Rogue Trader⁚ A Guide to the Warhammer 40‚000 Role-Playing Game

Rogue Trader is a science-fiction role-playing game published in 2009 that uses the Warhammer 40‚000 Roleplay system. The game is set in the Warhammer 40‚000 universe‚ a grim and dark future where humanity is locked in a constant war against alien races and the forces of Chaos. The game allows players to take on the roles of Rogue Traders‚ wealthy and powerful individuals who are granted a Warrant of Trade by the Imperium of Man; This warrant allows them to explore the vast reaches of the galaxy‚ trade with alien races‚ and fight against the enemies of the Imperium. The game is known for its complex rules‚ its detailed setting‚ and its focus on exploration and adventure.

What is Rogue Trader?

Rogue Trader is a tabletop role-playing game set in the grim darkness of the Warhammer 40‚000 universe. Players take on the roles of Rogue Traders‚ powerful and wealthy individuals who are granted a Warrant of Trade by the Imperium of Man. This warrant allows them to explore the vast reaches of the galaxy‚ trade with alien races‚ and fight against the enemies of the Imperium. The game is known for its complex rules‚ its detailed setting‚ and its focus on exploration and adventure.

The game was originally released in 1987 as a pen-and-paper RPG but was later adapted into a video game by Owlcat Games in 2023. The game has also been the subject of several novels and comics‚ further expanding its universe.

The Rogue Trader rulebook is the core book for the game and contains everything you need to start playing‚ including character creation rules‚ gameplay mechanics‚ and a detailed setting. The rulebook is available in both physical and digital formats.

The Rogue Trader Core Rulebook

The Rogue Trader Core Rulebook is the essential guide to playing the Rogue Trader roleplaying game. Published by Fantasy Flight Games in 2009‚ it provides a comprehensive set of rules and guidelines for creating characters‚ running games‚ and exploring the vast and dangerous galaxy of Warhammer 40‚000. The rulebook features a detailed overview of the Rogue Trader setting‚ including information about the Imperium of Man‚ the Warp‚ and the various alien races that inhabit the galaxy.

The Core Rulebook also includes detailed rules for character creation‚ covering everything from choosing a character’s background and skills to equipping them with weapons‚ armor‚ and other gear. Players can choose from a wide variety of character types‚ including Rogue Traders‚ their trusted advisors‚ and members of their crew.

The rulebook also includes detailed rules for gameplay‚ including mechanics for combat‚ exploration‚ and social interaction. The game features a unique system for resolving actions‚ incorporating dice rolls and character attributes to determine success or failure.

History of Rogue Trader

The history of Rogue Trader is intertwined with the evolution of the Warhammer 40‚000 universe itself. The first edition of the Rogue Trader role-playing game was released in 1987 by Games Workshop‚ serving as the initial foray into the world of Warhammer 40‚000 RPGs. This original edition established the core concepts of the game‚ including the exploration of the galaxy‚ the dangers of the Warp‚ and the role of Rogue Traders as powerful and independent agents within the Imperium.

In 2009‚ Fantasy Flight Games released a new edition of Rogue Trader‚ building upon the foundation of the original game and incorporating elements from other Warhammer 40‚000 RPGs. This edition introduced a more streamlined rules system‚ a wider range of character options‚ and a more detailed setting‚ making the game more accessible to new players while retaining the core elements that made the original so popular.

The Rogue Trader RPG has continued to evolve over the years‚ with various supplements and expansions released by Fantasy Flight Games and other publishers. These expansions have expanded the game’s setting‚ introduced new character options‚ and added new rules and mechanics to enhance the gameplay experience.

Playing the Game

Rogue Trader is a game of exploration‚ adventure‚ and danger set in the vast and unforgiving Warhammer 40‚000 universe. Players take on the roles of members of a Rogue Trader’s retinue‚ embarking on daring expeditions across the galaxy‚ encountering strange alien civilizations‚ battling formidable foes‚ and seeking out riches and glory.

The game is played using a system of dice rolls and character skills‚ with each player’s actions determined by the success or failure of their rolls. The game’s rules are designed to create a sense of danger and uncertainty‚ where every decision carries potential consequences.

Players must work together as a team to overcome the challenges they face‚ utilizing their skills and resources to achieve their goals. The game encourages creative storytelling and imaginative solutions‚ allowing players to shape their own adventures within the bounds of the game’s setting.

