Shipmistress Brahms

"Our war is not one of battlefields and fleet engagements, it is waged by the dedicated agents of the Imperial Inquisition."

Shipmistress Brahms is a character in Darktide, a Rogue Trader and a trusted ally to Inquisitor Grendyl. She is in charge of the Mourningstar and consequently all those within.

A rumor amongst the player characters is that Shipmistress Brahms owes Inquisitor Grendyl a substantial favor. The shipmitress was once a friend or a member of the Inquisitor's close counsel, for a time. Their paths would eventually diverge for an unspecified period of time, until now.

House Brahms has been an active Rogue Trader house for generations. Her ship has been requisitioned by Inquisitor Grendyl to host his warband. It would seem likely that the Inquisitor, not House Brahms, is funding this war effort and paying for accommodations aboard the vessel.

Vessels from across the Moebian Domain are constantly docking or departing from the Mourningstar. Her work as a Rogue Trader has taken a back seat as she assists in Grendyl's war efforts on Atoma. The shipmistress and her favoured seneschal, Lady Alice, attempt to make the most of this position they find themselves regrettably in.

The Rogue Trader and Warband Divide[]

It's no surprise that a Rogue Trader, essentially freedom and profit loving privateers and pirates, have different ideals to that of the Imperial Inquisition, the highest office of authority in the Imperium of Mankind and frequent dispenser of order. Rogue Traders aren't normally keen to bow to any authority except their own.

There appears to be a division between those of the Inquisitorial Warband and members of the Rogue Trader crew.

Shipmistress Brahms and Alice Hallowette make it clear that Grendyl's retinue are not entirely welcome upon The Mourningstar through their various quotes. Brahms also has a particular dislike of Rannick and his rabble of rejects/convicts, and would not be aiding the Inquisition if Grendyl had given the Shipmistress a choice.

There are areas on the ship that are unauthorized for rabble majority of the warband. There is friction between crewmembers loyal to the Mourningstar and warband minions loyal to Rannick and Grendyl. However, the shipmistress appears to favor Zola, even taking time to discuss matters with her personally.

During the Merchantile raid within the Carnival District, Hadron and Brahms's personalities contrast one another. One being focussed on data, to the point, and giving the bare minimum information, and the other bringing up points of art, expression, and doing interesting things.

Known Rogue Trader Crew[]

All crewmembers aboard the Mourningstar are in Shipmistress Brahms's employ.

Commodore Alice Hallowette - Commodore, seneschal, and purser to Shipmistress Brahms.
Enginseer Kayex-8
Enginseer Molox
Astropath Ascendant Valorium
Voidmaster Rex
Castellan Karin
Wing Commander Stannix
Deck Chief Alvez
Bo'sun Kaldmar (deceased)

Quotes[]

"Now you've really kicked the stingwing nest." (Carnival - Merchantile)

Mourningstar Vox Hub Chatter[]

Hallowette: Melk? About arranging that meeting with the shipmistress?
Sire Melk: Oh, most excellent. I am in your debt.
Hallowette: She said she didn't have time for social climbers. Her exact words. Then she said something about an asteroid.
Sire Melk: Ah.. perhaps it will wait.

Hallowette[]

Brahms: Lady Alice... I have matters requiring your attention. Assuming you've had your fill of slumming it down there?
Hallowette: Right you are. Just got me a vagabond needs a talking to, and I'll be right with you.

Brahms: Lady Alice ... I trust you aren't neglecting your seneschal's duties?
Hallowette: Me? No. Of course not. [Cough] Why, what have you heard?
Brahms: [Sigh] I do hope we're not going to have to have one of our little talks again.
Hallowette: Don't you worry, Lady Emora. Everything's in hand. [Sotto] Better get back to work, I guess.

Kayex[]

Kayex: Lady Brahms ... I trust the recent modifications meet with your approval?
Brahms: So far. I won't know for sure until we get into a firefight.

