While it has already been established on these boards that if a navigator gets killed in the course of duty, a navigator deputy in the ships navigator spire/cupola takes over the navigation in the warp, I feel that the character class’s place as part of a ‘explorator’ team has not been fully fleshed out. Lots of background as to why they are important in their role as a navigator less as a explorator. It’s causing a bit of a problem in our round robin GM’ing…as when its the new GM's turn to explain the navigators involvement we kinda come unstuck when trying to come up with a valid reason why the navigator would leave his dome/spire aboard the ship…and its getting a but silly because theres only so many times the navigator can say “I try and not get killed but I think you’re going to need my help”

I mean why would he/she put themselves in harms way? The best explanation I can come up with is that he is not THE navigator, rather one of the younger members out to give his assistance of rare skills to the rogue trader ‘in the field’ as it were.

What is everyone else doing…what rationale is everyone else using for the ships living breathing navigation component putting himself in harms way?

In our group it comes down to a couple of things:

Firstly, I wouldn't make the Navigator player a "junior" navigator. In RT most of the characters should be leaders of their disciplines.

First we have established fairly well that the Imperium is a Feudal style society, and just as in most feudal societies the leaders are expected to lead from the front. That is why you see people like Chapter Masters, Inquisitors, and Generals involved in front line battles. That is why Rogue Traders go on away missions instead of just sending exploration parties, and why they get in duels over honor.

Now, pragmatically this isn't necessarily optimal, but there are cultural expectations. The peons of a feudal society follow their leaders, and indeed elevate their leaders in the first place, with the expectation they they will defend them. A leader who hides in deep behind the front lines risks losing the loyalty of his/her people and the respect of their peers.

First and foremost this effects the Rogue Trader who can lose respect and influence (and thus risks his/er PF), but it can effect any leader. In a militant feudal society a leader who avoids danger is typically seen as weak, cowardly, and ineffective.

Whats more the Navigator is an advisor, and a member of the RTs "court", and thus expected to attend to his lord and be at his side at most times. The thing is that when the RT presence is required it isn't to do scouting actions, or to pick through ruins. The RT is a powerful individual. Dangerous, Menial tasks are handled by subordinates. Typically, when the RT is present it is either a critical situation, or a political one. In the critical situation the RT needs all the help he/she can get. The Navigator is not only the one who steers the ship, but also the RTs mystic advisor (like Merlin). While the ship is doomed if he dies, the ship may well be just as doomed if he isn't present to advise the RT.

Hi guys,

As this is a duplicate thread, I have blocked it. I didn't want to erase it outright while members of our community have responses to it. Please direct all future discussion of this topic to the other thread. Thanks!