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{{ImperiumPortal}}
 
{{ImperiumPortal}}
{{Ambiguous|subject=space explorers|disambiguation=Rogue Trader}}
+
{{otheruses|USE=Space explorers|OTHERUSE=other uses|OTHERPAGE=Rogue Trader (disambiguation)}}
 +
 
 +
{{Add'l cite}}
 +
[[Image:RogueTraderSymbol.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Symbol of the Rogue Traders{{Fn|19}}]]
 
[[File: Rogue Trader RPG Cover.jpg|thumb|right|225px|A Rogue Trader and his retinue]]
 
[[File: Rogue Trader RPG Cover.jpg|thumb|right|225px|A Rogue Trader and his retinue]]
A '''Rogue Trader''' is a combination of freelance explorer, conquistador and merchant. They are Imperial servants, given a ship, a crew, a contingent of marines or [[Imperial Guard|Guardsmen]] and ''carte blanche'' to roam the worlds beyond Imperial control.
+
A '''Rogue Trader''' is a combination of freelance explorer, conquistador and merchant. They are Imperial servants, given a ship, a crew, a contingent of marines or [[Imperial Guard|Guardsmen]] and ''carte blanche'' to roam the worlds beyond Imperial control.{{Fn|!b}}
  
In their task of exploring and exploiting uncharted regions of the galaxy, Rogue Traders might come across worlds harbouring long forgotten [[human]] civilisations which will be incorporated into the Imperium. Other times they find empty or [[Xenos|alien]]-dominated planets ripe for colonisation or exploitation.
+
In their task of exploring and exploiting uncharted regions of the galaxy, Rogue Traders might come across worlds harbouring long-forgotten [[Human]] civilizations which will be incorporated into the Imperium. Other times they find empty or [[Xenos|alien]]-dominated planets ripe for colonisation or exploitation.{{Fn|1b}}
  
 
==Rogue Traders==
 
==Rogue Traders==
 
All Rogue Traders are highly exceptional individuals who are driven to success even though these exceptional people often have extreme character quirks themselves; some destroy entire worlds for the slightest reason, or include alien warriors and [[mutant]]s among their entourage.{{Fn|1c}} Some are highly pious while others are no more than legitimised pirates. One infamous Rogue Trader was [[Jan van Yastobaal]], who became little more than a desperado plundering whatever world he came upon.{{Fn|2}}
 
All Rogue Traders are highly exceptional individuals who are driven to success even though these exceptional people often have extreme character quirks themselves; some destroy entire worlds for the slightest reason, or include alien warriors and [[mutant]]s among their entourage.{{Fn|1c}} Some are highly pious while others are no more than legitimised pirates. One infamous Rogue Trader was [[Jan van Yastobaal]], who became little more than a desperado plundering whatever world he came upon.{{Fn|2}}
  
Rogue Traders are often flamboyant individuals, commonly dressed in the most extravagant finery they can acquire. However, each Rogue Trader is a unique individual from a particular background, some newly created Rogue Traders come from backgrounds such as the [[Imperial Guard]], the [[Imperial Navy]], the [[Merchant Fleet]]s, the [[Administratum]] or even the [[Inquisition]] where they will have developed unique outlooks and approaches to situations.{{Fn|1b}} Some Rogue Traders are relatively poor, possessing a single ancient and dilapidated ship. Others are incredibly wealthy and powerful and have whole fleets and entire private armies at their disposal. Certain favoured individuals may even call upon detachments of Space Marines having entered pacts with individual [[Chapter]]s. Some Rogue Traders operate as mercenaries, renting the service of their ship(s).{{Cite This}}
+
Rogue Traders are often flamboyant individuals, commonly dressed in the most extravagant finery they can acquire. However, each Rogue Trader is a unique individual from a particular background, some newly created Rogue Traders come from backgrounds such as the [[Imperial Guard]], the [[Imperial Navy]], the [[Merchant Fleet]]s, the [[Administratum]] or even the [[Inquisition]] where they will have developed unique outlooks and approaches to situations.{{Fn|1b}} Some Rogue Traders are relatively poor, possessing a single ancient and dilapidated ship. Others are incredibly wealthy and powerful and have whole fleets and entire private armies at their disposal. Certain favoured individuals may even call upon detachments of Space Marines having entered pacts with individual [[Chapter]]s. Some Rogue Traders operate as mercenaries, renting the service of their ship(s).{{Fn|1b}}
  
