Harpers
Harpers
The Harpers are a secretive organization dedicated to maintaining balance and fighting tyranny across the Forgotten Realms. They work from the shadows to oppose threats to freedom and peace, using information networks, covert operations, and strategic alliances to achieve their goals. The Harpers value knowledge, vigilance, and discretion above all else.
Overview
The Harpers operate as a decentralized network of spies, informants, and agents who work to preserve the balance of power and prevent the rise of tyranny. They believe that knowledge is power and that evil thrives when good people remain complacent. Members of the Harpers are expected to stay armed and vigilant against evil, maintaining sharp eyes and open minds to the threats facing the realms.
The organization uses a call-and-response system to verify members' identities: "Their eyes must be sharp" / "There is much to see." This security measure became especially important after the Cult of the Dragon began placing bounties on the party and attempting to infiltrate faction organizations with imposters.
The Harpers maintain extensive information networks and research capabilities, as demonstrated by their library resources in Elturel where the party was able to research the Tower of Madness and Temple of Lost Souls. The faction is led by figures such as Leosin Erlanthar, who coordinates efforts against major threats like the Cult of the Dragon.
Notable Members
- Bechamel (Player Character) – A party member who revealed his Harper affiliation during negotiations with Bernie the ice giant, using the organization's credibility to forge an alliance with the giants against the Cult of the Dragon.
- Gootch – A party member and Harper agent
- Leosin Erlanthar – A Harper leader who coordinated the faction response to the Cult of the Dragon threat and warned the party about the cult's bounty on their heads
Activities
The Harpers are actively engaged in combating the Cult of the Dragon's efforts to summon Tiamat. They work alongside other factions including the Order of the Gauntlet, the Zhentarim, and Eltergard to coordinate resistance against the cult's operations.
Key Harper initiatives include:
- Intelligence gathering on cult activities and movements
- Warning members about cult infiltration attempts
- Providing research resources to aid in understanding cult objectives
- Forging strategic alliances, such as the partnership with the giants brokered by Bechamel
- Supporting field agents in disrupting cult operations
The organization played a crucial role in the aftermath of the Skyreach Castle victory, helping to coordinate the broader faction response and providing the party with resources to continue their mission.
Relationships
- Cult of the Dragon – Primary adversary; the Harpers work to dismantle the cult's efforts to summon Tiamat
- Order of the Gauntlet – Allied faction in the fight against the cult
- Zhentarim – Allied faction, though their methods sometimes differ from Harper ideals
- Eltergard – Allied city-state cooperating against the cult threat
- Giants – Newly forged alliance brokered by Bechamel to weaken the cult's support base