The Kriss is a magical blade from the Netherrealm, found by Ashrah. For every demon slain with the blade, it would purify the wielder of evil taint. Ashrah being an inherent demon, she used the blade to cleanse herself until eventually the Netherrealm couldn't sustain such purity, and she was propelled out by the realm itself. The Kriss stayed behind in the Netherrealm, however, perhaps waiting to help ascend someone else who should stumble upon it.

It was revealed in Nitara's Mortal Kombat: Armageddon bio that the Kriss' actual name was Datusha. Although a mystery, its origins come from the realm of Vaeternus. It was originally created to slay vampires. It was brought to the Netherrealm by Kahil Grigesh.