 
==Legal status==
 
==Legal status==
The most valuable possession of a Rogue Trader family is a '''Warrant of Trade'''; an ancient legal document which describes the accepted limits of its operations. These charters are hereditary thus creating a Rogue Trader dynasty. These dynasties are granted a personal coat of arms identifying them amongst the Imperial elite{{Fn|1d}}
+
The most valuable possession of a Rogue Trader family is a '''Warrant of Trade''', an ancient legal document that describes the accepted limits of its operations. These charters are hereditary thus creating a Rogue Trader dynasty. These dynasties are granted a personal coat of arms identifying them amongst the Imperial elite{{Fn|1d}}
  
Rogue Traders are empowered with the authority to travel freely within the [[Imperium]] and beyond, this allows them to interact with cultures for which contact with is normally forbidden, be they non-Imperial human worlds or Xenos-controlled planets. Not only that, but Rogue Traders are granted the permission and freedom to deal with these cultures as they see fit, so long as it is in the interests of the Imperium.{{Fn|1}} Upon stepping on a non-Imperial world, the Rogue Trader may claim it for the Imperium by uttering:
+
Rogue Traders are empowered with the authority to travel freely within the [[Imperium]] and beyond, this allows them to interact with cultures for which contact with is normally forbidden, be they non-Imperial human worlds or Xenos-controlled planets. Not only that, but Rogue Traders are granted the permission and freedom to deal with these cultures as they see fit, so long as it is in the interests of the Imperium.{{Fn|1}} Upon stepping on a non-Imperial world, the Rogue Trader may claim it for the Imperium by uttering:
  
''"I claim this world for the Emperor of Humanity and his Imperium. I bring justice and truth for the loyal. Punishment and death for the guilty."''{{Fn|4}}
+
''"I claim this world for the Emperor of Humanity and his Imperium. I bring justice and truth for the loyal. Punishment and death for the guilty."''{{Fn|4}}
  
 
Despite their free-ranging powers, one can assume that a renegade Rogue Trader guilty of heresy or treason will be severely prosecuted by the [[Inquisition]]. It is very likely that he is considered to have forsaken the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor's]] trust upon his family and that his punishment will be much more severe.{{Cite This}}
 
Despite their free-ranging powers, one can assume that a renegade Rogue Trader guilty of heresy or treason will be severely prosecuted by the [[Inquisition]]. It is very likely that he is considered to have forsaken the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor's]] trust upon his family and that his punishment will be much more severe.{{Cite This}}
Line 23: Line 26:
 
It should be noted that although Rogue Traders are shipmasters who travel the vastness of space, their authority to do so comes not from a [[Merchant Charter]], but rather a letter of appointment that elevates them to the authority equalling [[Space Marine]] [[Chapter Master]]s, [[Inquisitor]]s and [[Planetary Governor]]s{{Fn|1a}} Some of the more ancient ones are dated from the very beginnings of the Imperium, and some were even signed by the [[Emperor]] himself. Others were signed by [[Primarch]]s or other leaders of the [[Great Crusade]]. These charters are very valuable and give its owner great leeway. They are tailor-made and unique. They cannot be re-appealed as according to Imperial law and Imperial religious dogma no one is empowered to overrule these persons.{{Fn|5}}
 
It should be noted that although Rogue Traders are shipmasters who travel the vastness of space, their authority to do so comes not from a [[Merchant Charter]], but rather a letter of appointment that elevates them to the authority equalling [[Space Marine]] [[Chapter Master]]s, [[Inquisitor]]s and [[Planetary Governor]]s{{Fn|1a}} Some of the more ancient ones are dated from the very beginnings of the Imperium, and some were even signed by the [[Emperor]] himself. Others were signed by [[Primarch]]s or other leaders of the [[Great Crusade]]. These charters are very valuable and give its owner great leeway. They are tailor-made and unique. They cannot be re-appealed as according to Imperial law and Imperial religious dogma no one is empowered to overrule these persons.{{Fn|5}}
  
