Traders function

[discok3]

Hello people
Just joined,ordered big starter set and have read most of the official bumph with regards history and so on..could you enlighten me as to the role of the traders/civilians in the games?
It seems they are there to be defended and escorted in scenarios as far as I can fathom.There are lots of them though and I love the sculpts so plan on getting some but it does say they don't operate as a legit starter force?
All help appreciated
Ta
Kev.

[Carcharoth]

They are mainly objective pieces - good for doing escort-style scenarios.
In all honesty, the main reason they exist is simply that I like sculpting the civilians
I think Loranti might have a couple more tricks up his (very well-tailored) sleeves, including the option to field more Casanii as allies within an Empire force.

[discok3]

Thanks for the confirmation
I love them too and intend to own them all at some stage plus they look great to paint

[Lost Egg]

I guess some well off traders would have their own small army of personal guards so you could convert up a load of empire troops to reflect the more exotic flavour of the traders.