Jessamine Kaldwin

Lore & Background

Empress Jessamine Kaldwin is the mother of Emily Kaldwin, who is a child in the first Dishonored game. In Dishonored 2, the player may choose to play as Emily or her father/Royal Protector Corvo Attano after Emily is deposed by the witch Delilah Copperspoon. Jessamine's death is the catalyst for the events of the first game, and her legacy is carried forward by Emily, who attempts to reclaim the throne in Dishonored 2. The game's story begins with Emily as Empress, but she is deposed by Delilah, mirroring the betrayal that killed Jessamine. Corvo Attano, Jessamine's Royal Protector, is a playable character in both games, and his voice was created for Dishonored 2 after being silent in the first installment.

In Their Own Story

The candlelight flickered against the rain-streaked windows of Dunwall Tower. Empress Jessamine stood by the balcony, her silhouette framed in gold and shadow. She held a small wooden toy, carved from the driftwood of the harbor. Inside the room, her daughter slept soundly on a velvet chaise. Jessamine whispered to the night air, hoping for a future where war ships did not darken the sky. A knock came at the heavy oak door—three sharp raps, too forceful for a servant. She turned, sensing the chill in the corridor before the shadows even moved.

Reader's Guide

Empress Jessamine Kaldwin is the mother of Emily Kaldwin, who is a child in Dishonored and later becomes a playable character in Dishonored 2. Her death at the hands of Delilah Copperspoon is the reason Emily is deposed at the start of Dishonored 2. The player may choose to play as Emily or Corvo Attano to reclaim the throne. Jessamine's Royal Protector was Corvo Attano, who is also a playable character. The game's nonlinear gameplay allows players to complete missions in multiple ways, from non-lethal stealth to violent conflict, as they work to restore Emily to power.

Did You Know?

• Jessamine Kaldwin is the mother of Emily Kaldwin, who is a child in Dishonored and later becomes a playable character in Dishonored 2.
• The witch Delilah Copperspoon deposed Empress Emily Kaldwin at the start of Dishonored 2, mirroring the betrayal that killed Jessamine.
• Corvo Attano, Jessamine's Royal Protector, was a silent character in the first Dishonored but received a voice in Dishonored 2.
• Emily Kaldwin and Corvo Attano each have their own array of supernatural abilities in Dishonored 2, though the player can opt not to use them.
• The game's nonlinear gameplay allows players to complete missions in multiple ways, from non-lethal stealth to violent conflict.