Certain powerful lords of the [[Adeptus Terra]] offer warrants of trade as a bribe to their rivals, especially if those rivals have ambitions for higher station. Being too powerful to come into direct conflict it can be arranged for the individual to recieve a warrant of trade, the honour of which cannot be refused. The rival then must simply walk away into a life of adventure and wealth and no longer causes trouble for their former opponents.{{Fn|1c}}
+
Certain powerful lords of the [[Adeptus Terra]] offer warrants of trade as a bribe to their rivals, especially if those rivals have ambitions for higher stations. Being too powerful to come into direct conflict it can be arranged for the individual to recieve a warrant of trade, the honour of which cannot be refused. The rival then must simply walk away into a life of adventure and wealth and no longer causes trouble for their former opponents.{{Fn|1c}}
  
 
'''Letters of Marque''' are similar documents issued more recently. The Letters of Marque are rather restricted in some aspects and controlled more effectively by Imperial authorities. This may be of geographical nature (e.g.: restrict the Rogue Trader into a single sector) or something similar. The more recent letters of marque are not hereditary at all; hopeful heirs must return and reapply for a new charter.{{Cite This}}
 
'''Letters of Marque''' are similar documents issued more recently. The Letters of Marque are rather restricted in some aspects and controlled more effectively by Imperial authorities. This may be of geographical nature (e.g.: restrict the Rogue Trader into a single sector) or something similar. The more recent letters of marque are not hereditary at all; hopeful heirs must return and reapply for a new charter.{{Cite This}}
Line 30: Line 33:
  
 
==Frequently Used Ships==
 
==Frequently Used Ships==
*[[Conquest Class Star Galleon]]{{Fn|3}}
+
In practice, Rogue Traders have access to ship classes up to and including [[Grand Cruisers]] - these are surprisingly prevalent amongst the wealthier Rogue Trader fleets.{{Fn|3a}} They are also known to use ship hulls not typically used by the [[Imperial Navy]], such as the [[Hazeroth Class Privateer]].{{Fn|1f}}
*[[Ambition Class Cruiser]]{{Fn|3}}
+
 
 +
*[[Grand Cruiser]]s{{Fn|22}}
 +
*[[Jericho Class Pilgrim Vessel]]{{Fn|1f}}
 +
*[[Vagabond Class Merchant Trader]]{{Fn|1f}}
 +
*[[Hazeroth Class Privateer]]{{Fn|1f}}
 +
*[[Havoc Class Merchant Raider]]{{Fn|1g}}
 +
*[[Meritech Shrike Class Raider]]{{Fn|3b}}
 +
*[[Conquest Class Star Galleon]]{{Fn|3d}}
 +
*[[Ambition Class Cruiser]]{{Fn|3d}}
 +
*[[Goliath Class Factory Ship]]{{Fn|3c}}
 +
*[[Scorpion Class Heavy Gun Sloop]]{{Fn|22}}
 
*[[Rogue Trader Cruiser]]
 
*[[Rogue Trader Cruiser]]
 +
*[[Orion Class Star Clipper]]
 
*[[Xenos Vessel]]
 
*[[Xenos Vessel]]
 
*[[Armed Freighter]]s
 
*[[Armed Freighter]]s
 +
*[[Gun-Cutter]]s
 +
 +
==Known Rogue Trader Varieties==
 +
*[[Rogue Trader Militant]]{{Fn|23}}{{Fn|15}}
 +
*[[Rogue Trader Majoris]]{{Fn|15}}
  
 
==Known Rogue Traders Houses==
 
==Known Rogue Traders Houses==
*[[Elucidian Starstriders]]
+
{{Main|Rogue Traders House}}
 +
*[[Almansis Dynasty]]{{Fn|24b}}
 
*[[House Arcadius]]{{Fn|14a}}
 
*[[House Arcadius]]{{Fn|14a}}
 +
*[[House Brahms]]{{Fn|24e}}
 +
*[[House Castyx]]
 
*[[House Ecale]]
 
