Changes

==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{{Fn|1d}}

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.{{Fn|5a}} Others were signed by [[Primarch]]s or other leaders of the [[Great Crusade]].{{Fn|5b}} 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|5a}}

'''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. 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 These Marques are officially no longer valid once the Rogue Trader dies and will be revoked, when the Administratum learns of their deaths.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}}

==Retinue==

Rogue Traders invariably surround themselves with a coterie of allies and retainers. No Rogue Trader can undertake their mission alone, for no man or woman can be master of every single aspect of trade, exploration, exploitation, and war. As a result, all of the most successful Rogue Traders have the ingrained ability to recognise the value of others and their motivations and, as a leader, are able to utilise every weapon and ability in their human arsenal to their full potential.{{Fn|1h}}

Though they must rely on others for the most specialised of skills (not to mention certain needful resources), it falls to the Rogue Trader to know how and when to exercise their own judgement and how to delegate where needed. They may not steer the helm of their [[cruiser|void-cruiser]], nor fire and aim every [[macrocannon]] in person, but the Rogue Trader selects and commands those who do and it is their orders that are obeyed. Likewise they may know little of the arcane rites of the [[Imperial Fleet Equipment#Support Systems|augury]] and [[auspex]], but it is ultimately their decision whether or not to trust the word of the [[Explorator]] who claims it safe to breathe the air of a newly discovered world.{{Fn|1h}}

Known Members of a Rogue Trader's retinue include:{{Fn|1h}}{{Fn|1i}}{{Fn|1j}}

*{{Endn|41}}: [[Wrath & Glory Core Rulebook]], pg. 310

*{{Endn|42}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader]], pg. 81

</div>