A friend and myself were having a debate on the relationship of the two, specifically with regards to passage. I am under the impression that an Inquisitor can requisition travel from the Rogue Trader and he is of the opposite opinion.

I believe in the Eisenhorn trilogy Gregor arranged an agreement between the two, and eventually Tobias just started helping him of his own freewill, but there is a passage in their initial encounter stating that he could have simply demanded to be taken to his destination and the Captain needs to comply but he chosses to not work that way.

What do you guys use/think?

Within the Imperium of Man there is only one authority higher than the Inquisition (for all practical purposes, however much the High Lords of Terra may differ of opinion) and that is The Emperor himself. Within the Imperium Inquisitors weild exactly that sort of authority and power.

Outside the Imperium, beyond the "sacred borders of the blessed Imperium" the Warrant of Trade of a Rogue Trader places "the Bearer as a peer to the great powers of the Imperium, inter alia: Imperial Commanders, Chapter Masters of the Adeptus Astartes, and the masters of the Holy Orders of the Emperor's Inquisition."

That's fairly straightforward and plain from my point of view, though I'll also toss in an idea to stir the pot a bit more; Is it not reasonable to assume that some Rogue Traders may themselves be members of the Holy Inquisition? After all, to grant such power and authority and have no way to monitor it or "correct" it should it stray somewhere down the road (or into the Void) seems juuuusssst a bit foolish doesn't it? Again, just my opinion which bears as much authority and weight as a feather in a gale, but there you are.

Mournstorm said:

I suppose that a Rogue Trader could also be an Inquisitor, though the Inquisition does have a way of keeping Rogue Traders under their thumb - the Rogue Trader's authority begins and ends at the edges of the Imperium; if one crosses a line, all they need to do is wait until the Rogue Trader returns to Imperial space.

And to the OP - so long as the Rogue Trader is inside Imperial Space, they must do what the Inquisition demands, just like any other Imperial Citizen.

Within the Imperium of Man there is only one authority higher than the Inquisition (for all practical purposes, however much the High Lords of Terra may differ of opinion) and that is The Emperor himself. Within the Imperium Inquisitors weild exactly that sort of authority and power.

At least, that is how the inquisitors would like it to be. In practical terms, there are limits to an inquisitor's power - usually at the point where the pros of doing away with him outweigh the very massive cons. After all, even inquisitors are only human. Most of them, however, develop a very good feeling for where that point is and which power groups might be dominated, which can be moved where you need them through intrigues and which should be petitioned for help. Space Marine chapters, the AdMech, very high ranking fleet and guard officials and Rogue Traders are those I'd generally put in the third category. Yes, you can probably bully them into doing what you want, but their positions usually bring a lot of pride with them and they'll have a hundred ways of getting back at you that are not overt enough to be reasonably punishable.

I mean, seriously: When you're on a RT vessel, you put your life into the hands of the Trader, a profession notorious for their nonconformity and Pride. Is it really a good idea to alienate them any more than necessary even if you (and your allies) have the means to make him pay for any transgressions?

That's fairly straightforward and plain from my point of view, though I'll also toss in an idea to stir the pot a bit more; Is it not reasonable to assume that some Rogue Traders may themselves be members of the Holy Inquisition? After all, to grant such power and authority and have no way to monitor it or "correct" it should it stray somewhere down the road (or into the Void) seems juuuusssst a bit foolish doesn't it? Again, just my opinion which bears as much authority and weight as a feather in a gale, but there you are.

While generally used for other purposes, the Rogue Trader disguise is the classic one among inquisitors - no other role in the Imperium (except for the post of Inquisitor, obviously) grants so much freedom and power.

Thanks folks, I have a better picture of how I want to use it in the game.

Ultimately it seems to me that an Inquisitor can simply demand, although on further thought would think the degree of sucess would be based on his stature within the Inquisition. Most I would think would opt to make arrangements, that too I would suppose on the Rogue Trader, a relatively new Inquisitor without much of name would have more difficulty and be open to reprisal much more than a seasoned vet, likewise the vet Inquisitor may be able to use his weight more with a freshly minted trader than one that has been around the warp a few times.

Outside the Imperium they are the word of the Imperium, that I agree and should act with that in mind as well as their own profit power. However inside the Imperium I don't think they sit as high as the Adeptus Mechanicus or the Astartes, maybe closer to a planetary govenor/high ranking naval/IG officer.

