Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds was released in 1996. It was and still is a Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. The primary creators/developers were Dave Kennerly (Orb) and Scott Lee (Wony).
My initial encounter with Nexus, often referred to as "Nexus TK," occurred during or before middle school. It all started when two friends approached me on the playground, enthusiastically recommending the game. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. Nexus was in its beta phase back then, offering the unique perk of being free to level up to the maximum level of 99. I vividly remember the challenge of downloading the game, with the installer taking up around 6MB or more, a noteworthy task for our 14.4k modem at the time. (Recalling the sound of that modem brings me peace.)
During the beta period, the player population was so small that locating your real-life friends was a straightforward task. In my case, they quickly spotted me. I made a foolish blunder by creating a character and immediately engaging an NPC (Non-Player Character), who promptly dispatched me. I believe it was the Mage Guild in the town of Kugnae responsible for my untimely demise. Assuming that death marked the end, I proceeded to create a new character, unaware that it was possible to journey to the shaman for a resurrection. My initial character bore the name "CABE," but my main character, whom I played for years and years, was christened "cabeGOD." When the game moved past the beta phase, my mother, who had helped me with the cost and renewals, considered the character's name to be blasphemous. The initial purpose was not meant to be blasphemous; rather, the character was intended to be seen as a Lord or someone of high status within the fictional realm.
I can still recall the excitement I experienced while playing alongside people I knew and forging friendships with players from around the globe. We weren't adversaries; we shared a common objective of hunting down creatures, advancing our levels, trading items, and upgrading our armor. The only other instance in my life when I had encountered this level of multiplayer thrill was when my brother engaged in LAN Doom matches with his friend.
Nexus had a unique blend of elements from games like Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and The Secret of Monkey Island. Its graphics bore a resemblance to the former, while its sense of mystery and curiosity was reminiscent of the latter. I think I was either still a Peasant or just starting my journey as a Mage when I introduced my brother to the game. He adopted the moniker "Crusher" and played as a Warrior with a flat head, if I recall correctly. Meanwhile, my character was a Mage with blue hair, and one of his eyes was concealed by his bangs.
Unfamiliar with the game's mechanics, I ended up becoming a bit of a hoarder. I wasn't aware of the nuances of armor superiority or the distinctions between Warrior and Mage equipment. Consequently, I stuck with scale mail and, if I recall correctly, I had upgraded from a wooden sword to a novice sword. I clung to these items and continued using them until I reached around level 30.
There is one particular event that had a significant impact on my life. I was observing my brother as he played the game, and during that time, he was summoned to the Fox cave by a player named 'CaveBoy.' My brother, who was still a peasant back then and lacked the ability to defend himself adequately against the vicious foxes, fell victim. When he died, he left behind his "death pile," comprising all of his items and his hard-earned gold and coins. Without hesitation, CaveBoy, a name chosen with a hint of mischief, stepped onto the deathpile and seized everything. This incident served as my introduction to the deceptive side of online gaming and the realization that the internet's anonymity could sometimes bring out people's darker inclinations.'
As a fledgling mage, venturing into the Mythic Nexus map. Within those landscapes, I encountered a colossal Ogre by the name of Maletic. It's worth noting that Maletic was later relocated to an entirely different map. Armed with nothing more than a feeble ignite (lightning) spell, I faced off against this creature, although my attacks scarcely left a mark. Fortunately, the Ogre was slow in its movements, allowing me to persist. It took well over an hour of effort, but with my last ignite, I achieved a substantial level-up that made the grueling battle worth the effort.
I formed a friendship with a woman named Bambi, who held the esteemed title of Archon in Nexus. In the world of Nexus, Archons were responsible for upholding the rules and ensuring the smooth operation of the game. They also played a significant role in organizing events during that era. I have vivid memories of frequently meeting my demise in the white skeleton cave and being graciously resurrected by Archons Bambi and Autumn, a kindness that Archons ceased to provide after version 4.x. These early interactions with Archons Bambi and Autumn, along with others like Hroth (also an Archon) and fellow players such as Whaker, were the foundation of my early friendships in the game. On various occasions, I had the pleasure of meeting both Orb and Wony. In fact, I had a conversation with Orb on the very last day of the beta.
