The pivotal choice on Rykad Minoris in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader revolves around how the player decides to deal with the planet's crisis, primarily influencing their relationship with the Imperial authorities and the Inquisition, and significantly impacting the planet's fate and the narrative.
The Core Decision: Governor vs. Inquisition
The central conflict presents two main paths, although nuances exist within them based on prior actions and dialogue choices. The fundamental decision is whether to support the planetary Governor, Vyatt Medineh, or to align with the objectives of Inquisitor Heinrix van Calox, who acts under the authority of Lord Inquisitor Calcazar.
Siding with Governor Vyatt Medineh
Choosing to support Governor Medineh generally involves a more measured approach to the planet's issues, focusing on restoring order and Imperial governance, potentially preserving the planet's infrastructure and population to a greater extent.
- Rationale: This path often appeals to players aiming for a more Iconoclast approach, or those who wish to maintain planetary stability for future exploitation or a less destructive outcome. It can also be seen as upholding the established Imperial hierarchy.
- Potential Outcomes: Rykad Minoris might be stabilized under Medineh's (or a successor's) rule, with the Rogue Trader gaining influence and potentially resources. However, this may put the player at odds with the more zealous elements of the Inquisition who demand a harsher purification.
- Alignment Impact: Often leads to Iconoclast points. Can also be a pragmatic Dogmatic choice if framed as preserving an Imperial world.
Siding with Inquisitor Heinrix van Calox / Lord Inquisitor Calcazar
Aligning with the Inquisition typically means endorsing more extreme measures to root out heresy, corruption, and xenos influence, regardless of the cost to the planet or its populace.
- Rationale: This path appeals to players pursuing a Dogmatic conviction, prioritizing the eradication of threats to the Imperium above all else. It can also be chosen by Heretic players looking to manipulate the situation for their own dark ends, or simply to curry favor with a powerful Inquisitor.
- Potential Outcomes: This can lead to a significant purge on Rykad Minoris, widespread destruction, or even Exterminatus if the situation is deemed unsalvageable by Calcazar's standards. The Rogue Trader gains the approval (or at least avoids the ire) of powerful Inquisitorial forces.
- Alignment Impact: Primarily leads to Dogmatic points. Depending on specific choices within this path, Heretic points can also be accrued.
Key Considerations for Your Choice
When making your decision for Rykad Minoris, consider the following:
- Your Character's Alignment: Are you aiming for Iconoclast, Dogmatic, or Heretic convictions? This choice is a major opportunity to gain points in your desired path.
- Long-Term Alliances: Do you wish to cultivate a relationship with the established planetary governance and its resources, or with the formidable power of the Inquisition?
- Immediate Consequences: The fate of key NPCs and the planet itself hangs in the balance. Some choices lead to more immediate and drastic changes than others.
- Companion Reactions: Your companions will have strong opinions and reactions to your decision, potentially affecting their approval and personal quests.
Ultimately, the Rykad Minoris choice is a significant turning point, shaping the Rogue Trader's reputation and the state of the Koronus Expanse.
