Real Life First Name: Matthew
Forum Handle: Tranque101
Main Character Handle: Tranque
Main Character Bluepill Name: Dr. Tranque Bourdeaux
Server: Recursion, Dabbling with Vector-Hostile, rare presence on Syntax
Organization: Merovingian.
Where in the real life world do you live?
I live in NYC.
How long have you played The Matrix Online?
I played back at the end of beta for a long while and I had my character to level 44 in the full retail game. Shortly after the Blue Sky Event I took a long break and I returned about a year or so ago.
What other MMOs have you played?
I will confess, I used to play The Sims Online, hah. I also played and got bored with Anarchy Online and Second Life. They didn't hold my interest for as long a time as MxO has. I also sporadically play Xbox live.
What type of work do you do?
I'm currently a full time student, going into college in around a year. I hope to study sociology or psychology; I'll be narrowing it down soon.
What got you into gaming and what sort of games do you like the most?
I got my first computer when I was around 9 and my first Sims game a long with it. I loved it and became a Sims fanatic for years; I mean I had gigs of my hard drive filled with Sims downloads, it was innovative and addicting, what can I say. I made long drawn out stories for the characters and I had a flair for writing, which I hope to stays with me. The logical progression took me from the single player creative outlet to TSO, which provided me my first MMO creative outlet. A little more logical progression and with MxO I found the niche for my writing and ideas. I have recently been playing Spore and I also thought Grand Theft Auto 4 had an excellent storyline. Before my first computer I watched my sister playing Silent Hill on the PS1 and it scared me senseless. Years later (around ten) I found myself transitioning into a Silent Hill fanatic. My interests vary, but most of all I like a good story, whether I make it, or not.
What other hobbies or activities do you take part in, other then playing The Matrix Online?
I am heavily into photography, mainly cinematic sort of works, such as the works of Crewdson. I like to take scenes of different neighborhoods and how the ethnicity blends into the environment, I think I am in the prime environment for it as well.
What is your highest character level in The Matrix Online?
Tranque is Level 50.
How or why did you choose your main character's name?
Tranque was the first 'made up' name I have made that had some meaning to it. It relates to his 'Tranquility' at times and the adamancy he sometimes projects, even in moments of vulnerability. It's been one of my favorite names of a character to date.
What Branch (Coder, Hacker, Operative) and ability tree is your main character?
Tranque previously was a Duel Revolver wielder but has scurried into Duel Submachine guns. In truth combat isn't his main expertise, so if you see him red, he will probably be dead.
Why did you choose the Branch and ability tree that you did?
After being a hacker for a long period of time, you tend to miss the chaotic elegance that comes with close quarters combat and submachine guns.
Is your main character in a crew, if so, what rank is the character?
Tranque The Philosophe leads the Aeria Gloris Hovercraft. His rank is officially Philosophe of the Sentient Psyche. The crew itself is a Rank 1 ship.
Is your main character in a faction, if so, which one and what is their faction rank?
He is a Patriarch of the Familia Grigori, along with the co-leader and Matriarch Sieges.
What was your favorite chapter?
I'm split in two, at one point I'd like to say red eye agents, because as a lower level player at the time, I was simply giddy to be able to make a difference and kill them. On the other hand, the war finally breaking out and everyone letting loose their aggression really had an impact on me.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
My favorite neighborhood has to be Chelsea. Unlike the International district which oozes of the theme, Chelsea's theme of intellectualism is very subtle but very noticeable. Be it the old Morpheus poetry readings in Messiah, or the Bookwyrms roaming the streets. Also, Tranque's office for the Bourdeaux Agency is there, his psychological aide office.
Who is your favorite NPC?
Malphas has long been one of my most admired characters. The fact that he is almost always called upon by the Merovingian when in intellectual pursuit means a lot, especially when Ookami is only called around to disembowel things. (Okay to be fair, she has a good sense of smell)
What is the most $info you have ever spent at one time and what did you purchase?
Eh, let's see I think around 95 million for my organization key. Got it discounted from a good friend, tekmon.
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?
Hah! I have bunches. My favorite however is the EMCP Device. It shows one of the most interesting aspects of Merovingian Technology. At the time, while they had measly single exile kill codes, we had an area wide attack that instantly killed or nearly killed the Generals forces. Not needed but nonetheless, very interesting.
What do you like best about The Matrix Online?
The potential it has for growth, not only in development, but in the story, or even how it provides a way for players and their characters to evolve dynamically.
How would you describe your best experience playing The Matrix Online?
My best experience playing had to be when Digger took GreatWyrm and me down to the basement of Rawlins and had a fully intellectual and personal conversation with us. It shows that you don't need to get 'phat lootz' from an event, but rather an interesting, educating, and eye opening experience.
Do you run or work for an MxO Fan Site or Radio Station?
No, I do not.
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