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Saturday, November 7, 2026
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'Inspired:' Community honors SpyVsSpy
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Former Spy Premier Paranoid shares his recollection of SpyvsSpy at the Celebration of Life held for the departed on October 18 at the Hammer and Nail. (Screenshot from video courtesy of Chez)
"SpyVsSpy shaped my childhood. When I was a child, just seeing him in his yellow robes sparked something in me. I aspired to be like him. He was in the literal sense, 'The man. The mission. The goal.' I wanted to be just like him. When I was brought into the ranks of (Spy) Guide, I remember just getting awe struck any time I saw him. Any time he spoke, it was the weight of a thousand words on a single sentence," Draven offered to the reporter in the days after the announcement that the legendary individual behind SpyvsSpy had passed, in early October.
Draven continued, "I remember him telling me that I was a part of the elite, that was the KSG. And the level of respect behind those words, every action felt like an un imaginable weight. I had to meet his every standard and nothing less would suffice. From even just the late night conversation with him and Aiaya, any time I was in his presence, I was the traditional silent, seen, but never heard. Any time he spoke, it carried weight behind his words."
We have explored time and time again how unique Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds is with the community the game has cultivated over the nearly 30 years of being online. A majority of its player-base grew up with the game as an avenue of entertainment, social outreach, and creative outlet. It was on here that many learned how to even communicate online, and found their voice for the first time. It felt different in the early years, but for us and the game itself, to log in and actually run into another player that could help you shape your entire experience in the lands. Being in the roleplaying scene, let alone a player-run Subpath was an effort of prestige and respect, and we worked hard to please those in charge of manning the gates to earn our keep. The overall sentiment applies to the player of SpyvsSpy.
Speaking to his surviving friends (and even rivals) continued the idea of a man of influence over people, commanding admiration and respect. He was famous for his widescale roleplay, invoking collaboration of the masses for and against him. One such example of an event that bore his signature occurred in Yuri 58 involving a mass kidnapping of the Subpath elders of the lands, resulting in a legend mark for having assisted in their rescue: "Rescued Elders from Spy Dungeon." It was one of few rare occasions in the lands where all twelve player-run Subpaths were able to collaborate in a single event, with Archon and Gamemaster backing.
"SvS was the Spy of all Spies. He trained some of the GOATs, and a lot looked up to him. The Subpath Elder kidnapping event was top tier," said Ieyasu, when asked for his input on the twice-former Premier of the Spy Subpath (KSG).
The Spy Subpath or Koguryo Spy Guild (KSG) has gone through many phases and iterations over the decades, and historically has been a very exclusive and roleplay-heavy organization. As SpyVsSpy's era was before social media tools and Discord were available, it made for a more immersive experience to roleplay and be involved in any Subpath, let alone one that shrouds itself in intrigue. Seeing a Spy in the open meant you could not identify them as a Spy, and had to navigate the intricacies of communicating with a figure that may very well exploit or help depending on the moral compass of the individual involved. SpyVsSpy is cited as being a character of neutral operation whose presence straightened a spine as well as awed. Corruption from him wasn't so much a concern as it was that imperfections would be found on you.
Other ways he influenced players was through his poetry. Over 20 years later, his writing is still well-remembered, both for its content and usage of his work. Though the now-retired Revels competition was never without controversy *, SpyvsSpy was instrumental to both discovering and exposing corruption within the poetry judging system, and also aiding people in achieving a winning mark by offering his own work for submission to the contest.
Though supplying written poems may have provided a shortcut to a hard-to-reach goal of needing the legend mark to achieve Ee San, many anonymous individuals the reporter spoken to about the topic also said that reading his poetry inspired them to take a crack at writing themselves, wanting to do him justice and make him proud.
Ethical debates aside, it is due to his voluntary submission of his works to others that we have any surviving poetry of his, due to records lost to time. One such poem is titled "Inspired:"
An atheist man, an artist at best,
Constantly putting his brush to the test.
An empty canvas, a pallet of colors;
He made a living painting portraits of others.
An innocent boy, blue eyes and blonde hair,
Walked up to the non-believer with care,
"Make me a portrait, please sir, I will pay."
"How much fine lad?" he said without delay.
"A blessing," the boy replied with a grin.
The man dropped his brush and his rant began,
"I don't need a stupid blessing from you!
I need my gold and daily chicken stew!"
"You won't need gold or your daily stew,
You'll have the green grass and the sky of blue."
