Baraka is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. A general of the Tarkatan Horde, he has served as an antagonist throughout the series, serving Outworld and its Empire while being loyal to the half-Tarkatan Mileena and her father Shao Kahn.
Baraka made his debut in Mortal Kombat II as the first playable Tarkatan of the series and has been a recurring character since.
Baraka returned in Mortal Kombat 11 as a playable character while also serving as a supporting character in the game's Story Mode.
Baraka was introduced as a mean, frightening, and unpredictable Outworld warrior in service of Emperor Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat II. He belongs to a race of nomadic mutants, later revealed in Mortal Kombat: Deception to be called Tarkata, who populate the vast wastelands of Outworld. Originally, this race was said to be a crossbreed between Netherrealm demons and Outworlders, but this is no longer canon; it is now claimed that the Tarkatans are a separate race whose realm was conquered and annexed long ago by Shao Kahn. As with all Tarkatans, Baraka is cannibalistic and possesses long, retractable blades extending from his forearms, making him one of the most deadly fighters in the Mortal Kombat universe.
Although he has had numerous incursions with Earthrealm's warriors, he does not appear to have any particular rivalry or hatred towards Earth or its inhabitants. His only interest is in doing what is best for his own people and serving those whom he calls "master". He later ascends to the status of general, which makes him superior to all other Tarkatans, save for the half-Tarkatan Mileena.
Baraka's backstory is once again expanded upon in the current timeline, bringing more sympathy and humanity to the character never depicted before in the series. This version of Baraka is a former Edenian merchant plagued by the Tarkat disease, horribly disfiguring him and branding him an outcast among Outworld's people. As others succumb to the sickness, Baraka takes it upon himself to lead the infected inhabitants as the leader of the Tarkatans in the Tarkatan Colony to prevent their capture, detainment and execution by the Outworld army to prevent the spread of Tarkat. He proves helpful to Johnny Cage and Kenshi in their plans to stop Shang Tsung and even protects them from other hostile forces including his own mutant Tarkatans sent by Shang Tsung to kill them. He reveals to a wounded Kenshi that before succumbing to Tarkat, Baraka had a family, a wife and children, only to lose them to the disease. He feels the best thing is for death at the hands of the disease to see his family again, however his body was not affected the same way as his family. Despite longing for his own death, Baraka wishes to protect the other Tarkatans from their impending demise, whether this being from the Tarkat disease or from the hostilities of Outworld's people rejecting them.
Ikran's theme song: Lonesome Loser (Little River Band)
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, Part II[]
Baraka, along with Mileena, received orders by Shao Kahn to carry out the invasion of Earthrealm as it began to merge with Outworld. It's likely he survived the failed insurrection as he allied with the Centaurs and Motaro.
Baraka and Mileena teamed up and led the extermination squads to the Bridge. They ambushed Liu, Sonya, Jax, and Kitana on top and threatened for the heroes to back off "The Emperor's highway!" since it was 100 miles from his new Fortress. Neither hero backed down and so he led the assault which put the Special Forces agents busy, while Liu faced him directly after Baraka made a deadly remark to Kitana. At first, he had the homefield advantage with his fatal arm blades slicing the monk into ribbons, however, his gauntlets and armor gave him the endurance unlike last time back in the Soul Tombs. At one time, he pinned Liu to the gravel desiring to taste his flesh, but the monk's legs were swift enough to knock him off. On top of that, his blades were melting on account on Liu's intense pyrokinesis, so he went all offensive than defensive. Being he was vulnerable, Liu's Bicycle Kick backed him away to the steel guardrail, and his Flying Kick sent him off to the murky river 50 feet below!
Mortal Kombat: Shinnok's Uprising[]
Inside the abandoned gurney, he followed Nightwolf and Sub-Zero in, and as the cryomancer attempted to make a huge, ice blockade, they saw the silhouette of a beast with a blade protruding from each arm! He plowed thru every general, Oni and Shadow seamlessly, then he turned onto the heroes! Nightwolf took Baraka on and remembered to keep his distance like he did with Sheeva a couple years ago! They noticed those deadly features belonging to him, who fell to the likes of the strategic shaman! Sub-Zero froze the beast but they didn't kill him! Nightwolf demanded what side he was working on, to which Baraka spat out he works for no one and was sick of having his clan be dominated by overlords like Kahn. The duo wasn't buying it since Tarkans were known to be bloodthirsty maniacs, even during that time when he paid them to destroy the Wu Shi Academy; Baraka mentioned he was ordered to, but the heroes weren't convinced. Nightwolf then sensed another assailant and warned Kuai to evade him! The fiery streak melted Baraka's prison, but Scorpion was only after the Lin Kuei ninja! He lost as he didn't fight back, then Nightwolf displayed the data chip both he and Smoke analyzed from Sektor!
Baraka bailed while they kept the assassin distracted. Nightwolf was able to restore Hanzo's senses and Baraka returned with his clan of Tarkatans ravenous on tearing apart the demonic army since their DNA was mixed with theirs, he recognized Scorpion and Mileena and couldn't wait to tear Quan Chi and Shinnok limb from limb. Nightwolf and the guys were flabbergasted as they saw the mutants charge toward the Edenian Palace without a proper plan!
