Mortal Kombat 1 (2023 Video Game)

Ike Amadi: General Shao

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Quotes 

• General Shao : My war won't end until Liu Kang's corpse rots under my feet.

  Johnny Cage : Damn. Someone needs a hug and a sandwich.

• General Shao : You won the war, but you will lose the aftermath.

  Havik : Because I won't impose your brand of order?

• Ashrah : Conquest is inherently evil.

  General Shao : How can a demon be so naive?

• Ashrah : Your father's soul resides in the Netherrealm.

  General Shao : Impossible. He died with honor.

• General Shao : You haven't earned your swagger.

  Johnny Cage : Like you got any clue what it takes to be me.

• General Shao : The battle had been lost, but the war isn't over. I won't stop fighting until I take Outworld's throne. That they thought Lei Chin prison would hold me is laughable. Once free, I began planning my next campaign. I would need an unstoppable army to overthrow Mileena. Unfortunately, most of my former soldiers lacked the courage to rally to my standard. Rebuilding my army would require finding new recruits. And that task... is proving easier than expected. Outworld's "Golden Age" has left more than a few behind. Without hope, without power, they eagerly heed my call to tear down Mileena's government.

• Kung Lao : If Raiden can beat you, so can I.

  General Shao : Lose to a fool in a silly hat?

• Sub-Zero : So you have met my new initiate.

  General Shao : Be cautious. She means to eclipse you.

• General Shao : Our victory must be total, Reiko.

  Reiko : We'll rout Mileena's troops as we did the Kytinn.

• General Shao : You're scrawny and pathetic.

  Raiden : Why then, General, did you lose to me?

• General Shao : A blind swordsman? Is this a joke?

  Kenshi : No, General. It is dead serious.

• Geras : I'm told in past lives, I was a conqueror.

  General Shao : In past lives, you were evil incarnate.

• Rain : I can't aid in the royal family's destruction.

  General Shao : Back under their spell, Mage?

• Li Mei : The law puts Sindel's death at your feet.

  General Shao : One more alleged crime I won't be punished for.

• General Shao : Do you know the battle of Chesna Fields?

  Nitara : I know you killed many Vaeternians that day.

• General Shao : Laying waste to Seido was a masterstroke.

  Havik : I didn't think it would earn your respect.

• Ashrah : The sorcerers made you their stooge.

  General Shao : And for that, both will pay.

• Ashrah : You fixed a sickly body, but not your sickly heart.

  General Shao : Your judgement holds no water, Ashrah.

• Sub-Zero : I've helped you, but I've earned no respect.

  General Shao : Because there's nothing lower than a traitor.

• Sub-Zero : I was wrong to trust you.

  General Shao : Yes, Earthrealmer. You were.

• Sub-Zero : This fight I will long remember.

  General Shao : Who says you will survive it?

• General Shao : I owe you nothing, Bi-Han.

  Sub-Zero : You would still be in prison, were it not for me!

• Sindel : Surrender now, and I'll spare your followers.

  General Shao : Hah! They will prefer to die in battle.

• Baraka : As a soldier, I swore the same oath you did.

  General Shao : But clearly only I remember what it means.

• Shang Tsung : Would it be so difficult to trust me again?

  General Shao : Try impossible, Shang Tsung.

• Kung Lao : Some general you turned out to be.

  General Shao : Best not to question my leadership, Kung Lao.

• Kung Lao : You aren't the answer to Outworld's prayers.

  General Shao : I am its only salvation.

• General Shao : Swear fealty and I can help you.

  Havik : I'll die before I owe allegiance to anyone!

• Mileena : My mother's blood is on your hands.

  General Shao : Yours will be too, if you don't surrender.

• Kenshi : Today, you lose to another Earthrealm champion.

  General Shao : Today, I'll crush your skull in my hands.

• Liu Kang : Where are your armies, General?

  General Shao : This isn't war, Liu Kang. It's personal.

• Kung Lao : We both have storied families.

  General Shao : Yours will be wiped out today.

• Geras : Had you respected the contours of this timeline...

  General Shao : I'd still be the lap dog of a good-for-nothing empress.

• General Shao : Hah. So you're the Umgadi's new Matron Superior.

  Tanya : And I've made us deadlier than ever, General.

• General Shao : How is it you are my creator?

  Liu Kang : It is a longer story than we have time for.

• General Shao : You sabotaged my plans, Tarkatan.

  Baraka : Don't think for a moment that I'm sorry.

