Harry Churches: Difference between revisions
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[[Category:Notable Characters]] | |||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
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'''Harry Churches''' is the | '''Harry Churches''' is the founder of the [[Fireflies]]. He is on a mission of justice and sometimes vengeance against the criminals and bandits of South Zagoria. Harry was the first leader of the [[Fireflies]]. The [[Fireflies]] under his leadership fought to protect the innocent and rid the world of all the corrupt immoral survivors. He is known as someone who stands up for the little guy against the oppressive factions of Chernarus, and for his speeches of hope to all of the country. In recent years he has become infamous for his increasingly brutal methods after his departure from the [[Fireflies]]. | ||
==Appearance== | ==Appearance== | ||
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[[File:HarryChurchesWiki1.png|framed|upright=0.5|left]] | [[File:HarryChurchesWiki1.png|framed|upright=0.5|left]] | ||
Harry Churches | Harry Churches has historically been identifiable by his yellow armband which marked him as a Firefly, and was commonly seen wearing a rather simple choice of clothes; a black shirt and dark blue jeans. Since leaving the [[Fireflies]] he more commonly sports a black cloak, and tactical gear, but has rarely been seen up close. | ||
==Origins== | ==Origins== | ||
Harry Churches grew up in England. He was an average man who lived an average life before the apocalypse. In his own words he “didn’t really accomplish much” during that period of his life | Harry Churches grew up in England. He was an average man who lived an average life before the apocalypse. In his own words he “didn’t really accomplish much” during that period of his life. Harry’s father would always instill strong moral values in Harry making sure he understood the difference between right and wrong. As an adult Harry went on fishing trips with his father to get away from it all. After a week-long fishing trip with his father resulted in their boat capsizing he became stranded in a nearby country, and found out the world had collapsed while he’d been gone. After a few years of learning how to survive, he arrived in Chernarus in the beginning of 2020. | ||
==Demeanor== | ==Demeanor== | ||
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Harry encountered a group known as the [[Black Cross]] shortly after his arrival. Their ideals and citizenship program gave Harry proof that a civilized society could still thrive even in a world like this. After witnessing the horrors and several massacres that took place in the subsequent months however, Harry came to the conclusion that rebuilding society is possible, but only if people are willing to fight to protect it. Harry then founded the Fireflies with a few others and created a group willing to do what is needed to save the innocent and one day restore society. | Harry encountered a group known as the [[Black Cross]] shortly after his arrival. Their ideals and citizenship program gave Harry proof that a civilized society could still thrive even in a world like this. After witnessing the horrors and several massacres that took place in the subsequent months however, Harry came to the conclusion that rebuilding society is possible, but only if people are willing to fight to protect it. Harry then founded the Fireflies with a few others and created a group willing to do what is needed to save the innocent and one day restore society. | ||
In the summer of 2020 a friend of Harry Churches, [[Kaylee]] of the [[Black Sheep]], was kidnapped by [[Dark as Midnight]], who wanted Kaylee for her unborn baby. In the altercation of her kidnapping Harry Churches was shot in the jaw and incapacitated, leaving him with a horrible scar on his chin. Harry carried immense guilt for not being able to stop her kidnapping and his scar served as a reminder never to hesitate in the face of evil again. The daughter of [[Kaylee]] was rescued however and after her mother's death Harry Churches grew an affinity for the baby [[Esther]] believing she represented a new hope for the world and wanting to protect her as penance for not saving her mother. | In the summer of 2020 a friend of Harry Churches, [[Kaylee]] of the [[Black Sheep]], was kidnapped by [[Dark as Midnight]], who wanted Kaylee for her unborn baby. In the altercation of her kidnapping Harry Churches was shot in the jaw and incapacitated, leaving him with a horrible scar on his chin. Harry carried immense guilt for not being able to stop her kidnapping and his scar served as a reminder never to hesitate in the face of evil again. The daughter of [[Kaylee]] was rescued however and after her mother's death Harry Churches grew an affinity for the baby [[Esther]] believing she represented a new hope for the world and wanting to protect her as penance for not saving her mother. | ||
In the summer and autumn of 2021 Harry Churches gave several speeches. The most notable of which was known as the “Always Hope” speech. In the speech Harry inspires the people of Chernarus to hold onto their morals and calls for all bandits to start down a path of redemption. In another speech which took place at [[Samaritan]]'s funeral Harry stood up and addressed the entirety of Cheranrus calling everyone in attendance at the funeral a coward for not standing up to [[Samaritan]]'s murderers, and attempted to rally a war party of angry grief stricken friends of Samaritan to storm Gorka for revenge. After this Harry Churches became much more harsh in the way he combatted banditry and criminals, making several changes to the policy of the Fireflies. | In the summer and autumn of 2021 Harry Churches gave several speeches. The most notable of which was known as the “Always Hope” speech. In the speech Harry inspires the people of Chernarus to hold onto their morals and calls for all bandits to start down a path of redemption. In another speech which took place at [[Samaritan]]'s funeral Harry stood up and addressed the entirety of Cheranrus calling everyone in attendance at the funeral a coward for not standing up to [[Samaritan]]'s murderers, and attempted to rally a war party of angry grief stricken friends of Samaritan to storm Gorka for revenge. After this Harry Churches became much more harsh in the way he combatted banditry and criminals, making several changes to the policy of the Fireflies. | ||