Character Creation

Creating a character in Rogue Trader involves a detailed process that allows players to craft unique individuals suited for the challenges of the game. Players choose from a variety of character archetypes‚ each representing a distinct role within a Rogue Trader’s retinue. These archetypes include the Navigator‚ who guides the ship through the treacherous Warp; the Adeptus Astartes‚ a genetically enhanced warrior; the Psyker‚ a powerful individual with psychic abilities; the Tech-Priest‚ a skilled engineer; and the Rogue Trader himself‚ the leader of the expedition.

Once an archetype is chosen‚ players further customize their characters by selecting skills‚ talents‚ and equipment. Each character possesses a unique set of skills that reflect their abilities and training‚ while talents provide special advantages and abilities. Equipment‚ ranging from weapons and armor to tools and supplies‚ equips characters for the dangers they will encounter. The process of character creation allows players to create multifaceted characters with distinct personalities‚ motivations‚ and backgrounds‚ enriching the narrative and immersion of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics

Rogue Trader employs a dice-based system for resolving actions and determining outcomes. Players roll a number of dice based on their character’s skills and attributes‚ attempting to meet or exceed a target number set by the game master. The game incorporates a variety of mechanics‚ including⁚

• Skill Checks⁚ These represent a character’s ability to perform a specific action‚ such as piloting a ship‚ hacking a computer system‚ or engaging in combat.

• Attribute Tests⁚ These assess a character’s inherent abilities‚ such as strength‚ agility‚ and intelligence.

• Combat⁚ Combat is resolved through a series of dice rolls‚ with each character attempting to hit and damage their opponent.

• The Warp⁚ Travel through the Warp‚ a dimension of psychic energy‚ is fraught with danger. Players must navigate the perils of the Warp‚ including daemonic entities and psychic storms.

The game’s mechanics encourage tactical decision-making‚ strategic resource management‚ and collaborative storytelling‚ immersing players in the gritty and perilous world of Warhammer 40‚000.

Factions and Worlds

The Rogue Trader game features a diverse array of factions and worlds‚ each with its own unique culture‚ history‚ and political landscape. Players encounter a range of factions‚ including⁚

• The Imperium of Man⁚ The dominant power in the galaxy‚ the Imperium is a vast and oppressive empire ruled by the God-Emperor.

• The Adeptus Astartes (Space Marines)⁚ Elite warriors of the Imperium‚ Space Marines are genetically enhanced superhumans who serve as the Emperor’s elite forces.

• The Inquisition⁚ A secretive organization dedicated to rooting out heresy and corruption within the Imperium.

• The Eldar⁚ An ancient and powerful race of psychic beings‚ the Eldar are remnants of a once-great civilization.

• The Orks⁚ A savage and brutal race of green-skinned barbarians‚ the Orks are driven by a lust for war.

These factions interact with each other in complex ways‚ creating a dynamic and ever-changing political landscape. The game’s setting is a vast and unexplored region of space known as the Koronus Expanse‚ where Rogue Traders can encounter a wide range of worlds‚ from bustling industrial hubs to desolate wastelands.

Rogue Trader in the Warhammer 40‚000 Universe

Rogue Trader takes place within the vast and unforgiving Warhammer 40‚000 universe‚ a setting known for its grim darkness and relentless conflict. The Imperium of Man‚ a vast and oppressive empire ruled by the God-Emperor‚ struggles to maintain control over its far-flung territories against a constant barrage of threats‚ both from within and without.

Rogue Traders are empowered by the Imperium to explore the uncharted regions of space‚ seeking out new resources‚ trading with alien races‚ and combating the enemies of mankind. This dangerous and unpredictable environment is filled with a wide array of threats‚ including⁚

• The Warp⁚ A dimension of raw psychic energy that connects the galaxy’s star systems‚ the Warp is a dangerous and unpredictable place‚ where reality is fluid and the laws of physics do not apply.

• Chaos⁚ A malevolent force that seeks to corrupt and destroy the Imperium‚ Chaos manifests through daemons‚ mutations‚ and the corruption of the Warp.

• Alien races⁚ The galaxy is teeming with a wide array of alien races‚ some friendly‚ some hostile‚ and some simply indifferent to the Imperium’s presence.

