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How big can retinues be? I'm sure that they can be quite large, but I don't want mine to be too big. How many of each type (i.e. Deathwatch, Stormtrooper, Guardsmen) can they have? Thanks for any help.

There is no official limit on Inquisitorial Retinue size. An Inquisitor could technically command ALL of the forces of the Imperium. In more practical terms they are limited politically. How many marines are the Deathwatch willing to send? Doesn't matter if the Inquisitor wants more than that. That's not a fight they're going to win.

So basically unlimited guardmen and however many specialist forces they can hijack/convince to work for them.

They can range from a half dozen or so to thousands of agents across dozens of systems. Inquisitor Coteaz basically has a private army throughout several sectors, both actual combat units as well as agents and operatives.

Most inquisitors tend to keep things small so they can move about subtly. And outside their core group of most trusted associates most are only there temporarily.

Lord Karamazov is often depicted having entire parade processions following him while Amberley Veil has about a handful of private retainers, only calling up Cain and the Valhallans when she needs numbers. Then there's Kryptmann, who basically ran around with a single squad of Deathwatch for most of the time despite apparently having an entire ship under his command.

Inquisitors are the ultimate "build a character" in 40k, which is why it's sad they've lost some of their options in recent years and how they seem destined for obscurity. An Inquisitor's retinue can be as large or as small as you like, as fancy or subdued and as varied or as focused. There is really no wrong way to go about it.

Thanks to you all! You've cleared it up, and it makes sense seeing how much power Inquisitors have.