[[file:FFBS1.png|thumb|600px|right|''[[Fireflies]] visiting the [[Black Sheep]]'']] | |||
It was around this time that a young boy named Bobby River, a former Firefly and son-like figure to Harry Churches who had left for Torchwood, arrived in Pusta. Once he arrived the two had a conversation putting their bad history in the past and forgiving each other for pushing the other away. It was during this conversation that Harry admitted he saw Bobby like a son. Bobby then left to attempt to bridge another gap between him and Torchwood which had come about after he’d left their group as well, however this ended with the Warden of Torchwood forcing a newly indoctrinated recruit by the name of Wes Goodwin, who was also once a Firefly to shoot the child in the chest proving his devotion to Torchwood. | It was around this time that a young boy named Bobby River, a former Firefly and son-like figure to Harry Churches who had left for Torchwood, arrived in Pusta. Once he arrived the two had a conversation putting their bad history in the past and forgiving each other for pushing the other away. It was during this conversation that Harry admitted he saw Bobby like a son. Bobby then left to attempt to bridge another gap between him and Torchwood which had come about after he’d left their group as well, however this ended with the Warden of Torchwood forcing a newly indoctrinated recruit by the name of Wes Goodwin, who was also once a Firefly to shoot the child in the chest proving his devotion to Torchwood. | ||
Bobby came to the [[Fireflies]] for help, who were able to remove the bullet and save his life thanks to some skillful surgery. The Wardens’ actions enraged Harry, reigniting a pre-existing rivalry between Torchwood and the Fireflies when Harry threatened Torchwood for what they’d done. After this [[Cain]] and the rest of [[Torchwood]] arrived at the gates of Pusta demanding that Harry Churches revoke his threat, but after refusing to do so, and hours of arguing, eventually [[Torchwood]] stormed the compound and in the ensuing battle Acolyte Peter was killed by Harry Churches. While Torchwood did succeed in taking the Firefly compound, it was at a high price due to Peter’s death. | Bobby came to the [[Fireflies]] for help, who were able to remove the bullet and save his life thanks to some skillful surgery. The Wardens’ actions enraged Harry, reigniting a pre-existing rivalry between Torchwood and the Fireflies when Harry threatened Torchwood for what they’d done. After this [[Cain]] and the rest of [[Torchwood]] arrived at the gates of Pusta demanding that Harry Churches revoke his threat, but after refusing to do so, and hours of arguing, eventually [[Torchwood]] stormed the compound and in the ensuing battle Acolyte Peter was killed by Harry Churches. While Torchwood did succeed in taking the Firefly compound, it was at a high price due to Peter’s death. | ||
Some time later in the winter of 2021 Harry Churches’ seemingly indomitable will power was broken. He left the [[Fireflies]] and Chernarus fleeing to Takistan with the intention of living out the rest of his days alone in the seclusion of the desert. Harry returned a few months later in early 2022 however, after hearing the news that the baby [[Esther]] had been kidnapped and murdered. Upon returning Harry frantically searched for the baby and found out the unfortunate news was true. This led to Harry beginning a quest of revenge against the groups involved and restarting the [[Fireflies]], turning him into a much more bitter and brutal man over time as his crusade for justice had become personal. | Some time later in the winter of 2021 Harry Churches’ seemingly indomitable will power was broken. He left the [[Fireflies]] and Chernarus fleeing to Takistan with the intention of living out the rest of his days alone in the seclusion of the desert. Harry returned a few months later in early 2022 however, after hearing the news that the baby [[Esther]] had been kidnapped and murdered. Upon returning Harry frantically searched for the baby and found out the unfortunate news was true. This led to Harry beginning a quest of revenge against the groups involved and restarting the [[Fireflies]], turning him into a much more bitter and brutal man over time as his crusade for justice had become personal. | ||
Harry led the new [[Fireflies]] for the remainder of 2022 from the shadows, conducting guerrilla strikes on their enemies. This included targeting the new inhabitants of Pusta, known as the [[Pirates of Pusta]]. Harry captured a crewman, and attempted to blackmail [[Captain Biscuits]] into attacking [[Fireflies]]' enemies to little success. The Pirates’ unwillingness to cooperate despite the danger towards his crewman’s life put the pirate king on Harry's radar as a ruthless and selfish man. | |||
In late 2022, Harry met an uncontacted tribe called the [[Nuckcha Yaghir]]. Harry was taken with their kindness, specifically from a member of the tribe named Krolk. Despite there being a language barrier between the two, Krolk and Harry spent a long time learning each other's language and culture. Harry had a deep respect for the [[Nuckcha Yaghir]] because of Krolk. Eventually the tribe moved on from the spot in which Harry had been meeting them, leaving Harry without a way to contact the tribe. | |||
