Changes

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}}

'''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}} Some Letters of Marque are only valid to those they are given to and these Rogue Traders are regularly contacted by the [[Administratum]]. These Marques are officially no longer valid once the Rogue Trader dies and will be revoked, when the Administratum learns of their deaths. However until that occurs, the Marques can illegally be used by someone pretending to be the deceased Rogue Trader they were issued to.{{Fn|35}}