*[[House Ecale]]
 +
*[[House Faustus]]{{Fn|24d}}
 +
*[[House Helvintr]]
 +
*[[House Lamertine]]
 
*[[House Leda]]{{Fn|14a}}
 
*[[House Leda]]{{Fn|14a}}
*[[Winterscale dynasty]]{{Fn|12}}
+
*[[House Mermidian]]{{Fn|21}}
*[[Xarxis Plethis]]{{Fn|13}}
+
*[[House Phalomor]]
 +
*[[House Radrexxus]]
 +
*[[House Tantar]]{{Fn|24a}}
 +
*[[House Trask]]{{Fn|12b}}
 +
*[[House Tregor]]{{Fn|20}}
 +
*[[House Vortent]]{{Fn|24c}}
 +
*[[Vhane Dynasty]]{{Fn|25}}
 +
*[[Winterscale Dynasty]]{{Fn|12}}
  
==Known Rogue Traders==
+
==Notable Rogue Traders==
*[[Abdul Goldberg]]
+
{{Main|List of Rogue Traders}}
*[[Apollyon Maestrich-Nova]]{{Fn|8}}
+
*[[Duke von Castellan]]{{Fn|13}}
*[[Arica Orpheus]]{{Fn|9}}
 
*[[Arkash Hakkon]] (renegade)
 
*[[Belisarius Hayte]]
 
*[[Borrak Vorra]] (spotted the [[Space Hulk]] '[[Sin of Damnation]]'){{Fn|11}}
 
*[[Buck Vhane]]
 
*[[Calligos Winterscale]] of the '''Winterscale dynasty'''{{Fn|12}}
 
*[[Djanko Scourge]]
 
 
*[[Janus Draik]]
 
*[[Janus Draik]]
*[[Duke von Castellan]] of the [[Xarxis Plethis]]{{Fn|13}}
+
*[[Elucia Vhane]]{{Fn|25}}
*[[Durandal Grohe]]
 
*[[Elucia Vhane]]
 
*[[Foulway Tor]], also an [[Inquisitor]]{{Fn|14a}}
 
*[[Fra Safrane]]{{Fn|6}}
 
*[[Goegoric D'Uhm]]{{Fn|14a}}
 
*[[Hax]]
 
*[[Hektor Revvokan]]
 
*[[Herman Bloch]]{{Fn|10b}}
 
*[[Huss]]
 
 
*[[Jan van Yastobaal]]
 
*[[Jan van Yastobaal]]
*[[Janus Darke]]{{Fn|10a}}
+
*[[Neyam Shai Murad]]
*[[Jeffers]]
+
 
*[[Joff Zuckerman]]
+
==Related Videos==
*[[Imperial Navy Captain|Captain]] [[Karl Mateus]]{{Fn|7}}
+
{{#evt:
*[[Inthois Hore]]{{Fn|14a}}
+
service=youtube
*[[Kazandus Lan]]
+
|id=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsUTzk5wUM4
*[[Khorlu]], also [[Lord Admiral]]
+
|alignment=center
*[[Kressalius]]{{Fn|14a}}
+
|container=frame
*[[Kyle Langer]]{{Fn|10b}}
+
}}
*[[Lucian Gerrit]]
 
*[[Lukas Kupferberg]]
 
*[[Milos Baral]]
 
*[[Mortdecai Hope]]
 
*[[Potaex Hitsen]] - psyker{{Fn|14c}}
 
*[[Rye'cum Morose]]{{Fn|14a}}
 
*[[Sarvus Trask]]
 
*[[Septimus Greggor]]{{Fn|14a}}
 
*[[Sia'hadn Ecale]] of the '''House of Ecale'''
 
*[[Simon Varnius]]
 
*[[Sun Lee]]
 
*[[Tobias Maxilla]]
 
*[["TwoSkewers" Wood]]
 
*[[Tyrel 'Destroyer' Cathek]]{{Fn|14c}}
 
*[[Jakel Varonius]]
 
*[[Valerius Borodin]]{{Fn|14b}}
 
*[[Ventunius]]
 
*[[Vuros]]{{Fn|14a}}
 
*[[Wrath Umboldt]]
 
  
 
