The Harpers

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The Harpers

    • The Harpers** are a clandestine network of spies, scholars, and idealists who work to preserve the balance of power across Faerûn. Founded centuries ago, their guiding philosophy is that knowledge must be used responsibly, power must be checked, and tyranny — in all its forms — must be opposed.

Motto

  • "Down with tyranny. For freedom and fair play for all."*

Core Beliefs

1. Too much power concentrated in one place leads to corruption. 2. Knowledge is the greatest weapon against darkness. 3. The Harpers act in secret so that others may live free. 4. Harmony with nature and civilization alike must be maintained.

Organization

The Harpers operate without formal hierarchy, using a decentralized network of cells across the Sword Coast. Each cell functions autonomously but maintains contact with a small group of senior operatives known as **High Harpers**. They communicate through encrypted missives, trusted intermediaries, and magical sending stones.

Harper agents range from traveling bards and rangers to monks and historians. Many live double lives, posing as adventurers, merchants, or scholars while quietly steering history toward balance.

Symbol

A silver harp between the horns of a crescent moon — often worn as a brooch or hidden within clothing.

Notable Members

  • **Leosin Erlanthar** – Monk-scholar specializing in dragon studies. His capture and rescue in Greenest mark the Harpers’ formal entry into the *Rise of Tiamat* conflict.
  • **Reidoth** – Druid and naturalist who watches over Thundertree and advises the Emerald Enclave. Acts as Harper liaison in the north.
  • **Gootcha Zinnoa** – Rogue operative recruited for fieldwork against the Cult of the Dragon.
  • **Elminster Aumar** *(rumored)* – One of the founding members, still believed to influence the network’s direction.

Role in the Campaign

In the current age, the Harpers act as an invisible hand guiding events toward balance. Their operatives have begun quietly investigating the reemergence of the Cult of the Dragon, intercepting coded messages and smuggled relics connected to Tiamat’s impending return.

Through Leosin and Gootcha, the Harpers serve as the party’s first link to the growing multi-faction alliance that will culminate in the **Council of Waterdeep**.

Relationships

  • **The Emerald Enclave** – Allied in matters of balance and preservation.
  • **Order of the Gauntlet** – Tactical allies; often share intelligence against cult activity.
  • **Zhentarim** – Ideological rivals; the Harpers distrust their methods and moral flexibility.
  • **Cult of the Dragon** – Active enemies. The Harpers were among the first to detect their resurgence.

Historical Overview

The Harpers trace their lineage to the Dales and to Myth Drannor’s fall. They have resisted despots, liches, and dragons for centuries, often losing much in the process. Despite their secrecy, they are legends in bardic tales — whispered protectors who watch from the shadows.

In recent decades, they suffered severe losses during the Shadow Wars, but under new leadership, the network has begun to recover and adapt.

Current Status

As of 1488 DR, the Harpers’ northern cell is led informally by Leosin Erlanthar and Reidoth. Their intelligence on the Cult of the Dragon’s hoard movements has already saved several towns, though their true scale of operations remains hidden from all but the High Harpers.

<details><summary>🧩 DM Notes (Spoilers)</summary>

Truth: The Harpers were aware of the Forge of Spells long before the Phandelver expedition but chose not to act, fearing exposure of the artifact’s power. The Cult’s rediscovery of its magic (and its use in binding Lennithon) forced them back into the open.

Future Hooks:

  • Harper agents may appear unexpectedly to assist or test the party.
  • Leosin’s correspondence with the Harpers in Berdusk and Waterdeep foreshadows the creation of the Council of Waterdeep.
  • The Harpers possess an incomplete map showing all five Dragon Mask locations.

</details>

Appearances

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