The [[Fireflies]] refocused on the Pirates, and the Captain's disregard for Harry's threats towards the lives of his captured men, would eventually lead to Harry adding him to the Black Book as “[https://www.reddit.com/r/dayzunderground/comments/14l5rnd/the_black_book_entry_1_the_captain/ The Captain].” This book was a list of Harry's enemies, who he considered too far gone, and marked for execution. The [[Fireflies]] captured Alan Biscuits in a final battle on July 22nd, 2023. Harry would go on to torture the Captain at a secret location for the remainder of his life. Harry sought to get information from the Captain, but the details of the interrogation remain unknown. It displayed the increasing extremes Harry was going to in order to punish banditry, as well as the growing hold his hatred had over him. | |||
On November 20th 2023, Harry captured the president of the [[Forsaken Loyalists]], a biker gang led by [[Joe Fraser]]. Joe attempted to barter for his life, and initially claimed the right of parley. Harry intended to kill Joe regardless, however, Joe offered Harry Churches a “blank cheque” for sparing his life that day, a favor which Harry held onto for many years. | |||
[[file:Biscuits_Death.jpeg|thumb|600px|left|''[[Captain Biscuits]]’ execution inside the [[Fireflies]]’ compound.'']] | |||
On February 13th 2024, the [[Fireflies]] hosted a public execution of Captain Biscuits at Harry’s hand. The event was attacked by the [[Forsaken Loyalists]] but after a long gunfight, the attackers were repelled. Another criminal, [[Oz]] the leader of the [[Wizards]], was also captured by Firefly Carter, and handed over to [[Bobs]] of the Black Sheep, who killed [[Oz]] that day in Pusta, by beheading him with a sword during the firefight. During the battle, Harry jumped in front of a bullet while wearing a plate carrier to protect an injured [[Bobs]], saving his friend's life. | |||
Later that month, a new threat emerged, a group named the [[Blackthorn Gang]]. Led by [[Alastor Blackthorn]]. The gang resorted to murder and brutality to coerce other communities of survivors into providing a steady stream of food and other supplies. Naturally this led to a war between the two groups, when Carter was taken hostage, dangled from an apartment building, and Harry negotiated for his freedom. Initially the war went very badly for the [[Fireflies]]. On February 27th 2024, Alastor was added to the Black Book as “[https://www.reddit.com/r/dayzunderground/comments/1b1isqy/the_black_book_entry_2_the_dead_man/ The Dead Man]” for his brutal and sociopathic actions, as Harry was certain he would bring about his own doom sooner or later. Harry Churches began questioning his own leadership during this time, but eventually doubled down and delivered several hard blows to the gang. | |||
Harry met to parley with Alastor in late April 2024, where he offered the gang the chance to leave, forebodingly warning Alastor that Harry had seen where the tyrant’s path leads and it wouldn’t end well for him. The talks collapsed however when the two groups' overwatchers engaged each other and any hope to end the war was gone. Harry became fast comrades with a Firefly named Irish, who suffered greatly with war psychosis. The two bonded heavily during the war, and were a ruthless duo. | |||
On May 28th 2024, Harry met Nukdal of the [[Nuckcha Yaghir]] tribe, whom he’d previously met with Krolk. When Nukdal claimed to have killed Krolk, Harry at first thought it was a mistranslation, but repeated questions confirmed it. Unwilling to kill a member of an endangered, usually peaceful tribe, Harry let Nukdal go, warning that if they met again he would kill him, effectively ending his ties with the tribe. | |||
On 27th July 2024, the [[Fireflies]] confronted [[Mike Callahan]], a former [[Blackthorn Gang]] member who had defected. To Harry, who had seen the suffering inflicted by men like Mike, any leniency seemed dangerous. When Mike refused to turn over information on his former comrades, Harry saw it as cowardice, and loyalty to cruelty over accountability. [[Pete Roberts]], Harry's right hand, and most of the other [[Fireflies]] argued for redemption, believing even Mike could change. Harry could not share their optimism; experience had taught him that evil rarely yielded and that mercy often came at a cost. The disagreement revealed a deeper divide, and Harry realised he could no longer stand with those who believed hope alone could protect the innocent. | |||
On 4th August 2024, Harry stepped down as leader of the [[Fireflies]], placing [[Pete Roberts]] in command. Pete took the group in a direction that emphasized hope and the potential for redemption, while maintaining the [[Fireflies]]’ foundational principles. Harry was convinced that his own cynicism, and willingness to do what others could not was incompatible with the hope the group needed to represent, and left the [[Fireflies]] entirely. From this point forward, Harry Churches became a solitary figure in Chernarus, patrolling the wilderness independently as a vigilante. Operating by his own code, he delivered brutal justice to those he deemed beyond salvation, believing that the world required both hope and those willing to do what hope alone could not achieve. Harry left the Black Book in his office for Pete to find, and Irish, who was among the few [[Fireflies]] who agreed with Harry, took his departure particularly hard. | |||
[[file:Harryafterleaving.png|thumb|600px|right|''Harry after leaving the [[Fireflies]].'']] | |||
