In the grim universe of Warhammer 40K, humanity is shaped by much more than just a hyper-militaristic, authoritarian regime. Beyond the legions of Space Marines and the tech-laden cyborgs from Mars, there exists a formidable theocracy that elevates the Emperor of Mankind to divine status. This leads to a world where a sizeable number of the figures within the Blood and Zeal set are fervent zealots, wholly consumed by their devotion to a false deity. They bear the weight of responsibility for numerous civilian lives in the tumultuous 41st millennium. Meanwhile, the rest of the miniatures are aligned with the forces of Chaos.
Known as the Ecclesiarchy, this theocratic limb of the Empire stands out as one of the most insidious elements in the 40K lore. Despite the Emperor’s repeated pleas against personal worship, a group discovered the influential power of establishing the Cult of the Emperor. This cult serves as a potent instrument of control, subjugating the masses through fear. While the Ecclesiarchy doesn’t originate humanity’s darkest tendencies—xenophobia, vigilantism, and mob violence—it certainly doesn’t counteract them either. The pervasive atmosphere of fear and violence within the Imperium is not a flaw but rather an integral feature. Now, with this new set of miniatures, we can put a face to these unsettling truths.
These are the most fanatical and blindly devoted individuals in existence, and it’s quite fitting that they share a box with the chaotic forces. The accompanying lore highlights that the Ecclesiarchy counts billions of members, vastly outnumbering even Space Marines. It’s conceivable that the sector brims with more religious fanatics than it has Imperial Guardsmen, and frankly, none of them are particularly admirable.
Yet, despite their flaws, these zealots are depicted as the societal mortar holding the Imperium of Mankind together. Their fervor and aggression are seen as essential in staving off the collapse of humanity in the face of Chaos, or worse threats like the Tyranids, the Orks, or other existential dangers eager to eradicate humans from the stars. Therefore, it’s crucial to have representative miniatures that bring these roles to life.
Blood and Zeal doesn’t just expand the narrative within the 40K universe and enhance Kill Team content; it fills a broader niche in the hobby world. These figures are crucial in all arenas of tabletop Warhammer 40K—be it Kill Team, Necromunda, the grand-scale battles of the Warhammer 40,000 game, or role-playing scenarios such as Imperium Maledictum.
Though I loathe them, I’m also grateful for their tangible presence. If for nothing else, I recommend picking them up to finally stare into their tiny, fervent eyes.
