Tarkatan Horde

Lore & Background

Originally a free people from Edenia, the Tarkatans were conquered during Shao Kahn’s invasion and forced into servitude as his personal guard and heavy infantry. Their biology grants them superior strength compared to humans, making them ideal for breaching defenses and engaging in brutal hand-to-hand combat. Over centuries of conflict, they developed a culture centered on martial prowess and loyalty to the strongest leader, whether that be an emperor or a warlord. Following Shao Kahn’s defeat, many Tarkatans pledged allegiance to Onaga, the Dragon King, serving within his legion during the events of the ninth tournament timeline. However, their loyalties remain fluid; in later eras, leaders like Sheeva and Kintaro have sought independence or allied with Earthrealm defenders against greater threats like Kronika. This shift demonstrates that while they are formidable soldiers, their ultimate allegiance lies with survival and strength rather than blind subservience to a single realm.

In Their Own Story

The ground trembled beneath the heavy boots of the vanguard. Sheeva stood at the head of the column, her tusks gleaming under the crimson sun of Outworld. Behind her, the Horde marched in perfect unison, armor clanking like falling stones. They did not speak; their growls were enough to silence fear. The gates of Edenia loomed ahead, scarred by past wars. Kintaro raised a massive fist, signaling the charge. With a roar that shook the mountains, the Tarkatan Horde surged forward, a tidal wave of green muscle and iron intent, ready to reclaim what was once theirs through blood and bone.

Reader's Guide

The founding purpose of the Tarkatan Horde was survival during the collapse of Edenia’s independence. Enslaved by Shao Kahn, they were reorganized into a military caste designed for heavy assault and intimidation. Their hierarchy is meritocratic; leadership belongs to those who demonstrate superior combat ability, historically placing Sheeva at the apex as the matriarchal figurehead. Kintaro later emerged as a co-leader, solidifying their command structure in modern timelines. Key members include Sheeva, known for her endurance, and Kintaro, recognized for his tactical aggression. Throughout history, their allegiances have shifted dramatically to ensure racial survival. They served Shao Kahn faithfully during the initial conquests of Edenia. During the Onaga saga, they joined the Dragon King’s forces to reclaim power from Kahn’s remnants. In recent timelines, recognizing threats like Kronika as existential dangers, factions within the Horde allied with Earthrealm warriors. This flexibility allows them to remain relevant in a constantly changing multiverse, prioritizing strength over political ideology while maintaining their identity as Outworld’s premier heavy infantry force.

Did You Know?

• Sheeva is widely considered the matriarch of the Tarkatan race.
• They are distinct from Shokan, possessing two arms instead of four.
• Kintaro leads a faction of them in the MK11 storyline.
• They originally hailed from Edenia before being enslaved by Outworld.