Rogue Trader

**Rogue Traders** are a specific category of individuals within the Imperium of Man. Their role is to explore the worlds beyond the frontier of the Imperium and to help expand the Emperor's domains.

## Background

Rogue Traders are part of dynastic family who have been granted a Warrant of Trade, awarding them immense privileges and powers far above the common citizenry of the Imperium of Man, first among those the command of a voidship. In return, a Rogue Trader is expected to act to the benefit of the Imperium by exploring its frontiers, expanding its border, and engaging in naval warfare with its enemies.

A Rogue Trader has a level of authority similar to an Imperial Commander, a Space Marines Chapter Master, or even an Inquisitor, and may call on other imperial organizations to provide help, if they manage to negotiate it. Past the frontiers of the Imperium and outside the jurisdiction of its classical institutions, the Rogue Traders make their own rules, as the Warrant of Trade proclame they are the direct agents of the Emperor when they are working in isolation with the rest of the Imperium. This means, for example, that they have total freedom in dealing with the Xenos, and may choose to cooperate and negotiate with aliens rather than exterminating at first sight. Ultimately, Rogue Traders are one of the many cogs within the Adeptus Terra, and must still respond to the Imperium laws when heading back into imperial space, which some Rogue Traders have difficulty reconciling with the level of authority they are otherwise permitted, putting them in conflit with other organizations or worse, the Inquisition itself. It's common for Rogue Traders to establish an impressive powerbase consisting of a fleet of numerous ships, vast armies, a trading empire and several subjected worlds, either through conquest or colonization.

While all Rogue Traders are different, ranging from pious adherents to the Imperial Credo to glorified pirate lord, they are generally considered to be charismatic individuals, and are often predisposed to some eccentricities. However, all are considered to be dangerous individuals in their own right. They often gather around them an entourage of capable individuals, that sometimes even includes Xenos warriors or mutants.

It is not unheard of for Rogue Traders to turn traitor and cut themselves off entirely from imperial authority.

## Behind the scenes

The concept of the Rogue Trader first appeared in *Warhammer 40,000* along with the publication of its first edition, itself titled *Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader*, in 1987. In 2009, a tabletop role-playing game by the title of *Rogue Trader* was released by Fantasy Flight Games. It serves as an inspiration to *Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader*.

## Notes and references

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3  Privateers of the Imperium on Owlcat Games' official website (July 13, 2022) (backup link)
2. ↑  Owlcat Games Announces Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader on Owlcat Games' official website (June 1, 2022) (backup link)
3. ↑ "Timeline". Games Workshop Jobs. (achived on June 17, 2022)
4. ↑ "In the Name of the Emperor..." (October 7, 2009). Fantasy Flight Games. (achived on September 16, 2016)
5. ↑ Reuben, Nic: "Owlcat Games on exploring the Koronus Expanse and going full heretic in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader" (June 15, 2022). *Rock Paper Shotgun*. (achived on June 16, 2022)