The Mortal Kombat Tournament serves as the one thing that separates Earthrealm's freedom and its total damnation. Thanks to the efforts of Liu Kang and Earthrealm's defenders, the world stays safe from the likes of Shao Kahn. However, the Mortal Kombat franchise also showed that entities behind the scenes can transform this tournament to the death into their playground. In fact, beyond Realms, themselves lie factions that have their own stake in each iteration of the Tournament.
As the series progressed, factions in each Realm tried to manipulate events during a Mortal Kombat Tournament. In fact, some factions outright ignore the Tournament to begin their machinations. As with any universe, some of these factions strive to restore balance across the Realms, while others have their own nefarious objectives.
Updated on December 31, 2021, by Rhenn Taguiam: Anyone who’s a fan of Mortal Kombat will remember the many factions holding an interest in the eponymous tournament, with some organizations working behind the scenes to make the most of this deadly competition. However, as Mortal Kombat 11 shows, there’s more to Mortal Kombat organizations than just housing some of the strongest Kombatants in the franchise. In fact, some factions in MK11 hold keys to the franchise’s future, especially considering events that took place in the game.
10 White Lotus Society
Earthrealm wasn't always prepared for threats outside the Realm. It was only after Goro killed the Great Kung Lao that Raiden and the Shaolin Order of Light created the White Lotus Society. Since then, Raiden and the White Lotus will be handpicking the best champions to represent Earthrealm in the Tournament, which now included the warrior Liu Kang and Kung Lao.
As with other secret societies, finding the White Lotus Society is extremely difficult. However, one can freely quit the White Lotus Society, meaning their numbers may almost always be small. Thanks to the Society, Earthrealm remains protected; however, sadly, it hasn't left its stereotype of being a secret fighting society.
Where Are They In MK 11?
While the status of the White Lotus Society in the current timeline is unknown, it’s important to note that Fire God Liu Kang did visit the original Kung Lao back in time during the first iterations of the Mortal Kombat Tournament. This was at a time when the White Lotus Society was at its strongest, just years prior to their unfortunate massacre. With Fire God Liu Kang already aware of the massacre, his presence in the past may prevent it from happening and result in a stronger White Lotus Society in the present.
9 The Black Dragon
Kano became famous in underground channels courtesy of his membership – and even leadership – of the Black Dragon. However, this mercenary troupe is actually a splinter group of the Red Dragon. Due to the former's strict code, some of their members wanted a more lax pursuit of their mercenary work. As a result, the Black Dragon would operate within both Earthrealm and Outworld to gather wealth and power.
Despite Kano's death, the Black Dragon may still resume activities under different leadership. Due to their reputation, they may still pursue the agenda of their latest client. Aside from their connections across the Realms, the Black Dragon remains a prominent but somehow "generic mercenary" group in the franchise.
Where Are They In MK 11?
With Sonya killing both Past and Present versions of Kano, the Black Dragon has been effectively left without a leader. However, given its present hierarchy, it makes sense for the likes of Jarek, Kabal, Kira, or even Erron Black to take Kano’s place.
Given their nature as a criminal organization, it’s very likely for the Black Dragon to rebuild their power base on Earthrealm and do clandestine operations across the realms while their leadership is being reorganized.
8 The Brotherhood Of Shadow
Behind Quan Chi and his unholy schemes is his fanatical Brotherhood of Shadow. This dark cult looks at Quan Chi as their leader and worships the Dark Elder God Shinnok. In turn, the Brotherhood is constantly finding ways to orchestrate his return via his Amulet. Thanks to Quan Chi's efforts, the Brotherhood of Shadow managed to summon Shinnok in both the original and current timelines.
What perhaps makes the Brotherhood dangerous is its specialization in necromancy and dark magic. Moreover, their penchant for deception and secrecy helped cultivate countless members across Realms. Unfortunately, the default "cult of darkness" stereotype makes them a bit mundane compared to other groups in the franchise.
Where Are They In MK 11?
With Shinnok being left incapacitated during the events of MK 11, the fate of the Brotherhood of Shadow isn’t certain for fans to see. However, with Quan Chi already having a history of operating behind the scenes to revive Shinnok, it makes sense for the Brotherhood to likely currently work in this manner as well.
With Shinnok and Quan Chi being mainstays in the franchise, it’s likely for the Brotherhood of Shadow to secretly work on ways to get the two back on their feet to yet again work their way to dominating the realms.
