Harmonium

The Harmonium, nicknamed the Hardheads, was the faction of Sigil that maintained peace and order within the city. They served as Sigil's municipal law enforcement, composing one third of Sigil's "wheel of justice" alongside the Fraternity of Order and the Mercykillers.

"Peace is our goal. But if it takes a little war to get others to set things right, the Harmonium way, so be it."

- Excerpt of Harmonium doctrine.

Outlook
The Harmonium believed there was inherent order to the multiverse, a universal harmony that was best upheld by brutal force and strict adherence to the word of law.

Activities
The Harmonium was ruthless in the execution of keeping the peace, employing whatever means they deemed necessary. They demonstrated no empathy or compassion for the unfortunate souls of Sigil, regardless of their personal circumstances.

Training
Harmonium members underwent an eight-week indoctrination regimen. This process included exhaustive physical training, strict memorization of Harmonium doctrine, approximate familiarization with Sigil's municipal laws, and rigorous evaluations that involved being blindfolded and abandoned within the city.

Tactics
"Accept peace, or consider yourself at war with the Harmonium. Our might will make right."

- Factol Sarin, excerpt from a Harmonium indoctrination session.

In addition to typical law enforcement techniques, the Harmonium used organized religion to maintain uniformity and order in the lives of Sigil's citizens. They were granted authority to destroy any written material that was created and distributed without their prior approval.

Possessions
Harmonium patrollers carried with them planar mancatchers, pole arm-like devices that inhibited inter-planar travel and transportation. Select few patrol captains were granted enchanted halberds that bolstered their strength, but otherwise contributed to the "hardhead" nickname by weakening their intellect.

Relationships
Among the other factions of Sigil, the Harmonium were openly opposed by the Bleak Cabal and the Fated. They were however kept in check by Sigil's Doomguard, which controlled the city's armory. By limiting access to weaponry, the Doomguard prevented the Harmonium starting outright war in the name of peace.

History
The Harmonium was founded on a world called Ortho, by a band of adventurers that sought to bring peace and law to the land. After finding inexplicable success in this endeavor, the group reformed as the Harmonium and expanded their ambitions. Harmonium law eventually spread across the entire world. Every humanoid race that survived Harmonium expansion enjoyed peaceful, regimented, and delightfully oppressive lives, free from troublemaking fey creatures like elves or pixies. The sacrifice of joy and happiness was but a mere small price to pay.

When occasional eruptions of disorder and anarchy emerged, Harmonium leadership believed some force beyond their world was responsible. They established their faction in Sigil, and used the City of Doors as a staging point, from which they could stamp out disorder across every planet and plane of existence.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Doors to the Unknown • Something Wild • Tales from the Infinite Staircase
 * In the Abyss • The Great Modron March
 * Video Games
 * Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn
 * Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn
 * Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn