Kiri is a kenku child rescued by the Mighty Nein. As an NPC, Kiri is played by Matthew Mercer.
Description[]
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.[7]
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)[8], 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.
Biography[]
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.[9]
"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.[10] Jester later bought Kiri a music box from Cleff Tinkertop.[11] After discovering the Schuster children, the Nein left Kiri with the kids while they continued on to Gearhole Prison.[12]
"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.[13]
"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.[14]
"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.
Relationships[]
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".
Character Information[]
Abilities[]
Kenku Abilities[]
- Mimicry[3]
Notable Items[]
- Music Box (purchased by Jester from Clef Tinkertop's store)[15]
Dagger(received from Fjord; later given to Beau)- Homemade Music Box (built by herself) [16]
Appearances and mentions[]
- Campaign Two
- "Labenda Awaits" (2x20) (first appearance)
- "Stalker in the Swamp" (2x21)
- "Lost Treasures" (2x22)
- "Have Bird, Will Travel" (2x23)
- "The Hour of Honor" (2x24)
- "Divergent Paths" (2x25)
- "Found & Lost" (2x26), mentioned only
- "Converging Fury" (2x27), mentioned only
- "In Hot Water" (2x43), mentioned only
- "The Stowaway" (2x45), mentioned only
- "Chases and Trees" (2x65), via Sending
- "A Tangled Web" (2x77), mentioned only
- "From Door to Door" (2x81), mentioned only
- "Lingering Wounds" (2x89), via Scrying
- "Frigid Propositions" (2x109), mentioned only
- "Solace Between the Secrets" (2x118), via Sending
Quotations[]
- "WELCOME TO THE MIGHTY NEIN!" (mimicked from Nott)[17]
- "It's sharp." (mimicked from Fjord)[18]
- "Where do babies come from?" (mimicked from Beau)[19]
- "I am Kiri!" (mimicked from Jester)[20]
- "Yes, I'm very sweet." (mimicked from Jester)[21]
- "Go fuck yourself!" (mimicked from Jester)[22]
- "This means we are friends?" (mimicked from Caleb)[23]
- "I killed people!" (mimicked from Mordsson)[24]
- "Don't eat humans, okay?" (mimicked from Jester)[25]
- "Yeza was his name. The halfling man... from before." (mimicked from Nott)[26]
- "She's probably a good egg." (mimicked from Caleb)[27]
- "I built something." (mimicked from unknown person in Hupperdook)[28]
- "Okay. I don't know if its smart." (mimicked from Jester)[29]
- "It’s an amphibious assault" (mimicked from Fjord)[30]
Trivia[]
- Her name is very similar to that of Kir, another Exandrian bird-like child.
- A list of all of Kiri's verbalizations up to episode 2x65 can be found on CritRoleStats here.
- Sam Riegel dressed as Kiri in the Halloween 2020 episode.[31]
References[]
- ↑ Matt confirmed the spelling of Kiri's name on Twitter
- ↑ See "Labenda Awaits" (2x20) at 2:19:27. Kiri writes in common.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 See D&D: Volo's Guide to Monsters, 5th ed., p. 111, available online at D&D Beyond.
- ↑ See "Labenda Awaits" (2x20) at 1:39:00. Kiri goes unconscious from 19 points of damage, meaning she has between 10 and 19 hit points
- ↑ See "Talks Machina #71: 'Have Bird, Will Travel'" (TMx71). Matt claims that Kiri has 6 hit points.
- ↑ See "Lost Treasures" (2x22) at 0:26:07.
- ↑ See "Labenda Awaits" (2x20) at 2:16:29.
- ↑ See "Labenda Awaits" (2x20) at 2:30:50. Caleb attempts to speak with Kiri.
- ↑ See "Labenda Awaits" (2x20) at 2:17:19.
- ↑ See "The Hour of Honor" (2x24) at 1:05:43.
- ↑ See "The Hour of Honor" (2x24) at 2:38:33.
- ↑ See "The Hour of Honor" (2x24) at 3:32:33.
- ↑ See "Chases and Trees" (2x65) at 3:09:35.
- ↑ See "Lingering Wounds" (2x89) from 0:16:31 through 0:19:55.
- ↑ See "The Hour of Honor" (2x24) at 2:52:20.
- ↑ See "Critical Role Campaign 2 Wrap Up" (Sx56) at 43:38.
- ↑ See "Lost Treasures" (2x22) at 3:20:17.
- ↑ See "Stalker in the Swamp" (2x21) at 0:12:42.
- ↑ See "Labenda Awaits" (2x20) at 3:24:53.
- ↑ See "Divergent Paths" (2x25) at 3:14:26.
- ↑ See "Lost Treasures" (2x22) at 2:28:44.
- ↑ See "Lost Treasures" (2x22) at 0:26:07.
- ↑ See "Have Bird, Will Travel" (2x23) at 1:17:25.
- ↑ See "Lost Treasures" (2x22) at 2:29:14.
- ↑ See "Divergent Paths" (2x25) at 3:11:00.
- ↑ See "Have Bird, Will Travel" (2x23) at 2:13:32.
- ↑ See "Have Bird, Will Travel" (2x23) at 2:13:16.
- ↑ See "Solace Between the Secrets" (2x118) at 1:01:38.
- ↑ See "The Hour of Honor" (2x24) at 0:59:59.
- ↑ See "Lost Treasures" (2x22) at 0:45:13.
- ↑ See "An Open Window" (2x114) at 0:02:37.
Art:
- ↑ Fan art of Kiri, by Megzilla87 (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Kiri, by Katy Grierson (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Kiri holding Frumpkin, by Amy King (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Jester and Kiri saying goodbye, by BlackSalander (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Kiri holding Frumpkin, by Elaine Tipping (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Jester and Kiri, by NLN4 (source). Used with permission.
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