When the 3.0 update rolled out, an interesting feature emerged: if your character had already surpassed the Peasant level, it would appear grayed out, or perhaps with a blueish tint, until you purchased the game. I distinctly recall an encounter with a player named 'Mountain' who offered me his level 70-something Warrior. However, I politely declined, as I preferred to earn my progress and items through hard work rather than accepting handouts. For several months, I teamed up with my Australian friend Whaker, spending our time in the Mantis cave near the North gate. It wasn't until I obtained my 'death's head' staff that I truly felt like I had achieved something significant in the game. Whaker frequently experienced lag or timeouts, resulting in disconnections. Unfortunately, our last encounter was in the Mantis Cave in 1997, and it would mark the final time I ever saw him. I checked for his online presence for several months afterward, but he never reappeared.
My journey took a darker turn when I acquired the 'summon' spell from the Mage Guild. In those early days of Nexus, blue and purple keys played a crucial role in locking and unlocking doors, with each door requiring the same color key for unlocking. I had a mischievous phase where I would summon unsuspecting peasants into doorways, promptly shutting and locking the doors behind them. Their pleas for assistance were common, and I found a certain amusement in the situation. It was a cruel act, made even more intriguing by the veil of anonymity provided by the online world. Note: As Nexus evolved into the 4.x era, the once-plentiful blue and purple keys became increasingly scarce. Nevertheless, I held onto these keys in my inventory, knowing their potential for mischief. Unlocking a door had become a near-impossible task, leaving my targets locked in a seemingly inescapable predicament. If I had to give an honest approximation of the number of players I summoned and trapped, it would easily amount to hundreds.
In Nexus, marriages were a feature that granted couples special rings, enabling them to summon themselves to one another. I believe I tied the knot with a player named Camy during the 3.0 era, only for her to unexpectedly depart a few days later, rendering the ring's ability utterly meaningless. After several months, I encountered her online once more, and I discovered that she had found a new partner, resulting in our in-game divorce. Following that experience, I opted to forgo any further marriages within the game.
The exact moment of my first imprisonment escapes my memory, but it was most likely due to my mischievous act of summoning a peasant into the fox cave and pilfering their death pile—a technically "criminal" deed. In response to such activities, Nexus implemented measures like wait times for death piles, rendering theft more challenging, and possibly even altering the summoning mechanics. Jail proved to be a unique experience. In the beta and 3.x era, the cells were characterized by a silver/gray design, while the later 4.x and subsequent jails adopted a more rustic, non-metallic appearance. I engaged in this activity quite frequently, as the penalties for such acts were relatively lenient—30 minutes here or an hour there. Another individual who shared a penchant for similar misdeeds was a player by the name of FuManPoo, and it wasn't uncommon to find us both serving time in jail.
I've consistently had a talent for uncovering glitches, and I discovered various methods for evading incarceration. The peculiar aspect of the jail barrier was that it seemed to transport you backward instead of merely preventing you from entering restricted areas. To circumvent this limitation, I stumbled upon a speed hack that allowed me to simply walk through the cell, although this exploit was eventually patched. On occasion, if you were summoned to jail while riding a horse, you could still employ the speed hack to smoothly ride through the cell. Over time, jailbreaks became increasingly scarce, and eventually, I found myself face to face with Wony, who earnestly requested that I cease these activities. Following the confrontation, I resorted to transferring my delinquent actions to my alternate peasant accounts. A particular jailbreak hack that endured until the 4.x era was the horse exploit. The process was quite simple: you would initiate a transgression, be it item theft, kill theft, cursing, or any other such action, and then swiftly mount a horse, awaiting the Archon's intervention to incarcerate you. Once in jail, you'd engage the horse in combat, leading to your own demise. This peculiar sequence would then transport you out of the jail, allowing you to repeat the illicit act once more. I can recall the cries of astonishment of several Archons as I strolled past them on horseback, having escaped jail three times in a single day and cursing up a storm.
Throughout most of my time in the 3.x era, I engaged in a variety of illicit activities. One of my favorite misdeeds was carried out before the introduction of the "trade feature," which, interestingly, came about in response to actions I and a few others had taken. This trade feature offered a secure method for exchanging items for gold or coins. Prior to its implementation, barter transactions were conducted through a negotiation process. For instance, agreeing on a trade of 15k for a steelthorn would involve dropping gold bars while the other party dropped their item (in this case, the steelthorn). What they didn't realize was that you hadn't actually placed 15k on the ground, but just 1k. Dropping 15k and dropping 1k appeared identical as both amounts just look like gold, creating a perfect disguise for the ruse. You would then cleverly retrieve the steelthorn, while the other party mistakenly collected the 1k. As the realization of the deception dawned on them, you would log off, laughing uncontrollably, and reaping the reward from this crafty maneuver. On the following day, there was a 50% chance of your name appearing on the Justice Board. If subjected to an investigation, your response was straightforward: deny any involvement in the misdeeds. Screenshots were a rare practice in those times.
