The game takes place in the fantasy world of Zork, with players initially solving puzzles and exploring the Temple of Agrippa, a large complex situated in a mountainous region within the Forbidden Lands. Later the player has the ability to travel and explore the following locations: Frigid River Branch Conservatory - a musical school and performance hall near to Flood Control Dam #3; Steppinthrax Monastery – an abandoned monastery in disrepair; Grey Mountains Asylum – a mental institution in the frigid, frozen peaks of the Grey Mountains; Castle Irondune - a military fort with private museum of battles, situated in the Irondune desert.
Characters
Madame Sophia Hamilton (portrayed by Lauren Koslow) - The head of the Frigid River Branch Conservatory, which taught young girls music, including Alexandria. Upon meeting with Kaine, she became infatuated with him to the point that she sought to find a way to be with him forever, which eventually culminated in her agreeing to help Sartorius with his experiments. Her work in alchemy allowed her to master Water, while seeking to purify Copper.
Bishop Francois Malveaux (portrayed by W. Morgan Sheppard) - A religious man who ran the Steppinthrax Monastery, and the father of Alexandria, Malveaux discovered that he was suffering from an disease that was incurable and would eventually lead to his death. Seeking to avoid this, he agreed to assist Sartorius with his alchemical experiments in order to overcome his condition, eventually mastering Fire while seeking to purify Lead.
Doctor Erasmus Sartorius (portrayed by Allan Kolman) - Head of the Grey Mountains Asylum, he specialised in trying to understand much of the world and the universe, developing an interest in alchemy like his father before him. Seeking to find the means of mastering it, but requiring help, Sartorius sought out aid and recruited assistance from Malveaux, Kaine and Sophia, in his experiments. Through his own work, he learned how to master Air while seeking to purify Tin.
General Thaddeus Kaine (portrayed by Stephen Macht) - A decorated and disciplined soldier, and the father of his only son, Lucien, Kaine was the commanding officer of Castle Irondune, running his operations from it while designing the fort as a museum to cater for his love of battles with the inclusion of armour and weapons from previous ages. Upon meeting Sophia, he grew fond of her, enjoying her company while distancing himself from his son, showing no love for him. Eventually he became persuaded into assisting with Sartorius' efforts into alchemy, learning to master Earth while seeking to purify Iron.
Lucien Kaine (portrayed by Paul Anthony Stewart) - The son of Kaine, Lucien was raised to be a soldier, but grew hateful and suspicious of the activities of his father and those he soon became associated with. These suspicions grew when he met with and fell in love with Alexandria during one of her concerts. He eventually sought marriage with her, but on the day the two were to be wed at the Steppinthrax Monastery, Lucien was promptly arrested for desertion of his draft posting. His fate after this became a mystery.
Alexandria Wolfe (portrayed by Merle Kennedy) - Born to a woman being held in the Grey Mountains Asylum, Alexandria was raised by her father Malveaux at the monastery he ran, unaware of who her mother was. Eventually she was moved to the Frigid River Branch Conservatory to be taught by Sophia, where she demonstrated a talent for producing wonderful music, but also fell in love with Kaine's son until he was arrested on their wedding day. She mysteriously died at the hands of an unknown figure in the Temple of Agrippa, although her soul contacts the player for help when they arrive at the temple.
"Nemesis" (voiced by Bruce Nozick; portrayed by Paul Anthony Stewart) - A mysterious entity that took over the Temple of Agrippa, torturing Sophia, Malveaux, Sartorius and Kaine after entrapping them. The Nemesis seeks to find the fifth element so that it can grant it what it desires, and sees the player as nothing more than a problem.
The Player - A nameless adventurer, charged by Vice Regent Syovar the Strong to enter the Forbidden Lands and investigate the disappearance of four prominent citizens. Additionally, they also have to investigate the rumour of a curse put on the Forbidden Lands by a being known only as "Nemesis," taking over from their predecessor, Agent Karlok Bivotar (whose diary, included with the original release as a feelie, provides additional back-story, a few clues and a numerical solution that allows the player to bypass a particularly gruesome puzzle). The player character in Zork Nemesis is never identified, but the hint book provided in the game refers to the character as "she".