Baraka was the first to infiltrate the Palace! He was about to corner Quan Chi on the throne until the necromancer urged him to enter from the shadows. Slowly, he treaded in, wondering if the war is won, everyone would be dead, and having his doubts on ruling the realm with no one in it. Quan assured it'd only be them, along with the aggressive Tarkatans, though Baraka was unwilling to serve a madman throughout his existence. His brutal instincts got the best of him as he charged and impaled the demon sorcerer...only to attack his fake body, while he used the Amulet to create a doppelganger of himself!! Baraka was taken unawares and suspended in midair! Quan Chi had him at his mercy until he was decapitated by Scorpion's spear and attaining the Amulet! Baraka fell and was disoriented, unaware of what just occurred. He came to after Raiden urged Sub-Zero and Hanzo to return the Amulet to the Temple of Elements while Nightwolf assists the army. He was then electrocuted by the Thunder God to prevent any more of his shenanigans.
After Mileena failed her insurrection against Kitana, Jade recapped to Nightwolf of Baraka's rage as they heard a hiss from below. When he came to after Raiden's incapacitation, he and his kind blew the cavalry's cover by rushing into the fray and refusing to wear Cobalt armor which would've neutralized Quan Chi's machinations and using the Amulet. The royals decided to exile the ravenous mutants to Outworld on a permanent basis as they'd been too difficult to control after all the clans of Edenia reunited for the war, but not till after they cleaned out the prison beneath!
Mortal Kombat: Vengeance[]
There was a surprise ambush set by his arm blades, stabbing into the back of an Outworlder hobo and rapidly dicing the other! To everyone's surprise, it was Baraka! Aiko and Kung Lao refused to believe he was helping the heroes, but Kenshi read his mind. Baraka stated much like Aiko, he too went back in time from the same dystopian future, albeit has arrived late. He wished to redeem himself while still preserving his race, and the moment he noticed the cardiokinetic, he was looking for Reptile and was aware of Onaga's resurrection. He gifted Aiko the red staff, the Kwan Do, which was offered to her by Queen Sindel! Baraka escaped from a horrible fate as he was an ally to Kitana Kahn, however, Jade and her cohorts were always massacring him and his doomed tribe. Somehow, he wound up in the past and noticed the gang beside the Dragonfly. He worried of Reptile's fate and was disappointed there was no chance on recruiting an army. He declared they'd need his help more than ever, especially since his vicious kind may be stationed at their goal, Shang Tsung's Palace.
Baraka was appalled seeing Bo' Rai Cho onboard as a stowaway; in his future he put himself and his kind in serious risk, and they were once the surprise guests during the Wu Shi tournament for Aiko! He claimed Bo' was drunk when he attacked the Kamp. Bo' kept despising him for his treachery and bloodthirsty khaos and the mutant kept failing to convince the Outworlder otherwise, till Aiko believed him. By the time Bo learned of his student's death, he had a change of heart and put aside his hatred temporarily.
Baraka was soon revived by Nightwolf conjuring for his ancestors' strength after the Dragonfly crash. He still stuck with the group, much to their surprise. As Lao and Kenshi rescued a dying prisoner, Baraka stated the legends of the volatile Soulnado were true. He even assisted Hanzo dealing with the deadly Onis, Moloch and Drahmin; he switched formations with the Shirai Ryu, alternating against the Onis! It was thanks to Liu's spirit who advised him mentally that he should impale the insane Drahmin with Lao's broadsword! This left him vulnerable before Baraka decimated him with his dwindling arm blades, before he diced Moloch's chain from his fatal metallic ball! He and Hanzo finished the battle victoriously and made a manly handshaake!
He was still with the heroes as they finally made their way to Shang's Palace Grounds, unfortunately, due to the bloodlust and treachery of his own kind, Baraka got his blades full of the Tarkatan army, until the God brothers arrived. He still stuck with the team, unlike Bo's sneaky exit, even when they took a brief respite as suggested by Kitana.
He was just busy sharpening his arm blades in the nearby tent after he offered the heroes to rest in the abandoned Tarkatan War Kamp. The irritating screeches distracted the Edenians' discussion with Kung Lao on who should be his wingman. He was still willing to turn against his bloodthirsty kind until he was escorted to Edenia via Nethership.
By the time he arrived in the Palace, Kitana and Jade escorted him thru the royal grounds, even passed the stupefied guards who never wanted to welcome the Tarkatan. Sindel stood before him at the throne room and decreed that his punishment on being banned into Outworld shall be reduced for willingly turning against his warmongering hordes and assisting the heroes' victory over the Deadly Alliance! He shall develop a kamp near the Edenian borders, although he's still put on probation, even if his scarce kind would prove their loyalty. The Shokan and Centaurs would make sure the time displaced Baraka and the remaining Tarkatans shall not start a massacring act of war.
