see where this thing goes.” 5). “Do you have your memories intact or forgotten? And if forgotten, what do you remember right now?”

“What are you talking about? I just got here.” 6). “Are you living on this island peacefully or unpeacefully?”

“One man’s peace is another man’s chaos.” 7). “Will you try to leave this island?”

“When I’m done with it.”

[josslynisms]

░; ♡     ❝ I can’t believe that I saw {JISOO} arrive to Canterlot Island! But she is actually {LARA JEAN COVEY}, a {CANON CHARACTER} from {TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE}. She is {EIGHTEEN}-years-old right now, and she is working as a {BARISTA} at {JAVA LAVA }. She is associated with { antiques, love letters, and dating peter kavinsky}. She is {LOYAL} and {CHARMING}, but she is also {STUBBORN} and {INDECISIVE}. But no one is perfect, right? The memory stone has left their memories {INTACT}❞

1). “What is your full name?”

Lara Jean Covey

2). “When is your birthday?”

tbd

3). “What is your sexual orientation?”

straight

4). “What are your thoughts about being on this island?”

it will be interesting to see who is all here.

5). “Do you have your memories intact or forgotten? And if forgotten, what do you remember right now?”

I have all my memories intact from back home and of dating Peter, the love of my life.

6). “Are you living on this island peacefully or unpeacefully?”

Peacefully as I can be

7). “Will you try to leave this island?”

I want to but I will try my 

[bcbypctter]

alright anyways let this fucking place die, let them fade into obscurity and dont fucking give them your time of day. theyre racists and they will never stop. keep them away from your groups and yourselves. thank you and i hope you all are safe. 

and to jade, Jacqueline and ygm. fuck you 

[gemmamusess]

1). “What is your full name?” my name is regina george and i am a massive deal. 2). “When is your birthday?” october 3rd. 3). “What is your sexual orientation?” i like whatever i want. 4). “What are your thoughts about being on this island?” it’s lame. but it’s whatever. 5). “Do you have your memories intact or forgotten? And if forgotten, what do you remember right now?” i remember everything. even getting hit by a bus. 6). “Are you living on this island peacefully or unpeacefully?” as peacefully as these losers will let me. 7). “Will you try to leave this island?” no.

[mooniemuses]

"cami don't share this" fine moonie will!

[ashmuses]

Elsa Arendelle // 21

1). “What is your full name?”

Elsa Indua Gerda Arendelle 

2). “When is your birthday?”

December 22nd

3). “What is your sexual orientation?”

Lesbian

4). “What are your thoughts about being on this island?”

“It’s scary because I can’t find my sister.”

5). “Do you have your memories intact or forgotten? And if forgotten, what do you remember right now?”

“I remember everything.”

6). “Are you living on this island peacefully or unpeacefully?”

“Unpeacefully. I’m not used to this lifestyle and miss the comfort of home.” 7). “Will you try to leave this island?”

“Yes and as quickly as I can.”

[symphonynotess]

1). “What is your full name?”

Peter Kavinsky

2). “When is your birthday?”

Unknown

3). “What is your sexual orientation?”

Pansexual, pride month baby!

4). “What are your thoughts about being on this island?”

Not great but not shitty

5). “Do you have your memories intact or forgotten? And if forgotten, what do you remember right now?”

My memories are all there

6). “Are you living on this island peacefully or unpeacefully?”

Peacefully I would say

7). “Will you try to leave this island?”

Yeah

[cienie-isengardu]

Do you have any theories or explanations on why cyborgs in MK lore are plain useless? In MK9 and MK11 it's shown that to defeat a cyber ninja covered in armor and a lot of advanced weaponry you don't need much force (like Kitana easily decapitating them with her fan) and Sektor is pretty much a useless jobber who lost all his fights, same as Cyrax who in MK9 lost every encounter after being turned into a cyborg.

The easiest explanation of course is game mechanics which simply doesn’t allow them to win, and Cyber Sektor (alongside with Noob Saibot) is the victim of this at least since MK9 (2011). At the same time, the same game mechanics allow a relative normal human to defeat a powerful god(s) and for context, the last time Shinnok was beaten down happened when the Elder Gods battled him eons ago. So yeah, the MK universe doesn’t really follow sensible logic when it comes to fighting abilities. 