Rogue Traders must navigate these dangers to fulfill their missions‚ seeking wealth‚ power‚ and glory in the face of overwhelming odds. Their adventures often involve encounters with alien civilizations‚ forgotten ruins‚ and the lurking shadows of the Warp‚ all while upholding the Imperium’s interests and defending against its enemies;

The Koronus Expanse

The Koronus Expanse is a vast and uncharted region of space located on the edge of the Imperium of Man‚ a frontier teeming with opportunity and danger. It is a region of swirling nebulae‚ ancient ruins‚ and unexplored worlds‚ attracting adventurers‚ explorers‚ and the ambitious who seek fortune and glory.

The Expanse is a perilous place‚ riddled with dangers that challenge even the most experienced Rogue Trader. The Warp is particularly volatile here‚ making travel treacherous and unpredictable. The region is also home to a variety of alien races‚ some hostile and some simply indifferent to the Imperium’s presence.

Despite its dangers‚ the Koronus Expanse is a rich source of resources and opportunities. Rogue Traders who venture into this region can find vast wealth and power‚ as well as the chance to make a name for themselves in the annals of Imperial history. They might uncover ancient artifacts‚ forge alliances with alien races‚ or even discover new worlds to add to the Imperium’s dominion.

The Koronus Expanse is a truly wild and dangerous place‚ but it is also a place of immense potential. For those brave enough to venture into its depths‚ the rewards can be truly extraordinary.

The Imperium of Man

The Imperium of Man is a vast‚ sprawling empire that encompasses countless worlds and star systems across the Milky Way galaxy. It is a society ruled by the God-Emperor of Mankind‚ a being of immense power and authority who is worshipped as a deity by his subjects. The Imperium is a harsh and unforgiving place‚ where survival is a constant struggle against alien races‚ the forces of Chaos‚ and the ever-present threat of the Warp.

The Imperium is divided into numerous sectors‚ each governed by a planetary governor who answers to the High Lords of Terra‚ the ruling body of the Imperium. The Imperium’s military forces are known as the Adeptus Astartes‚ or Space Marines‚ elite warriors who are genetically engineered for combat.

The Imperium is a complex and multifaceted society‚ with a rich history and culture that has been shaped by centuries of war and hardship. Its citizens are a diverse and resilient people‚ who have endured countless trials and tribulations to maintain their existence. The Imperium is a place of great hope and great despair‚ where the fate of mankind hangs in the balance.

The Imperium is a place where the human spirit is tested and challenged‚ and where those who dare to dream of a better future must face the grim reality of their existence. The Imperium is a place of both wonder and terror‚ where the line between good and evil is blurred‚ and where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

The Warp

The Warp is a dimension of pure psychic energy that permeates the galaxy‚ existing alongside the physical universe. It is a chaotic and unpredictable realm‚ teeming with the raw emotions and desires of every living being in the galaxy. The Warp is a powerful force that can be used for both good and evil‚ and it is the source of many of the dangers that threaten the Imperium of Man.

The Warp is also the source of the psykers‚ individuals who possess the ability to manipulate psychic energy. Psykers are a rare and powerful breed‚ and they are often sought after by the Imperium for their abilities. However‚ the Warp is a dangerous place‚ and psykers must be carefully trained and controlled‚ lest they fall prey to the dark forces that lurk within.

The Warp is a place of great beauty and great terror‚ and it is the source of many of the wonders and horrors that make the Warhammer 40‚000 universe so unique. The Warp is a place of both creation and destruction‚ and it is a force that must be respected‚ feared‚ and understood.

The Warp is a place of both hope and despair‚ and it is a force that can be used to both create and destroy. The Warp is a place of both light and darkness‚ and it is a force that must be understood in order to be mastered.

Popular Rogue Trader Resources

For those seeking to delve deeper into the world of Rogue Trader‚ there are numerous resources available online and in print. The internet is a treasure trove of information‚ with dedicated forums and websites hosting discussions‚ fan-made content‚ and downloadable resources. The Warhammer 40‚000 community is particularly active in sharing their passion for the game‚ providing a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for both newcomers and seasoned players.

Beyond online communities‚ fan-made content adds a vibrant layer to the Rogue Trader experience. Players create custom campaigns‚ character sheets‚ and even entire worlds‚ enriching the game with their unique perspectives and creativity. These resources can be found on websites dedicated to Warhammer 40‚000 RPGs‚ often shared freely within the community.

Finally‚ official publications from Games Workshop and Fantasy Flight Games offer a wealth of information and expansion for Rogue Trader. These publications provide detailed background information on the Warhammer 40‚000 universe‚ new rules‚ and exciting adventures to immerse players in the grim darkness of the far future.