Theme: Outworld WastelandShang Tsung
Mortal Kombat 1
Not much is known about Shang Tsung's past, but it is believed he is originally from Earthrealm. According to the Malibu Comics storylines, he has been cursed by the gods, and in order to retain his youth, he must absorb the souls of his enemies. At some point, he enters a Mortal Kombat tournament and becomes grand champion, only to eventually be defeated by the Great Kung Lao. Centuries later, he would return with Goro, ordered by Shao Kahn to reclaim the Mortal Kombat tournament. It is unknown how Shang Tsung began serving Shao Kahn. After a valiant fight, the Great Kung Lao would eventually be defeated by Goro.
For the next 500 years, Goro remained undefeated, and Shang Tsung became more powerful with each tournament victory. He became grandmaster of the tournament, and from then on, began holding the tournament on his private island in Earthrealm. After winning nine tournaments in a row, Goro and Shang Tsung were defeated by the shaolin monk Liu Kang, thus denying them their tenth straight victory and preventing Shao Kahn from merging Earthrealm with Outworld.
After his defeat, Shang Tsung fled to Outworld. He convinced Shao Kahn to spare his life by explaining they could regain control of the tournament by challenging Earthrealm to Mortal Kombat in Outworld. The Earthrealm's warriors would have to either forfeit or accept the challenge in Outworld where they would surely be defeated. Kahn agreed to the plan and restored Shang Tsung's youth. However, Liu Kang would prove victorious once again by defeating Shao Kahn.
However, the tournament in Outworld was merely a diversion to hide a plan started by Shao Kahn 10,000 years ago. With Earthrealm's warriors busy in Outworld, Shang Tsung was able to use his power over souls to resurrect Queen Sindel in Earthrealm. Doing so allowed Shao Kahn to enter Earthrealm and reclaim his queen, merging Earthrealm with Outworld in the process. Shao Kahn granted Shang Tsung even more power and placed him in charge of one of his extermination squads. However, Shang and Kahn were once again defeated by Liu Kang and retreated back to Outworld when the merger was reversed.
For years, Shang Tsung would remain imprisoned in Shao Kahn's fortress as punishment for his consistent failure. However, he would eventually regain favor with the emperor and be released. It is at this point where Shang Tsung met with Quan Chi, and the two sorcerers formed the Deadly Alliance. In exchange for helping Quan Chi revive the lost army of the Dragon King, Quan Chi would give Shang Tsung the location of the soulnado in Outworld, giving him an endless supply of power.
Planning to conquer the realms, they first needed to remove the two largest obstacles standing in their way - Liu Kang and Shao Kahn. Shang Tsung brought Quan Chi before Shao Kahn, pledging their loyalty. However, the two quickly attacked the emperor, killing him. It would later be revealed that it was only a clone they killed. Afterward, the two sorcerers used a hidden portal and traveled to Earthrealm. At the Wu Shi Academy, Shang Tsung disguised himself as Kung Lao in order to get close to Liu Kang. While Liu Kang was training outside, Shang Tsung attacked but was quickly being overpowered. Quan Chi manages to appear and hits Liu Kang from behind. The two sorcerers prove to be too much for Liu Kang and he is defeated, with Shang Tsung absorbing his soul.
With Shao Kahn and Liu Kang out of the way, the Deadly Alliance commanded Kano, who was now serving the two sorcerers, to take control of a small Outworld village and have its inhabitants build a grand palace around the soulnado. It was at this point that Earthrealm's warriors, led by Raiden, attacked. The Deadly Alliance would prove victorious over Raiden and his warriors. However, with no one left to stand in their way, Shang Tsung's lust for power would eventually get the better of him. He desired Quan Chi's amulet, and the two sorcerers battled. Quan Chi defeated Shang Tsung, but only moments later, Onaga entered the palace. Shang Tsung, Quan Chi, and Raiden put their hatred aside and formed a new alliance to defeat the Dragon King. However, Onaga was too powerful and was able to withstand their combined attacks. In a last-ditch effort to defeat Onaga, Raiden released his godlike essence, hoping it would be strong enough to take down Onaga. The resulting blast had little effect on the Dragon King, but both sorcerers had apparently been killed.
Because Shang Tsung pledged his soul to Shao Kahn, the agreement was binding, even beyond death. After he was killed by Raiden's ethereal blast, Shang's soul returned to Outworld. Shao Kahn restored his body in exchange for aiding him reclaim his kingdom from Mileena, who had apparently gained control during the emperor's absence. However, Shang Tsung eventually discovers Shinnok's plan to defeat Blaze and claim a great power. Realizing he could free himself from Shao Kahn, Shang Tsung continues to feign his loyalty to the emperor, while secretly planning to take this new power for himself. In his Mortal Kombat: Armageddon ending, Shang Tsung defeats Blaze and gains the ability to transform the appearance of others. He turns Shao Kahn into a centaur slave and becomes ruler of Outworld.
DETAILS
Origin:
Origin: Earthrealm
Race:
Race: Human
Alignment:
Alignment: Evil
Weapons Used:
Weapons Used: Straight Sword
Games:
Games: Mortal Kombat (Final Boss), Mortal Kombat II (Playable), Mortal Kombat 3 (Playable), Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (Playable), Mortal Kombat Trilogy (Playable), Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (Final Boss/Playable), Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (Playable), Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (Playable), Mortal Kombat (2011) (Playable), Mortal Kombat 11 (DLC/Playable), Mortal Kombat 1 (DLC/Playable)
Mortal Kombat II 
After losing control of the Shaolin Tournament, Tsung promises his ruler Shao Kahn to shape events that will lure the earth warriors to compete in his own contest. Convinced of this plan, Shao Kahn restores Tsung's youth and allows him to live.
Mortal Kombat 3
Shang Tsung is Shao Kahn's lead sorcerer. He once fell out of favor with his emperor after failing to win the Earth Realm through tournament battle. But the ever scheming Shang Tsung is instrumental in Kahn's conquest of Earth. He has now been granted more power than ever.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
The sorcerer Shang Tsung was imprisoned in the depths of Shao Kahn's fortress, punished for failing to win the Mortal Kombat tournament in Earthrealm. Periodically he was released to perform tasks for the emperor until he eventually regained Shao Kahn's favor and was given his freedom. He remained in Outworld risking his life to drain the souls of kombatants in order to sustain his youth. All this changed the day the sorcerer Quan Chi returned from the Netherrealm.
Quan Chi proposed an alliance between the two sorcerers that would prove to be mutually beneficial. He offered Shang Tsung immortality by unlocking a portal linked to the Heavens. Shang Tsung would therefore have access to an unlimited number of souls to preserve his youth. In return, all Quan Chi required was Shang Tsung's assistance in transplanting warrior souls into the mummified remains of the Dragon King's undefeatable army. Shang Tsung accepted the offer and the Deadly Alliance was formed.
Quan Chi proposed an alliance between the two sorcerers that would prove to be mutually beneficial. He offered Shang Tsung immortality by unlocking a portal linked to the Heavens. Shang Tsung would therefore have access to an unlimited number of souls to preserve his youth. In return, all Quan Chi required was Shang Tsung's assistance in transplanting warrior souls into the mummified remains of the Dragon King's undefeatable army. Shang Tsung accepted the offer and the Deadly Alliance was formed.
Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition
The sorcerer Shang Tsung was imprisoned in the depths of Shao Kahn's fortress, punished for failing to win the Mortal Kombat tournament in Earthrealm. Periodically he was released to perform tasks for the emperor until he eventually regained Shao Kahn's favor and was released. He remained in Outworld risking his life to drain the souls of kombatants in order to sustain his youth. All this changed the day the sorcerer Quan Chi returned from the Netherealm. Quan Chi proposed an alliance between the two sorcerers that would prove to be mutually beneficial. He offered Shang Tsung access to unlimited souls through a portal linked to the heavens in return for his assistance in transplanting warriors souls into the mummified remains of the Dragon King's undefeatable army. Shang Tsung accepted the offer and the Deadly Alliance was formed.
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
In an instant, Raiden's blast destroyed us all! Our souls intertwined, we did battle in the ether. But I was drawn away by a magic more powerful than death. My essence returned to Outworld, where I found myself face to face with Shao Kahn!
He was alive! Quan Chi and I had slain him in his fortress -- or so we thought. Yet here he stood. At his side was the Shokan prince, Goro! My ghostly visage startled them at first, but Shao Kahn knew what had transpired.
Long ago I had pledged my soul to the emperor. That pledge was binding even beyond death. But if he were to die, so too would those who served him. At the time I believed it to be merely another empty vow, yet here I am. My soul has returned from beyond to rejoin Shao Kahn.
He had need of me. But I required a host body in which my soul could reside. At the flesh pits, he forged for me a new body. It was weak and grotesque to behold, but it functioned well enough. I craved mortal souls to heal and fortify my new flesh. I found more than enough at a place all too familiar to me: the village where Li Mei was born. I consumed each peasant's life force as Shao Kahn and Goro slew them one by one. I was renewed!
Shao Kahn then commanded me to aid him in an assault on occupying Edenian forces, in an effort to retake his stronghold. United once more, Shao Kahn, Goro and I laid waste to all who stood in our way! In a flurry of brute strength and magic, we forced our way up to the throne room. The door was reinforced by some magical spell, but it was no match for our combined might. With a final swing of Shao Kahn's hammer, the door was breached, and Shao Kahn was Emperor of Outworld once more.
Though I am bound to him eternally, an opportunity has arisen that might give me the means to free myself. It seems Quan Chi has also survived death, and he has brought word from Shinnok of a plan to take a mighty power for the Forces of Darkness. If I claim that prize for myself, I could sever my bond with Shao Kahn! Until that time, I will continue to play my role as his servant and redirect any suspicions he may have of betrayal to others within our new dark alliance. Once I have the power and I am free of Shao Kahn, I will finish him and finally take the throne of Outworld for myself!
He was alive! Quan Chi and I had slain him in his fortress -- or so we thought. Yet here he stood. At his side was the Shokan prince, Goro! My ghostly visage startled them at first, but Shao Kahn knew what had transpired.
Long ago I had pledged my soul to the emperor. That pledge was binding even beyond death. But if he were to die, so too would those who served him. At the time I believed it to be merely another empty vow, yet here I am. My soul has returned from beyond to rejoin Shao Kahn.
He had need of me. But I required a host body in which my soul could reside. At the flesh pits, he forged for me a new body. It was weak and grotesque to behold, but it functioned well enough. I craved mortal souls to heal and fortify my new flesh. I found more than enough at a place all too familiar to me: the village where Li Mei was born. I consumed each peasant's life force as Shao Kahn and Goro slew them one by one. I was renewed!
Shao Kahn then commanded me to aid him in an assault on occupying Edenian forces, in an effort to retake his stronghold. United once more, Shao Kahn, Goro and I laid waste to all who stood in our way! In a flurry of brute strength and magic, we forced our way up to the throne room. The door was reinforced by some magical spell, but it was no match for our combined might. With a final swing of Shao Kahn's hammer, the door was breached, and Shao Kahn was Emperor of Outworld once more.
Though I am bound to him eternally, an opportunity has arisen that might give me the means to free myself. It seems Quan Chi has also survived death, and he has brought word from Shinnok of a plan to take a mighty power for the Forces of Darkness. If I claim that prize for myself, I could sever my bond with Shao Kahn! Until that time, I will continue to play my role as his servant and redirect any suspicions he may have of betrayal to others within our new dark alliance. Once I have the power and I am free of Shao Kahn, I will finish him and finally take the throne of Outworld for myself!
Mortal Kombat (2011)
A treacherous sorcerer who consumes the souls of his victims, Shang Tsung has played host to the last nine Mortal Kombat tournaments in Earthrealm, stacking the odds in favor of his master. Originally from Earthrealm, Shang Tsung's magical abilities led him to discover the realm of Outworld. There he fell in league with its ruler, Shao Kahn, and pledged his life to him in return for enhanced power. He is now bound to the emperor by powerful dark magic. For centuries he has submissively done Shao Kahn's bidding. Should he fail in his mission to secure Earthrealm, he will suffer the emperor's wrath.
