Astropaths - Rogue Trader Service: The cold depths of the void far beyond the outer limits of Imperial space are a lonely place indeed. Were a starship to rely only on mere technology, it would be isolated; even the strongest Vox-caster would take Terran years, decades, or longer to transmit a signal, and its reception, if it arrived at all, might be faint or garbled from astral interference or void anomalies.Therefore, the Imperium must resort to more esoteric practices to enable the long-range communication that is vital to its survival. Just as the Warp provides a dimensional short cut between planetary systems, so it provides a link between the distant worlds and galaxies that comprise the sprawling Imperium of Mankind. Astropaths reach their minds across the madness of the æther, relaying messages to each other across unthinkable distances, and their minds must be strong, for always the denizens of the Warp scrabble for a handhold that allows them to slither into reality, bringing Chaos and woe in their wake.Rogue Traders consider Astropaths essential members of their crew. Operating beyond the protective wings of Imperial space, the Astropath is a Rogue Trader's only link to Imperial civilisation. A Rogue Trader's forays into the unknown are usually the first tentative steps of Imperial rule into uncharted space and it is vital that the secrets he unveils find their way back to the authorities so that they can plan the annexation of new worlds for the glory of the Emperor. It is also important for a Rogue Trader to keep tabs on his holdings back home and instruct his proxies how to divert crises or deal with challenges to his influence. No doubt his rivals seek to undermine his business interests and political influence while he is gone.In addition, keeping the officers and crew abreast with matters from home is good for their morale. If one severs that link, despair very often settles upon a ship -- a captain should broadcast news of the Imperium's latest victories to his crew to keep their spirits high when possible. Finally, in times of extreme danger, the Astropath is the ship's only means to summon help. Aid might never be forthcoming because of the vast distances from Imperial space that Rogue Trader vessels often operate, but at least the Astropath can give hope to an otherwise doomed ship. It might take many solar months, or even Terran years, for a stricken ship to be rescued, but a captain and his crew can cling on to that desperate chance of survival. At the very least, the Rogue Trader can send out warnings to other would-be explorers of what perils they might face should they attempt the same passage.In the case of Astropaths serving on board Rogue Trader vessels, the arrangement is not one of commercial interest, but of duty. The most ancient of laws requires the Adeptus Astra Telepathica to play its part in the ongoing expansion of the Imperium. Even though both Navigators and Astropaths are, in effect, hirelings of the Rogue Trader dynasty, they often gain such high status on board its vessels that they become more like partners. Astropaths, like Navigators, are often part of a Rogue Trader's most trusted entourage, for it is through their minds that the Rogue Trader's most valued secrets are transmitted. Even if the message is couched in such terms that the Astropath himself is unable to decipher its meaning, he nonetheless retains memory of it and its intended recipients.It is within the power of an Astropath to undermine or betray any endeavour or transaction his employer enters into and, as such, even the most haughty of masters show these psykers the utmost respect and consideration. When in the service of Rogue Traders, many Navigators and Astropaths come to take on some of the qualities of their master. They might become every bit as adventurous and buccaneering as any Rogue Trader and sometimes develop their own flamboyant mannerisms or idiosyncrasies. Amongst the crew of a Rogue Trader vessel, this might go entirely unnoticed, for many vessels are served by a bizarre mix of outcasts and miscreants. If and when they return to the fold of their parent organisations, however, such individuals are likely to be regarded with a combination of distrust and horror. For this reason, those that become enamoured of the perilous freedom they enjoy beyond the borders of the Imperium are often reticent to return.