The Three Brothers

 Introduction 

Little is known nor understood about The Three Brothers, The Big Three, The Guardians, The Demons. It should be noted that there is no evidence to support the rumor that they are demons. It is very likely a title bestowed onto them due to their horrifying appearance.

They are the Big Three for they are the most powerful creatures of the Isles. This is the first of four books, the remaining three will cover each Brother individually.

Throughout the libraries of the cities, conversations with common citizens to learn their folk, and magic, I have managed to piece together some coherent knowledge to give back to my peers. If I may indulge my pride - this is my magnum opus.

- Agaros Xamaroth

Gathering the Keys

To enter the lairs of any of the brothers, one must obtain a key. There is no order in which the keys must be collected. All that is needed is for someone among the adventurers to have a key. In my opinion, it is advisable for everyone to have keys.

Why?

Because even the best equipped and experienced adventuring teams need an exit strategy.

On the Cursed Isle, the damned souls keep their eternal vigil against all who set foot upon it. There is a priest who dwells in a yurt. He bears the key to Minastos’s Hall.

On the north eastern side of the mountain, there is a forest of giants. They are angry by nature and gang up on a target to beat it into a pulp. If one somehow manages to fight, or more effectively, sneak past them, there is the Giants Tower. Inside, more await a brawl. Stealthily moving under a veil or by fighting, you will ultimately face Arkazon’s Gate Keeper, a fire giant.

In the Spider Nests below deep below the mountain, a bebelith holds the key to Xaphales Peak. This monstrous spider will literally rip the armor off you. It is not a matter of chance. It is a matter of inevitability. Prepare your best magical protections for this creature foreshadows the difficult fight with Xaphales himself.

 The Most Dangerous Game 

The journey to face these great creatures is fraught with peril. Each Brother has his own ‘guards’ patrolling his territory.

Minastos, the First of the Brothers can be found in the Desert of Emptiness, on the Cursed Isle. Sapphire and ruby golems patrol his land. Strike them with bludgeoning weapons. Slashing and piercing weapons have significantly less effectiveness on the golems.

Arkazon, the Second Brother, is deep underground, guarded by beholders. Guard your mind and soul. They are notoriously lethal with their eye stalks and auras of fear. Beware, they will cause their prey to panic uncontrollably and hunt at their leisure. When they face a stronger foe, they unleash death gaze attacks.

Xaphales, the Third Brother, resides atop of Xaphales Peak. The winter wolves that prowl the snowy landscape possess a human level of intelligence. They can hide in plain sight, camouflaging themselves in the snow. Then the packs will strike with ferocity. They can breathe cones of cold and seem to drain heat from the area around themselves.

Bring scrolls and potions with you to battle these ancient spirits – that’s right, they are not demons as we have been led to believe. More on that in the books to come.

The signature of Agaros Xamaroth (Suspicious Activity) appears at the end of this book.