The boy replied with a smile again,
The man looked back and kept on complaining.
"I must have my luxuries while I'm alive,
Young lad, offer coins, I'll only charge five."
The child's angel face kept it's sweet smile,
"I'll just sit and watch you for a while."
So he let the young boy sit to the side,
As people came in for his portraits worldwide.
Coins piling up inside his velvet coin sack,
At the end of the day the boy patted his back.
The painter's eyes grew big and he smiled,
The gold had made this man grow beguiled.
He looked at the young boy and said "Adieu",
Still smiling the boy started to leave...
He peaked back and asked, "With riches, you're blessed?"
The filthy rich man nodded and said "Yes!"
"Then adieu and goodbye, and sir, behave,
Because you can't take your gold to the grave."
The athiest man's grin turned into a frown
As he watched the boy slowly turn around,
"W-wait!" he said as he rushed to the door,
"I'll paint a portrait for you since you're poor."
The boy turned around and said to the man,
"We have been worth the same since life began."
He sat on a chair in front of the man
The man setup his canvas and began.
The boy kept smiling the entire time,
He didn't speak a word more than a mime,
When the artist was finished he showed the boy,
The boy grabbed the portrait and jumped for joy.
He reached out his hand and shook the man's hand,
He thanked him and walked off in the sand.
The man sat down and counted his money,
Then started to laugh and thought it was funny.
Out of all of the gold and all of the pay
That the man got from portraits that day,
The one thing he got even though he was tired,
The man found faith, and was now inspired.
He realized that with all of the riches he made,
Didn't add up to the feeling he had,
He felt like his life suddenly filled with glee,
So from that day on, he made his portraits for free!
(Submitted anonymously to NexusAtlas.)
Though it is likely this poem was written to fit a theme, it is a pertinent and succinct window into the mind of the writer. Energy and time are currencies spent more than gold in the Kingdom of the Wind. And SpyVsSpy performed the service of ghostwriting poetry to others in order to assist in fulfilling a need, often for free and without accreditation. These same talents were offered to the whole community in his open-world engagement, and in two tenures of leadership as Spy Elder.
And the "faith" he found as an artist was in those around him, investing in their future. You cannot be a leader without someone to lead, and equally hold you skyward as an example to follow. As such, SpyVsSpy is cited as having inspired others to take up the pen and write or dabble in the roleplaying scene.
"I did not know him well, but I certainly remember hearing about him for just about the entire history of my time growing up playing NTK. Even though he didn't know it, he was a great inspiration and influence on me in wanting to get into RP both in NTK and in other games as well. Meeting him a handful of times in passing in the Spy Circle was like meeting a movie star, as silly as that might sound," wrote in YogSim, being one such individual who was influenced by SpyvsSpy's aura of inspiration and command.
Former Spy Premier Phalance extended the idea in a submitted essay:
"Like many who have prepared words for this occasion, I am having trouble. How do you adequately put into words the influence a person had on your life. The hours spent in each other’s company slowly being molded by each other by our own strengths and ambitions.
"I look back at that time from so many years in the future and can honestly say those where the happiest years of my life and it’s hard to hear this news that someone so centric to it has passed.
"The love and energy we put into what we did was staggering. I remember being absolutely floored when he created the ciphering program that we used for messaging each other. As I was in no way a competent programmer. I had no idea how he had made it only that he had and we were all given a copy. The conversation we had when it was time for me to pass the torch on in the guild. The examples of things could go on for ages and I’m sure I’ll smile as I listen to the ones others bring out to share. There is not a single soul who walked the kingdoms who does not have a memory of his influence on their young lives.
"He will be missed as keenly as someone can be, for he was and always will be a brother."
In addition to his contributions to the Spy Subpath, SpyvsSpy was a long-standing member of the Buya Imperial Army and was awarded the Defender of Buya mark. Former General of Buya Reon wrote in to extend his thoughts:
"Having long served in the Buyan Army, I remember SpyvsSpy. He was steadfast. I was there when he became a Defender. I was honestly upset that day. The Princess started his introduction by saying, 'one of the oldest soldiers, one of the longest histories without the honor, service in multiple wars.' SpyVsSpy whispered me, 'Congrats, it's about time,' before it was announced that the Princess meant him.
"He spent the night after not celebrating, but commiserating with me, and joking about how he'd probably fall to the Defender Curse anyway. While it's been many years since I've been in the kingdom the story of a graceful winner, who knows and protects the hearts of others, is a memory worth sharing."
