Harpers

Also "Those Who Harp"

Beliefs: We are the first and last line of defense against threats to our world.

• One can never have too much information or arcane knowledge.
• Too much power leads to corruption. The abuse of magic must be closely monitored.
• No one should be powerless.

The Harpers is an old organization that has risen, been shattered, and risen again several times. Its longevity and resilience are largely due to its decentralized, grassroots, secretive nature, and the near-autonomy of many of its members. The Harpers' members pride themselves on their integrity and incorruptibility. Harpers do not seek power or glory, only fair and equal treatment for all.

The Harpers is a scattered network of spellcasters and spies who advocate equality and covertly oppose the abuse of power. The organization is benevolent, knowledgeable, and secretive. Bards and wizards of good alignments are commonly drawn to the Harpers.

Harper agents are trained to act alone and depend on their own resources. When they get into scrapes, they don’t count on their fellow Harpers to rescue them. Nevertheless, Harpers are dedicated to helping one another in times of need, and friendships between Harpers are nigh unbreakable. Masterful spies and infiltrators, they use various guises and secret identities to form relationships, cultivate their information networks, and manipulate others into doing what needs to be done.

See also: https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Harpers 

Goals

• Gather information throughout Faerûn.
• Promote fairness and equality by covert means.
• Thwart tyrants and leaders, governments, and organizations that grow too powerful.
• Aid the weak, poor and oppressed.

Views on Others (see also here)

• Emerald Enclave: Wise and useful allies - attentive to the simpler matters while we must also watch for the complex - the inscrutable, the ineffable, that which is still becoming.
• Lords Alliance: While the Lords are a stabilizing force, they act first in their own interests - those of dictators and despots and dynasties.
• Order of the Gauntlet: They have the right goals, but believe they can wait until the threats show themselves.
• Zhentarim: Their own interests will always come first, and their goals are corrupt. Their Darkhold Castle is well-named.

Ranks

Failure to maintain renown, reliably deliver responsibilities or irresponsibly exploit rewards will result in demotion, exile or even becoming marked for justice.

(Renown) Rank	Responsibility	Reward
(1) Watcher	Act on behalf of the faction when called upon. Conduct oneself according to the beliefs.	Harper pin (identification) (1/week: can receive Potion of Healing) Access (safe house / fence)
(5) Harpshadow	Proactively act and inform the faction toward its goals. Be a model for the faction's beliefs.	Quality scribe's pen, (1/week: can receive Potion of Greater Healing)
(15) Brightcandle	Gather valuable information and protect faction secrets. Teach, enable, direct (and punish if necessary) junior members of the faction with regard to beliefs and toward faction goals.	Given Cloak of Elvenkind,  (1/week: can receive Potion of Superior Healing or 10 silvered ammunitions) Granted a mark that allows you  Freedom of Movement (3 uses) requiring only a thought to use.
(30) Wise Owl	Engage a region/city or specific purpose of the faction and become the authority (and accountable party) for its success.	Harper pin enchanted to magically lock/unlock Harper sanctums (1/week: can receive prior potions or make special request for Potion of Supreme Healing) Gain a (6th level) sidekick assistant.
(50) High Harper	At the peak of the organization is the Council of High Harpers, several of which are Chosen of Mystra. Each has earned their place through long and notable years of loyal service to the Harpers’ cause. The High Harpers direct the larger organization, keeping an eye on how small efforts and evils affect the bigger picture. Not all High Harpers are on the Council and should generally not be an option for characters.	Receive Supernatural Gift: Blessing (DMG p. 227)