Most people in Warhammer 40,000 live a dystopian existence somewhere in the depths of surreal mega-polities. A few chosen ones, however, are allowed to navigate the stars – and enjoy almost complete freedom.
The Imperium of Man has quite strict rules regarding the handling of certain things and beings – for example, the Xenos, or “aliens.” The general rule is: Anything that is remotely non-human is forbidden.
These rules apply to the vast majority of humanity, and only a few make exceptions. Most of these individuals are Inquisitors, who have to deal with corrupted things for the protection of humanity.
However, there is a caste of individuals who can do more or less anything: Free Traders. These individuals are entrusted with so much power that they can even found their own empires. And the Imperium allows this, as long as it does not lead to significant conflicts of interest.
In the role-playing game Rogue Trader, you play as a Free Trader and learn how much power such a person can have:
A document that allows almost everything – even heresy
Free Traders possess a letter of marque, a document that elevates them to “the highest rank attainable by a servant.” They are on equal footing with Inquisitors, Governors, and Space Marines and can access their support if needed.
The task of a Free Trader is to expand the boundaries of the Imperium. To achieve this goal, they are allowed to use dangerous artifacts and trade with Xenos – something that is forbidden to “normal” humans under penalty of death. However, as long as they serve the interests of the Imperium, the authorities almost always turn a blind eye to Free Traders.
Pretty much anyone can become a Free Trader. Most of these individuals come from the Astra Militarum, the Administratum, or the Inquisition. Letters of marque are often awarded for special military or political achievements, but can also be used to send unwanted opponents into quasi-exile.
The first letters of marque are said to have been written with the blood of the Emperor himself and can be inherited. Accordingly, they serve to found entire dynasties and noble houses.
Brave explorers or “nothing more than better pirates”
The Imperium is limited by the routes that can be reached through the Warp. Essentially, it is the task of a Free Trader to enlarge the Imperium. To do this, they venture with their flotilla to worlds beyond the imperial borders. What they do there is pretty much left up to them.
Some Free Traders colonize the worlds there and establish their own empires. Others trade with Xenos and increase their wealth that way. Yet others are simply pillagers who plunder and destroy planets and other ships.
There are even reports of Free Traders who have ventured into distant galaxies and possibly founded their own empires there. However, none of them have ever returned.
As long as the interests of the Free Trader do not conflict with those of the Imperium, they have free rein. However, if they cross a line, the letter of marque may be revoked – or open war may ensue.
The letter of marque grants many rights but does not make one untouchable
Due to the enormous freedom, it often happens that Free Traders become too accustomed to their position of power. They then fall into selfishness or megalomania, which in some cases leads to them turning away from the Imperium or even falling to Chaos.
As long as the Free Trader is outside the imperial borders and within their own realm, they theoretically hold the highest authority there. However, when they return to the Imperium, they are subject to the laws again.
This is often a point of contention, especially when the Free Trader has become accustomed to their power and to being obeyed – rather than the other way around. Many Free Traders have even been greeted directly by the Imperial Fleet upon their return and more than once with a firefight.
Free Traders are one of the reasons why the Imperium continues to grow and gain strength. And successfully so, as humanity is one of the greatest powers in the galaxy. Only one other is currently stronger: All major factions of Warhammer 40,000 in the power ranking – Who could dominate the galaxy?
