AT A GLANCE: The Harpers are a mysterious
organization of high-level
adventurers, in particular bards and
rangers, which operates in the North.
The exact aims of this group are
unknown, as are their numbers and full
identities, though there are several
noted members.

ELMNSTER'S NOTES: The following is
taken from the Druid Briadorn of the
Circle of Shadowdale, quoted by the
ranger Florin Falconhand thusly:

"Rangers and bards of great power
are rare, Florin. Aside from the
famous few; the bard Mintiper, for
example, or the rangers Thulraven
and Estulphore; most are members
of that mysterious group known as
the Harpers.

"Storm Silverhand may be one of
them, but I wish you luck finding
out...I tell you this now because all of
us, and of the bards, must consider
and respect whatever aims the Harpers
have: they strike down or turn
aside activities that do not fit with
their wants, and so your own causes
will be advanced or damaged accordingly.

"They seem to operate only in the
North, and there is little else I can tell
you of them. If you see the device of
a silver moon and a silver harp, you
face a Harper."

The aims and activities of the Harpers
remain mysterious, but they are known
to work for the causes of good, and to
oppose the Zhentarim and the more
aggressive trading kingdoms (such as
Amn) who cut trade-routes into
wilderland areas, and fell trees and
mine precious things with little regard
for local nonhuman inhabitants. They
also work to maintain peace between
human kingdoms (recently opposing
Scardale as a threat to that peace, for
instance), and to thwart at every turn
the burgeoning goblinkin races in the
North.

Known Harper members include
Alustriel, High Lady of Silverymoon;
the archmage Khelben "Blackstaff"
Arunsun of Waterdeep; the ranger
Dove, now bride of Florin; the late
witch Sylune; the bard Storm
Silverhand; the late ranger Ascore of
E l v e n t r e e ; and the adventurer
Sharanralee. Known allies include
Elminster the Sage; The Simbul, ruler
of Aglarond; and Mourngrym, Lord of
Shadowdale.