Percival

Percival is a Fleshwingfolk from Brecilia, and a Chrysid who plays Fission Guitar for the Five Man Band. From a notoriously antisocial and solitary people, Percival challenges those norms and seeks companionship. Due to the destructive effect of Black Rock's Stormbringer Ceremony on Brecilia, he is seen as a traitor by many of his species. He is also widely disliked for living among non-Fleshwingfolk, allowing their potential hunters to learn their defense mechanisms and behavior.

He has radical philosophies and frequently publishes them in Darkspeech , and is the group's main lyricist. He is particularly good with Flower Telegrams. He is friends with another Fleshwingfolk, a merchant and serial killer named Grenouille, and sells some of his items through Grenouille's store. Percival is unable to fully trust Grenouille however, and frequently questions his motives.

He is an excellent hunter, though he often restrains himself from violence, as he is very difficult to calm down once he is pushed over the edge. Some know him as 'Mad Percy' and 'Roadkiller' due to the unrecognisable state of his victims. He helps fellow members Mihailis and Catharine track their marks as well as research antivenoms.

Due to the nature of his species, he has trouble relaxing or trusting others despite being desperate for companionship. He believes that at one point his people used to work together and is trying to figure out what happened to turn them all against each other.

His desire to be loved is something that his fellow Chrysids consider repulsive, and considered deviant behavior particularly if they are not a fellow Fleshwingfolk. It is well known that Chrysids are brood parasites and so those who mix are not trusted in popular culture - other species question their loyalty, and Fleshwingfolk question the morality of exposing a new species to parasites and offsetting the fragile ecosystem of the area.

The only person he trusts completely is George, who he has been best friends with since he arrived in Black Rock. Though he seems emotionless and stoic, Percival is deeply in love with George and the two are romantically involved. His dream is to flee Black Rock for the Valley of Glooms, to live among Matildis of the Valley with George at his side. He keeps this a secret from George, because he is unsure if George is truly that committed to him, or whether he would even want to retire to such a quiet life.

Morwen's initial sketch of George and Percival.