I have a few questions about the map that comes with Rogue Trader

First, why is it different from the one printed on all the inside covers of the books? ive noticed some discrepancies, most notable of which is the position of 'Processional of the Damned' and which one is generally considered correct?

Secondly, how much of the map (if any) should my players be able to look at at the the start of the campaign? the game doesnt seem clear on this, should they even see any of it? On the one hand it seems it would give too much away for them to see it all on the other if they come from a proud Dynasty of Rogue Traders surely the family would have maps of the expanse...

Thirdly, is the map supposed to be of all viable planets/systems in the expanse or is the idea there are hundreds if not thousands of undiscovered planets i can place wherever i want?

Finally and slightly off topic, what is a Corpse Star? ive read mentions of them but no actual descripton of what they are

The inside cover is the 'known' map of the Expanse. Those lightning bolts you can see around the entrance of the Maw are warp-routes. Pretty much everything outside that area is 'Here be Dragons'. The colour map is the more accurate one, though there is some inconsistency about the locations of some worlds in the book. Magoros is described as being in two different locations, for example.

If your players are good about separating player knowledge and character knowledge there's no practical reason they can't read things, but I'd be a bit careful about using the provided planets as written. The nightmares I've had with running an endeavour in the Grace system...

The map is little more than a guide of notable locations uncovered thus far. There are hundreds of stars in the Expanse, don't feel limited by what's on the map already.

Black dwarf. White dwarf that's bled off all its energy into space and died. As cold and black as the void it hangs in. There's a whole mess of them in one area of the Foundling Worlds. Probably got eaten by C'Tan.

Don't have time to answer all of your questions, but i can say that the star systems on the map are only a tiny portion of the star systems in the Expanse. For every one shown, there are a dozen more to be discovered - and that's just the ones with something interesting in them.

I remember seeing on here somewhere that the maps printed in the book are wrong, and there is a corrected map available on this site somewhere. Don't remember how exactly I got there, think I was looking for the DH FAQ/Errata or something like that when I stumbled across it.

http://sketchesofpayne.deviantart.com/#/d34ws3j

Errant said:

Zayth does not go there. Anyways..

1. I go by the color map, personally except where it puts things wildly out of place. Generally my priority is

A. The narrative description in the books

B. The color map

C. The black and white old-style map

2. I would allow the players to be able to access the "old style" map, personally. Its inaccuracy is actually an advantage in this instance, as it gives a sense of mystery to the whole thing. Barring that, I allow players access to all the information that is provided in the book unless it's a "GM'S ONLY" section.

3. Yes, there are a crapload of stars in the Expanse waiting to be explored. The examples should only be used to get the general "feel" of the sector the planets are in. I.E. Anything located in the Accursed Demesne is going to be hellish and scary. Anything in the Foundling Worlds is probably going to be cursed.

4. My understanding is that a corpse star is just another name for a star that's reaching the end of its lifespan. White dwarfs, red dwarfs, and red supergiants in a state of recession.

Belated thanks to all who replied, i'm so looking forward to getting this campaign rolling

And that map at deviantart.....excellent!