==Images==
 
==Images==
[[Image:RogueTraderMini.jpg|thumb|center|220px|Rogue Trader Miniature (1st Edition)]]
+
<center><gallery>
 +
RogueTraderMini.jpg|Rogue Trader miniature (1st Edition)
 +
Image:Yastobaal.jpg|[[Jan van Yastobaal]]{{Fn|16}}
 +
Elucia Vhane.jpg|[[Elucia Vhane]] miniature{{Fn|17}}
 +
Janus Draik.jpg|[[Janus Draik]] miniature{{Fn|18}}
 +
ArenaRogueTrader.jpg|[[Neyam Shai Murad]]
 +
</gallery></center>
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
 +
{{Cite}}
 
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Rogue Trader Rulebook]]{{cite this}}
 
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Rogue Trader Rulebook]]{{cite this}}
 
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 322
 
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 322
**{{Endn|1b}}: pgs. 322-324
+
**{{Endn|1b}}: pgs. 322–324
 
**{{Endn|1c}}: pg. 326
 
**{{Endn|1c}}: pg. 326
 
**{{Endn|1d}}: pg. 324
 
**{{Endn|1d}}: pg. 324
 
**{{Endn|1e}}: pg. 330
 
**{{Endn|1e}}: pg. 330
 +
**{{Endn|1f}}: pg. 194
 +
**{{Endn|1g}}: pg. 195
 
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 4th Edition Rulebook]], pg. 94
 
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 4th Edition Rulebook]], pg. 94
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Rogue Trader: Battlefleet Koronus]] pgs. 23-24
+
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Rogue Trader: Battlefleet Koronus]]
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Farseer (Novel)]] by [[William King]],{{Cite this}} pg. 209
+
**{{Endn|3a}}: pg. 20
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Legacy (Novel)]] by [[Matthew Farrer]], Chapter Two, pg. 37  
+
**{{Endn|3b}}: pg. 28
*{{Endn|6}}: [http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite.asp?eidm=261&enmi=Warhammer%2040,000:%20Conquest Warhammer 40,000: Conquest] - [http://www.cardgamedb.com/index.php/wh40kconquest/conquest.html/_/core/rogue-trader-r182 Rogue Trader], card description  
+
**{{Endn|3c}}: pgs. 29-30
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 Collectible Card Game (game system)]]: '''Siege of Malogrim Hive''' - [http://i.imgur.com/6ieXcxB.jpg Captain Karl Mateus], card description  
+
**{{Endn|3d}}: pgs. 23–24
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Codex: Chaos Daemons (6th Edition)]], pgs. 33-34
+
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Farseer (Novel)]],{{Cite this}} pg. 209
 +
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Legacy (Novel)]], Chapter Two, pg. 37
 +
*{{Endn|6}}: [http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite.asp?eidm=261&enmi=Warhammer%2040,000:%20Conquest Warhammer 40,000: Conquest] - [http://www.cardgamedb.com/index.php/wh40kconquest/conquest.html/_/core/rogue-trader-r182 Rogue Trader], card description
 +
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 Collectible Card Game (game system)]]: '''Siege of Malogrim Hive''' [http://i.imgur.com/6ieXcxB.jpg Captain Karl Mateus], card description
 +
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Codex: Chaos Daemons (6th Edition)]], pgs. 33–34
 
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Twelve]], pg. 16
 
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Twelve]], pg. 16
 
*10: [[Farseer (Novel)]]
 
*10: [[Farseer (Novel)]]
Line 117: Line 127:
 
**{{Endn|10b}}: Chapter 18
 
**{{Endn|10b}}: Chapter 18
 
*{{Endn|11}}: [[Space Hulk (Board Game)]], 3rd Edition
 
*{{Endn|11}}: [[Space Hulk (Board Game)]], 3rd Edition
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Rogue Trader: Edge of the Abyss]], pgs. 101-102
+
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Rogue Trader: Edge of the Abyss]],{{Cite this}}
 +
**{{Endn|12a}}: pgs. 101–102
 +
**{{Endn|12b}}: pg. 113
 
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Inquisitor Rulebook]], pg. 107
 