I appreciate the opinions, thanks again guys.

I think an Inquisitorial seal is enough for a Rogue Trader to obey to the Inquisitor. Because said inquisitor has enough leverage to declare someone heretic or such. The Inq can also cancel trading contracts. They are really cool like that.

Inquisitors have the legal authority to demand all sorts of things from a rogue trader. A rogue trader can also toss the inquisitor and his retinue out the airlock in deep space. As a practical matter there are limits on how far it is wise to push a rogue trader and an agreement that both parties are reasonably happy with is the best policy.

So if an RT collected loads of Xenotech on his travels and then returned to Imperial space and was boarded by an Inquisitor, would he be branded a heretic if his "personal" equipment included Xeno weaponry, or if his ship was partially constructed of xenotech?

What would happen in this situation?

A rogue trader is liscenced to deal with xenos and xenotechnology. Some xenos and tech are so seriously proscribed that even rogue traders aren't allowed to deal with/possess (such as the Slaugh). So it would depend on the tech and the Inquisitor.

An Inquisitor can demand passage from a Rogue Trader, the Rogue Trader could of course demand compensation.
If one of the two refuses each otherit could have dire consequences later on.

The Inquisitor might want to have the Rogue Trader arrested out of spite, and since Inquisitors are mighty enough to make fabricated evidence stick the Rogue Trader might be in serious trouble.

The Rogue Trader might idd simply "airlock" the Inquisitor or bother him later by hindering operations of said Inquisitor by calling in favours from the Planetary Governer for example.

These two should not go to war...though it would make for a great game...

horizon said:

They might have the power to withdraw a Chartist captain's license, but they have no such power over the Warrant of Trade issued to a Rogue Trader. The Warrent of trade comes - in more recent times - from the High Lords of Terra to whom the Inquisition as a whole is ultimately answerable. This won't stop an Inquisitor going after a Rogue Trader, but they have no authority to undermine a document that is, to all intents and purposes, a declaration of the Emperor's will made manifest. Such an action in itself could be construed as heresy by those of a certain puritan bent.

Within the Imperiums Borders a Rogue Trader has the the theoretical peerage of a Marine Chapter Master a planetary Governor or a Inquisitorial master, but he really cant and shouldnt push his weight about. In the novel 40K novel legacy just check out how the Imperial Navy treat an ancient and very powerfull rogue trader dynasty who decide to square up to them and ignore protocol. It isnt pretty. For the most part they are seen as a nuisance and eccentrics. In Matt Ferrers novel its is implied that many Rogue Traders see the Emperor more often as a usefull patron than really a God. A bit like Space marine chapter masters really.

Outside the Imperium's borders it is a entirely different story. The Inquisitor may take out his rosette and babble something about commissioning a vessel. The Rogue trader will quite happily take out his warrant and says something like:

"you see this line here where it says 'speaks with the Emperors Voice'?, the bit about responsibility and 'right to obtain priveledges' in what ever way he likes'?' This is a none too subtle hint that out here on his ship he is God, and the emperor has given him licence to do what ever the hell he likes, including showing a interfering inquisitors the airlock, who most certainly does not necessarily speak with the emperors voice even if they do act as the emperors sinister left hand. I think this is what is implied by peerage with masters of the inquisition rather than ordinary inquisitors. Beyond the reach of the astronomicon they define the structures (for good or ill)

Of course what is interesting is that this is a side effect of living in the 40k Universe. The Initial Rogue Trader charters themselves were handed out often by the emperor himself to enterprising men whom were willing to explore parts of the galaxy that the Emperor of mankind had no time for. If he ever intended the practice to continue as it is we will never know. But if that is the power that the Emperor had granted to holders of the warrants, a practice that PREDATES the inquisition (Ill double check on this), then who are the Inquisition tho question the Emperors wisdom and those who he has given licence to act on his behalf.

Of course when they re-enter the Imperiums Borders then a Rogue Trader is but a glorified Starship Free captain with a Governor level standing, something that will not bother the left hand of the emperor in the slightest.

Inquisitorial Rogue Traders? Dunno. Rogue Traders who were inquisitors? Almost Certainly. The Original 40k rulebook states this explicitly. Mind you 'overzealous Marine leaders' were also be handed out the Charters according to that venerable tome ... so Im not sure whats cannon anymore...