Kayex: Ah ... That is unexpected.
Brahms: Half of our portside thrusters are no longer responding!
Kayex: I will seek remedy, in the Omnissiah's name.
Brahms: See that you do.

Brahms: Enginseer Kayex? Kindly explain the drop in reactor output.
Kayex: I find that I cannot, oh Lady of the Stars. I will ... investigate.

Masozi[]

Brahms: Lieutenant Masozi, I would remind you that shipboard regulations are not to be treated as guidelines.
Masozi: My apologies, shipmistress. It will not happen again [Sotto] Whatever it was.

Brahms: Lieutenant Masozi, I have received further complaints about your conduct from Deck Chief Alvez. I grow tired of revisiting this topic.
Masozi: It is a misunderstanding, I promise you.
Brahms: See that it is settled. I do not wish to speak of this again.

Sefoni[]

Brahms: Sefoni. I have received more complaints of ... something ... singing in the dreams of my crew. You wouldn't know anything about that?
Sefoni: No ... No, of course not. I would never go where I am not wanted [Giggle].

Brahms: Sefoni. I have several voidsmen who require ... education. I trust you will assist in this matter?
Sefoni: Why, of course. It will be Sefoni's pleasure. I will be gentle. So very gentle.

Brahms: Sefoni? Sefoni! I will not have you interfering with the minds of my crew.
Sefoni: As ... such tiny playthings to worry about. All Sefoni did was ... play with them a little.
Brahms: Grendyl will hear of this!
Sefoni: [Sotto] No he won't [giggle]

Zola[]

Brahms: Explicator Zola, your efforts to corral your rejects have been noted, and are appreciated.
Zola: I do only as my duty dictates, shipmistress.

Brahms: Ours is a holy purpose. A necessary purpose. Pursue it diligently, and a bright future awaits.
Zola: Well said, Lady Brahms. Rejects? You will make the Emperor proud!

Brahms: Explicator Zola, please join me on the bridge at your convenience. I have a proposal for you.
Zola: It ... It would be my honour, shipmistress.

Reject Rumours[]

Male Loose-Cannon: The shipmistress has a fine scowl, don't she?
Male Agitator: Fie! Brahms is nought but bluster, frustrated that her lawless ways hath been curtailed.
Female Professional: I don't want to end up on her bad side, I can tell you that.

F Loose-Cannon: Crossed paths with the shipmistress earlier. Nearly shrivelled me on the spot.
M Judge: Her duty is a shackle about her neck. She will learn to bear it, or it will break her.
M Savant: As long as her obligation doesn't sour...

F Loner: All these vessels coming and going. Shipmistress Brahms shoulders a great responsibility.
Bully: Cor, even Big Boss obeys her.
M Professional: I hear she's fair ... But then again, those who think otherwise probably don't last long.

M Seer: No one questions Shipmistress Brahms, did you notice? Such easy authority.
M Loner: I suspect she has spent her life subject to expectation. I know exactly how she feels.

F Savant: Grendyl is fortunate to have Brahms managing the flow of ships. She seems professional, even if her past is not.
F Judge: Brahms is keeping secrets. A dangerous thing.
M Professional: Take my advice: stay on her good side.

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Savant?: From what I can tell, there are vessels from across the Moebian domain docking on a daily basis. Probably weighs on her.

Xenos Trade and Piracy

Male Judge: Have care around Brahms, Pilgrims. She has dealt with Xenos, and cannot be trusted.
Male Seer: Oh... I don't think the shipmistress would care to hear that. Maybe I'll tell her.
Male Loose-Cannon: What's wrong with trading with aliens, anyway? I mean, so long as they're not shooting at you.

M Judge: A lifetime trading with the foul Xenos has left a stain on Brahms.
M Professional: Best not let Brahms hear you say that.
M Seer: You do know a Rogue Trader's life is more piracy than negotiation, don't you?