Return of the Dragon King[]
Baraka was first seen when he was spying in the Kuatan Jungle as Fujin escorted Li Mei and the wounded Johnny to Earthrealm while Kung Lao and Hanzo went to the ancient portal. He was too late to give the heroes the news, although he was functioning as a spy amongst his clan as they were being recruited by the dreaded Dragon King. He was able to meet up with Nightwolf, Frost, and Smoke near the ancient Outworld runes showcasing the resurrection of Onaga and warned the army's advancing for the last Kamidogu and to war on Edenia for answers. He always dreaded he'd meet his double within the treacherous ranks as he was disgusted that they'd rather work for an empire and increase their bloodlust rather than fend for themselves like the new Saurians. He also had a grudge against Onaga as he takes advantage of the dead, and his clan would be his enforcers than Kahn and his lively associates. He managed to warn the Edenians of the gathering and the Saurians sprung some traps before they, the Shokan, and the Centaurs participated! He wished for Reptile, by the rancid scent, to separate from Onaga's possession, as he noticed the ancient egg in the Lava Shrine hatched, thus on his way to the gang. He crossed his blades ready to rip his enemies to shreds!
He tore through Onaga's henchmen, including the wrathful Tarakatans, until he came across his present self. The double kept on demoralizing him as genocidal and a traitor murdering his own kind, in which the antihero countered he's tired living in fear and under a tyrant hellbent on worthless destruction! They clashed at each other, even mimicking their slices and kicks. Until the doppelganger outmatched himself by making his blades pierce his eyes. That was until Baraka's eyes blazed and let loose a fiery exhale! He performed his signature Brutality, dicing his evil counterpart into ribbons although his victory was short-lived as he was hit by Hotaru's Lava Blast! The zealot was soon taken out by Havik's enforcers, Dairou and Darrius. Sub-Zero then volunteered to freeze and stall any bleeding and infection from his lethal wounds, although Baraka preferred to heal at his Tarkatan Kamp than in a stuffy, irritating holy place like the Jinsei Chamber.
Final Kombat[]
Baraka marched into the Edenian throne room and offered his assistance to the monarchs in their preparation and tactics for Armageddon. He stated they needed all the help they could against all their enemies fighting them all at once and agreed with their tactful methods on dealing with one foe at a time before reaching Blaze. He won't hesitate to massacre his former allies, even if he should come blade to blade with his og malicious counterpart again.
On the night before the invasion, Baraka actually went to his kamp and spent the whole day hunting and roasting a variety of his own specialty meals! Including lizards, the new red dragon species, a plethora of bugs as appetizers, gator, and snakes with the venom evaporated! In the Edenia Palace, he actually organized a whole banquet with the monarchs' specialties, including their signature Pie!
He was soon met by Taven as he followed the aromas and festive music into the eatery. He recognized the Tarkatan, and as if reading his mind, Baraka wasn't in a mood to fight him since he was too exhausted hunting and organizing the foods nor was he as malevolent as his bloodthirsty kind. Luckily, before they'd be any tension, Taven was taken aback by the stunned denizens and reunited with Bo' Rai Cho! Baraka wished he'd take in Mileena as his own since she too was a hybrid, outcast, and shared Tarkatan blood.
Baraka was pleased that Mileena was escorted safely by Khameleon before the heroes rode the Netherwing to the southern crater. The time displaced Tarkatan redeemed himself as he saw Kung Lao struggled against his vicious counterpart. He leapt high and impaled his usurper from behind, stunning him before he was ambushed by Reptile. He then figured he wasn't the benevolent Saurian he once knew from his future... Luckily, he was assisted by the Chameleons and soon recovered by Cetrion's tears after being covered by Liu's fire cocoon over Blaze's eruption, and he stood with Mileena, still as benevolent protectors of Edenia, although they needed to keep her Tarkatan disease in check. It's likely they soon became strong nobles of Outworld even when Kotal and his new recruits invaded the place several years later.
Trivia[]
- Baraka's only actor Ikran knew was Dennis Keiffer so he'll be in her stories. It would've been Steven J. Blum, but he was more nostalgic.
- There was a RPer on Twitter in which Baraka was an ally to Kitana Kahn, preserving his race as well as the Saurians and Shokans. He also happened to be a trainer and a close ally to Aiko, Nightwolf, Reptile, and Sindel.
- That was until his sudden betrayal to the unfortunate, lost cardiokinetic... He revealed his true colors after Sindel and Kitana Kahn passed, and when Shao Kahn returned, thus regrouping all his "old friends" (Jade, D'Vorah, Sheeva, Cyrax, Sektor, Mileena, Kollector, Shao Kahn and Skarlet) to dominate all of Outworld, and presumably Earthrealm! Aiko left to another time via Hourglass and since then had a grudge as a result for the Tarkatan's treachery. Although the betrayal never happened in MK: Vengeance, there were elements introduced to it such as Baraka's alliance to Aiko and his disdain towards Bo.
- His source code description in MK1 is Preservation.
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