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Inquisitor Rulebook]], pg. 107
 
*14: [[Warhammer 40,000 Chapter Approved - The Book of the Astronomican]]
 
*14: [[Warhammer 40,000 Chapter Approved - The Book of the Astronomican]]
Line 123: Line 135:
 
**{{Endn|14b}}: pg. 77
 
**{{Endn|14b}}: pg. 77
 
**{{Endn|14c}}: pg. 111
 
**{{Endn|14c}}: pg. 111
 +
*{{Endn|15}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Seven - Inferno]], pg. 76 — ''Of The Death World: Fenris''
 +
*{{Endn|16}}: [http://www.specialist-games.com/assets/janvan.pdf Jan van Yastobaal]
 +
*{{Endn|17}}: [https://www.games-workshop.com/en-GB/Kill-Team-Rogue-Trader-2018-eng Games Workshop] ''(last accessed 10 September 2018)''
 +
*{{Endn|18}}: [[Warhammer Quest: Blackstone Fortress]]
 +
*{{Endn|19}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 8th Edition Rulebook]], pg. 27
 +
*{{Endn|20}}: [[Space Hulk: Deathwing (Video Game)]], Chapter 6
 +
*{{Endn|21}}: [[Against the Grain (Short Story)]] — [[No Good Men (Anthology)]], pg. 306
 +
*{{Endn|22}}: [[War Zone Octarius - Book 2: Critical Mass]], pgs. 31-33
 +
*{{Endn|23}}: [[Adeptus Titanicus: Crucible of Retribution]], pg. 16
 +
*24: [[Warhammer 40,000: Darktide]] - In game item descriptions
 +
**{{Endn|24a}}: Item Bundle - Sumi'ahn Tantar
 +
**{{Endn|24b}}: Item bundle - Lord Calentis
 +
**{{Endn|24c}}: Weapon Skin - Ripper Gun (Vortent Enforcer)
 +
**{{Endn|24d}}: Weapon Skin - Shock Maul (Faustus Battlegarb)
 +
**{{Endn|24e}}: - Game - (Various sources)
 +
*{{Endn|25}}: [[Codex: Elucidian Starstriders]], pg.10 - ''Elucia Vhane''
  
 
===Uncited===
 
===Uncited===
 
{{Uncited}}
 
{{Uncited}}
*[[Rogue Star (Novel)]]
+
*[[Rogue Star (Novel)]],{{Cite this}}
 
*[[Eye of Terror (Novel)]], pg. 41
 
*[[Eye of Terror (Novel)]], pg. 41
 
*[http://es.games-workshop.com/especialista/inquisitor/bestiario/yastobaal.html Jan van Yastobaal]
 
*[http://es.games-workshop.com/especialista/inquisitor/bestiario/yastobaal.html Jan van Yastobaal]
 +
 
[[Category:Rogue Traders and Civilian Spacecraft| ]]
 
[[Category:Rogue Traders and Civilian Spacecraft| ]]
  
 
[[de:Freihändler]]
 
[[de:Freihändler]]
 
[[fr:Libre Marchand]]
 
[[fr:Libre Marchand]]

Latest revision as of 11:13, 11 February 2024

Targetdrone.gif This article is about the Space explorers; for the other uses, see Rogue Trader (disambiguation).
Symbol of the Rogue Traders[19]
A Rogue Trader and his retinue

A Rogue Trader is a combination of freelance explorer, conquistador and merchant. They are Imperial servants, given a ship, a crew, a contingent of marines or Guardsmen and carte blanche to roam the worlds beyond Imperial control.[!b]

In their task of exploring and exploiting uncharted regions of the galaxy, Rogue Traders might come across worlds harbouring long-forgotten Human civilizations which will be incorporated into the Imperium. Other times they find empty or alien-dominated planets ripe for colonisation or exploitation.[1b]

Rogue Traders

All Rogue Traders are highly exceptional individuals who are driven to success even though these exceptional people often have extreme character quirks themselves; some destroy entire worlds for the slightest reason, or include alien warriors and mutants among their entourage.[1c] Some are highly pious while others are no more than legitimised pirates. One infamous Rogue Trader was Jan van Yastobaal, who became little more than a desperado plundering whatever world he came upon.[2]