As for in-universe explanation, I would go with this reasoning:

The first matter is that members of Lin Kuei weren’t intended to fight in an honorable one on one specifically. Bi-Han was one of the best but his specializations, as we were told in Sub-Zero: Mythologies, was assassination and theft. Of course, Bi-Han was a skilled fighter, otherwise he wouldn’t be hired to take part in the Mortal Kombat Tournament, the same as Cyrax and Sektor. However in his line of job, he was trained to steal and kill from hiding and by any necessary means. The clan’s original motto says We are the Lin Kuei, more stealthful than the night, more deadly than the dawn! putting emphasis on stealth and even MK1’s Lin Kuei, though no longer an assassin clan but still definitely a special forces/ black ops in service of Earthrealm, as before favors this tactic on their missions. 

"Stealth is the only tactic I need!" [Scorpion/Kuai Liang vs Shang Tsung character intro]

The C.I. project was meant to perfect members of Lin Kuei by erasing human flaws, but that does not necessarily mean their original purpose (assassination and theft) changed. Frankly, the Lin Kuei cyborg were effective when it comes down to stealth, as in MK9 they twice successfully managed to approach and catch their target without anyone noticing their presence, as was seen with Smoke (saved only by Raiden’s intervention)

and younger Sub-Zero.

For the record, Cyber Lin Kuei managed to sneak up into Colosseum full of guards, people with special powers including two excellent sorcerer (Shang Tsung and Quan Chi) and Emperor himself. Granted, everyone was focused on Tournament and Kuai Liang’s attempt at murder but that is the point isn’t? Cyborg Lin Kuei had means and experiences with using that kind situation for their benefit.

And let’s not forget Cyber Lin Kuei and Sindel's attack on the heroes. Only Cyber Sub-Zero managed to detect other cyborgs before their attack - most likely due being one of them. Now let’s compare it to Sindel’s attack, when the Earthrealms were warned about by Kitana who senses her mother’s presence. So the Cyborg Lin Kuei  ambush did not fail due to Lin Kuei’s lack of skills but because Earthrealm luckily had a cyborg on their side before they could sneak up and assassinate humans.

Additionally, older source material like Cyrax's bio and ending specifically point out that lack of the soul makes a cyborg undetected:

Mortal Kombat 3: "Cyrax is unit LK-4D4, the second of three prototype cybernetic ninjas built by the Lin Kuei. Like his counterparts, his last program is to find and terminate the rogue ninja Sub-Zero. Without a soul, Cyrax goes undetected by Shao Kahn and remains a possible threat against his occupation of Earth."

Mortal Kombat 3: "Cyrax is captured by Sub-Zero and reprogrammed with new orders: Destroy Shao Kahn. With Kahn unable to detect the assassin's soulless presence, Cyrax delivers a successful sneak attack. But, after eliminating Kahn and saving Earth, Cyrax awaits new orders from his Lin Kuei headquarters. The orders never come and Cyrax malfunctions. He ends up stranded in the middle of a vast desert, blindly heading towards his base."

Also thing worth to keep in mind: Cyber Sektor and Cyrax may lost their fight in MK9, but Cyber Sub-Zero defeated both Goro and Kintaro, Kano and Noob Saibot in almost one go and none of those fighters, especially not Prince Goro, the Champion of Mortal Kombat Tournament, could be called a weakling.

So, one of things constituting the problem may be that Lin Kuei were the most adapted at stealth and ambush attack but once they lost the element of surprise they could lose the fight against more experienced warriors. The clan may have great individual fighters like Sub-Zero brother, Smoke, Cyrax and Sektor, but the average member not necessary must be on the same level as those named warriors (additionally, even those named characters worked in pair for most of time, with Bi-Han being the biggest exception in games however in some older comics he too had a partner, Hydro).

