The Rider of Dukka Ridge

Summary

Many forms are said to have been seen in the Aethir winds of the Steppe, but one that has seemed to persist is the rider of Duuka Ridge. He is said to ride atop a Aethirllusionary steed that stands at least 12ft tall and be clad in dark red tattered robes. He is seen by those about to be swallowed by an Aethir storm, and the storm evaporates just on impact with the viewers. However, don’t let this chivalry fool you, he is also seen on occasion frequenting the lost tomb chambers of dwarves of old, and to lead travellers to them. The victims are then killed by whatever lurks within. The naming of this rider originates from an expedition that was heading across the Steppe, and was led astray by what they thought to be an Omishi guide up ahead. The group was then led to Duuka ridge and their remains were found 2 years later: journalistic accounts of the rider and steed remaining preserved in the sand. And so the story was born.

Historical Basis

During the early MRE period, many nomadic tribes of horsemen did roam the Steppe, and some undoubtedly stumbled across long forgotten and now cursed temples from when dwarves were puppets of Molgoroth. Some may have gone inside and looted what they wanted and left, unaware of the curse upon them. These horsemen would then die, and, if cursed, wouldn't be able to rest until they had pleased the origin of the curse. Being cursed can take many forms as the only consistent component is that you are at the mercy of the curser. It is entirely possible that spirit riders are being tormented on the Steppe as they search for that which will free them.

Spread

The story is popular in east of the Lodge Mountains and around Kalish Sarrah. It was spread by the terrified explorers who discovered the remains of the unfortunate party who first saw the rider, they told everyone they could, they wrote notices in every tavern and tap-house east of the Steppe.

Variations & Mutation

As the knowledge of such events was spread, travellers who crossed the Steppe began recounting similar experiences, but they told of hosts of riders appearing at the foot of an oncoming sandstorm, or of a pair of rider riding across the horizon.
To those who have less faith in the supernatural, the sightings are merely fighting horsemen, or prospective muggers. Maybe even Omishi hunters who are further from the mountains than usual.

In Art

Many local gangs and syndicates adopt some variation of the myth as their insignia. As a result, an abundance of spirit riders, swordsmen etc can be found painted on walls, windows and streets as a sign of dominance.