Judge: What do we truly know of the Rogue Trader, beyond her tolerance of the accursed xenos?
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F Judge: Brahms claims loyalty to the Imperium, but she has profited from trading with Xenos.
M Agitator: Sooth! Who knoweth what foul influence the xenos exerted upon her.
M Professional: Trade's all right. Just so long as we don't pick up their fancy lingo and strange ways.

Brahms & Grendyl

Professional: So, I hear that our shipmistress and Grendyl have a complicated relationship.
M Professional: I hear she doesn't want to be here, but Grendyl insisted.
Bully: I ain't scared of her.

Professional: So, I hear that our shipmistress and Grendyl have a complicated relationship.
Bully: Got a right face on her, ain't she?
M Judge: I will Pray for her.

Male Loose-Cannon: So, the shipmistress. Not exactly a sunbeam, is she?
Male Cutthroat: Reckon Grendyl must have some hold over her.
Female Savant: As long as she does her duty...

Male Seer: My Beloved says that the shipmistress is deep in Grendyl's counsel.
Bully: Cor, even Big Boss obeys her.

Loose-Cannon: Have you seen Brahms yet. Look like I feel when I'm hungover.
Cutthroat: Got an old debt to Grendyl, so I was told. She's paying it off.

F Savant: Grendyl is fortunate to have Brahms managing the flow of ships. She seems professional, even if her past is not.
F Seer: I don't think I could handle that sort of pressure.
M Professional: Take my advice: stay on her good side.

M Seer: My Beloved says that the shipmistress is deep in Grendyl's counsel.
F Cutthroat: Probably sick of having to deal with the likes of us.
F Agitator: We shouldst be cautious around her. A life of lawlessness maketh a heart cold.

M Cutthroat: There's more to the Inquisitor and Brahms than meets the eye, I reckon.
F Professional: Got an old debt to Grendyl, so I was told. She's paying it off.
F Agitator: Were it not for her position at the Mourningstar's helm, I wouldst educate her in the Master's glory.

Sefoni's Rumours[]

The Shipmistress grows ever more unhappy. Friendship can bear only so much.
The Brahms family has never much cared for servitude. Lady Emora is no different.

Mourningstar Vox Announcements[]

Reject Addresses[]

Brahms: To all interlopers: You are all destined to die forgotten. Remember that, and be sure to cling to existence for as long as you can.
Brahms: To all interlopers: If you tire of my hospitality, I will be happy to ... send you away.
Brahms: To all interlopers: Vigilance is the price of survival, and I intend to survive a very long time indeed. You will always be watched.
Brahms: To all interlopers: You may be as inefficient as you like when working for Grendyl, but aboard my ship you will follow my order.
Brahms: Rejects? Atoma needs you. Do not let her down.
Brahms: Rejects? Please try to comport yourselves with dignity aboard this vessel.
Brahms: Rejects? You can rely on nothing save death, so give it your all.
Brahms: Rejects? You are expendable. The Mourningstar is not.
Brahms: Attention, rejects: No one who beholds you would suppose you to be heroes. Challenge that perception. Your lives depend upon it.

Brahms: [Sigh] I see the decks are awash with meat awaiting the grinder.
Brahms: I wish I could send you all away. Perhaps I will.
Brahms: I'm glad my mother isn't alive to see the state of this ship ...
Brahms: Grendyl has much to answer for. No debt is worth this.
Brahms: So this is what the last line of defence look like?
Brahms: Remember: The Emperor is always watching. So am I.
Brahms: If all else fails, die slowly. It will lessen the strain on recruitment.
Brahms: Atoma would seem to be in a very rough time of it.

Brahms: Any of Grendyl's rejects who fancy their hands at mutiny should remember that I have an impressive array of switches beneath my hand.
Brahms: At least one vents the atmosphere from your section of the ship. Sleep lightly, and dream dreams of good, loyal service.

