Harpers

The origins of the Harpers are shrouded in mystery, but they are believed to have been founded over a thousand years ago, shortly after the fall of the ancient Elven empire. The organization’s core principles were shaped by the idea that tyranny, whether through mortal or divine means, must be resisted, and that those who wield power must always be held accountable.

The Harpers believe in the importance of freedom—freedom from oppression, freedom of expression, and the freedom of individuals to make their own choices. However, they also recognize the necessity of balance. Their intervention in the affairs of others is only done when the balance of the world is threatened, and they often seek to correct injustices through subtle means rather than through overt violence.

Their emblem is a harp, often depicted with seven strings, representing the seven guiding virtues of the organization: wisdom, freedom, kindness, justice, peace, courage, and self-sacrifice. The harp also symbolizes their belief that the world is like music, with harmony achieved through cooperation and understanding.

The Harpers operate as a decentralized network rather than a tightly organized faction. Local cells or chapters operate autonomously, though they are united by their common ideals and goals. There is no formal hierarchy, but certain influential members are respected for their wisdom and experience, such as the High Harpers—those who guide the organization’s larger direction.

While the Harpers are known for their discretion, their leadership is not hidden. Instead, they work in the open when needed, but always with the goal of ensuring that their actions do not overshadow the good they seek to do. One of the most famous High Harpers of Velkarn is Leosin Erlanthar, whose role as a Wyrmspeaker gives him even greater influence within the organization.

The Harpers engage in a wide variety of activities, from espionage and subversion to outright political manipulation, always striving to ensure that freedom and balance are maintained. They are often involved in the defense of the oppressed, the discovery of ancient knowledge, and the thwarting of dangerous individuals or organizations.

Their agents include a mix of spies, bards, sorcerers, and skilled warriors—many of whom use their talents to infiltrate the courts and halls of power, uncovering secrets and ensuring that tyranny does not take root. They work closely with other organizations that share their ideals, such as the Order of the Gauntlet, and at times have allied with more dubious factions, including the Zhentarim, when their shared goals align.

One of the Harpers’ most notable methods of operation is their network of information and contacts. They maintain secret libraries, encrypted communications, and covert operatives in many major cities. Their connections often put them in contact with adventurers who might help them fulfill their mission, as well as with rival factions they must constantly watch.

Over the centuries, many influential individuals have passed through the ranks of the Harpers, and though many of their names are lost to history, a few are well-known to those who seek to learn more.

• Leosin Erlanthar– A Half-Elven monk and the current High Harper of Waterdeep, Leosin's knowledge of dragons and his work during The War of Dragons solidified his position as a central figure within the organization. His later role as a Spirit Wyrmspeaker has brought him into an even closer alliance with the Harpers’ cause, though some wonder how his new powers will affect his sense of balance.

• Ambrose Rosznar – A Tiefling bard and current member of the Hype Squad. He is notable for having skipped a rank, having been promoted twice after his role in leading the strike force against the Manshoon during The Grand Game.

• The Harper Bards – The Harpers' bards are often the ones who carry the message of their ideals to the world. Known for their talent in song, poetry, and oration, they weave stories that inspire both those who would fight for freedom and those who would resist oppression.

"The Harpers are not just a group of spies, nor simply a band of do-gooders. They are a reflection of the world's most sacred ideals: freedom, justice, and the pursuit of balance. Their work is never done, and their sacrifices often go unnoticed, but they will continue to fight until the end of days, for they know the cost of tyranny all too well."
—Leosin Erlanthar, Spirit Wyrmspeaker

The Harpers do not have a single, unified code of conduct, but there are a set of general principles they adhere to:

1. Freedom above All – The Harpers are dedicated to ensuring the freedom of individuals and communities to live as they choose.

2. Knowledge is Power – The pursuit of knowledge and the preservation of wisdom is central to the Harper’s cause.

3. Balance in All Things – The Harpers strive to maintain balance, preventing extremes of good and evil, and keeping the natural order intact.

4. Subtlety and Discretion – The Harpers work behind the scenes, using influence and subtlety rather than brute force to enact change.

5. Self-Sacrifice for the Greater Good – The Harpers believe that true heroes often work in silence, sacrificing personal glory for the benefit of the world.

Though the Harpers often work alone or with allies who share their goals, they have occasionally formed alliances with other factions. Their most notable allies are the Order of the Gauntlet, with whom they share similar ideals of justice and protection of the innocent, and the Zhentarim, though their cooperation with the latter is more complex and contentious.

Their relationship with the Zhentarim is particularly noteworthy. The Harpers' alliance with the Zhentarim is often born out of mutual necessity, and their cooperation was instrumental in the aftermath of the War of Dragons, especially when it came to dealing with the Wyrmspeakers and the remnants of the Cult of the Dragon. Outside of Waterdeep, the City of Splendors, individual cells of each fight to destroy each other however within the domain of Leosin Erlanthar and Enna Baenre the Harpers and Zhentarim have become, strained, but extremely effective allies.

In this regard, the Harpers operate with a certain amount of flexibility, recognizing that even their most trusted allies may not always adhere to the same ethical standards they uphold. Yet, they continue to strive for balance and justice, even in the face of morally ambiguous choices.

The Harpers' intelligence network is one of the most extensive in the realms, though it is also one of the most secretive. Through the use of covert agents, spies, and magical means, the Harpers collect information from across the world, ensuring that no evil deed goes unnoticed and that the balance remains intact.

Their network is often instrumental in uncovering plots that threaten the stability of the world, such as the rise of the Cult of the Dragon, the machinations of evil liches, and the corruption of political institutions.

Despite their far-reaching influence, the Harpers are always careful to avoid the public eye. They prefer to work in secrecy, manipulating events from the shadows to ensure the world remains free from those who would seek to dominate it.

In Velkarn, the Harpers have established themselves as a stabilizing force in the wake of the War of Dragons. Their influence is particularly strong in urban centers like Waterdeep and Baldur’s Gate, where they have deep ties with both the local nobility and the common people.

Their activities include intelligence gathering, diplomacy, and, when necessary, direct intervention in critical situations. Most recently, they have been involved in keeping watch over the remnants of the Wyrmspeakers, making sure that their influence does not resurface and disrupt the delicate balance they’ve worked to establish.

"We are the hands that guide, the whispers in the wind. Some see us as manipulative, even devious, but we know that it is better to act from the shadows than to let the world burn from the light of unchecked power."
—A Harper Agent