• General Shao : You served in the Daybreak Legion?

  Baraka : First to rise, first to fight, last to die.

• General Shao : It's not evil to defend one's realm.

  Ashrah : Was that what you were doing?

• General Shao : Join me, and we'll take the Hourglass.

  Geras : Conquest is not in my nature.

• General Shao : Don't bring your campaign to Outworld, Havik.

  Havik : Why not? Its people need freedom, too.

• General Shao : Your affliction cannot harm me.

  Baraka : You're a fool to think yourself immune.

• General Shao : Your intervention ruined my plans.

  Ashrah : I am glad to have been part of the resistance.

• General Shao : I've never battled a demon.

  Ashrah : Then you've never been truly tested.

• General Shao : I thought Quan Chi had control of his minions.

  Ashrah : I am no longer under his spell.

• General Shao : You may have been a soldier, but now you're a beast.

  Baraka : And I've never been more dangerous, General.

• General Shao : Finally, the chance to test the Lin Kuei's mettle.

  Sub-Zero : It will end with your humiliation.

• General Shao : If I ever see your brother...

  Sub-Zero : You won't unless you visit his grave.

• General Shao : I know more than you realize, Tanya.

  Tanya : I'll spill your blood before you can spill my secrets.

• Liu Kang : You have no army to command, General.

  General Shao : Those loyal to me still follow.

• General Shao : If you're against me, you're against Outworld.

  Tanya : Hah. Too bad you can't weaponize your ego.

• Havik : I can offer your army refuge in Seido.

  General Shao : Outworld soldiers never retreat!

• Havik : How will your rule be less oppressive than Sindel's?

  General Shao : Because Outworld won't genuflect to Liu Kang any longer.

• Havik : I can't wait for the chaos Onaga will unleash.

  General Shao : You know I plan to release him?

• Havik : Mature adults don't need leaders.

  General Shao : But most aren't, which is why they do.

• Smoke : You've been a soldier all your life?

  General Shao : Since I was strong enough to hold a blade.

• Smoke : Our realms could've stayed at peace.

  General Shao : Only at the price of Outworld's freedom.

• General Shao : What happened to you after Lei Chin?

  Shang Tsung : I found my destiny.

• General Shao : Earthrealm must suffer an apocalypse! Now!

  Shang Tsung : Be patient, General.

• General Shao : You've been whispering in Reiko's ear.

  Shang Tsung : Fortunately for you, to little effect.

• General Shao : There are few who would dare double-cross me.

  Shang Tsung : It thrills me to be in such elite company.

• General Shao : You were scheming against me from the moment we met.

  Shang Tsung : We all have our agendas, don't we?

• Shang Tsung : Godhood is wasted on Liu Kang.

  General Shao : Which is why I'll take it from him.

• Shang Tsung : My skills have grown since we last met.

  General Shao : Show me, sorcerer.

• Shang Tsung : I thought we were allies, General.

  General Shao : Once Onaga's tamed, I won't need you.

• Shang Tsung : The magic I found on that island...

  General Shao : Will be shared, or you will die.

• Liu Kang : I will not let you unleash civil war.

  General Shao : Outworld's affairs aren't your business, Liu Kang.

• Omni-Man : You might have value--as a training dummy.

  General Shao : [scoff]  You need to be trained in respect.

• Omni-Man : At least you look somewhat threatening.

  General Shao : My looks do not deceive.

• General Shao : Slaying you will make me a legend.

  Omni-Man : Yet when I slay you, no one will remember.

• General Shao : Steel sharpens steel. We are equally matched.

  Omni-Man : The feeling is decidedly not mutual.

• Raiden : We aren't Outworld's enemy, General.

  General Shao : Then why's your master so determined to hem us in?

• Raiden : I will accept your wager.

  General Shao : When I win, Earthrealm is mine.

• Raiden : Force me to, and I *will* take your life.

  General Shao : [laughs]  That is the emptiest of threats.

• Raiden : Fighting you was a humbling experience.

  General Shao : Enough with the false modesty, Raiden.

• Kitana : Who wishes to fight must first count the cost.

  General Shao : You intend to teach me about war?

• Kitana : Of all your enemies, it was vanity that felled you.

  General Shao : I am not finished, Kitana.

• Kitana : Your family's disowned you.

  General Shao : Wealth and comfort have made them timid.

• Kitana : Outworld will close ranks against you.

  General Shao : Support for your regime is thinner than you realize.