Brahms: For those who have doubtless heard the rumours, but who intend to sully my authority all the same:
Brahms: I do not have a remote asteroid to which I exile those who have earned my wrath. I poison my enemies.
Brahms: Actually ... even that isn't true. Why have hounds and howl yourself? Lady Alice will pay you a visit.

Brahms: Attention, rejects: The past is shrouded in fear, the present in deception. Only the future holds hope.
Brahms: This is the future for which you fight. Die for it, if you must. There is nothing else.

Brahms: Attention, rejects: The Imperium calls you to war. Answer plainly, and maybe there is hope for us.
Zola: Well, rejects? How do you answer? Who do you fight for?
Rejects and warband crewmembers: For the Emperor! / For the God-Emperor!

Brahms: Now hear this: Thieving from the armoury carries the penalty of death.
Brahms: And not one of those swift, merciful deaths either. You will beg for oblivion.
Hadron: Those who steal from the Omnissiah should expect nothing less.

Brahms: Whatever laxity pervades the Navis Imperialis, the Mourningstar is never less than efficient.
Brahms: Those who endanger that will be attended to ... suitably.

Brahms: So long as you are aboard my ship, you will remain vigilant. You will remain dutiful.
Brahms: Otherwise? ... Well, I have a good many airlocks at my disposal.

Crew Addresses[]

Brahms: Now hear this: All pilots are to report for mandatory decontamination and purity screening. This includes you, Lieutenant Masozi.

Brahms: Now hear this: voidsman teams to remain on high alert following the suspicious death of Bo'sun Kaldmar.
Brahms: Mutiny will not be tolerated aboard the Mourningstar.

Brahms: Now hear this: gunnery drills will recommence at 1700 hours, ship's time.
Brahms: They will continue until yesterday's lamentable performance has been erased from my memory. That is all.

Brahms: Now hear this: There may be some psychic bleed during Gellar field maintenance. Any crew mates who succumb are to be restrained.
Brahms: Any manifestations that continue beyond the maintenance period are to be reported to your section's voidmistress.

Brahms: Now hear this: Long range auspexes confirm unidentified vessels at the system edge.
Brahms: Until further notice, all weapon crews will remain on Priority Alert. Additional stimm rations will be provided and are mandatory.

Brahms: Now hear this: Though the day is dark, I shall brook no defeatist talk. A warrior who doubts is a warrior half-beaten.

Brahms: Now hear this: the earlier sabotage attempt has now been contained and the culprit handed over to Lady Alice for ...
Brahms: Investigation. Interested parties will find his remains displayed at the bow, once she has finished with him.

Brahms: Now hear this: Mourningstar will commence silent running in one hour.
Brahms: From this time, all unauthorised launches, broadcasts or loud sneezes will be punished by ...
Brahms: Well, I'll leave that to Lady Alice. She's sure to be creative.

Brahms: Now hear this: All crews, stand down from alert. Duty stations to complete the current watch cycle.
Brahms: All other crew to retire and complete mandatory rest periods.

Brahms: Now hear this: sightings of Grendyl's rejects in unauthorised areas should be reported to that section's voidmistress.
Brahms: She will ensure the intruder is ... attended to. If you are one of Grendyl's rejects, have a care not to stray.

Brahms: Now hear this: All strategium officers to your stations. I repeat, all strategium officers to your stations.

Brahms: Now hear this: the grav failures in Sections Tancred 3/e through Tancred 144/a are under investigation.
Brahms: Zero-G protocols are to be followed until the matter is resolved.

Brahms: Now hear this: Until further notice, all launches will require dual authorisation.
Brahms: I repeat, any launches without dual authorisation will be targeted and destroyed.
Brahms: Lieutenant Masozi, I recommend you do not misinterpret this as an idle threat.

Brahms: Now hear this: Until further notice, all rations will be allocated at three-quarter portions.
Brahms: This will continue until the supply situation improves.
Reject (Brawler): Rations are cut? Grut me! That's bad.

