Ghost Rider -
By Bill Silvey; Inspired by Johnny Cash
Frequency: Very Rare
No. Appearing: 10-40
Armor Class: 5
Move: As Nightmare
Hit Dice: 10
% In Lair: 0%
Treasure Type: Nil
No. Of Attacks: 0
Damage/Attack: Nil
Special Attacks: Curse
Special Defense: Nil
Magic Resistance: Standard
Intelligence: Average
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Size: M
Psionic Ability: Nil
Attack/Defense Modes: Nil
Level/XP Value: VIII/500 + 5 per hit point
The Ghost Riders are doomed souls forced to forever pursue a giant herd of demonic cattle across the astral and prime material planes. They cannot ever rest in their pursuit, for in life they committed acts of great evil expecting to be rewarded by the lords of Hell; however, the sole reward they received was to try and catch The Devil's Herd (q.v.), a group of demonic cattle sent forth by Asmodeus to wreak havoc across the planes.
The 'Riders may never rest, nor may they stop for any reason whatsoever - save one (see below). The Riders constantly appear greatly fatigued, however they are filled with a burning purpose, and that is to catch the 'Herd and somehow become free from the damnation they have brought upon themselves. However, to further their torment, each rider sits upon a great Nightmare under orders from Asmodeus to never allow the herdsmen to catch their quarry. The Nightmares will also utterly destroy anyone who attempts to assist them. These steeds have utter contempt for their charges and will gladly carry them to the ends of the planes for the amusement of their dark Lord.
The sole pause that a rider can be afforded in the pursuit of the Herd is when they are in the presence of one who is either of a Neutral or Good alignment, but has recently (or will soon) commit an act of great evil (such as one losing status as a Paladin due to an evil act). They will pause long enough to admonish them to behold the countenance of the other riders in the chase and warn them of what awaits them in the afterlife should they continue their evil ways.
Any person or character so warned is Cursed in such a way that upon death, unless they have repented, their soul will be placed upon a Nightmare, forced to join the hunt forever. A soul so accursed cannot be Resurrected by any means including a Wish spell unless the Nightmare upon which he is carried is slain in combat on the Astral Plane.
The Ghost Riders never attack, for the only way they can "die" is if the Nightmare is slain. When this happens they are freed from their doom - even if it means returning to haunt the planes of Hell.