RPG Review: Blood of Martyrs

Dark Heresy: Blood of Martyrs Review

Blood of Martyrs is the first in a series of 4 source books planned to be released this year for Dark Heresy that rather than focus purely on a single class, focus on an aspect of the setting.

The first chapter provides more information about the Ecclesiarchy, including the history of its formation, as well as more information about the Imperial Creed and key tenents. There are also write ups of key Ecclesiarchy members in the Calaxis sector, Ecclesiarchy interests and Calaxis Saints, for use in your games, but these can quite easily transplanted if your campaign takes place elsewhere.
This section does a good job of putting more meat on the religious themes of the setting, although a lot of it can be summed up as "Burn the Heretic".


Chapter 2 is where the character options start. Included are 2 new home worlds for starting characters (Shrine World and Famulous Protege) as well as background packages and 6 alternate ranks to add a bit more religious fervour to your existing characters. The most interesting part is perhaps the new Cell Directives, that gives an Acolyte Cell some new skills and talents options if they are all willing to buy into the directive.
Nothing in this section is particularly game breaking, but does add some more interesting alternatives for very faith orientated characters. While most of the alternate ranks require the Cleric class, a few can be taken by other classes. Perhaps the most important reason to take one of the alternate ranks is that most give access to Faith Talents. The Cell Directives are an interesting addition allowing players access to perhaps normally unobtainable skills and talents without the need of an elite advance or alternate rank. They won't suit all campaigns, but I'll certainly be interested to see more Directives in later books.

Perhaps the most popular section, Chapter 3 details the Sisters of Battle. Included is more information about the milliant order, as well as the none milliant orders. Of course there is a much expanded character creation section than in the Inquisitor's Handbook, including 6 alternate ranks.
This section provides a much needed expansion and revision of the rules provided in the Inquisitor's Handbook. Not only are Sisters of Battle viable character options, but it provides enough information that an entire campaign could be ran. Due to the starting equipment and power level, a Sister of Battle is a little too powerful for most campaigns, and should only be allowed with care.


Chapter 4 covers an expanded Faith talent selection, including reworking those that were previously presented in the Inquisitor's Handbook. These talents provide characters powerful gifts powered by their Fate points. Separated into 3 trees; Emperor's Sign (protection and warding), Emperor's Mercy (healing body, mind and soul) and Emperor's Wrath (damaging the unfaithful); they can provide a cleric with some interesting support options.
With their focus on heretics and demons, not all of these talents will be suitable for every campaign and at high levels provide some very powerful effects. Never-the-less, they are a nice inclusion, and gives players who want a more divine manifestation of their faith something to spend their XP on.

Chapter 5 provides some more equipment, including the Sisters of Battle signature weapons and armour. There are also some NPC write-ups for Servitors and Retainers as well as some basic blessings for Clerics to perform. Rounding out the section are some descriptions of holy relics found in the Calixian Sector for use in your games.
It would be nice to have rules for creating your own Servitors, rather than having to depend on the limited selection presented here, however its better than nothing. Perhaps in a future book. The relics are an interesting addition, but are really only useful as plot hooks, their powers are not suitable for general play.

The last chapter (6 for those that need help counting) provides the GM with information on including faith and the Ecclesiarchy in their games, both as a background and as the main focus of the game.


Overall, the quality of the book, both physically and content wise is excellent. While being a full colour hardback book means you are going to be spending more that normal on a sourcebook, the art work is certainly worth it. This is not a must buy source book for every campaign. It is very much suited for those that have a strong faith and religion component, or if you are playing a cleric and would like more character options. I eagerly look forward to the next release in this series (Demon hunters and Grey Knights).