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{{ImperiumPortal}}
{{QuoteBox
|quote = ''On this world, my word shall be heeded as that of the [[Emperor]]. The souls of my subjects belong to Him, but their bodies belong to me.''
|source=–King [[Lamok]], Imperial Commander and ruler of [[Woebetide]]{{Fn|13}}
|}}
[[Image:GovernorSymbol.png|thumb|right|120px|Symbol of Imperial Commanders{{Fn|6}}]]
An '''Imperial Commander''', often referred to as a '''Governor''', is a figure with (often hereditary){{Fn|9}} authority to rule a world in the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor's]] name. They are the chief overseers of [[Imperial]] worlds, although some Imperial Commanders administer not mere planets, but [[Sector Lord|entire Sectors and Sub-Sectors]].{{Fn|4}} They have been known to come not from just nobility, but also the [[Imperial Guard]], [[Space Marines]]{{Fn|5}} and [[Ecclesiarchy]].{{Fn|6}}.
==Overview==
[[Image:Governor.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Planetary Governor]]
Naturally, since the vast and dispersed nature of Imperial territory would make a totally centralized system of government unfeasible, the Planetary Governor is given discretionary control over the administration (including governance, defence and development) of the planet in question. In theory he (or she) is duty-bound to the [[Adeptus Terra]]. Essentially though, he each is an independent governor. As long as the planet's [[tithes]]of material or manpower are met, [[mutant]] and [[psyker]] "head counts" populations are kept under control culled according to strict Imperial parameters, and the planet is generally governed competently, he is free to run the planet however he chooses.{{Cite thisFn|13}}
They are expected to defend the planet in the name of Imperium, maintaining [[Planetary Defence Forces]] and orbital defences. Due to the fickle nature of the warp, communication with the [[Adeptus Terra]] is often delayed and sometimes prevented entirely. Often this means that Governors must make decisions on the defence of their world without advice and help from [[Terra]], meaning that for the world to prosper, every Governor must be adept at military matters as well as the development of the planet's trade infrastructure.{{Cite this}}
[[Image:Governor Jaspar Castyx.jpg|right|220px|Governor [[Jaspar Castyx]]{{Fn|15}}]]Even though Governors are given these powers over a planet, they come at a price. The governor is a sworn vassal of the Imperium, and as such is required to provide military support to local campaigns. In the early period of the Imperium this was a simple process, a straightforward pledge to provide a certain number of troops and to fight in person. This was seen to be too inflexible because as the Imperium grew, the differing numbers of troops provided made poor use of some planets' populations and on others too high a proportion of the population was sent to war, leaving the planet sorely short of labour. This was later replaced with a [[tithe]]. It is assessed by the wealth and available resources of the planet.{{Cite this}} It isn't uncommon for Imperial Governors, and those put in place to replace them, to be executed one after the other for not meeting the Adeptus Administratum's mandated Imperial Tithe parameters.{{Fn|14}}
As part of the tithe, the governor is expected to supply troops to the [[Imperial Guard]], the troops often being requisitioned from the planet's existing defense forces. The tithe is also a percentage of the planet's produce. Most tithes are regular obligations, while others are demanded when specific circumstances are met.{{Cite this}}
*{{Endn|11}}: [[The Isenbrach Horror (Short Story)]]
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Dawn of War: Dark Crusade]] Imperial Guard Faction Introduction Cutscene
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Deathwatch Core Rulebook]], pg. 292, "Planets of the Imperium"
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Imperium Maledictum|Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum: Core Rulebook (2023)]], pgs. 278 & 279
*{{Endn|15}}: [[Imperium Maledictum: Inquisition Player's Guide]], pg. 8
===Uncited===