During the early stages of 3.0, I had the privilege of attending the inaugural 'TSFest,' an event organized by none other than TSWolf, who would eventually attain fame in the game. The initial TSFests were rather modest affairs, primarily comprising scattered yellow scrolls and some rice wine. However, as the years passed, these events grew in scale and extravagance, with substantial sums of money being distributed to participants.
During the 3.x era, I formed numerous friendships and built a reputation as a troublemaker. Genji (Leader of the Sun Moon Clan), Beanbag (Prince of Buya), Darkar, Wildhair (Leader of the Phoenix Clan), and Inkey were among my closest companions during that time. In the later 4.x era, I established new bonds with Miesha, Kowe, Jennyfol, Bearrrr, Elvira, Dinee (Constable), Mordechai (Archon), Alliep, CiscoKid and others. Alongside these friendships, I also garnered my fair share of formidable adversaries. One notable foe was Alston, who had a relentless vendetta against me, relentlessly pursuing my downfall. Nexus used to host poetry contests, and a close friend of mine crafted a poem for me to enter. The poem was a scathing, Norm Macdonald-style roast of Alston, pulling no punches. When I submitted it, much to my delight, I emerged as the victor and claimed the top prize. Having a friend as the poetry host likely worked in my favor, adding to the thrill of the win.
Alston epitomized the by-the-book role-playing character, treating the game with the same reverence a devout Mormon reserves for their Sundays. My approach, on the other hand, was considerably more laid-back. His strict adherence to the game's rules and style grated on my nerves, and I couldn't resist the temptation to toss subtle jabs at him, which often set him off. What began as harmless ribbing slowly escalated into outright harassment, and I pushed past the boundaries by a significant margin. I resorted to posting about him on the Community board nearly every day or two. I recall composing a post on the Community Board, speculating about a day in the life of Alston: Step 1: Wake up, and change your rubber sheets. The community erupted in laughter. While the posts were undoubtedly entertaining, they undeniably amounted to harassment, and it eventually led to me serving a substantial jail sentence.
I can vividly recall the day my extended sentence began—a daunting seven-day ordeal. I was introducing the game to a friend, hoping to share the experience, when a confrontation ensued. Hroth, a friend and Archon, was accompanied by someone he was mentoring. During that time, Nexus featured Constables, akin to Archons but with a more limited role. The curious twist in the tale was that I was friends with half of the Constables, and they adored me. However, Alston had managed to befriend one of the Constables and persuaded him to incarcerate me for the harassment. As my friend observed my growing frustration, I had to explain that I was now sentenced to serve a week-long term in the fictional world of the game.
The game had begun to take over my life and emotions, exerting a significant influence on my friendships and occupying my every thought. It was clear that this level of attachment wasn't healthy, and I found myself at a loss on how to address it. Dealing with this issue would be something I couldn't tackle until 2003 (several years later).
I had a burning desire for revenge against Alston, and I grappled with the idea of how to exact it upon an anonymous internet adversary. The concept of doxing began to take shape in my mind. I created a plan, drawing upon my extensive network of friends as valuable resources. Over the course of a week, if not longer, I gathered information. I managed to unmask Alston's Constable friend and learned about his controversial practice of imprisoning other players, sometimes without evidence. This information became a vital piece of my strategy.
Through a friend, perhaps Beanbag, I found Alston's ICQ number. ICQ, a popular chat messaging service at the time, offered the convenience of creating accounts under pseudonyms, which suited my purpose perfectly. Under the pretense of being Alston's Constable friend, I conveyed a fake narrative, suggesting that my original ICQ account had been compromised. To gain Alston's trust, I engaged him in conversation, leading to the disclosure of personal information on his part. Armed with this newfound information, I crafted and delivered a veiled threat.
Subsequently, Alston ceased playing under his previous identity and adopted a fresh persona, leaving me in peace. However, under this new guise, he accrued his fair share of new adversaries who sought my involvement in their conflicts. Nonetheless, I distanced myself from their disputes, desiring no part in them. It's worth noting that eventually, Alston's Constable friend faced a ban for imprisoning players without substantial evidence, and it's possible that the information I had collected played a role in this decision. While my own sentence's justification remains debatable, my actions seemed to have contributed to a larger reckoning within the game's community.
