Your character's got an enemy, and his history with her goes way, way back. He’d like to put one between her eyes. She’d like to craft a goblet from his skull. Each has a burning, driving urge to stymie, confound and destroy the other. They may not wan to actually kill one another (though it’s likely), but nothing short of the others' total destruction will do. A nemesis must be an individual person (though she may employ any number of lackeys to cause your character grief). This is not like hating the Ku Klux Klan or some other abstract organization. It’s personal.

Having an enemy who hates your character’s guts doesn't seem like an advantage at first blush, but there are several ancillary benefits, not the least of which is the sense of purpose she gives to your character's life. If she has other enemies, they're your character's friends (at least nominally). And if your character’s nemesis is a known villain, being known as her enemy is probably good for his reputation. For these purposes, your character's rating in Nemesis acts as a Reputation, specific to the rivalry itself. Such aspects certainly made for a more exciting story, but this Background also offers a rules benefit. When your character knows for certain (assuming doesn’t count) that his nemesis is behind the plot in which he finds himself, roll his rating in this Background. Each success provides your character with a point of temporary inspiration, up to his total capacity. Discovering the nemesis’ influence should be a challenge, perhaps the result of multiple games’ worth of adventuring. Uncovering the knowledge should be as dramatic as encountering the nemesis face to face. Of course, your character's enemy can do the exact same thing in response to any plans he makes against her…

• X You don't know of anyone who really burns your oil… yet.
• 1 Rivals: Few know of your heated squabbles.
• 2 Antagonists: Your struggle makes for entertaining stories (to others).
• 3 Enemies: Your battles are memorable.
• 4 Hated Foes: Tales of your epic struggle are known far and wide.
• 5 Archenemies: Your conflict is the stuff of legend.