This idea of a humble recipient coincides with the writer that gave his work for free, with only want of being a part of the contributing whole. The culture of the Kingdoms at the time was more stringent on who received the honoring as a Defender, given the early age of the game where lifetime achievements weren't yet cultivated and attributed. This meant that SpyvsSpy had to be a prominent figure in that present time and seize all opportunities to represent the kingdom he belonged to.
Like the artist in his poem, "Inspired," this is his legacy that left him rich even after his passing: People that remember him as integral in shaping their childhood, invoking a love of roleplaying and literature, a figure to admire and mirror, and a person that helped shape the culture of the Kingdoms of the Winds.
The community gathered on October 18 at the Hammer and Nail to celebrate to life and achievements of SpyvsSpy. Over 50 individuals attended the event in vigil, with JABS, Arkanis, Paranoid, Archon Primogen Alilolelotte, Flit, Kiyone, Reon, and Janken as speakers sharing memories and memoriams. A recording of the event is provided here.
NexusAtlas appreciates the outreach from the community to aid in compiling this report. A special thanks goes to Arkanis, Ieyasu, Kiyone, YogSim, Reon, and Draven for information and quotes. Also, thanks goes to Chez for recording the Celebration of Life and publishing it.
* Editor's note: Prior to 2005, the Muse Subpath was responsible for judging poems and selecting winners for Revels. The selecting of winning poems would shift to the selection of contest judges by Revels Archons after an investigation yielded corruption in the process.
Know something we don't?
Get in touch with the friendly folks at NexusAtlas, or contact Chongde in-game with information, screenshots, or conversation. Got a screenshot? You can submit screenshots to NexusAtlas by writing to reporterchongde[at]gmail.com. Please submit full-size screenshots in a .bmp or .png format. (You can take screenshots in these formats in-game by using the Shift+Ctrl+3 and Shift+Ctrl+4 keys.) Please ensure character names and chat windows are not on display. NexusAtlas staff will maintain your privacy by cropping out your statistics/items/spells.
- Shiori "Chongde" Sato reporting
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New Prime Minister Sotae and RMK here to help
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Koguryo Prime Minister Sotae demonstrates a willingness to help the community, as well as break out his dance moves on command in the Koguryo Throne Room.
Koguryo is celebrating not one but two shifts of power in their civilian government. Sotae has taken over the position of Prime Minister from his predecessor, Dycean, who has shifted to become General of Koguryo. To briefly talk about Sotae's new role, we met in the Koguryo Throne Room for a chat.
Prime Minister Sotae, how are you handling the first few days after the rotation of responsibility, as the newest leader of the Royal Minister of Koguryo?
I'll be honest, it comes with challenges and new things to learn, but I am a quick learner. Feels a bit like a whirlwind.
What's on your agenda for the organization, now that you're holding the staff?
Number one is getting the Defender Ceremony taken care of, as it has been previously on the back burner. Then, it would be holiday festivities and the Haean Festival coming up. I also want to collaborate more with the clans of the Kingdom. I think the Ministry should be more about connecting and working together. I think being there for those who need help is important, even if it is small things like taking care of the Tree or helping with a Mythic boss. We should be leading by example on how to help our fellow citizens.
Is the RMK looking for members to help with these items, and if so, what sort of people are you looking for to fill your chamber?
Indeed, we are looking for members - anyone who has a clean record, willingness to help others, host events, and be active in the community. I welcome anyone to apply, so that we can be a positive force in the community.
On the note of community, you've mentioned wanting to collaborate more with the clans of the Kingdoms. Does that include organizations outside Kugnae?
Certainly, with both Buya and Nagnang. Cross-kingdom collaboration is always welcome.
If you could describe the ideal future of the Royal Ministry of Koguryo, beyond just the Defender Ceremony and festival, what would that look like?
I would ideally like to have a weekly or bi-weekly help day to assist those who need bosses, items, quests completed, and other such things. The Kingdoms are difficult to navigate by yourself, but hopefully we can be there so you don't have to.
Is there any special message you'd like to give the Kingdoms, about your appointment or your plans?
No, not really. Just come say hi if you need any help.
We appreciate you undertaking the role, and look forward to seeing your future come to fruition.
Know something we don't?