Brahms: Now hear this: Set Alert Level Gamma-4 across the ship. I repeat, until further notice this vessel is at Alert Level Gamma-4.

Brahms: Now hear this: We have an Omega Level event underway. Follow all necessary protocol.

Brahms: Now hear this: No dead are to be jettisoned until further notice.
Brahms: Additional blast-wadding is required in Section Grax 15/v. Please report suitable candidates to Voidmaster Rex.

Darktide World Intro Cinematic[]

"It is the forty-first Millennium. For ten thousand years, the Imperium has dominated the galaxy. There is only war. Every human soul, from the most high-born lord to the most basic servitor, is dedicated to the service of the God-Emperor of Mankind. The Imperium’s battlefleets and armies, from the conscripted soldiers of the Astra Militarum… to the elite Space Marines of the Adeptus Astartes, keep humanity safe from alien threats and cosmic horrors beyond imagining. But there is another war. It is the one in which I serve.

Our war is not one of battlefields and fleet engagements. It is waged by the dedicated agents of the Imperial Inquisition. It is fought in the cities and hives of the Imperium. In the backstreets and the forgotten sub levels.

In hive-cities like Tertium. For if the Inquisition fails... if we fail... the Imperium falls with us." ~Brahms

Spoilers[]

<unknown audio file> Introduction to player?[]

"Not that is concerns you, but I am the Lady Emora Brahms. You may address me as Shipmistress Emora. My family has voyaged the shifting frontiers of this grand Imperium for generations. Exploring, trading, conducting the better class of war when the situation merits.

For now, my path lies alongside Inquisitor Grendyl's. For as long as that is true, you will treat my beloved Mouringstar as sacrosanct. You are a guest and a barely tolerated one at that." ~Brahms

<unknown audio files> miscellaneous (spoilers)[]

"I cannot condone the choices Grendyl makes, but nor can I see another path."
"Don't let Rannick intimidate you, nor Grendyl. The Mourningstar is mine!"
"I'd fly the Mourningstar far from Atoma, only Grendyl would find me."
"If you want a place amongst my crew, just say something."
"If only I could get back to honest trading."
"I should be on the frontier, not playing glorified courier."
"Just watch yourself around Rannick. You're an asset to him, not a person."
"There is much said and done in the Emperor's name. Would he approve? Well, that's impossible to say, and I suspect the point."
"This used to be the pride of the fleet, would you believe? Now look at it!"
"If I've learned anything about our grand Imperium is that the more everyone talks about brave heroes and selfless sacrifice, the worse the war is actually going!"
"Yes the Imperium is heartless, uncaring, and ruthless, but what else is there?"
"It's a real hive of activity down here. Little of it honest and that's how I like it."
"Martyrdom does sound better than 'abondoned and left to die' doesn't it?"
"Can't speak for Rannick's people, but you can trust mine."
"The Mourningstar, overrun with convicts and criminals. My mother would turn in her grave.. if she had one."
"Look what Rannick's lackeys have done to my Mourningstar!"
"Might as well eat, drink, and be merry. Unmarked graves for us all, the way things are going."
"All of Rannick's little minions look the same to me."
"If you're short of gear, have a would with Commodore Hallowette. Call her 'The Perfect One' if you want to get on her good side."
"It is true that sacrifice is the foundation of the Imperium but one should always to care to note who is called upon to make that sacrifice."
"We are all cogs in an uncaring machine, but perhaps it's better not to know it."
"You do what you want on Rannick's time, but you behave aboard my ship!"
"Always interesting to see what kind of rogues Grendyl press ganged."
"I never know who is more foolish, the zealot, blinded by creed or those who embrace his blindness."
"Grendyl isn't paying enough for this.."
"Grendyl keeps everyone in the dark, doesn't matter if they're old friends or new recruits."

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

Voiced by Katharine Schlesinger.