Another adversary of mine bore the moniker JaydePhoenix. She presented herself as a woman afflicted with terminal cancer, yet she managed to remain an active presence in the game for years. Her narrative of suffering garnered her considerable sympathy and a substantial circle of friends, but I remained one of the few who harbored doubts about the authenticity of her claims. In her dedication to the game, JaydePhoenix resembled Alston, treating it with almost religious fervor. The developers introduced a new set of spells known as "curses," and I happened to be the most frequently afflicted player at that time. While her curses were undeniably vexing, there was little I could do to counter her presence in the game.
An unusual yet intriguing occurrence that transpired during the mid-3.x era was the emergence of a new Archon by the name of Justinia, a distinct figure from the infamous Archon Justicar (who was exceptionally awful). Justinia proved to be a remarkable presence. She unveiled a series of unjust actions committed by her fellow Archons, boldly documenting her findings in a lengthy letter posted on the Community Board. Sadly, her actions resulted in her permanent banishment, and her name is scarcely heard of in Nexus lore these days.
In the midst of the 3.x era, a head Constable named Changsu entered the scene. Unbeknownst to me at the time, he was married to my friend Bambi in real life. In the game, I held a strong disdain for him and always assumed the feeling was mutual. However, it's only fair to acknowledge that Changsu harbored no ill will towards me and, in fact, presented me with numerous opportunities. Our paths intersected frequently, especially when I found myself under investigation for various infractions. On one rather peculiar occasion, Changsu mistakenly handed me a spear that bore a striking resemblance to a can-opener. Notably, this type of weapon had been exclusively reserved for Constables. It's worth mentioning that in the later stages of the 4.x era and subsequent versions, this item became accessible to other players as well. At the time, the item didn't go by the name "sea glaive," though it would later be recognized as such.
Back then, the process of accidentally transferring items was relatively straightforward, as the key you used for your 'hand item' could also correspond to an item in your inventory. Thus, it was easy to inadvertently hit a letter key twice and hand someone an item unintentionally. With my keen eye, I noticed his mistake and promptly equipped the spear. I then paraded around Kugnae, proudly boasting about my newfound power. Changsu soon caught wind of my exploits and issued a stern threat of significant jail time if I didn't return the item. After several hours and a few negotiations, I relented and relinquished the prized possession. By the time the 4.x era rolled around, both Changsu and Bambi had bid the game farewell, and their presence in the gaming world was no more.
I began my journey in Nexus beta with a 14.4K modem. As 3.x unfolded, we upgraded to a 33.6K modem, and by the time 4.x was introduced, we were equipped with a 56K modem.
I recall the arrival of 4.x, a transformative era for the town of Kugnae in Nexus. The landscape had undergone significant changes, with the taverns sporting a new appearance, the cattle farm area in the bottom corner vanishing, and my beloved easy access to the skeleton cave also disappearing. During my 4.x days, I shifted my focus from causing mischief to engaging in conversations. A substantial portion of my time was dedicated to chats with Hroth, often outside the Kugnae taverns. Hroth had been bestowed with the honorary title of 'Angel,' more of an emeritus status with minimal, if any, responsibilities. He had grown considerably kinder, and our discussions ranged from a wide array of topics, including politics.
The other half of my Nexus experience in 4.x was dedicated to grinding alongside Darkar in the Snake cave within the Mythic Nexus map. I achieved the coveted level 99 early in this era and subsequently embarked on a quest to acquire superior items.
In those days, our leading player in terms of stats was Mountie, a level 99 warrior who had accomplished some remarkable feats that I believed were insurmountable. Eventually, a player named Calmwind exceeded his accomplishments, marking the transition into the "gamer" era, where young players were wholeheartedly immersed in the world of MMORPGs.
Once, I ventured into the monkey cave in Mythic Nexus and encountered a ghost, a player who had recently met their demise. He was on his way to find a shaman and hasten his return to reclaim his lost belongings. I could detect the concern in his words as he conversed with me, unsure if I was a person of integrity or a potential malefactor. To ease his worries, I reassured him, saying, "Don't worry, friend, your deathpile is as good as gone, lol." I greatly profited that day.
During the 4.x era, Nexus implemented the concept of introducing a jury of peers. Strangely enough, I received an invitation for jury duty. The case I presided over was a straightforward matter involving theft. The jury reached an almost unanimous verdict to convict, with the exception of myself. However, I was never invited back for jury duty.