On the subject of Inquisitors as Rogue Traders - The core book itself speaks of such things happening, though very rarely. It's often due to Inquisitorial politics and an Inquisitor with too many enemies finding himself with a Warrant and an effective exile, though Ordo Xenos Inquisitors may actively seek out a Warrant to advance their own agenda.

nos4artu said:

The Inquisition aren't answerable to the High Lords of Terra. They're answerable to the Emperor and no other (note that there is no supreme grand master of the Inquisition on the Senatorium Imperialis, or even at all - there is only an Inquisitorial Representative, chosen as and when required by the Inquisition). The Inquisition technically exists outside the Adeptus Terra in its entirety, and each individual Inquisitor possesses unlimited authority in theoretical terms (there are really no 'masters of the Inquisition' in a formal sense - Inquisitor Lords are first-amongst-equals, highly respected and renowned individuals whose reputation and connections give them additional means to wield the authority that comes with bearing the seal. A Warrant of Trade may be a declaration of the Emperor's Will made manifest... but an Inquisitor is the Emperor's Will made manifest - His Left Hand, beyond all law and restriction in the prosecution of their duties.

Beyond the Imperium, a Rogue Trader has unlimited freedom to do as he wishes. Such is not the case within the Imperium. Within the Imperium, he is beholden to its laws, albeit in the manner of the extremely wealthy and powerful.

Rogue Trader rulebook, page 321:

"Rogue Traders wield incredible power, and it is easy for them to forget that once back within the Imperium, they do not have free rein to act as they wish."

Rogue Trader rulebook, page 334:

"Many a Rogue Trader has allowed his curiosity to get the better of him, and those few that have survived contact with the proscribed xenos have later faced the wrath of the Inquisition and forfeiture of their Warrant of Trade."

Demonstrably, Rogue Traders are subject to the wills of others, most notably Inquisitors.

Meanwhile... Inquisitor Living Rulebook, part 2 page 4, emphasis mine:

"The Inquisition, or the Holy Orders of the Emperor?s Inquisition to give it its full name, is the most powerful organisation within the Imperium. Its agents, the Inquisitors, are the ultimate defenders of the Emperor and Mankind. They have the highest authority, second only to the Emperor himself, and no one is above their scrutiny . It is their duty to scour the Imperium, seeking out any threat from without and within, and have the power to act accordingly to combat any menace they come across. Psykers, mutation, rebellion, corruption, incompetence and alien attack are all within their jurisdiction, and their attention encompasses all from the lowliest clerk to the High Lords of Terra ."

Within the borders of the Imperium, a Rogue Trader is required to do as commanded by an Inquisitor. Beyond the borders of the Imperium, they're equals (because an Inquisitor has no limits to his authority, under any circumstances, in any place or time, while a Rogue Trader's powers become vastly increased upon leaving Imperial space).

I'd argue that outside of the Imperium the Inquisitor has very little authority other then what he can personally enforce. Much of the Inquisition's power lies within other Imperial Organizations that they can conscript to their service. Outside of the empire there is very little imperial presence other then that of the Rogue Traders. And when you get down to it the Rogue Trader speaks with the voice of the Emperor himself, which is really the only sort of authority that trumps the Inquisition.

Either way you look at it though, a Rogue Trader can't really afford to allienate the inquisition, and likewise an inquisitor with a vested interest in what lays outside the realm of the empire probably shouldn't abuse his power with a Rogue Trader.

I stand corrected! Ooops! I should have read further into the book before opening my big mouth. I think it would be interesting to see how the relationship between an Inquisitor and a Rogue Trader might develop once the trader leaves Imperial space. Its a theme I reckon I'll explore when I eventually get a game up and running.

Within the Imperium the only real check on an Inquisitor's power are other Inquisitors - but a RT can use that to his advantage. A smart RT won't antagonise an =I= if he can help it. But a really smart one will take any opportunity to develope a good relationship with an Inquisitor, preferably a powerful and respected one. If some other Inquisitor comes along and demands to requisition his ship for a trip across the galaxy he can then send an astropathic message to his buddy on Scintilla. His buddy can then issue a counter-order. The RT now has two orders from two Inquisitors, both equally valid, so he can choose which one to obey.