Lord Percival Harcourt

Role Earl of Wrexham / Order of St. Aelfric Commander Nationality British Status alive Age Around 50

Background

Lord Percival Harcourt, Earl of Wrexham, is the senior commander of the Order of St Aelfric. Around 50 years of age, with dark hair greying at the temples, sharp calculating eyes, and a jaw that speaks of composure forged by decades of terrible knowledge.

The House of de Wrexham has been tied to the Order since its founding in 1045 AD, when they were among the noble patrons who supported St. Ælfric of Glastonbury. Harcourt is a product of that lineage — trained from youth in both classical and occult studies, one of the Order’s foremost scholars.

The Rome Expedition (1804)

As a young man, Harcourt accompanied Lord Edward Montmorency — the Order’s then-commander — on an expedition beneath Rome, investigating whispers of an ancient crypt tied to the Cult of Mithras. Montmorency vanished during that expedition. His final letter, sent days before his disappearance, warned that he had seen something beneath the catacombs that should never have been disturbed. His body was never found.

Harcourt alone returned — shaken, refusing to speak of what he had seen. When pressed, he stated simply: “What I witnessed beneath the earth was not meant for mortal eyes.”

Whatever happened beneath Rome changed him forever. He believes the supernatural is a disease — to be quarantined or eradicated, not understood. Cold, pragmatic, and ruthless, he is willing to sacrifice lives if necessary for the greater good. He has little patience for idealists — he expects sacrifice, and he rewards efficiency.

He is not married. Whispers among the inner circle suggest whatever he saw in Rome made domestic life impossible — some claim he was once engaged, others say briefly married, but none of these stories have been confirmed.

Early Campaign History (Chapter 0.1)

• Summer 1813: Met Marina Garrick in the secret chamber beneath Ravenwood House after Lady Honoria Lyndhurst recruited her in Portsmouth. Assessed her with characteristic directness: “Miss Garrick. You have come far. Tell me. Do you know what you are?”
• Summer 1813: Offered Marina purpose, protection, and resources within the Order of St Aelfric. Provided rooms at Hartwell House, a personal maid (Miss Eleanor Finch), and an allowance befitting her station.
• Autumn 1813: Dispatched Marina to Tarryford on her first Order mission — to attend the Northlake Ball and investigate irregularities in the village. This mission led to the events of The Long Corridor and the formation of the core party.

The Harcourt Reunion (Campaign Pivot)

Critical Campaign Moment: The party reunites with Harcourt at the Imperial Reception on August 6, 1814. This is the structural pivot of the campaign:

• Before Reunion: Party operates reactively, following clues from one city to the next
• At Reunion: Harcourt learns the full scope of the Choir’s global network and the “5 of 8” requirement
• After Reunion: Campaign shifts to coordinated global counter-operation; Harcourt dispatches Order agents to remaining cells

Relationship with the Party

Harcourt treats the investigators as:

• Assets to be Directed: Provides orders and strategic guidance
• Capable Operatives: Respects their accomplishments in London and Lyon
• Expendable: Will dispatch them to dangerous locations if strategically necessary