The Code of the Harpers
Harper Watchwords:
- Harpers work against villainy and wickedness wherever they find it - but they work ever mindful of the consequences of what they do.
- All beings should walk free of fear, with the right to live their lives as they wish.
- One of the things so-called �civilized� folk do often is manipulate their fellows. When a Harper seeks to sway others, it must always be done for good ends.
- A Harper always tries to narrow the gap between good intentions and good results.
- The subtle plan outstrips the bared blade.
- The rule of law aids peace and fosters freedom, so long as the laws are just and those who enforce them lenient and understanding.
- No extreme is good. For freedom to flourish, all must be in balance: the powers of realms, the reaches of the cities and the wilderlands into each other, and the influence of one being over another.
- Whatever it takes, a Harper will do. Pride never rules the deeds of a true Harper.
- Harpers can spare themselves less freedom than those the work to protect must have - but even a Harper must be free.
- Harpers police their own. A Harper who hears the call of personal power can no longer hear the sweet song of the Harp. A Harper who seizes power, and holds it above all else, is a traitor to the Harp. Traitors must die, for freedom to live.
- Without a past, no being can appreciate what they have, and where they may be going.
Harper Cares:
- Harpers who have Harper pins carry them unless going into situations where the discovery of their identity would endanger their mission. Harpers wear their pins openly only as a recognition signal to other Harpers, or at Harper gatherings.
- Harpers don�t give up; they always work on unfinished missions, however much time has passed.
- Harpers help other Harpers without hesitation or thought of personal cost or credit.
- Harpers do not conceal their own shortcomings or handicaps from other Harpers.
- Harpers never stop listening and looking, no matter how tired, hurt, or affected by magic or wine. An awake Harper never relaxes.
- Harpers do not respect rank or power; Harpers do respect wisdom and good character. Harpers never discriminate on the basis of sex or race - but almost always take careful note of a being�s religion and how loyal that being is to it. Strong religious belief can be a dangerous thing; if the deity�s nature or commandments stand opposed to the Harpers.
- Harpers do the unexpected.
Harper Communication:
Harpers use magic to send messages. They also use �mail drops� at various locations. They also have a secret language of runes and a type of sign language such as the silent speech of the Drow.
General Harper Reactions:
In general Harpers work against anyone or anything that grows to strong and ambitious to maintain a balance with neighboring lands, folk, and business. They aid the weak and oppressed, and they try to free slaves whenever this is prudent and practical.
Harpers may sing and joke, but they tend to say little of their true feelings and thoughts. Someone they suspect of being a foe or an individual they�re soon going to have to deal with will rarely sense their scrutiny or hostility.
Harper Haunts:
- Twilight Hall in Berdusk. Part of Deneir�s temple. Considered HQ for the Formal Harpers.
- Harper Hall, a small graceful tower in Silverymoon.
- Moongleam tower, a simple, stark tower atop the highest knoll in Everlund. It has a special silver signaling mirror on top.
- Storm Silverhand�s house is considered the HQ for the Shadowdale based Harpers.
- The House of the Harp in Elventree is a small fieldstone hut guarded by a Spectral Harpist.
- Harpers are also welcome in the elven refuges of Evereska and Greyshield.
- The ruins of Spellgard are also a refuge for Harpers.
- There are numerous Harper Refuges that have been empowered by the gods themselves to have special powers (pg. 94).
Miscellaneous:
- If you ever hear the song The Lonely Hunt, beware of danger and be ready.
- If you hear the song In a Dark, Dark Wood, listen for a secret message in the second verse.
- When you become a Senior Harper, your god will bless you (pg. 40).
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