the marauders are small raiders and pirates who plunder in a small scale, and are usually nothing to worry about to well armed merchants. their ships are usually normal civilian ships, slightly upgraded, although sometimes a starbridge or valkyrie joins in the fleet. the marauders are independent raiders who have no real leader or government, and therefore make very easy foes, though they should not be underestimated. the marauders are weaker than the 'normal' pirates, though they attack within federation space. they are also universally despised, even by other pirate factions, so they will be attacked by any warship or interceptor of any faction in a system.