Rogue Trader: Planned Zealot Archetype Can Hit Allies With Splash Damage

Owlcat has detailed the planned Zealot archetype for Processional of the Damned. The first-tier melee fighter is designed to pressure enemies at close range and draw their attention. Stella uses the archetype, and the Lord Captain is also set to be able to choose it during character creation.

Splash Damage Can Hit Allies

Thunderous Echo is designed to add splash damage to attacks with bludgeoning weapons. Allies caught in the affected area can take damage too, making nearby party members an important consideration when positioning the attack.

Zealous Throw would let the Zealot hurl a bludgeoning weapon at a target before it returns to their hand. The announcement says the throw does not count towards the turn’s attack limit. Owlcat lists Vanguard, Archmilitant, Master Tactician and Executioner as later archetype choices. Some ability names and numbers remain provisional.

Stella’s Psychic Powers Remain Unpredictable

Stella is introduced as an unsanctioned psyker raised as a weapon and revered by the Ecclesiarchy as a miracle. Her companion story offers choices between treating her as a tool and seeing her as a person and ally.

Her Miraculist origin is exclusive to her. Psychic Trail would create an aura that grows as veil degradation worsens. Psychic Flare consumes a small percentage of her maximum Wounds to trigger random area abilities: her own powers and effects from Pyromancy, Sanctic or Divination.

Her powers are expected to lean towards Pyromancy at the start of combat. Nearby psykers using another discipline can temporarily influence that tendency. This does not remove the randomness or her susceptibility to Perils of the Warp. Choosing Zealot for a custom Lord Captain therefore does not grant Stella’s Miraculist powers.

Expansion Planned for December

Processional of the Damned also plans to add the Insanity companion mechanic, a grenade launcher, further companion events and a new romance option. Owlcat delayed the expansion from its planned September launch to December 2026. The described Zealot abilities are announced expansion content.