In the thread over Epic RT a discussion developed about the exact legal position of the Empire. Described as an ally, I maintained it is a vassal. A quite crucial difference, which I backed up with the notes on the Adeptus Mechanicus from the FFG publications.
It seems I was wrong though. As Badlapje showed, the lexicanum states that originally the Adeptus Mechanicus was indeed an ally, with its own empire that got 'incorporated' within the Imperium of Man with a quite unique position, amongst witch an obvious monopoly on technology and STC's.
To me, this is very interesting, especially as RT really leads itself to Grand Strategy adventures, where it is not so much dungeoncrawling but Empirebuilding that is the focus of a campaign. For DH this would also be of great importance, as things like this really impact on the authority of an Inquisitor and severly limit his actions. Considering that our party consists of quite a few people who know how important these legal differences are in real life, this can add vast extra depth to our adventures.
But, we need to know more. As I understand now, the Adeptus Mechanicus was originally an Imperial Ally, with enormous rights and prerogatives. This explains as well why the Ad Mech was not purged so thoroughly as the Adeptus Astartes after the Horus Heresy, even if they were as affected by treason as the Space Marines. But how did this develop? The Imperium is not a fully static entity and after the Horus Heresy it has gone through many tribulations. So, who here knows more on the Adeptus Mechanicus. Both on its original position and its present state within the Imperium of Man.
Friedrich van Riebeeck, Navigator Primus, Heart of the Void