Crimson Mage

A millennium ago, as a young mage, Crimson Mage (Azaziah) stole a magic globe from "the three demons," and it's power became his to control. For centuries its magic sustained him, and he became the most powerful mage in the world, working alongside at least one king. Slowly, but surely, the globe's brilliance began to fail. As it was the link to his centuries-long life, Azaziah knew that when it died, so would he. He knew that if he were to survive on through the ages, he would have to find some immortal creature, a demon perhaps, with whose existence he might forge an everlasting eternal bond. Azaziah took up residence at the old Perkins farmhouse "near Hightower." As Azaziah Hornsby (possibly his real full name) he became well known with the locals as a hermit/"harmless old coot." The globe revealed the Ghost Rider to Azaziah, and he knew he had found the perfect vessel to host his spirit. However, he also realized he couldn't possess the Ghost Rider while he was bound to Johnny Blaze and so plotted to separate the two.