On 24th September 2024, Harry Churches nearly killed his close friend [[Bobs]] of the Black Sheep after learning he planned to give food to the [[Blackthorn Gang]] to buy time. Hardened and disillusioned since leaving the [[Fireflies]], Harry saw the deal as cowardice that endangered everyone. In a surge of anger, he fired into [[Bobs]]’ greenhouse, destroying the food instead of killing him. Shocked by how close he came to murdering a friend, Harry walked away, wondering if his fight for a safer world was turning him into the very thing he feared. Shortly afterwards [[Bobs]] stood up to Alastor, making him appear weak in front of his gang. | |||
In November 2024, [[Alastor Blackthorn]] was killed in a coup orchestrated by Mike Callahan, who had returned to the [[Blackthorn Gang]] with a cadre of loyalists convinced that Alastor was a traitor. As Alastor was confronted and stabbed repeatedly, he fell to the ground. While he lay dying, a hallucination of Harry Churches appeared to him, whispering, “You‘re a dead man” as Alastor bled out. For Harry, Mike’s coup confirmed what he had suspected: the [[Fireflies]] weren’t wrong in their ideals, hope and redemption still mattered, but in his eyes, they were blind to men like Callahan, who could not be allowed to use hope to buy themselves time, only to strike again. The mission needed both dreamers and pragmatists, and in that balance, both were justified. | |||
On January 7th, 2025, clowns from the [[Dark Carnival]] arrived in Pusta to kidnap a survivor. A Firefly named Ed stood his ground alone and outnumbered, protecting the survivor. As the lead clown pulled his gun, Harry Churches intervened from the shadows by firing a rifle shot that hit the clown in the head. A gunfight ensued, and the clowns were repelled. Once the survivor was safe Harry vanished into the forest once more, remaining largely unseen, but ever vigilant. | |||
In July 2025, after nearly one year of living on the road, Harry returned briefly to Pusta to deliver supplies. Harry took a quiet moment to observe what was once his home, admiring that it remained a place of hope and justice, before leaving. A great tragedy struck only a few months later. On October 28th 2025, [[Pete Roberts]] was shot by the [[Forsaken Loyalists]]. Harry emerged from his exile to support the [[Fireflies]] and spent days searching for Pete without rest. Briefly returning to his old office, Harry took the Black Book back and noticed that Pete, hopeful as he was, had made no entries. | |||
When Pete was finally returned to Pusta by a survivor, Firefly doctors confirmed his wounds were fatal. Harry was present on November 1st when Pete died. He carried him to Bart’s pond, where Pete used Harry’s handgun to end his suffering. Harry turned back and saw the shot with the intention to use the pain to drive him forward, but losing his successor, the man who embodied the [[Fireflies]]’ hope, broke something in Harry. He recovered Pete’s body, returning it to Pusta for a later funeral. With Pete gone, Harry believed hope was dead and the [[Fireflies]] obsolete. He became convinced that only the total eradication of all evil, bandits, collaborators, and anyone enabling them, could save Chernarus now. On November 17th, he added [[Vadim]], Pete’s killer, to the Black Book as “[https://www.reddit.com/r/dayzunderground/comments/1ozerbx/the_black_book_reintroduction_entry_3_the/ The Hopebreaker].” | |||
==Notable relationships== | ==Notable relationships== | ||
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Harry Churches has made his fair share of enemies & allies during his time in Chernarus. The following are notable people who have either come to blows or had strong friendships with Harry Churches. | Harry Churches has made his fair share of enemies & allies during his time in Chernarus. The following are notable people who have either come to blows or had strong friendships with Harry Churches. | ||
'''[[Cain | |||
'''[[Cain the Messiah]]''' - Cain and Harry have always strived to make the world a better place in different ways making their relationship particularly unique. In the early days of the [[Fireflies]], Cain the leader of [[Torchwood]] initially wanted to help the upcoming group creating an alliance between the two. On August 3rd 2020 however, Cain brought what was perceived as a child hostage to the Firefly compound resulting in the outbreak of a war after the [[Fireflies]] liberated the hostage. Over the years the two characters have momentarily put their differences aside for temporary alliances against greater evils, however these alliances have always ended shortly afterwards, resulting in the two becoming at odds once again. | |||
[[file:SomeoneAlwaysDies.png|thumb|600px|right|''Harry Churches ready to kill [[Bobs]] for supporting [[Blackthorn Gang]]'']] | |||
'''Matt''' - Given his name by Harry for the hazmat suit he always wore, Matt was a close friend of Harry Churches and right hand man to the group leader. Matt was the archetype of a Firefly, and everything Harry respected. The two became very close after Matt’s impressive actions in their war against Torchwood when freeing a hostage. In late 2021 however, Matt discovered love and left the Fireflies to live a peaceful life outside of Chernarus, occasionally revealing himself in times of need to support his friend. His choice to leave created a rift between the two, however they remained good friends. To this day Matt has not been seen for some time. | '''Matt''' - Given his name by Harry for the hazmat suit he always wore, Matt was a close friend of Harry Churches and right hand man to the group leader. Matt was the archetype of a Firefly, and everything Harry respected. The two became very close after Matt’s impressive actions in their war against Torchwood when freeing a hostage. In late 2021 however, Matt discovered love and left the Fireflies to live a peaceful life outside of Chernarus, occasionally revealing himself in times of need to support his friend. His choice to leave created a rift between the two, however they remained good friends. To this day Matt has not been seen for some time. | ||
