The Legend of the Horned Reaper
Fan Fiction by Patrician
Whilst searching the great resource that is the internet I came across an interesting excerpt about the origin of horned reapers. The source was in some forgotten ancient language and the parchment was slightly tea-stained and ripped by large claw marks, but I've done my best to translate it for you:
"Dear Diary,
Whilst browsing the dust-covered bookshelves of the dark library I came across a large, leather-bound tome that immediately took my attention. On closer inspection the book was actually wrought out of human flesh and blowing away the accumulation of dust I was able to read the title, inscribed in fading gold peel it read: "Servants of the Dark Gods"
Intrigued at my find I opened the ancient encyclopedia with a certain degree of caution. The page I flicked unto sent excitement down my aged spine, there was a large engraving of an imposing beast with horns sticking out from his temples and jaw. In one hand he clasped a ferocious looking scythe, this, I realised, was one of the legendary horned reapers of yore.
Excitedly I read the text on the opposite page, it detailed the history of the horned reapers, how they were born of pure Evil in the depths of Hell, and used as guardians for the bastions of Pandemonia. They could be summoned by the battling dungeon keepers to aid them in their quest for domination of the world.
I read on, delighted at my find, apparently these reapers could be summoned through the sacrifice of three lesser creatures: a troll, a bile demon and a dark mistress. These three sacrifices represented industriousness, greed and power - a formidable combination that was rewarded with a horned reaper - the epitome of these qualities combined. However, the psychotic bloodlust of the reapers meant they were lost quickly in the midst of battle with the Avatar's forces. After the heroic Keeper's victory in the old world the Dark Gods opted to keep their most valued of servants in the confines of Hell.
As a replacement for the red demons, the Dark Gods offered the keepers of the new world the services of dark angels, a mockery of Heaven's pure servants. However, the horned reapers were unsatisfied at their incarceration in Pandemonia and wanted to satisfy their urges for fresh blood by aiding the dungeon keepers.
One particularly powerful horned reaper, albeit with a slightly large chin and libido (hence the affectionate nickname Horny), was chosen by the Dark Gods to retrieve the portal gems of the new realm, and to offer his fighting abilities to only the most intrepid of keepers. The Dark God, Cernunnos, broke a magical talisman into four parts and scattered them across the corners of Harmonia. If these four segments are ever to be found and re-united, I read, the Horned Reaper will rise once again under the Dungeon Keeper's banner.
But until the day of reunification, when a keeper is strong and dedicated enough to find the segments, the Horned Reaper, or Horny, will stalk the passages of Hell, waiting for his calling - I must inform the Master of this "Horny". If he can summon its power, then we can mount a successful war on those pitiful Heroes.
Oh, I think Mimi is calling me, I best not be late for dinner at the hatchery - Mimi's mood swings are becoming more and more intolerable. I should've taken my father's advice and not married a dark mistress... The claws are so painful! Thankfully I can seek refuge in this library. Yes I'm coming dear!"
Based on the webpage:
http://www.everything2.com/?node_id=1454730