• [Sindel gasps in horror] 

  Sindel : How could I have so misjudged him? For Shang Tsung to indulge in such depravity. For General Shao to condone it... They are not the men I though them.

  Liu Kang : Despite my best efforts, neither man, nor Quan Chi, are who they were meant to be.

  Sindel : They're not your responsibility. They're Outworlders.

  Liu Kang : But it is I who crafted their destinies... along with those of all other beings, at the dawn of history.

  Kitana : You created the realms? Is... Is your mind addled, demi-god?

  Liu Kang : I am a mere demi-god now. But eons ago I was more powerful than all of the Elder Gods combined. I was a Titan, and the Keeper of Time.

  Liu Kang : This is Geras.

  Geras : Your Majesty. Your Highnesses.

  Liu Kang : Geras is the guardian of the Hourglass. A celestial object which lies beyond the realms, the Hourglass regulates time and destiny. When I wielded its power, it was upon me to craft all of existence. Which I did, when I restarted history.

  Sindel : Re-started?

  Geras : This timeline was preceded by billions more, though this is the first of Liu Kang's design. The others were designed by his predecessor. Kronika was obsessed with equalizing good and evil. When a timeline veered too far to one or the other, she would halt it and restart history. Tinkering with lives and events in the hope of achieving her golden balance.

  Liu Kang : In prior timelines, Kronika gave Shang Tsung and Quan Chi mastery of the most vile magics. Shao was not a general, but a tyrannical ruler, bent on conquest. You, Sindel, were his ruthless wife, who would do anything to preserve your privilege. When I took the Hourglass from Kronika, I vowed to do better. So in this timeline, the sorcerers would not gain their dark powers. Shao would be your loyal follower... and you would rule Outworld firmly, but fairly.

  Geras : But someone has interfered with Liu Kang's design. Shao, Shang Tsung, Quan Chi... all have been groomed by an unknown entity to be the villains they were in previous timelines.

  Sindel : Where to begin? Am I to kneel to my creator? Do you expect worship?

  Liu Kang : No, Your Majesty. My prior role was thrust upon me by circumstance. I am in no way divine.

  Sindel : You had power over all of creation, yet you gave it up.

  Liu Kang : Because I saw how it drove Kronika mad. I knew I would fare no better, had I kept it.

  [door slams open] 

  Sindel : You. How dare you conspire against Outworld?

  General Shao : Not against Outworld, but against your misguided rule. Your deference to him leaves us all vassals.

  Sindel : So you sanction these unspeakable horrors? Lie to me about the threats we face? Thank to you, Earthrealm blood is already on my hands. Blood shed without cause or provocation!

  General Shao : Don't! Move.

  Liu Kang : Empress. Everyone. Stay back!

  Sindel : What is it?

  Liu Kang : The Amulet of Shinnok. A weapon of terrifying power.

  Geras : It should not exist. Its maker is powerless as Liu Kang designed.

  Liu Kang : Yet more proof of foreign interference.

  General Shao : Enough prattle. You'll both bend a knee to Outworld's new emperor.

  Liu Kang : Put down the amulet. Its evil is beyond your control!

  General Shao : Ha ha ha ha ha! Do you think I'd do battle not trained with my weapons? I am more than prepared!

  [Geras, Mileena, kitana and Tanya scream as they are sucked into the amulet] 

  General Shao : [Li Mei and her constables charge the conspirators] 

  Sindel : AHH! So General Shao casts his lot with Outworld's enemies against me.

  Nitara : HISSSS

  Sindel : He's a fool to ally with you bloodsucking fiends!

• Quan Chi : Think of the power the Netherrealm can offer you.

  General Shao : Someone else can guide me to it.

• Quan Chi : I can't have you holding a grudge.

  General Shao : What do you plan to do about it?

• Quan Chi : Surely you need help controlling Onaga.

  General Shao : Not from you, sorcerer.

• General Shao : Do you know the Battle of Chesna Fields?

  Nitara : I know you killed many Vaeternians that day.

• General Shao : When I'm Emperor, I'll make...

  Nitara : Even more empty promises?

• General Shao : Kasomira was your mother?

  Nitara : Also the finest Vaeternian admiral to ever serve.

• General Shao : If you despise me, why did you join me?

  Nitara : You were worth more to me alive than dead.

• Quan Chi : For both our sakes, we must resolve our differences.

  General Shao : I intend to. By taking your life.

