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

In the world of Warhammer 40K, humanity isn’t solely a byproduct of a hyper-militarized dictatorship; it is also under the sway of a robust theocracy that reveres the Emperor as a god. Within the Blood and Zeal box set, you’ll find figures embodying this zealous devotion, captured in plastic form as fervent believers who cling to their faith in a false deity. These fanatics are burdened with the responsibility for the fate and welfare of vast civilian populations during the 41st millennium. Meanwhile, some of the other miniatures represent the sinister forces aligning with Chaos.

The Empire’s religious arm, known as the Ecclesiarchy, is arguably one of the most cunning elements in the 40K universe. It idolizes a figure who explicitly commanded people, on numerous occasions, not to worship him. The narrative paints a vivid picture of this world where some individuals exploited this worship to wield power, creating the Emperor Cult—a tool of domination used to subjugate the common people. While the Ecclesiarchy doesn’t necessarily instigate humanity’s darkest tendencies, like xenophobia or mob violence, it certainly doesn’t oppose them either. This omnipresent violence and fear permeating the Imperium is by design, not by accident. And now, we can see this reality depicted through these meticulously crafted miniatures.

These characters, utterly subservient and fanatical, seem fittingly paired with the chaotic adversaries in this game universe. The accompanying lore inside the box indicates there’s a far larger number of Ecclesiarchy followers than Space Marines in this sector of the futuristic galaxy, possibly even outnumbering the Imperial Guardsmen. And none of them come off particularly well.

However, these zealots, representing the Ecclesiarchy, are also depicted as the crucial bond holding the Imperium together. It’s their fanaticism and intense loyalty that prevent humanity from collapsing under the weight of external threats like Chaos, Tyranids, or Orks—any of which would delight in eradicating humankind from the galaxy.

While Blood and Zeal enriches the narrative landscape and provides fresh material for games like Kill Team, it also occupies an important space in the broader tabletop hobby. These miniatures deserve recognition across all Warhammer 40K gaming arenas, from Kill Team to Necromunda, the expansive Warhammer 40,000 battles, and even in role-playing games like Imperium Maledictum.

Despite a personal distaste for these figures, there’s an appreciation for their physical existence. They add a tangible element to the lore, and I suggest getting a set if for no other reason than to meet their miniature gazes head-on.