Devil's Herd -
By Bill Silvey; inspired by Johnny Cash
Frequency: Very Rare
No. Appearing: 10-100
Armor Class: 5
Move:
Hit Dice: 12
% In Lair: 0%
Treasure Type: Nil
No. Of Attacks: 5
Damage/Attack: 1-12(x4)/3-18
Special Attacks: None
Special Defense: Nil
Magic Resistance: Standard
Intelligence: Low
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Size: L (10' at shoulder
Psionic Ability: Nil
Attack/Defense Modes: Nil
Level/XP Value: VIII/2000 + 5 per hit point
These spectral and demonic cattle are a special sort sent to roam the skies of desolate prairies on the Prime Material Plane; occasionally, they appear to lone individuals at night, storming across the heavens, endlessly pursued by the Ghost Riders (q.v.). They themselves are single-minded in purpose - to forever be an unattainable goal for the doomed Riders. However, anyone foolish enough to attempt to interfere with them will be attacked. The all-black kine possess sharpened hooves of steel and great curved horns with which they can gore their targets. Additionally, their gaze radiates Fear as the spell of the same name. Finally, they can use their hot breath in a manner similar to a Red Dragon (q.v.), inflicting 2-12 points of damage.
The appearance of the Devil's Herd causes all creatures of 1 hit die and lower to cower in fear until the herd has passed. The herd also precipitates particularly violent tempests.
Each Bull within the herd bears a burning symbol of Asmodeus branded on it's side; there is a 1% chance that Asmodeus will appear if these creatures are slain.