Get in touch with the friendly folks at NexusAtlas, or contact Chongde in-game with information, screenshots, or conversation. Got a screenshot? You can submit screenshots to NexusAtlas by writing to reporterchongde[at]gmail.com. Please submit full-size screenshots in a .bmp or .png format. (You can take screenshots in these formats in-game by using the Shift+Ctrl+3 and Shift+Ctrl+4 keys.) Please ensure character names and chat windows are not on display. NexusAtlas staff will maintain your privacy by cropping out your statistics/items/spells.
- Shiori "Chongde" Sato reporting
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'Don't forget about Phoenix:' Clan welcomes Primogen MisterK
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MisterK chimes off his proclamation in the Phoenix Clan Hall as Promise the Phoenix judges overhead.
Though he may have tried his best to slide under the notice of NexusAtlas, Phoenix Clan's newest leader, MisterK, invited the reporter to the clan's inner sanctum to discuss his appointment on Monday evening. He has been holding the position since October 18, and is the latest of a long list of predecessors that have shaped the historic clan.
Well, Hello, Primogen MisterK! Did you think we forgot about you? Jokes aside, we're here to celebrate you as the latest Primogen of Phoenix Clan, with you being somewhere around the 30th proud clanner to take up the staff. You've had around two weeks to acclimate to shock and settle; how's it going so far?
It's going. I've had experience as clan council before, but never a Primogen, so this is a first for me. There's a lot to learn and figure out. I definitely feel the weight of responsibility, but I'm also eager to help Phoenix rise from the ashes.
What is your personal history with the clan? Or, what called you to Phoenix back when you were just a little rogue?
I've had a long history with Phoenix in a previous form, and had joined Phoenix way back when Kimpo was Primogen in the Yuri 30s era. I've always had nostalgia for Phoenix, so when I was looking for a clan to join as a young rogue, I figured, why not Phoenix? I've felt drawn back, and wanted to be a part of it again.
Primogen Kimpo... So, you've been part of the historical root of the clan, back in '99 or '00. And now you're the gentleman holding the reins.
Yes, I was council back then, a path leader and eventually Arbitrator and Historian for the clan. Maybe not the wisest decision considering how young I was back then, but it worked out.
You have the unique perspective, then, of having seen the original iteration and now the present form. You also spoke earlier of a "rise from the ashes." What might that look like?
Well, it's no secret that I came into the Primogen role after Phoenix was on an extended lockdown after the absence of Castleberry. (We hope he is doing well.) I was willing to step up into the role. And the clan hasn't been active for a while, at least since I've been back. And the membership numbers have been low also. I would like to see both of those change. Do some events, get active in the community, and as a result grow our membership. I want people to join Phoenix because they want to, and they feel like they can belong here.
What sort of people do you believe would feel right at home here?
I want everyone to feel at home here. Phoenix should be an open and inclusive place for people to feel safe and welcomed. I hope for them to feel supported.
On the matter of events, what sort is the clan cooking up?
I'm thinking of simple events. The old tried and true OMGNMP. I saw Ezra from Silla hosting a Hide and Seek earlier. I could "borrow" that idea, along with Forsaken's "Slumber Party" idea. If we can help community members out with quests, that is also something I would like to do in the future.
Nothing wrong with keeping it simple, or even a little collaboration. The community benefits from it either way. Do you have any messages you'd like to give the Kingdoms as a whole?
Don't forget about Phoenix! We're still here. We'll remain here. We're not going anywhere. If anyone wants to stop by to visit, let me know. I'm happy to give tours, or just let people hang out. That's all I can think of for now, may be getting close to my bedtime.
Sweet dreams, dear Primogen, and good luck to you and your clan on this next leg of your journey!
Know something we don't?
Get in touch with the friendly folks at NexusAtlas, or contact Chongde in-game with information, screenshots, or conversation. Got a screenshot? You can submit screenshots to NexusAtlas by writing to reporterchongde[at]gmail.com. Please submit full-size screenshots in a .bmp or .png format. (You can take screenshots in these formats in-game by using the Shift+Ctrl+3 and Shift+Ctrl+4 keys.) Please ensure character names and chat windows are not on display. NexusAtlas staff will maintain your privacy by cropping out your statistics/items/spells.
- Shiori "Chongde" Sato reporting
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Buya news: 2026 Buya Defender Ceremony, 2 Primogens
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The thrones belonging to Queen Lasahn sit empty in the Buya Palace while she is out holding court elsewhere.
The Imperial Ministry of Buya has announced the tentative date for this year's Defender Ceremony. The celebration is set to be held on Saturday, December 12 at 8:00PM EST. Imperial Minister YogSim extends all are welcome to attend.