• General Shao : Shang Tsung erred severely by not killing you.

  Reptile : [*hissing*]  It wasn't for lack of trying.

• General Shao : All's too quiet on our western front.

  Reiko : Then command us into battle.

• General Shao : Fight on your terms, or don't fight at all.

  Reiko : Excellent advice, General.

• General Shao : I've treated you like a beloved son.

  Reiko : And I will follow you into the deepest valley.

• General Shao : I've commanded no finer soldier.

  Reiko : I am what you made me, sir.

• General Shao : Together, we have trod paths of glory.

  Reiko : How many more await us, General?

• General Shao : Here we are, born to be kings!

  General Shao : We are princes of the universe!

• General Shao : The greatest victories require no battle.

  General Shao : [scoffs]  I've never heard more ridiculous words.

• Geras : You could have been part of the grand design.

  General Shao : As Liu Kang's vassal? Ha!

• Geras : When the universe dies, only I will remain.

  General Shao : It's impossible that you're eternal.

• Geras : Do you not see that Titan Shang Tsung would have killed you?

  General Shao : [*laughter*]  He would have tried.

• General Shao : I won't abide Liu Kang's limits.

  Geras : I have no choice, then, but to enforce them.

• General Shao : To defeat Liu Kang, I must destroy you first.

  Geras : Are you aware I cannot be killed?

• [Custom AI Intros] 

  General Shao : An Earthrealm's journalist, is this is joke?

  Omni-Man : I'm more than just a journalist, you'll see soon enough.

• [Custom AI Intros] 

  General Shao : I would have taken Outworld's throne, had it not been for Earthrealm's intervention!

  Johnny Cage : If it weren't for us meddling kids, you did get pretty close.

• Peacemaker : I told you, I want peace.

  General Shao : And you'll have it: when you're dead.

• Peacemaker : You're nuts if you think you scare me.

  General Shao : Are all from your realms so self-deluded?

• [Custom AI Intros] 

  General Shao : The throne will be mine, Li Mei. You and the Umgadi will not stop me!

  Li Mei : I am not failing the royal family again. You're finished, Shao!

• General Shao : Earthrealm will kneel, or it will burn!

  Johnny Cage : Haha. Now *that's* how you chew scenery!

• General Shao : An entertainer's life is a meaningless one.

  Johnny Cage : Fuck that! I bring joy to millions.

• General Shao : Sindel is your master's puppet, Raiden.

  Raiden : No, they are partners in peace.

• General Shao : [*sinister laughter*]  You haven't long to live.

  Raiden : I won't be cowed by your bluster, Shao.

• General Shao : This tournament has no rules.

  Raiden : You'll do no better in Mortal Kombat.

• General Shao : Return to my side or pay the price.

  Rain : You can't intimidate Outworld's High Mage.

• General Shao : Forsake me, and you forsake Outworld.

  Rain : That assertion holds no water.

• General Shao : Without me, you'd never become High Mage.

  Rain : Am I to be in your debt for life?

• General Shao : Your loyalty is fickle, Rain.

  Rain : I've realized you're not what's best for Outworld.

• General Shao : Ruin awaits those who defy me.

  Johnny Cage : Hah. Someone's going all in on the supervillain.

• General Shao : Smoke is merely a defensive weapon.

  Smoke : You won't think so once you're choking on it.

• General Shao : You cannot hide, Earthrealmer.

  Smoke : Heh. Good luck trying to smoke me out.

• General Shao : You think the Earthrealmers' morals are superior to ours?

  Sindel : No, I find Liu Kang's superior to yours.

• General Shao : Mileena sent you? She must be desperate.

  Reptile : She sees in me what you can't, General.

• General Shao : You won't escape me this time.

  Reptile : Care to wager on that, General?

• General Shao : When Jerrod died, you lost your nerve.

  Sindel : Do not invoke my husband's name!

• General Shao : If you're against me, you're against Outworld.

  Tanya : [*chuckle*]  Too bad you can't weaponize your ego.

• General Shao : Despite my many victories, you refuse to heed my counsel.

  Sindel : In matters of diplomacy, yes.

• General Shao : If only you'd fathomed the Dragon Army's power.

  Scorpion : I did, which is why I feared it.

• General Shao : Join Liu Kang, and you board a sinking ship.

  Reptile : I couldn't disagree more.

• General Shao : Once I rule, Outworld won't be submissive.

  Sindel : The throne will never be yours.

