I’ve been wondering what prevents Sisters of Battle or overly zealous individuals from just eliminating xenos or psykers who are aligned with rogue traders or inquisitors. I mean, these entities know they are dealing with psykers. Don’t Sisters of Battle absolutely despise them?
4 Answers
It’s mainly about their titles and authority. If the Emperor permits something, going against it implies you think you know better than Him. The authority of an Inquisitor, for example, is second only to the Emperor Himself. So even the most zealous among them hesitate to question that. Inquisitors and rogue traders who push boundaries usually don’t have zealots in their spheres anyway, as they tend to operate on the fringes of what’s considered acceptable.
Plus, let’s not forget that if a Sister or a zealot went off and killed someone important, they’d be dealing with severe backlash, especially from other Inquisitors or rogue traders.
Rogue traders and inquisitors operate under the Emperor’s authority, so many realize they have the right to act boldly. If a rogue trader feels threatened, they can act quickly, even against someone like a Sister of Battle. Plus, sisters are often bound by tradition and rank, so they don’t want to rock the boat unless ordered to. But a radical might simply go off the deep end, disregarding all authority if they feel affronted.
Ultimately, it comes down to the politics and structure within the Imperium. Sisters of Battle typically follow a strict hierarchy; any drastic actions require not just justification but a solid backing from higher powers. Radicals don’t play by these rules, which can lead to unpredictability.
Sometimes, the inquisitor or their entourage might retaliate if someone tries to take out a psyker or xenos. For instance, there’s a story of an inquisitor bringing a bunch of Kroot to a meeting, which ended badly for those who challenged him. Puritan inquisitors don’t take kindly to radical behavior, and it’s not uncommon for some to end up in violent confrontations over such things.
Right? It’s not just about individual actions; it’s a matter of maintaining a broader balance of power.
That story is wild! But it pretty clearly shows that challenging an inquisitor or rogue trader can lead to serious consequences. They have significant resources and motivations to maintain their standing.
Exactly! It’s a delicate balance; their authority is built into the structure of the Imperium. An Inquisitor’s decisions are considered divine, making it tough for zealots to go rogue under those circumstances.