In case you missed it
Two new Buyan Primogens have assumed responsibility after a prolonged lockdown in each clan. Phoenix Clan welcomes MisterK as their new leader as of October 18, and SanSin Clan ushered in Uzeal on October 20. The reporter has reached out to both to gauge interest in an interview.
Know something we don't?
Get in touch with the friendly folks at NexusAtlas, or contact Chongde in-game with information, screenshots, or conversation. Got a screenshot? You can submit screenshots to NexusAtlas by writing to reporterchongde[at]gmail.com. Please submit full-size screenshots in a .bmp or .png format. (You can take screenshots in these formats in-game by using the Shift+Ctrl+3 and Shift+Ctrl+4 keys.) Please ensure character names and chat windows are not on display. NexusAtlas staff will maintain your privacy by cropping out your statistics/items/spells.
- Shiori "Chongde" Sato reporting
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Saturday, October 31, 2026
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What's that noise? It's just Halloween!
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The reporter stumbles upon the grisly scene of dozens of decapitated heads at the northern gate of the Mythic Nexus. A suspicious panda (Watanabe) hides his sickle while feigning a nap.
It's our favorite holiday between the Kingdom's anniversary and the month of turkeys - Halloween! And it brings with it the traditions of costuming and harassing the innkeepers.
The Nagnang Hounted House has reopened with this morning's storms, and spectres muck about hoarding Halloween costumes. To visit the Nagnang Haunted House, head toward the the Nagnang Farms (accessed at 11, 155 in Nagnang) then head through the immediate left path. Note: The spooks and spirits that drop the costumes can also be found in the Mythic Nexus, and in all three kingdoms.
After wrestling your favorite costume from random restless revenants, equip a head piece and costume and head to your favorite inn and announce, "trick or treat!"
In exchange for your barking harassment of tavern keepers, you may be pranked, transformed, or given a small gift. You can repeat this game every 30 real-life minutes.
Confirmed costume parts available:
Note: Tricks from the inn-keepers may include a change in your clothing dye, or Totem alignment. Other fun pranks include summoning masses of squirrels or rabbits, and temporary morphing spells.
Know something we don't?
Get in touch with the friendly folks at NexusAtlas, or contact Chongde in-game with information, screenshots, or conversation. Got a screenshot? You can submit screenshots to NexusAtlas by writing to reporterchongde[at]gmail.com. Please submit full-size screenshots in a .bmp or .png format. (You can take screenshots in these formats in-game by using the Shift+Ctrl+3 and Shift+Ctrl+4 keys.) Please ensure character names and chat windows are not on display. NexusAtlas staff will maintain your privacy by cropping out your statistics/items/spells.
- Shiori "Chongde" Sato reporting
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Samhain Invitation!
Posted
by: Kaleea
-- 9:23 AM EST
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The Druids invite you to Samhain!
Join the Druids today and tomorrow for Samhain (pronounced SOW-un). Samhain is also known as the time when summer ends and this time of year marks the close of the harvest and the beginning of the dark half of the year. Samhain is celebrated as a time to finish the business of summer, let go of old habits, and welcome whats to come. It offers a chance to reflect on the cycles of nature and life as the seasons turn. Druids celebrate Samhain by honoring ancestors and loved ones who have passed, remembering them as sources of wisdom, guidance, and inspiration. Many traditions view this as a time when the boundary between this world and the ancestral world feels especially close.
We invite our community to gather, share in the season, and take part in the celebration.
Tentative schedule
(All times are in EST)
Saturday October 31st, 2026
4:30 PM - /|\ Opening Ritual
5:00 PM - Battle on the Bridge (Merchant Splurge)
5:50 PM - Last Man Alive (Barbarian Doumah)
6:40 PM - Samurang Showdown (Chongun Lyones)
7:30 PM - Spy S7 (Chez & Bravestones)
9:00 PM - Muse Cabaret (Muse SoonMoon)
Sunday, November 1st, 2026
5:00 PM - Fortune Reveal (Diviners & Druids)
5:50 PM - Deadliest Poison (Shaman Xevu)
6:40 PM - Druid Bingo (Kaleea)
8:20 PM - Archery Tournament (Ranger Fenlong)
9:10 PM - Nature's Bounty (Geo Qian)
10:00 PM - /|\ Closing Ritual
Know something we don't?
Get in touch with the friendly folks at NexusAtlas, or contact Kaleea in-game with information, screenshots, or conversation. Got a screenshot?
<> Kaleea <>
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