Rogue Traders are often flamboyant individuals, commonly dressed in the most extravagant finery they can acquire. However, each Rogue Trader is a unique individual from a particular background, some newly created Rogue Traders come from backgrounds such as the Imperial Guard, the Imperial Navy, the Merchant Fleets, the Administratum or even the Inquisition where they will have developed unique outlooks and approaches to situations.[1b] Some Rogue Traders are relatively poor, possessing a single ancient and dilapidated ship. Others are incredibly wealthy and powerful and have whole fleets and entire private armies at their disposal. Certain favoured individuals may even call upon detachments of Space Marines having entered pacts with individual Chapters. Some Rogue Traders operate as mercenaries, renting the service of their ship(s).[1b]

Legal status

The most valuable possession of a Rogue Trader family is a Warrant of Trade, an ancient legal document that describes the accepted limits of its operations. These charters are hereditary thus creating a Rogue Trader dynasty. These dynasties are granted a personal coat of arms identifying them amongst the Imperial elite[1d]

Rogue Traders are empowered with the authority to travel freely within the Imperium and beyond, this allows them to interact with cultures for which contact with is normally forbidden, be they non-Imperial human worlds or Xenos-controlled planets. Not only that, but Rogue Traders are granted the permission and freedom to deal with these cultures as they see fit, so long as it is in the interests of the Imperium.[1] Upon stepping on a non-Imperial world, the Rogue Trader may claim it for the Imperium by uttering:

"I claim this world for the Emperor of Humanity and his Imperium. I bring justice and truth for the loyal. Punishment and death for the guilty."[4]

Despite their free-ranging powers, one can assume that a renegade Rogue Trader guilty of heresy or treason will be severely prosecuted by the Inquisition. It is very likely that he is considered to have forsaken the Emperor's trust upon his family and that his punishment will be much more severe.[Needs Citation]

The Warrant of Trade

It should be noted that although Rogue Traders are shipmasters who travel the vastness of space, their authority to do so comes not from a Merchant Charter, but rather a letter of appointment that elevates them to the authority equalling Space Marine Chapter Masters, Inquisitors and Planetary Governors[1a] Some of the more ancient ones are dated from the very beginnings of the Imperium, and some were even signed by the Emperor himself. Others were signed by Primarchs or other leaders of the Great Crusade. These charters are very valuable and give its owner great leeway. They are tailor-made and unique. They cannot be re-appealed as according to Imperial law and Imperial religious dogma no one is empowered to overrule these persons.[5]

Certain powerful lords of the Adeptus Terra offer warrants of trade as a bribe to their rivals, especially if those rivals have ambitions for higher stations. Being too powerful to come into direct conflict it can be arranged for the individual to recieve a warrant of trade, the honour of which cannot be refused. The rival then must simply walk away into a life of adventure and wealth and no longer causes trouble for their former opponents.[1c]

Letters of Marque are similar documents issued more recently. The Letters of Marque are rather restricted in some aspects and controlled more effectively by Imperial authorities. This may be of geographical nature (e.g.: restrict the Rogue Trader into a single sector) or something similar. The more recent letters of marque are not hereditary at all; hopeful heirs must return and reapply for a new charter.[Needs Citation]

Though a Warrant of Trade or a Letter of Marque grants extraordinary freedoms within the Imperium, they also invariably contain particular conditions; sometimes Rogue Traders will be required to make regular visits to certain troublesome Imperial worlds, or sent to enact military action on world which do not require the force of the segmentum battlefleets. Often however, Rogue Traders will be required to travel outside the established territories of the Imperium in the name of settlement or exploration.[1e]

Frequently Used Ships

In practice, Rogue Traders have access to ship classes up to and including Grand Cruisers - these are surprisingly prevalent amongst the wealthier Rogue Trader fleets.[3a] They are also known to use ship hulls not typically used by the Imperial Navy, such as the Hazeroth Class Privateer.[1f]

Known Rogue Trader Varieties

Known Rogue Traders Houses

Main article: Rogue Traders House

Notable Rogue Traders

Main article: List of Rogue Traders

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