On one particular evening, I ventured into a seemingly random clan meeting, the name of which eludes my memory, perhaps the Koguyro Militia or something of the sort. To my surprise, I found them wholeheartedly engaged in fervent roleplay, adopting archaic language and mannerisms akin to a Sunday gathering of devout Protestants. Given my more casual approach to the game, I promptly issued a challenge, proposing a duel with all of them at a scheduled time.
As the appointed hour arrived, I arrived fully equipped and bolstered by spells that enhanced my healing abilities. However, my magical resources proved finite, allowing me to mend myself for only five minutes before depleting my reserves. The battle, though relatively brief, left a lasting impression on the clan members, who commemorated our encounter on one of the boards, framing it as an epic struggle between forces of good and evil.
In 2002, I decided to take a break from Nexus, but eventually returned to revive my original character, CABE, this time embracing the path of a Rogue. Under the guise of CABE, reaching level 99 (the maximum level) took me just about a month, a considerably swifter progression compared to my days as a Mage. To be frank, I found being a Rogue to be a far more enjoyable experience. It allowed me to engage in easier theft activities, thanks to two valuable spells at my disposal: Invisible and Filch.
However, as expected, Nexus caught on to these newfound advantages, leading to an adjustment in the rules. Rogues were no longer permitted to pilfer items from beneath the feet of other players, putting an end to this once-advantageous thievery tactic.
Another mischievous act that I took great pleasure in, while not technically a crime, certainly sparked considerable anger within the community. During the days of 4.x, upon reaching level 99, players gained access to an impressive array of dyes, including the coveted brown dye, the more exclusive Wasabi dye, and the top-tier Super Wasabi dye. It was customary for Wasabis and Super Wasabis to congregate in the Arenas, where they would engage in friendly conversations and proudly display their dyes, which effectively showcased their dedicated leveling efforts.
These dyes were available for purchase within the Arena, provided that a player's rank and level met the qualifications. A Super Wasabi dye job came at a cost of around 12k, as far as my recollection serves me. However, as a Rogue, I possessed the ability to turn invisible, equipping a bow and a unique dye arrow, thus allowing me to irreparably damage their expensive dyes with a single shot. The dye I favored for this act of mischief was the rainbow dye. I distinctly remember carrying out this prank, followed by hearty laughter and a swift retreat. Unsurprisingly, each time I did this, it incited a significant outpouring of anger, as it was tantamount to a 12k "heist" on every occasion.
As my high school days drew to a close, and with various other challenges to contend with, I made the momentous decision to retire from the game, resolving never to resume my virtual adventures. The game evolved into the 5.x version, and with the departure of well-known players and a company name change, it became unrecognizable to me. As I prepared for college, I happened upon a game strikingly similar to Nexus called Aspereta, developed by my old friend Inkey. I was offered items and a prominent position within the game, but I chose to decline the offer. I had already invested five years of my life into the all-consuming world of an MMORPG, and it seemed prudent to shift my focus towards the next chapter of my life.
On my final day in Nexus, inhabiting my distinguished character, cabeGOD, I was granted a farewell tour by Mordechai, the Archon, who expressed that I would be missed. This gesture held significance for me. I had intended to hand over all my items to Darkar, but he would soon depart from the game as well.
During my college years, I received the somber news of the passing of two dear friends, Bambi and Hroth. Despite my attempts to reach out to their families, I found little information, and their absence left a profound void. Their presence had held great significance in my life. On a brighter note, I've maintained a close friendship with Beanbag (who also played Autumn) and Wildhair. Ironically, I reached out to Alston a year or two ago, and we've managed to reconcile, mending any past discord that existed between us.
I have a deep appreciation for Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds, especially during the beta through the 4.x era of gameplay. Some of my fondest childhood memories are tied to this game. I can vividly recall the white cotton chair I sat on, eagerly awaiting the 14.4k modem to connect, as it brought me some of the happiest moments of my youth.
I've harbored a long-standing desire to create a game akin to Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds, one that captures its retro-style graphics and the enchanting sense of mystery it embodied. While I'm uncertain about the level of interest it might garner in today's gaming landscape, I'm inclined to pursue this project not for financial gain, but rather for the sheer passion and nostalgia it holds for me.
I once left a job that had gifted me both happy memories and miserable ordeals. During my time there, I formed bonds with some colleagues while others harbored animosity. As I bid my farewell, I left them with this parting line: "Don't remember me for who I was, remember me as the person you hoped I would be". They laughed, even the ones who had their grievances. While cabeGOD might have faded into obscurity, those who do remember him will remember the eccentric individual who consistently bent the rules but somehow made the game more enjoyable.
The Cabe
