Founded more than a millennium ago, disbanded and reorganized several times, the Harpers remain a powerful, behind-the-scenes agency, which acts to thwart evil and promote fairness through knowledge, rather than brute force. As far as the Harpers are concerned, every other faction neglects to put the people first. The Order of the Gauntlet strike fear in those they attempt to protect, the Emerald Enclave are willing to abandon villages to nature's beast, the Lord's Alliance are too busy lining their own pockets, and the Zhentarim keep themselves too deep in the shadows to ever be trusted.
As a Harper, you likely operate in secret, perhaps even having a code name for use in official communications or interactions. You often seek aid from other Harpers, sympathetic bards and innkeepers, rangers, and the clergy of gods that are aligned with the Harpers’ ideals.
- Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Performance
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of musical instrument, choice of thieves’ tools or disguise kit
- Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a disguise kit, a musical instrument of your choice, a Harper Pin, and a pouch containing 15 gp
All members of the Harpers have learned a handful of folk songs in their travels, and use those songs to convey secret messages and alert fellow Harpers to danger. You'll never hear The Lonely Hunt unless a Harper wants to warn fellow Harpers or allies who are present to expect danger, and be ready. Harpers always listen closely when In a Dark, Dark Wood is performed. A Harper wanting to meet fellow Harpers will always change the line "by the hanging tree" to a desired meet- ing-place, and alter the line that follows to roughly indicate a time.
| d8 | Favorite Code-Song |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a Dark, Dark Wood. When this folk song is performed to summon a meeting with fellow Harpers, the line "by the hanging tree" will always be changed to a desired meeting place, and the line that follows altered to roughly indicate a time. |
| 2 | The Shining Crown. An upbeat fighting song from the Western Heartlands, this ditty talks of conquering lands and crowning kings and queens. Use it to encourage battle. |
| 3 | The Bold Knight and the Terrible Wyrm. This Cormyrean folk song recounts the terror in the days after a dragon invasion in those lands. Use it to encourage caution in speech and deed. |
| 4 | Raise Another Glass of Cheer. An antiwar anthem from Tethyr, this song has uncertain origins. Use it to help quell violent encounters. |
| 5 | The Lonely Hunt. A somber song performed when a Harper wants to warn fellow Harpers or allies who are present to expect danger, and be ready. |
| 6 | Last Lament. This elven song supposedly has thousands of obscure verses. Use the first two verses to spread news of death or defeat. |
| 7 | The Fireside Song of Old Adventurers. This sweet ballad is ofter performed at Harper havens, so that Harper travelers know that he or she can find refuge there. |
| 8 | The Wizards' Tune. This eerie song has Netherese roots and is used to convey information on arcane dangers or locations. |
As a Harper, you have access to a secret network of supporters and operatives who can provide assistance on your adventures. You know a set of secret watchwords taken from the Code of the Harpers that you can use to identify such operatives. You can also play "The Fireside Song of Old Adventurers" in a major tavern or inn to identify yourself as a Harper. A fellow Harper can provide you with access to a hidden safe house, free room and board, or assistance in finding information. These agents never risk their lives for you or risk revealing their true identities. This feature must be used with caution, for not all who know the code are your friends. Some are traitors, counterspies, or agents of tyranny.
In addition, you know a series of runes employed by Harpers (commonly understood trail symbols). One caution—if more than one dot is drawn within the outline of a Harper rune that is not normally part of that symbol, the Harper who drew it intended to mislead enemies; pay no attention to it, but look around nearby for another, true symbol.
Suggested Characteristics
Harper agents are trained in the art of secrecy and innuendo, and are skilled at hiding in plain sight by being the loudest and brightest person in the room. Their skills in subterfuge and combat lend themselves well to an adventuring lifestyle, and traveling with mercenaries and treasure hunters creates a convenient excuse to journey through lands bent under tyranny.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I love the spotlight. Everyone, look at me! |
| 2 | Give me a drink and I’m your friend. |
| 3 | Talk to me about yourself. I’m a hell of a listener. |
| 4 | I hate to start fights, but I love to finish them. |
| 5 | I can’t sit still. |
| 6 | I’m always humming an old tune from my past. |
| 7 | When I don’t have a reason to smile, I’m miserable. |
| 8 | I’m lucky like you wouldn’t believe. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Revolution. Tyrants must fall, no matter the cost. (Chaotic) |
| 2 | Compassion. The only way to make a better world is to perform small kindnesses. (Good) |
| 3 | Justice. A nation built upon just foundations will uphold freedom for all. (Law) |
| 4 | Expression. Music, joy, and laughter are the keys to freedom. (Good) |
| 5 | Self-Determination. People should be free to do as they please. (Chaotic) |
| 6 | Vigilance. A free people must be carefully taught, lest they be misled. (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I lost someone important to an agent of the Dwendalian Empire. That regime will fall. |
| 2 | The first people to be hurt by this war will be the common folk. I need to protect them. |
| 3 | Music helped me through a dark time in my life. Now, I’ll use music to change the world. |
| 4 | I will be known as the greatest spy who ever lived. |
| 5 | All life is precious to me. I know I can change the world without taking a humanoid life. |
| 6 | The elite in their ivory towers don’t understand how we suffer. I intend to show them. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’ve never lied once in my life. What? No, I’m not crossing my fingers! |
| 2 | I do everything big! Subtlety? I don’t know the meaning of subtlety! Oh, that’s a problem? |
| 3 | Being a spy in wartime is painful. I’ve seen so much suffering, I think I’m losing my mind. |
| 4 | I can’t focus on my mission. I just want to carouse and sing and play! |
| 5 | Yeah, that’s my name. Yeah, I’m a Grinner spy. Who cares about staying undercover? |
| 6 | I can’t afford to trust anyone. Not. Anyone. |
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