Real Life First Name: Stephen
Forum Handle: cov
Main Character Handle: Covenant
Main Character Bluepill Name: Stefan Roberts
Server: Recursion
Organization: Zion

Where in the real life world do you live?

I live in the Mission District of San Francisco, California.

How long have you played The Matrix Online?

I've played MxO for four years. I was invited into the beta test in October 2004, and I have been hooked ever since.

What other MMOs have you played?

None, actually MxO is my first and only.

What type of work do you do?

I teach and help run a professional writing program.

What got you into gaming and what sort of games do you like the most?

I started playing video games on the Atari 2600, and later, my cherished Commodore 64. I always liked sci-fi games the most. Currently, though, I'm into the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises because they're so social and interactive.

What other hobbies or activities do you take part in, other then playing The Matrix Online?

I spend a lot of weekends in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. I'm a big food and beverage (*ahem*) fan, so I like to eat out a lot. I travel as much as possible, whether it's internationally or just for a day trip up the coast. Other than that, I like to spend time with my loved ones and enjoy living in an awesome city.

What is your highest character level in The Matrix Online?

My highest level character is level 50, although it certainly took a long time and a lot of help to get here.

How or why did you choose your main character's name?

When I registered for the pre-release forums, I wanted to reserve a handle had a religious connotation like many of the characters in the films. As I was searching for inspiration, "Covenant" randomly came up on a name generator website, and it struck me as a fitting name for a Matrix character. Strangely, as I thought about it more, I realized that the word "covenant" has some deeper personal meanings to me too.

What Branch (Coder, Hacker, Operative) and ability tree is your main character?

Covenant mostly sticks with Operative skills, and favors karate and dual submachine guns.

Why did you choose the Branch and ability tree that you did?

Two words: Machinegun Kick!

Is your main character in a crew, if so, what rank is the character?

Covenant is the Medical Officer of the HvCFT Devildog.

Is your main character in a faction, if so, which one and what is their faction rank?

Covenant is a sergeant in The Trust.

What was your favorite chapter?

I enjoyed Chapter 8 the most because it was a return to what felt like a more authentic Matrix war of ideals. Also, I really liked the main characters' Chapter 8 makeovers, it was a great use of visual design to reinforce the sense of danger and uncertainty after the Truce collapsed.

What is your favorite neighborhood?

Moriah Projects is a sentimental favorite, and for Zionites, it's a very practical home base. On the other hand, as far as the overall look and feel of the districts, I think my favorite is International. Plus, it has really good noodles.

Who is your favorite NPC?

The main NPC characters from the films are great, but there are a bunch of new characters created for the game that I really like too. I think my current favorite is Raini, the dangerously unstable yet completely irresistible hot mess of an Exile that runs drugs out of Jacob's Ladder. Raini is involved in a story that I'm working on for The Trust forums, and I have a blast writing her scenes.

What is the most $info you have ever spent at one time and what did you purchase?

I have never really amassed a great deal of cash, so I choked on the 100 Million $info I spent on the organization area key.

Do you have an item you no longer use but keep around for nostalgic reasons? If so, what is it and why do you keep it?

Most of my beta gear is in my email, but I keep my beta jacket in my inventory even though I rarely put it on. Beta was such a hilarious and bewildering experience for me because I'd never played an MMO before and I had absolutely no idea what was happening. I met some really awesome people in beta and had a great time, so I like having the jacket around as a reminder.

What do you like best about The Matrix Online?

I think the best part is that it's such immersive escapism for me. It's getting to live in a world where regular people learn to see past the limits of their own minds to achieve incredible things...all while wearing tight leather clothes and looking totally badass! Some folks might like to watch trashy reality TV to zone out and relax; I like to pretend that I look good in croc-skin pants and can beat down a room full of gun-toting thugs without breaking a sweat. What's not to like?

How would you describe your best experience playing The Matrix Online?

I don't know that there's been a single best moment, because continuously meeting and collaborating with other people has made this such a fun on-going experience. Joining The Trust has been a terrific experience because it helped me to connect to the game more and introduced me to some really compelling characters and storylines. Also, several player events stand out as some of my most memorable experiences, like the ones created by Vesuveus, TRX, Iviera, and Phrack in particular.

Do you run or work for an MxO Fan Site or Radio Station?

No, but I really appreciate people who have the skills and the time to provide these services to the community. MxO wouldn't be complete without them. Keep up the great work, everyone!

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