'''Kelemvor (Kel)''' - Kel was a friend and neighbor of Harry Churches while he lived as a Black Cross citizen. Kel has been described by Harry as an innocent soul, who was always good for a laugh, however after the death of a mutual friend Kelemvor was never the same and devolved into insanity believing their friend was actually still alive. During the funeral Kel took his own life while giving a speech at the altar. Harry was not able to save him as he was out of town at the time. His unfortunate death drove Harry further towards becoming a good person again | |||
'''Kelemvor (Kel)''' - Kel was a friend and neighbor of Harry Churches while he lived as a Black Cross citizen. Kel has been described by Harry as an innocent soul, who was always good for a laugh, however after the death of a mutual friend Kelemvor was never the same and devolved into insanity believing their friend was actually still alive. During the funeral Kel took his own life while giving a speech at the altar. Harry was not able to save him as he was out of town at the time. His unfortunate death drove Harry further towards becoming a good person again, inspiring Harry to live for Kel and his legacy. | |||
'''Bobby River''' - Bobby River is a young boy who was taken in by the Fireflies and brought under Harry’s wing. Their relationship is similar to that of a dysfunctional father and son. Bobby made many choices in his life after leaving the Fireflies which Harry did not approve of pushing the two further apart, leading Bobby into the hands of Harry’s enemies; Torchwood and the Rangers. Over time the two have managed to set aside their differences and forgive each other for pushing the other away. | '''Bobby River''' - Bobby River is a young boy who was taken in by the Fireflies and brought under Harry’s wing. Their relationship is similar to that of a dysfunctional father and son. Bobby made many choices in his life after leaving the Fireflies which Harry did not approve of pushing the two further apart, leading Bobby into the hands of Harry’s enemies; Torchwood and the Rangers. Over time the two have managed to set aside their differences and forgive each other for pushing the other away. | ||
'''[[Pete Roberts]]''' - Pete was Harry’s right hand man, after Matt, and later became his successor. Harry not only trusted Pete as a comrade, but as a leader capable of keeping hope alive even when Harry no longer could. On the day Pete died, Harry Churches described him as “the greatest man I’ve ever known” and Pete’s death was a major turning point for Harry. | |||
'''Irish''' - Brothers in arms for many years, Harry and Irish are an unstoppable and ruthless duo. During Harry’s time serving with Irish in the [[Fireflies]], the two were often by each other's side, agreeing on the use of brutal methods to protect the innocent, and punish bandits. After leaving the [[Fireflies]], Harry kept in touch with Irish the most, and Irish remains Harry’s closest friend. | |||
'''[[Bobs]]''' - Harry Churches and Bobs of the Black Sheep, were allies for many years, and once considered each other brothers. The two worked together to fight the [[Wizards]], and Bobs was Harry’s closest friend outside of the [[Fireflies]]. After Harry raised his gun on Bobs over the Sheep’s reluctant support of the [[Blackthorn Gang]], their friendship shattered. The two have not spoken since. | |||
'''[[Alastor Blackthorn]]''' - Alastor was one of Harry’s greatest enemies, and the two led their respective groups into a brutal war throughout much of 2024. Alastor was Harry’s final rival before he left the [[Fireflies]], and their conflict played a key role in Harry questioning his fitness for leadership and whether more extreme methods were required to defeat evil. | |||
==Where are they now?== | ==Where are they now?== | ||
Harry Churches is still alive today | Harry Churches is still alive today and stalks survivors from the forests and hills of Chernarus, hunting bandits, criminals, and his personal enemies night and day. To some he still represents hope, to others he is a punisher of evil. His legacy, though now shrouded in darkness, lives on in the hearts and minds of many survivors, reminding them to fight for what’s right, no matter what. | ||
Latest revision as of 23:36, 21 December 2025
Overview
Group/Faction Affiliation: The Fireflies
Status: Alive
Harry Churches is the founder of the Fireflies. He is on a mission of justice and sometimes vengeance against the criminals and bandits of South Zagoria. Harry was the first leader of the Fireflies. The Fireflies under his leadership fought to protect the innocent and rid the world of all the corrupt immoral survivors. He is known as someone who stands up for the little guy against the oppressive factions of Chernarus, and for his speeches of hope to all of the country. In recent years he has become infamous for his increasingly brutal methods after his departure from the Fireflies.
Appearance
Harry Churches has historically been identifiable by his yellow armband which marked him as a Firefly, and was commonly seen wearing a rather simple choice of clothes; a black shirt and dark blue jeans. Since leaving the Fireflies he more commonly sports a black cloak, and tactical gear, but has rarely been seen up close.
Origins
Harry Churches grew up in England. He was an average man who lived an average life before the apocalypse. In his own words he “didn’t really accomplish much” during that period of his life. Harry’s father would always instill strong moral values in Harry making sure he understood the difference between right and wrong. As an adult Harry went on fishing trips with his father to get away from it all. After a week-long fishing trip with his father resulted in their boat capsizing he became stranded in a nearby country, and found out the world had collapsed while he’d been gone. After a few years of learning how to survive, he arrived in Chernarus in the beginning of 2020.
