Nemesis Kid

© DC Comics / Used without permission

Origin: Transformed

Real Name: Hart Druiter
First Appearance: Adventure Comics #346 [DC Comics July 1966]
                            Character created by Jim Shooter

ABILITIES

Prowess 3 {Average}
Coordination 3 {Average}
Strength 3 {Average}
Intellect 3 {Average}
Awareness 3 {Average}
Willpower 3 {Average}

Stamina: 7
Determination: * - Villain

SPECIALTIES

Computer Expert
Deception
Science (Chemistry) Expert

POWERS

Nemesis [Limit: Overload] 8
       Instant

QUALITIES

. Arrogant: he believes his power is enough to defeat anyone.
. Typically seeks out the most powerful opponent whenever possible.
. Conniving coward.

Points: 39

ORIGIN STORY

In his first appearance, Hart Druiter applied to the Legion as a member, along with Princess Projectra, Karate Kid, and Ferro. He identified himself as a native of the planet Myar, the "Alchemy Planet," and claimed he had created a mystical potion that gave him his powers. He was actually sent to infiltrate the Legion of Super-Heroes on behalf of the alien Khunds. When his deception was revealed, he tried to frame Karate Kid as the traitor; when that failed, he fled.

He later became a founding member of the Legion of Super-Villains under Tarik the Mute. When a later incarnation of the group invaded the planet Orando under his leadership, Nemesis Kid engaged Karate Kid in single combat. Before the fight ended Karate Kid sacrificed himself to stop the Legion of Super-Villains' plans, dealing Nemesis Kid a final blow. Karate Kid's widow, Queen Projectra, attacked Nemesis Kid using her power to generate illusions. Though he had adapted an immunity to her illusions, Projectra intimidated him with her noble fury over the death of her consort (thus immobilizing him from counterattacking and/or preventing him from concentrating to gain a new adaptation) then she broke his neck, executing him as her royal privilege as ruler of Orando.

Nemesis Kid possessed the superhuman ability to spontaneously develop the powers appropriate to defeat any single opponent for the duration of the battle, though against more than one opponent his powers would either work against only one target, allow him to escape the situation via teleportation, or fail to work at all. In one recorded instance, he displayed the ability to choose adaptations but his choices were less than successful. In all other cases, his power somehow "sensed" what would be most effective against a given opponent and generated an adaptation automatically.

Nemesis Kid never manifested any but the most basic and direct power to counter an opponent. Thus, against Superboy or Supergirl he would gain superior strength and resistance to damage, rather than the ability to emit kryptonite radiation. Against Karate Kid he gained superior fighting skill, and against Projectra he gained the ability to see through her illusions. His power only gave him the relative minimum necessary to defeat a designated opponent. Thus he sought out the most powerful opponent whenever possible. Nemesis Kid's powers didn't or couldn't give him complete immunity to physical harm caused by an opponent. Thus, both Superboy and Karate Kid could injure him, and Projectra was able to kill him. His power simply seemed to assure that, all things being equal and if he maintained his power, he would inevitably win.

My first attempt at converting a comic book villain; although his power is spectacular, without it, he was not much. In my humble personal opinion, an underdeveloped character. If cleverly used, his powers could be quite devastating [insert manic laughter here]. Character revised, according to the ICONS Great Power book. Streamlined, once again, according to ICONS Superpowered Roleplaying: The Assembled Edition.