• General Shao : You should have followed your brother's lead.

  Scorpion : Down the path of shame and dishonor?

• General Shao : My family has served Outworld for generations.

  Sindel : Which is why your treason is so tragic.

• General Shao : It gives me no pleasure, starting civil war.

  Tanya : [*scoff*]  It doesn't, General?

• General Shao : Neither the Lin Kuei nor the Shirai Ryu concern me.

  Smoke : You sleepwalk to disaster, General.

• General Shao : Can't you see Liu Kang's a devil?

  Scorpion : He is one only in your warped reality.

• General Shao : I knew you would cause trouble.

  Scorpion : Good and necessary trouble, General.

• General Shao : I still owe you for the fight at Ying Fortress.

  Scorpion : The sting of your failure still hurts?

• General Shao : If we don't conquer, *we* will be conquered.

  Sindel : Why must Outworld be aggressive to be strong?

• General Shao : Me, lose to you? Hah!

  Smoke : Enjoy that feeling while it lasts.

• General Shao : You look at me strangely.

  Peacemaker : 'Cause I clocked that epic six pack you're rocking.

• [Custom AI Dialogues from CrimsonKnight] 

  Liu Kang : You look like a flurry.

  General Shao : You like like Jackie Chan.

  Liu Kang : FUCKING RACIST.

• [Custom AI Dialogues from CrimsonKnight] 

  General Shao : You're built like your body's ratio is 10:3.

  Sub-Zero : You're build like an improper fraction.

  Johnny Cage : [Offscreen]  HA!

  General Shao : That was cold, even for you.

• [Custom AI Dialogues from CrimsonKnight] 

  Sub-Zero : Oh my god!

  General Shao : What is it?

  Sub-Zero : Why the fuck are you so damn ugly.

• [Custom AI Dialogues from CrimsonKnight] 

  General Shao : So cold and bitter it's pathetic.

  Sub-Zero : So big but small, it's pitiful!

  Sindel : [Offscreen]  haha, that's clever.

  General Shao : SHUT UP, WOMAN!

• Ermac : You have shamed the souls of your ancestors!

  General Shao : Which of my ungrateful kin are within you?

• General Shao : My victory in this fight will be glorious.

  Ermac : Will you also find glory in defeat?

• General Shao : You'll take me to Quan Chi.

  Ermac : You presume We know his whereabouts.

• General Shao : Such a mighty weapon gone to waste.

  Ermac : We are no weapon. Nor are We a waste.

• General Shao : Which one of your souls fights me today?

  Ermac : All.

• Takeda : I've heard all about you, General

  General Shao : And you're not scared? Bravo.

• Takeda : Your horns will look great on my wall.

  General Shao : I am not the hunted here, Earthrealmer.

• Takeda : What Outworld species are you?

  General Shao : What good is that knowledge to a dead man?

• Takeda : Kenshi said you were big, but ...

  General Shao : That is the least of my advantages.

• Johnny Cage : Shao we do this, General? Kahn you defeat me?

  General Shao : Impertinent Earthrealmer, shut up!

• [Custom AI Intro Dialogues from Chhai Tea] 

  Kitana : You will never be Kahn of Outworld as long as Mileena and my other self live, Shao.

  General Shao : You will die by my hands, Kitana!

• Noob Saibot : Kitana has frozen your rebellion's progress.

  General Shao : So it would seem to the untrained eye.

• Noob Saibot : Our quarrel ends when one of us dies.

  General Shao : How nice of you to volunteer.

• Noob Saibot : Forget our warriors. *We* settle this. Here.

  General Shao : It will be my pleasure.

• Cyrax (New Era) : Your coup was not about grievance, it was about power.

  General Shao : Which I'd wield better than Sindel or her daughters.

• Cyrax (New Era) : Your size? Your skill? They won't be enough.

  General Shao : *laughs* You can't possibly believe that.

• Cyrax (New Era) : Though we've never met, I already despise you.

  General Shao : You'll hate me all the more when I kill you.

• Sektor (New Era) : You made a deal with us, General.

  General Shao : One which no longer serves my purpose.

• Sektor (New Era) : Of all the duplicitous snakes ...

  General Shao : My loyalty is to Outworld, not the Lin Kuei.

• Sektor (New Era) : Bi-Han risked everything to free you.

  General Shao : Not every gamble pays, Sektor.

• Sektor (New Era) : I won't build weapons for you.

  General Shao : Then you will die by mine!