Demeanor
Harry Churches is considered by most to be a stubborn uncompromising man. He has a my way or the highway mentality, and has been known to be very blunt, and rudely honest. To put it in his words, "bad people are often charismatic, and I'm often a jerk." In dangerous scenarios he will not hesitate to get violent if the need presents itself, and historically he has not responded well to bragging about brutal actions or threats from his enemies.
Actions
Harry encountered a group known as the Black Cross shortly after his arrival. Their ideals and citizenship program gave Harry proof that a civilized society could still thrive even in a world like this. After witnessing the horrors and several massacres that took place in the subsequent months however, Harry came to the conclusion that rebuilding society is possible, but only if people are willing to fight to protect it. Harry then founded the Fireflies with a few others and created a group willing to do what is needed to save the innocent and one day restore society.
In the summer of 2020 a friend of Harry Churches, Kaylee of the Black Sheep, was kidnapped by Dark as Midnight, who wanted Kaylee for her unborn baby. In the altercation of her kidnapping Harry Churches was shot in the jaw and incapacitated, leaving him with a horrible scar on his chin. Harry carried immense guilt for not being able to stop her kidnapping and his scar served as a reminder never to hesitate in the face of evil again. The daughter of Kaylee was rescued however and after her mother's death Harry Churches grew an affinity for the baby Esther believing she represented a new hope for the world and wanting to protect her as penance for not saving her mother.
In the summer and autumn of 2021 Harry Churches gave several speeches. The most notable of which was known as the “Always Hope” speech. In the speech Harry inspires the people of Chernarus to hold onto their morals and calls for all bandits to start down a path of redemption. In another speech which took place at Samaritan's funeral Harry stood up and addressed the entirety of Cheranrus calling everyone in attendance at the funeral a coward for not standing up to Samaritan's murderers, and attempted to rally a war party of angry grief stricken friends of Samaritan to storm Gorka for revenge. After this Harry Churches became much more harsh in the way he combatted banditry and criminals, making several changes to the policy of the Fireflies.
It was around this time that a young boy named Bobby River, a former Firefly and son-like figure to Harry Churches who had left for Torchwood, arrived in Pusta. Once he arrived the two had a conversation putting their bad history in the past and forgiving each other for pushing the other away. It was during this conversation that Harry admitted he saw Bobby like a son. Bobby then left to attempt to bridge another gap between him and Torchwood which had come about after he’d left their group as well, however this ended with the Warden of Torchwood forcing a newly indoctrinated recruit by the name of Wes Goodwin, who was also once a Firefly to shoot the child in the chest proving his devotion to Torchwood.
Bobby came to the Fireflies for help, who were able to remove the bullet and save his life thanks to some skillful surgery. The Wardens’ actions enraged Harry, reigniting a pre-existing rivalry between Torchwood and the Fireflies when Harry threatened Torchwood for what they’d done. After this Cain and the rest of Torchwood arrived at the gates of Pusta demanding that Harry Churches revoke his threat, but after refusing to do so, and hours of arguing, eventually Torchwood stormed the compound and in the ensuing battle Acolyte Peter was killed by Harry Churches. While Torchwood did succeed in taking the Firefly compound, it was at a high price due to Peter’s death.
Some time later in the winter of 2021 Harry Churches’ seemingly indomitable will power was broken. He left the Fireflies and Chernarus fleeing to Takistan with the intention of living out the rest of his days alone in the seclusion of the desert. Harry returned a few months later in early 2022 however, after hearing the news that the baby Esther had been kidnapped and murdered. Upon returning Harry frantically searched for the baby and found out the unfortunate news was true. This led to Harry beginning a quest of revenge against the groups involved and restarting the Fireflies, turning him into a much more bitter and brutal man over time as his crusade for justice had become personal.
Harry led the new Fireflies for the remainder of 2022 from the shadows, conducting guerrilla strikes on their enemies. This included targeting the new inhabitants of Pusta, known as the Pirates of Pusta. Harry captured a crewman, and attempted to blackmail Captain Biscuits into attacking Fireflies' enemies to little success. The Pirates’ unwillingness to cooperate despite the danger towards his crewman’s life put the pirate king on Harry's radar as a ruthless and selfish man.
In late 2022, Harry met an uncontacted tribe called the Nuckcha Yaghir. Harry was taken with their kindness, specifically from a member of the tribe named Krolk. Despite there being a language barrier between the two, Krolk and Harry spent a long time learning each other's language and culture. Harry had a deep respect for the Nuckcha Yaghir because of Krolk. Eventually the tribe moved on from the spot in which Harry had been meeting them, leaving Harry without a way to contact the tribe.
The Fireflies refocused on the Pirates, and the Captain's disregard for Harry's threats towards the lives of his captured men, would eventually lead to Harry adding him to the Black Book as “The Captain.” This book was a list of Harry's enemies, who he considered too far gone, and marked for execution. The Fireflies captured Alan Biscuits in a final battle on July 22nd, 2023. Harry would go on to torture the Captain at a secret location for the remainder of his life. Harry sought to get information from the Captain, but the details of the interrogation remain unknown. It displayed the increasing extremes Harry was going to in order to punish banditry, as well as the growing hold his hatred had over him.