Mortal Kombat 11
Soul Sorcerer and historic host of the Mortal Kombat. Born in Earthrealm, Shang Tsung's relentless pursuit of powerful magic led him to Outworld, where Shao Kahn offered him a dark power that no sorcerer on Earthrealm could. Shang Tsung pledged his eternal loyalty to Shao Kahn in exchange for this evil magic, but he is no faithful servant. He dreams of the day his sorcery will overtake Shao Kahn's, and he'll pay any price to get there.
Mortal Kombat II
Shang Tsung not only turns against and defeats both Kintaro and Shao Kahn, he also takes over their rule of the Outworld. With Shao Kahn's armies at his command, he finally unbalances the Furies, and weakens the dimensional gates between the Outworld and the Earth Realm.
Along with his elite group of sorcerers he uses this weakness to march a never-ending horde of demons onto the earth and doom its inhabitants to eternal darkness. Have a nice day.
Along with his elite group of sorcerers he uses this weakness to march a never-ending horde of demons onto the earth and doom its inhabitants to eternal darkness. Have a nice day.
Mortal Kombat 3
When Shao Kahn overtakes the Earth, he needs Shang Tsung to help locate the surviving humans. Granted new powers, Tsung soon discovers his dark emperor's true plan: as soon as the remaining warriors are disposed of, Kahn will take Tsung's own soul.
After learning this, Tsung turns on his master. He catches Motaro off guard and then defeats Shao Kahn. But before the Earth can return to normal, Tsung takes all the souls as his own. He will forever rule the Earth with his own brand of evil.
After learning this, Tsung turns on his master. He catches Motaro off guard and then defeats Shao Kahn. But before the Earth can return to normal, Tsung takes all the souls as his own. He will forever rule the Earth with his own brand of evil.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
The Deadly Alliance was successful in reviving the mummified remains of the Dragon King's undefeatable army. Shang Tsung, however, began to realize that his relevance in the partnership had evaporated once his talents for soul transplantation were no longer needed. The balance of power within the Deadly Alliance had seemingly been undone. Fearing betrayal, he secretly instructed Kano to steal Quan Chi's amulet in an attempt to gain control of the army. Since part of the soul-transfer spell included the command to obey 'He who possesses the amulet,' the army would obey only Shang Tsung, and not Quan Chi, once the amulet was in his possession.
Amulet in hand, Shang Tsung revealed his betrayal to Quan Chi and commanded the army to destroy the sorcerer. Shang Tsung would succeed where others had failed. He would conquer the realms. He would conquer Earth.
Amulet in hand, Shang Tsung revealed his betrayal to Quan Chi and commanded the army to destroy the sorcerer. Shang Tsung would succeed where others had failed. He would conquer the realms. He would conquer Earth.
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
Empowered by the godlike energy he received from Blaze, Shang Tsung found that he could alter the forms of others.
Enraged that he was denied the prize, Shao Kahn charged the sorcerer.
With a gesture of his hand, Shang Tsung transformed his former master into a centaur slave.
Shang Tsung had become the ruler of Outworld at last.
Enraged that he was denied the prize, Shao Kahn charged the sorcerer.
With a gesture of his hand, Shang Tsung transformed his former master into a centaur slave.
Shang Tsung had become the ruler of Outworld at last.
Mortal Kombat (2011)
Shang Tsung voraciously consumed Shao Kahn's soul, absorbing his immense power. Overwhelmed by his newfound sorcery, he fled to Outworld. Moments before suicide, Shang Tsung was visited by Bo' Rai Cho. The mentor of warriors offered to teach him to control the dark magic, but for a special purpose: Liu Kang had become a god. The power had corrupted him, transforming him into a tyrant. He needed to be stopped. After rigorous training, Shang Tsung mastered the one technique that could finish Liu Kang. Vengeance would finally be his.