7 The Kahnum Of Outworld
Despite not being a formal group in itself, fans consider the Kahnum of Outworld as a faction of its own. When Shao Kahn usurped power by poisoning Onaga, his dictatorship over Outworld focused on the brutal conquest of Realms via Mortal Kombat. Upon his defeat, numerous individuals gained power over the Realm – Mileena, Kotal Kahn, and eventually Kitana Kahn.
Essentially, the Kahnum introduces the dynamic element of politics in the brutal franchise. For instance, Shao Kahn has to deal not just with his conquest but the constant threat of failure and betrayal of his agents such as Shang Tsung. Meanwhile, Kitana Kahn introduces a more co-dependent rulership style with Queen Shiva of the Shokans and Baraka of the Tarkatans.
Where Are They In MK 11?
The Kahnum of Outworld had a shred of hope for unity when Kitana Kahn united the Osh-Tekks, the Tarkatans, and the Shokans under her wing. However, Sindel’s appeal to tradition eventually led Kitana’s forces to betray her. While Sindel, Kronika, and Shang-Tsung would eventually be defeated, this rebellion left quite a power vacuum.
By virtue of Kotal Kahn’s initial announcement of Kitana’s succession, the latter is, by all means, Outworld’s Kahn. However, there’s also room for the likes of the deposed Mileena to claim the throne, or for Sheeva and Baraka to suggest Outworld be a region composed of multiple city-states.
6 Outer World Investigation Agency
Convinced of the real threat of other Realms on Earth, the United States Special Forces (SF) created the Outer World Investigation Agency. In the original timeline, the OIA was to stop inter-dimensional forces from posing a threat against Earthrealm. Throughout the games, the OIA will add prominent Kombatants such as the blind swordsman Kenshi and the cyber assassin Cyrax to its roster.
The OIA adds a much-needed "investigation unit" twist to the unknown supernatural elements of the franchise. In the original timeline, it's the OIA's efforts that defeat the Black Dragon. However, a Red Dragon operative would sabotage and destroy the OIA HQ soon after. While the OIA is still operational in Armageddon, the new wider presence of the SF in the current timeline makes the OIA obsolete.
Where Are They In MK 11?
Unlike other organizations in the Mortal Kombat universe, the OIA isn’t as mentioned given its few known members. With Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade eventually becoming members of the Earthrealm Special Forces, it’s not known whether this is a separate entity or just slang or shortcut for the OIA.
If the latter is the case, then Sonya Blade would be its General up to the point of her death while Cassie Cage is serving as its Commander. After Kronika’s defeat at the hands of Fire God Liu Kang, it’s unknown what became of the OIA.
5 The Red Dragon
Unbeknownst to outsiders, the demigod Daegon created the Red Dragon as a mercenary troupe in pursuit of a higher power.
In the original timeline, Daegon and his Red Dragon established power in Earthrealm. Theoretically, Daegon hopes to muster enough forces to kill his brother Taven and take the near-godlike power of the elemental Blaze. In the current timeline, the Red Dragon established its presence in Outworld and possesses knowledge about the Dragon King Onaga.
If not Blaze, Daegon could still pursue the power of the Dragon King Onaga, Shao Kahn's predecessor that the tyrant chose to poison and not fight head-on. Sadly, working together with Havik, cleric of Chaosrealm, had most of their members decimated. Unless Daegon has a trick up his sleeve, the Red Dragon wouldn't have a physical force to meet their legendary reputation.
Where Are They In MK 11?
The Red Dragon has active operations in both Earthrealm and the Outworld, with their latter presence focusing on boosting the influence of Mileena in her attempt to usurp the throne from Kotal Kahn. In separate incidents, Kenshi will attempt to infiltrate the group from the inside while Sub-Zero will try to steal a Kamidogu dagger.
Years later, the group would successfully assassinate Kotal Kahn’s father, Kotal K’etz. During the chaotic mess that ensued from the deadly Blood Code spell, several Red Dragon members perished at the hands of the Special Forces and Kotal Kahn’s army. After MK 11, the fate of the Red Dragon remains largely unknown. However, their present leadership with Daegon indicated an interest in regeneration, which Red Dragon lore associated with the Dragon King Onaga - hinting his potential involvement in future events.
4 The Special Forces
Thanks to the efforts of Sonya Blade and Jax Briggs, the Special Forces grew from a small team into a large international unit. However, their purpose remains the same throughout the years: train operatives capable of protecting Earthrealm.
