This Year’s Top Warhammer 40K Expansion Sells Out Online

Humanity’s evolution in the Warhammer 40,000 universe transcends the notion of an ultra-militaristic, despotic regime, painting a broader picture than just Space Marines and Martian automatons. Within this vast realm, a formidable theocracy has emerged, venerating the Emperor of Mankind as a divine entity. In the Blood and Zeal set, roughly half of the miniatures represent fervent zealots, deeply ensnared by their faith in what is portrayed as a false deity, bearing on their shoulders the fate of countless civilians in the 41st millennium. Meanwhile, the rest align with Chaos.

Within this context, the Ecclesiarchy stands as the Empire’s theocratic pillar, arguably the most cunning element in the 40K universe. Ironically, it exalts a man who repeatedly discouraged any form of worship. Nevertheless, the narrative reveals how certain individuals exploited the Cult of the Emperor for power and control, using it as a tool to subdue the masses. While the Ecclesiarchy isn’t the progenitor of humanity’s darkest instincts, such as xenophobia and mob violence, it certainly doesn’t counteract them. The pervasive atmosphere of violence and fear within the Imperium is intentional, not accidental, and these miniatures bring those aspects vividly to life.

These figures portray the most devout and arguably misguided zealots in existence. It’s fitting, then, that they’re packaged alongside the forces of Chaos. The accompanying lore in the box highlights how the Ecclesiarchy’s numbers far exceed those of the Space Marines, suggesting more religious radicals inhabit this galactic sector than even the Imperial Guardsmen. And frankly, they’re not the most pleasant bunch.

Simultaneously, these zealots are seen as the vital force that binds the Imperium of Mankind together. Their fervor and dedication, although rooted in animosity, are crucial for humanity’s survival against threats like Chaos, Tyranids, and Orks, all eager to wipe humans off the galactic map. So, in a certain respect, it’s crucial to finally put faces to these influential names.

Blood and Zeal doesn’t just enrich the universe’s narrative for games like Kill Team but also fills a broader role within the hobby. These figures are indispensable across various tabletop scenarios, from Kill Team to Necromunda, the expansive Warhammer 40,000, and role-playing experiences like Imperium Maledictum.

I have a personal distaste for them, yet I’m oddly satisfied they exist as tangible models. I’d recommend adding them to your collection, if only to confront them directly, eye-to-eye.