The other disadvantage the cyborgs face is definitely the existence of magic and generally speaking a different “reality” laws between realms, for example - earthrealm technology does not work properly on Shang Tsung’s Island (the best example comes from MK film 1995, in which Sonya’s radio and compass stopped working once she has arrived there but of course, this aspecy varies between sources). The Lin Kuei, as a clan familiar with magic and super powers for ages, probably took into account such a problem, however even the best calculation can’t compare to first hand experiences, so there is a chance in some settings the cyborg technology will be affected by specific factors and maybe even a place itself - here is a good moment to wonder if Kitana’s fans are enhanced by some sort of magic that gives the control over weapon  “against the  laws of physics” during her fatalities? Whether introduced as Shao Kahn or Empress Sindel’s daughter, she is a princess so it is very likely her gear is of the best quality and may be made of either magic material or magically improved when crafted. Such a weapon combined with her skills honed for hundreds of years make her a very dangerous enemy to face. 

Another matters connected to cyborg technology is that MK lore proved 

A) programming may be prone to corruption which definitely affects the cyborgs abilities. This is especially seen with Sektor in original timeline:

Tournament Edition: "Sektor's programming had become corrupted during his many violent battles with Outworld Forces [...].

and

Bio Kard: "One of the original cyborgs manufactured by the Lin Kuei clan, Sektor has grown more and more corrupt over the years. As his programming deteriorates, he becomes a bigger threat than ever. He may prove to be a danger to all, regardless of their alignment.

B) the cyborgization could improve Lin Kuei warriors’ skills yet the programming may as well kill their natural assassin predispositions and human’s ability to adapt. Which is something that Cyrax feared: "I am among those speaking out against the Grand Master's plan. Surgically transform the Lin Kuei into glorified robots? It kills our intuition, our instincts." [MK9] Since some clan members were forced into C.I. Project against their will, their units requested a slave protocol to keep them under control. The survivors of said program or those who managed to elusive the change attempted to destroy Cyber Lin Kuei (and whenever Cyber Cyrax regained control over himself he turned against the robotic Lin Kuei and that happened on a few different occasions). The threat of rebellion forced Cyber Sektor to limitate subordinates’ autonomy, which in result definitely redacted their primal efficiency. This is best seen in Mortal Kombat X comics series, as cloned cyborgs can’t function independently and need a central master to operate.

and would stop working properly if central master (Sektor) was eliminated until they found the replacement

(and there is something to say about Cyber Sektor’s own programing that was supposed to transcend humanity yet he pathologically kept Cyrax around as his second-in-command despite the danger Cyrax poses).

Another matter worth taking into account about events of MK11 (2019) is how the misplaced through time Cyber Lin Kuei needed to update their technology (“The Cyber Lin Kuei factory is modified to your specifications. Production exceeds projections.”), however I feel only once they were used truly in line with their main advantage - stealth. And that most likely happened during the attack on Lin Kuei Temple, as the game made it clear Cyborgs managed to capture Kuai Liang’s men and change into robots. In all other events, like during the attack on the Special Force’s base or the final battle between allied heroes and Kronika’s army? The Cyber Lin Kuei were treated like cannon fodder and it was their number that mattered, not quality. Which I guess adds to the feeling of their incompetence.

So if I was looking for an in-universe explanation why Cyber Lin Kuei is not effective despite the advanced technology, the most sounding answer for me is the mix of above presented reasons. Their main advantage is stealth and lack of souls make them undetectable however this is rarely used these days to fullest while Cyber Sektor’s fear of losing control handicapped their efficiency from within. The less autonomy the cyborgs have, the less capable they are of adapting to the situation (and turning it to their favor). But also, the named fighters that faced the machines are not novice and each are experienced, dedicated to their cause and skilled - in some cases, also equipped with either magic or special powers including controlling elements like electricity, ice and fire that easily can disrupt cyber technology. But the biggest fault definitely lies with how cyber programming limits their natural instincts in favor of maintaining control over enslaved people/machines.

[heyrhondawellingtonlloyd]

I can’t believe that I saw {Camila Mendes} arrive to Canterlot Island! But she is actually {Rhonda Wellington-Lloyd}, a {canon character} from {Hey, Arnold!}. She is {eighteen}-years-old right now, and she is enrolled at {Canterlot High School}. She is associated with {texting on a cell phone, being rich, and wearing designer or expensive dresses}. She is {generous} and {charming}, but she is also {self-absorbed} and {stubborn}. But no one is perfect, right? The memory stone has left her memories {partially forgotten}. [Ashley/18/she/her/P.S.T.]