In the current timeline, their roster of fighters has slowly expanded into a new generation. This time around, under Sonya's leadership, Earthrealm warrior Johnny Cage trains new members of the Special Forces across factions such as the White Lotus Society, the Shirai Ryu, and their own trainees from the Special Forces.
Where Are They In MK 11?
The now-defunct Special Forces have somewhat transformed into the Outer World Investigation Agency (OIA), courtesy of Sonya Blade’s encouragement after the Earthrealm War during Shao Kahn’s illegal attempt to invade Earthrealm. As a result, the OIA now obtained bolstered international support and more resources to protect Earthrealm from extra-dimensional threats. The OIA would eventually become the Earthrealm Special Forces.
3 Lin Kuei
Of all assassins in the Mortal Kombat franchise, it's the Lin Kuei that perhaps had the most development. At first, fans only know of Sub-Zero as the "representative" of the clan – both the elder Bi-Han and the younger Kuai Liang. And now, it's included members such as Smoke, Sektor, Cyrax, and even Frost.
What makes the Lin Kuei interesting is the fact that it's a unique take on the "Lin Kuei" group in real life, which is apparently an ancient Chinese clan of assassins. Sub-Zero's current efforts in reshaping the clan is an interesting look as to how assassins may be trained and honed in future games.
Where Are They In MK 11?
When Grandmaster Sektor moved forward with the horrific Cyber Initiative, Cyrax would eventually help kill Sektor and gain control of the cyborgs, becoming the Lin Kuei Grandmaster. However, Cyrax would self-destruct alongside the other cyborgs to give Kuai Liang a new slate as Lin Kuei Grandmaster. When Frost reaches out to Kronika for power, the timeline interference reactivates the Cyber Initiative and becomes cyberizing Lin Kuei members.
Through Scorpion’s help, Sub-Zero once again averts a Cyber Initiative crisis. While Lin Kuei’s current status post-crisis is still unknown, Scorpion and Sub-Zero’s newfound camaraderie ensured cooperation between the two clans for Earthrealm’s protection.
2 Cyber Lin Kuei
It's one thing to become a part of a clan of assassins, but it's another level of awesome to get a cyberized body in the process. In both timelines – the Grandmaster in the original, and his grandson Sektor in the current – most of the Lin Kuei have become cyberized assassins. This is where the franchise's most notable cyborgs like Cyrax, Smoke, and Sektor himself have come from.
Sadly, cyberization orders were carried out even against the clansmen's will. It's thanks to Sub-Zero's efforts in the original timeline that freed the Lin Kuei from cyberization. While the Cyber Lin Kuei is no more, this historic and tragic moment in their history makes this sub-faction quite impressive given the gory nature of Mortal Kombat.
Where Are They In MK 11?
In the current timeline, Frost beseeches the help of Kronika to gain power to usurp Sub-Zero, who she believes has become weak for considering peace with the Shirai Ryu. Frost turns cyber and becomes the leader of the Cyber Lin Kuei, now allied with the Titaness of Time.
However, Raiden’s short-circuiting of Frost’s circuits will end her and her entire Army. In Aftermath’s time alteration, Frost once again leads Kronika’s Cyber Lin Kuei army and is once again defeated, but their ultimate fate is unknown.
1 Shirai Ryu
Despite the rivalry between Sub-Zero and Scorpion, it appears their connections run deep – as the Shirai Ryu shinobi from Japan seem to be a splinter group of the Lin Kuei in China. Not much is known about the Shirai Ryu, aside from their rivalry with the Lin Kuei. And thanks to Quan Chi, the entirety of the Shirai Ryu was obliterated prior to the start of the series.
Thanks to Scorpion's efforts as a wraith, he managed to exact vengeance for his family and began reforming the clan. While Takeda Takahashi is currently its most prominent other member, the fact that new games will likely showcase the Shirai Ryu's newfound development makes it a faction to root for.
Where Are They In MK 11?
After finding inner peace with the help of swordsman Kenshi Takeda, Scorpion helps the forces of good in the Netherrealm War. With renewed hope, Scorpion reforms the Shirai Ryu with members out of the War’s survivors, staying in the Himalayan Mountains.
In MK 11, a time-displaced Past Scorpion is surprised to see the Present Scorpion’s success in rebuilding the clan. And in his dying breath, Present Scorpion asked the Past Scorpion to continue his legacy. Unfortunately, with their Grandmaster dead, the future of the Shirai Ryu remains uncertain after MK 11.
Mortal Kombat 11 was released on April 22, 2019, and is playable on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X, Nintendo Switch, and Google Stadia.