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Kiri

Tal'Dorei

Kiri is a kenku child rescued by the Mighty Nein. As an NPC, Kiri is played by Matthew Mercer.

Kiri is a kenku child rescued by the Mighty Nein. As an NPC, Kiri is played by Matthew Mercer.

Appearance

Kiri is a kenku child, about the size of an adolescent human. Her body is covered in black feathers and she does not have wings; rather, she has exceedingly long fingers resembling a crow's primary feathers. She has bright, raven-like eyes and a long beak.

Personality

Kiri seems to be a kind and appreciative girl, saddened over losing her family but excited and hopeful that the Mighty Nein would "adopt" her. Kiri has no spoken language (Caleb's Comprehend Languages spell had no effect), communicating instead through clicks, crowing noises, and mimicry. Her mimicry can replicate both the accent and the words of others. Most of the party found her behavior adorable, with Jester being especially enamored.

Kiri has a proclivity for picking up swear words with her mimicry and stabbing dead bodies with the dagger Fjord gave her. Nott views this as evidence that the Mighty Nein's behavior is "corrupting" Kiri.

Background

Kiri was one of four daughters to her parents, who all lived as a family unit somewhere near the valley people. They fled through the swamp to escape the fighting that broke out, where unfortunately Kiri got trapped in mud and her family were forced to abandon her. This is where she was discovered and saved by Jester.

Sadly, the Mighty Nein discovered the remains of several Kenku in the stomach of a crocodile that Jester concluded were probably her sisters, although it would appear that Kiri's parents were able to escape.

" Labenda Awaits " (2x20)

Kiri was first encountered struggling in the swamp and under threat of two fast approaching crocodiles. Due to Jester's initial curiosity and then swift action upon realizing the dangerous situation, they managed to save Kiri and 'took her in' for the time being.

" Have Bird, Will Travel " (2x23)

Jester got a detailed description of Kiri's parents, but was unable to contact them with her Sending spell.

" The Hour of Honor " (2x24)

Having arrived in Hupperdook, Yasha volunteered to babysit Kiri while the rest of the Mighty Nein continued on exploring, and partaking in a drinking contest. Jester later bought Kiri a music box from Cleff Tinkertop. After discovering the Schuster children, the Nein left Kiri with the kids while they continued on to Gearhole Prison.

" Divergent Paths " (2x25)

For her safety, and following a tearful goodbye, Kiri was left in the care of the Schuster family.

" Chases and Trees " (2x65)

Jester messaged Kiri to check on how she was doing and to let her know that the Mighty Nein were thinking about her.

" From Door to Door " (2x81)

While exploring the Folding Halls, the Mighty Nein learned from an outside ally that Hupperdook's factories had been attacked by the Kryn Dynasty. At first Jester was worried for Kiri's safety, but Beau reassured her that the Schuster kids were good at staying out of trouble.

" Lingering Wounds " (2x89)

Jester scryed on Kiri, seeing her well and apparently healthy although Upper Hupperdook had sustained serious damage from the Kryn attack, which was in the process of being repaired.

" Solace Between the Secrets " (2x118)

Jester messaged Kiri, saying "Kiri! How are you? We miss you! Um. We're in snow right now. How's Hupperdook? Looking at fireworks? Tell me you're cute! Also, that you're good."

After which Kiri immediately replied with "We miss you! Hupperdook is interesting. It's fun. We miss you! I built something. Please come! I am sweet." Matthew Mercer elaborated on this in " Critical Role Campaign 2 Wrap Up " (Sx56) at 43:38, stating that Kiri had built her own music box after being inspired by the one Beau had gifted to her. The cast then joked about the possibility of Kiri building weapons, with Laura speculating that the music box actually shoots out a small dagger when it finishes a song.

" Jester and Fjord's Wedding - Live from Radio City Music Hall " (Sx103)

Months after the end of the Era of Reclamation Kiri attended Jester and Fjord's wedding in Nicodranas. During the ceremony she was their flower girl, carrying a basket and releasing rose petals along the walkway.

Beauregard

Beau sees Kiri as fragile and thinks that she would probably fare better outside of the Mighty Nein. When Kiri mimicked Beau, Beau was taken aback learning what she sounded like. Leaving Kiri with the Schusters affected Beau more profoundly than she expected, reflecting that the act of first saving the Schusters from prison and then giving Kiri a home among them was the first truly selfless action she'd taken and it felt good.

Frumpkin

Caleb used Frumpkin to soothe Kiri when the Mighty Nein first met her. Afterwards, Frumpkin and Kiri would frequently spend time together on the road or in inns.

Jester

Jester and Kiri seem to be fond of each other. Jester has tried to take care of Kiri, teaching her phrases for everyday use, helping her adapt to Dwendalian social norms, and attempting to contact her parents. In return, Kiri has been affectionate to Jester and used the phrases Jester taught her in unexpected ways.

Molly

According to Taliesin, Molly is actively avoiding getting to know Kiri because, much like Beau, he believes that her continued presence is putting her life at risk. In his own words: "He's avoiding Kiri for the same reason why you don't name animals you're going to butcher".

Kenku Abilities

  • Mimicry

Notable Items

  • Music Box (purchased by Jester from Clef Tinkertop's store)
  • Dagger (received from Fjord; later given to Beau)
  • Homemade Music Box (built by herself)

Appearances and mentions

Quotations

  • "WELCOME TO THE MIGHTY NEIN!" (mimicked from Nott)
  • "It's sharp." (mimicked from Fjord)
  • "Where do babies come from?" (mimicked from Beau)
  • "I am Kiri!" (mimicked from Jester)
  • "Yes, I'm very sweet." (mimicked from Jester)
  • "Go fuck yourself!" (mimicked from Jester)
  • "This means we are friends?" (mimicked from Caleb)
  • "I killed people!" (mimicked from Mordsson)
  • "Don't eat humans, okay?" (mimicked from Jester)
  • " Yeza was his name. The halfling man... from before." (mimicked from Nott)
  • "She's probably a good egg." (mimicked from Caleb)
  • "I built something." (mimicked from unknown person in Hupperdook)
  • "Okay. I don't know if its smart." (mimicked from Jester)
  • "It’s an amphibious assault" (mimicked from Fjord)

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