1). “What is your full name?” Rhonda Wellington-Lloyd. 2). “When is your birthday?” November 12th. 3). “What is your sexual orientation?” Bisexual. 4). “What are your thoughts about being on this island?” I don’t know why I’m here. I would like to know why. 5). “Do you have your memories intact or forgotten? And if forgotten, what do you remember right now?” I remember everything about my life in Hillwood, but everything recent is kind of forgotten, I think. 6). “Are you living on this island peacefully or unpeacefully?” Peacefully. 7). “Will you try to leave this island?” No.

[multidom]

Intro

1). “What is your full name?”

“It’s Reggie Mantle, duh.” 2). “When is your birthday?”

“It’s December 3rd. Sag for life bro.” 3). “What is your sexual orientation?”

“Bisexual af.” 4). “What are your thoughts about being on this island?”

“This island is weird as hell. Hope they got a football team.” 5). “Do you have your memories intact or forgotten? And if forgotten, what do you remember right now?”

“I got all my memories, bro. They don’t call me rememberin’ reg for nothin!” 6). “Are you living on this island peacefully or unpeacefully?”

“pretty chill, bro. pretty chill.” 7). “Will you try to leave this island?”

“nah.”

[ofmortvarys]

I can’t believe that I saw {KIERNAN SHIPKA} arrive to Canterlot Island! But she is actually {SABRINA SPELLMAN}, a {CANON CHARACTER} from {THE CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA}. She is {EIGHTEEN}-years-old right now, and she is working as a {STUDENT} at {CANTERLOT HIGH SCHOOL}. She is associated with {DARK RED LIPSTICK, A FOGGY MOONLIT NIGHT, AND A BLACK CAT}. She is {SASSY} and {CLEVER}, but she is also {ARGUMENTATIVE} and {STUBBORN}. But no one is perfect, right? The memory stone has left their memories {FORGOTTEN}. [Mochi/21/she/her/CST]

1). “What is your full name?”

Sabrina Edwina Diana Spellman.

2). “When is your birthday?”

October 31st, Halloween. 

3). “What is your sexual orientation?”

Pansexual. 

4). “What are your thoughts about being on this island?”

This island is strange but also exciting. It’s a new adventure for me and the chance to make new friends considering I don’t remember any of the friends that I had back home, wherever that is. Maybe I can also find some answers about who I am?

5). “Do you have your memories intact or forgotten? And if forgotten, what do you remember right now?”

From what I can tell... my memories are gone. I don’t remember much besides basic information like my name, my age, and the fact that I’m a witch. 

6). “Are you living on this island peacefully or unpeacefully?”

A bit unpeacefully, I can tell something is missing from my life. I’m not sure what it is but I can’t help but wonder if someone is out there looking for me. I’m not even sure how I got to this island which is unsettling, to say the least.

7). “Will you try to leave this island?”

Not for the time being... but maybe in the future. I have a lot of exploring to do beforehand.

[mcraudcrs]

oh and @canterlotislandhq accepted white fcs as the children of two characters with poc fcs. YA RACIST

[josslynisms]

░; ♡     ❝ I saw { AULI’I CRAVALHO} arrive to Canterlot Island! She is actually {REGGIE ROCKET}, a {CANON CHARACTER } from {ROCKET POWER}. She is {TWENTY} years-old right now, and she is working as a {professional skateboarder} at {THE THEME PARK}. She is associated with {skateboarding, tomboy clothes, fun nicknames}. She is {talented} and {charming}, but she is also {impulsive} and {impatient}. But no one is perfect, right? The memory stone has left her memories {INTACT} ❞

1). “What is your full name?”

Regina “Reggie” Rocket

2). “When is your birthday?”

tbd

3). “What is your sexual orientation?”

straight

4). “What are your thoughts about being on this island?”

If I can have any opportunity to show off my talents to everyone here and keep my friendships from back home strong 

5). “Do you have your memories intact or forgotten? And if forgotten, what do you remember right now?”

I have all my memories intact from home

6). “Are you living on this island peacefully or unpeacefully?”

Peacefully as I can be try to be of course

7). “Will you try to leave this island?”

That depends on what happens here of course so we’ll see