On November 20th 2023, Harry captured the president of the Forsaken Loyalists, a biker gang led by Joe Fraser. Joe attempted to barter for his life, and initially claimed the right of parley. Harry intended to kill Joe regardless, however, Joe offered Harry Churches a “blank cheque” for sparing his life that day, a favor which Harry held onto for many years.
On February 13th 2024, the Fireflies hosted a public execution of Captain Biscuits at Harry’s hand. The event was attacked by the Forsaken Loyalists but after a long gunfight, the attackers were repelled. Another criminal, Oz the leader of the Wizards, was also captured by Firefly Carter, and handed over to Bobs of the Black Sheep, who killed Oz that day in Pusta, by beheading him with a sword during the firefight. During the battle, Harry jumped in front of a bullet while wearing a plate carrier to protect an injured Bobs, saving his friend's life.
Later that month, a new threat emerged, a group named the Blackthorn Gang. Led by Alastor Blackthorn. The gang resorted to murder and brutality to coerce other communities of survivors into providing a steady stream of food and other supplies. Naturally this led to a war between the two groups, when Carter was taken hostage, dangled from an apartment building, and Harry negotiated for his freedom. Initially the war went very badly for the Fireflies. On February 27th 2024, Alastor was added to the Black Book as “The Dead Man” for his brutal and sociopathic actions, as Harry was certain he would bring about his own doom sooner or later. Harry Churches began questioning his own leadership during this time, but eventually doubled down and delivered several hard blows to the gang.
Harry met to parley with Alastor in late April 2024, where he offered the gang the chance to leave, forebodingly warning Alastor that Harry had seen where the tyrant’s path leads and it wouldn’t end well for him. The talks collapsed however when the two groups' overwatchers engaged each other and any hope to end the war was gone. Harry became fast comrades with a Firefly named Irish, who suffered greatly with war psychosis. The two bonded heavily during the war, and were a ruthless duo.
On May 28th 2024, Harry met Nukdal of the Nuckcha Yaghir tribe, whom he’d previously met with Krolk. When Nukdal claimed to have killed Krolk, Harry at first thought it was a mistranslation, but repeated questions confirmed it. Unwilling to kill a member of an endangered, usually peaceful tribe, Harry let Nukdal go, warning that if they met again he would kill him, effectively ending his ties with the tribe.
On 27th July 2024, the Fireflies confronted Mike Callahan, a former Blackthorn Gang member who had defected. To Harry, who had seen the suffering inflicted by men like Mike, any leniency seemed dangerous. When Mike refused to turn over information on his former comrades, Harry saw it as cowardice, and loyalty to cruelty over accountability. Pete Roberts, Harry's right hand, and most of the other Fireflies argued for redemption, believing even Mike could change. Harry could not share their optimism; experience had taught him that evil rarely yielded and that mercy often came at a cost. The disagreement revealed a deeper divide, and Harry realised he could no longer stand with those who believed hope alone could protect the innocent.
On 4th August 2024, Harry stepped down as leader of the Fireflies, placing Pete Roberts in command. Pete took the group in a direction that emphasized hope and the potential for redemption, while maintaining the Fireflies’ foundational principles. Harry was convinced that his own cynicism, and willingness to do what others could not was incompatible with the hope the group needed to represent, and left the Fireflies entirely. From this point forward, Harry Churches became a solitary figure in Chernarus, patrolling the wilderness independently as a vigilante. Operating by his own code, he delivered brutal justice to those he deemed beyond salvation, believing that the world required both hope and those willing to do what hope alone could not achieve. Harry left the Black Book in his office for Pete to find, and Irish, who was among the few Fireflies who agreed with Harry, took his departure particularly hard.
On 24th September 2024, Harry Churches nearly killed his close friend Bobs of the Black Sheep after learning he planned to give food to the Blackthorn Gang to buy time. Hardened and disillusioned since leaving the Fireflies, Harry saw the deal as cowardice that endangered everyone. In a surge of anger, he fired into Bobs’ greenhouse, destroying the food instead of killing him. Shocked by how close he came to murdering a friend, Harry walked away, wondering if his fight for a safer world was turning him into the very thing he feared. Shortly afterwards Bobs stood up to Alastor, making him appear weak in front of his gang.
In November 2024, Alastor Blackthorn was killed in a coup orchestrated by Mike Callahan, who had returned to the Blackthorn Gang with a cadre of loyalists convinced that Alastor was a traitor. As Alastor was confronted and stabbed repeatedly, he fell to the ground. While he lay dying, a hallucination of Harry Churches appeared to him, whispering, “You‘re a dead man” as Alastor bled out. For Harry, Mike’s coup confirmed what he had suspected: the Fireflies weren’t wrong in their ideals, hope and redemption still mattered, but in his eyes, they were blind to men like Callahan, who could not be allowed to use hope to buy themselves time, only to strike again. The mission needed both dreamers and pragmatists, and in that balance, both were justified.
On January 7th, 2025, clowns from the Dark Carnival arrived in Pusta to kidnap a survivor. A Firefly named Ed stood his ground alone and outnumbered, protecting the survivor. As the lead clown pulled his gun, Harry Churches intervened from the shadows by firing a rifle shot that hit the clown in the head. A gunfight ensued, and the clowns were repelled. Once the survivor was safe Harry vanished into the forest once more, remaining largely unseen, but ever vigilant.
