The city of Kuatan is a subterranean kingdom located within the realm of Outworld. This is the home of the mighty half-human half-dragon race, the Shokan.
Their civilization and society is structured under a monarchy with a king and queen ruling their people with their heir usually being a prince in line for the throne. In the non-canon Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins, it is shown that multiple heirs to the throne must compete with one another and demonstrate their ruthlessness by fighting to the death. The victor thus becomes the ruling crown-prince who will eventually inherit the throne. Furthermore, on a single particular day, it was customary to give the King a present.
Among the Shokan, there is one law that surpasses above all others: survival of the fittest, and most ruthless.