Harpers (Forgotten Realms organization)

Did You Know?

• The Harpers were introduced in 1987 as part of the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, as written by Ed Greenwood.
• The Code of the Harpers (1993), also written by Greenwood, is a resource book for runes, spells, and other unique abilities only Harpers have.
• In the 2023 film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Edgin is a former member of the Harpers.

Organization

The Harpers began as a group formed near the founding of Myth Drannor, led by an elven mage called Lady Steel and advised by a young Elminster. After that city fell, the organization was refounded by Elminster and other powerful figures, backed by many freedom-loving and good-aligned deities and their churches, though the churches do not always agree with Harper methods. The sponsoring deities include Deneir, Eldath, Liira, Mielikki, Milil, Mystra, Oghma, Selune, Silvanus, Tymora, and the entire Seldarine. Most of the Seven Sisters, especially Storm Silverhand, are dedicated Harpers. The group pushes for balance and what is right, opposing evil organizations like the Zhentarim and the Red Wizards of Thay. They seek many small, allied kingdoms where rulers stay close to their people and focus on helping subjects rather than making war. They also work to balance nature and civilization, protect woodlands from excessive destruction, and preserve knowledge, history, music, and art. Most recruits are human, elven, and half-elven rangers and bards, with more female than male members. Members wear magically imbued silver pins that grant protections such as immunity to electricity and magic missiles. The Harpers are hated in countries like Thay and Tethyr, especially for opposing slavery. The Tethyrian government blames them for assassinating its last recognized leader, which sparked civil war and chaos, but the Harpers were framed by an unknown secret organization.