In July 2025, after nearly one year of living on the road, Harry returned briefly to Pusta to deliver supplies. Harry took a quiet moment to observe what was once his home, admiring that it remained a place of hope and justice, before leaving. A great tragedy struck only a few months later. On October 28th 2025, Pete Roberts was shot by the Forsaken Loyalists. Harry emerged from his exile to support the Fireflies and spent days searching for Pete without rest. Briefly returning to his old office, Harry took the Black Book back and noticed that Pete, hopeful as he was, had made no entries.
When Pete was finally returned to Pusta by a survivor, Firefly doctors confirmed his wounds were fatal. Harry was present on November 1st when Pete died. He carried him to Bart’s pond, where Pete used Harry’s handgun to end his suffering. Harry turned back and saw the shot with the intention to use the pain to drive him forward, but losing his successor, the man who embodied the Fireflies’ hope, broke something in Harry. He recovered Pete’s body, returning it to Pusta for a later funeral. With Pete gone, Harry believed hope was dead and the Fireflies obsolete. He became convinced that only the total eradication of all evil, bandits, collaborators, and anyone enabling them, could save Chernarus now. On November 17th, he added Vadim, Pete’s killer, to the Black Book as “The Hopebreaker.”
Notable relationships
Harry Churches has made his fair share of enemies & allies during his time in Chernarus. The following are notable people who have either come to blows or had strong friendships with Harry Churches.
Cain the Messiah - Cain and Harry have always strived to make the world a better place in different ways making their relationship particularly unique. In the early days of the Fireflies, Cain the leader of Torchwood initially wanted to help the upcoming group creating an alliance between the two. On August 3rd 2020 however, Cain brought what was perceived as a child hostage to the Firefly compound resulting in the outbreak of a war after the Fireflies liberated the hostage. Over the years the two characters have momentarily put their differences aside for temporary alliances against greater evils, however these alliances have always ended shortly afterwards, resulting in the two becoming at odds once again.
Matt - Given his name by Harry for the hazmat suit he always wore, Matt was a close friend of Harry Churches and right hand man to the group leader. Matt was the archetype of a Firefly, and everything Harry respected. The two became very close after Matt’s impressive actions in their war against Torchwood when freeing a hostage. In late 2021 however, Matt discovered love and left the Fireflies to live a peaceful life outside of Chernarus, occasionally revealing himself in times of need to support his friend. His choice to leave created a rift between the two, however they remained good friends. To this day Matt has not been seen for some time.
Kelemvor (Kel) - Kel was a friend and neighbor of Harry Churches while he lived as a Black Cross citizen. Kel has been described by Harry as an innocent soul, who was always good for a laugh, however after the death of a mutual friend Kelemvor was never the same and devolved into insanity believing their friend was actually still alive. During the funeral Kel took his own life while giving a speech at the altar. Harry was not able to save him as he was out of town at the time. His unfortunate death drove Harry further towards becoming a good person again, inspiring Harry to live for Kel and his legacy.
Bobby River - Bobby River is a young boy who was taken in by the Fireflies and brought under Harry’s wing. Their relationship is similar to that of a dysfunctional father and son. Bobby made many choices in his life after leaving the Fireflies which Harry did not approve of pushing the two further apart, leading Bobby into the hands of Harry’s enemies; Torchwood and the Rangers. Over time the two have managed to set aside their differences and forgive each other for pushing the other away.
Pete Roberts - Pete was Harry’s right hand man, after Matt, and later became his successor. Harry not only trusted Pete as a comrade, but as a leader capable of keeping hope alive even when Harry no longer could. On the day Pete died, Harry Churches described him as “the greatest man I’ve ever known” and Pete’s death was a major turning point for Harry.
Irish - Brothers in arms for many years, Harry and Irish are an unstoppable and ruthless duo. During Harry’s time serving with Irish in the Fireflies, the two were often by each other's side, agreeing on the use of brutal methods to protect the innocent, and punish bandits. After leaving the Fireflies, Harry kept in touch with Irish the most, and Irish remains Harry’s closest friend.
Bobs - Harry Churches and Bobs of the Black Sheep, were allies for many years, and once considered each other brothers. The two worked together to fight the Wizards, and Bobs was Harry’s closest friend outside of the Fireflies. After Harry raised his gun on Bobs over the Sheep’s reluctant support of the Blackthorn Gang, their friendship shattered. The two have not spoken since.
Alastor Blackthorn - Alastor was one of Harry’s greatest enemies, and the two led their respective groups into a brutal war throughout much of 2024. Alastor was Harry’s final rival before he left the Fireflies, and their conflict played a key role in Harry questioning his fitness for leadership and whether more extreme methods were required to defeat evil.
Where are they now?
Harry Churches is still alive today and stalks survivors from the forests and hills of Chernarus, hunting bandits, criminals, and his personal enemies night and day. To some he still represents hope, to others he is a punisher of evil. His legacy, though now shrouded in darkness, lives on in the hearts and minds of many survivors, reminding them to fight for what’s right, no matter what.