Mortal Kombat/Baraka



Baraka was introduced as an unpredictable warrior in service of Outworld emperor Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat II. He belongs to a race of nomadic mutants called Tarkata, later revealed in Mortal Kombat: Deception to be a crossbreed between vile Netherealm demons and denizens of Outworld, apparently populating the vast wastelands of Outworld. Baraka, like most other members of his race, possesses long blades extending from his forearms. Although he has had numerous incursions with the Earthrealm warriors, he appears not to have any particular rivalry or hatred towards Earth or its inhabitants. A loyal warrior, he fights for those that he calls "master".

Background
In the events leading up to the second Mortal Kombat tournament, Baraka led the attack on the Shaolin Temple of Light in Earthrealm, which spurred Liu Kang to seek vengeance in Outworld as predicted by Shao Kahn. During the ensuing tournament, Baraka partnered with Mileena to overthrow Shao Kahn and rule Outworld, but canon states that their plan never came to fruition. Mileena was murdered and Baraka was sent away to the lowlands of Outworld.

During the events of Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Baraka was called back to Shao Kahn's army for quelling an outrising in the Outworld and sent out as a part of the extermination squads. However, while he managed to kill some low priority targets, he missed the Shaolin Monks, Liu Kang and Kung Lao. Fearing retaliation from his master, Baraka went into hiding somewhere close to the final battle.

Following Shao Kahn's fall from power after Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Baraka escaped and spent time traveling alone.