Back to the officers of “Ignis Aeternus”
“Listen up! I don’t care how noble you think you are, or how many medals you’ve got on your chest, you won’t last long in the star vessel without proper supplies. And that’s why I’m here. You think combat is tough? Try keeping an entire star vessel crewed, fed, and equipped while traveling through the void. There’s no second chances out there if you run out of rations or ammo.“
(She glares at the gathered officers, her voice sharp and authoritative.)
“You think I can pull munitions and fuel from thin air? No. It’s discipline that keeps this ship running. Every bolt, every scrap of food, every tool you use has to be accounted for. Waste a single ration, and you’re taking it from your comrades, understand? I don’t care if you think you need more for ‘morale.’ Morale doesn’t keep you alive, supplies do.”
(She pauses, scanning the faces around table, before continuing with a stern edge.)
“All stations get what they’re issued, and they’ll make it last. We’re not in some hive market where you can haggle for more just because you’ve had a bad day. If you think you need extra, you’ll have to report to me why—and you better make it convincing. I’ve been through worse shortages on the hive world than any of you can imagine, and I survived because I knew how to make do with less.”
(Her eyes narrow, as she emphasizes the final point.)
“And don’t think for a second I’ll let any of you stockpile or trade supplies behind my back. I catch wind of anyone hoarding food or fuel, and you’ll be aswering to me until you understand the importance of fair distribution. You think I won’t notice? I know every cog, every barrel of promethium, and every ration aboard this ship better than you know your own pulse.”
(She straightens up, her voice taking on a final, cold edge.)
“Remember, we’re all on the same side. You get what you need, nothing more, nothing less. Keep the ship running, and I’ll keep you supplied. Fail in that, and you’ll have far worse problems than empty bellies. Now, get back to work and make sure nothing’s out of place. I’ll be checking.”
Rank & Authority
- The Mistress of Provisions serves as the primary authority over all consumables, non-ordnance equipment, and logistical supply chains aboard the Ignis Aeternus.
- Reports directly to the Lord-Captain or designated Senechal and maintains operational liaisons with the Master of Arms, Medicae Command, and Master Cannoneer.
- Empowered to allocate, restrict, or re-route supplies based on operational necessity, battle-readiness, or dynastic decree.
- Authorized to requisition manpower, servitor labor, and cogitator access for inventory control, ration enforcement, and crisis distribution measures.
- Custodian of all provision manifests, supply vaults, and equipment issue stations not under Mechanicus custodianship.
Core Responsibilities
Management of Provisions and Stores
- Oversees the storage, rotation, and issuing of all foodstuffs, water rations, air filters, medical sundries, and textile provisions.
- Maintains full inventory of consumables for crew, officers, and dynastic personnel, with priority protocols in place for emergency operations or noble decree.
- Commands storeroom staff, supply servitors, and deck scribes, ensuring daily functions are executed in accordance with Navy and Ecclesiarchal hygiene codes.
Equipment Oversight
- Manages issuance, inspection, and maintenance of crew gear, including uniforms, voidsuits, environmental equipment, and general-purpose utility items.
- Coordinates with the Master of Arms for combat-related provisioning, and with Medicae and Enginseer units for specialist tools and survival packs.
- Oversees storage and calibration of non-lethal tools, such as dataslates, auspex units, maintenance kits, and noble-access amenities.
Resupply Operations
- Coordinates with void-dockmasters and external tithing agents during resupply cycles, ensuring full reception of cargo from system ports, mining colonies, or agri-world contracts.
- Verifies purity seals, Ecclesiarchal certifications, and Adeptus Administratum transit logs before acceptance into shipboard supply.
Discipline and Audit
- Enforces ration discipline, tracks irregularities, and investigates hoarding, theft, or unauthorized access to storage vaults.
- Conducts scheduled audits and maintains purity-standard logs for periodic review by dynastic stewards, Munitorum liaisons, and Inquisitorial observers.
- May impose ration reductions or supply bans on departments found negligent or wasteful.
Noble and Ceremonial Responsibilities
- Ensures high-grade luxury stores (e.g., noble wines, sacred oils, archival paper, blessed incense) are kept separate, guarded, and accounted for in accordance with dynastic protocol.
- Prepares ceremonial supply kits for officiants, dignitary voyages, and sacred rites aboard ship or on-planet.
Additional Notes
- The Mistress of Provisions does not control weapons or munitions (those fall under the Master Cannoneer or Master of Arms) but holds limited access to emergency supply caches, including rationed combat stimulants or void-survival gear.
- In times of siege, she may assume command of rationing protocols, prioritizing essential crew, dynastic personnel, and shrine staff.
Ignis Aeternus WH 40K campaign notes 