Title: The Art of War in the 41st Millennium: A Rogue Trader’s Guide
In the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, where war is both a constant reality and a thriving industry, enter the audacious Rogue Traders. These brave, or perhaps foolhardy individuals, seldom engage in defensive wars, primarily due to the lower potential for profit. Yet, when the existential imperative to win or perish arises, they are known to turn the tide of battle, often reaping astronomical rewards. Take for instance, the tale of Esme Chorda, the notorious pirate turned hero of the Imperium. After the destruction of the space hulk ‘Cauldron of Savagery’ in 673 M40, her reputation shifted overnight, underlining the potential rewards for these risk-takers.
However, it’s not always about direct warfare. Rogue Traders, with their vast network of mercenaries and hired thugs, often incite wars for purposes of misdirection and obfuscation. While this may seem heinous, it is a legitimate, albeit underhanded, business practice in the 41st millennium. These wars, often fought by proxies, allow the Rogue Traders to conduct their business undisturbed amidst the chaos and conflict.
This method of warfare, known as War by Proxy, is especially useful when a Rogue Trader needs dirty work done but finds it inconvenient or impolitic to get involved personally. An extensive network of private military organizations in Imperial space, including other Rogue Traders, are always at hand to do the dirty work. However, these wars carry significant risks, as they can spiral out of control without direct authority, potentially undermining the very goals they were meant to achieve.
Surprisingly, sometimes, supplying a war can be more profitable than fighting it. This practice, as old as war itself, is both lauded and detested. War profiteers, ranging from guardsmen selling a dead comrade’s lasgun to the large manufactoria of the Cxis sector, make their profits by selling crucial material to belligerents in a conflict. Any valuable commodity can be exploited for profit in times of war, including medical supplies, foodstuffs, and raw materials. The savvy war profiteer might even sell to both sides of a conflict, and in some cases, instigate conflicts solely to supply arms and resources at wartime prices.
Rogue Traders excel at this war profiteering, strategically positioned to buy commodities at low prices, transport them to war zones and sell them for substantial profits. In fact, turning war into a business is often at the core of many Rogue Trader Dynasty dealings. When a Rogue Trader sets out to assemble a military force, they have three primary options: raise and form units themselves; hire established mercenary groups; or requisition forces from the Imperium’s military through their Warrant of Trade. Each option comes with its own set of costs and benefits, and must be carefully considered.
Regardless of their utility, the Adeptus Astartes, or Space Marines, are considered the finest warriors in the galaxy. Few agreements exist between the Astartes and Rogue Traders, particularly in distant regions like the Koronus Expanse. However, when their goals align or the need is great, Space Marine Chapters have been known to assist Rogue Traders.
In our next installment, we’ll delve into the process of equipping assembled units, a crucial step that can make or break a Rogue Trader’s military endeavour. Stay tuned, for in the world of Warhammer 40,000, every decision counts, and the smallest detail can change the course of history.
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