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 4006 character names by Ed - updated 08Jun15
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Derulbaskul
Senior Scribe

Singapore
408 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  07:43:14  Show Profile Send Derulbaskul a Private Message  Reply with Quote  Delete Topic
Here's a handy spreadsheet of names by Ed Greenwood from various FR products: http://my-realms.blogspot.com/2014/01/more-names-by-ed-greenwood-now-there.html

You won't find "Khelben" or "Elminster" on the list: these are the second tier, if you can call them that, names that are less widely known. Despite that, you can find 3,527 names here to replace your campaign's Bobs or those RAS-inspired NPC names with superfluous apostrophes.

Edit 23Jan14: I changed the title to better reflect the content. The purpose, though, remains the same: avoiding names like Bob for FR NPCs or those with superfluous apostrophes. Successful FR authors, please note.... :)

Cheers
D

NB: Please remember: A cannon is a big gun. Canon is what we discuss here.

Edited by - Derulbaskul on 08 Jun 2015 11:10:51

Dalor Darden
Great Reader

USA
4211 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  07:58:32  Show Profile Send Dalor Darden a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Awesome!

The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me!
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader

USA
2717 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  08:22:53  Show Profile Send Jeremy Grenemyer a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Well done sir!

I've been away from name collecting myself, but hope to get back to it.

EDIT: having trouble with the link on your blog. Anyone else having trouble?

Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver).

Edited by - Jeremy Grenemyer on 17 Jan 2014 08:23:58
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Derulbaskul
Senior Scribe

Singapore
408 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  09:44:23  Show Profile Send Derulbaskul a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I just went back to Google Drive and generated a fresh link and posted that. Does it work now?

Funnily enough, I had forgotten about Code of the Harpers having been written by Ed. I was reading it for other reasons, realised that not only did I like the names but that there was a basic reason for that (waves to Ed!) so decided to update my spreadsheet. Plus we're in the middle of a bit of bad weather called a tropical depression here in the Third World where I live which means no going out, and certainly no flying to another city or country. Net effect: I'm at home for a while. :)

Cheers
D

NB: Please remember: A cannon is a big gun. Canon is what we discuss here.
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Eilserus
Master of Realmslore

USA
1446 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  13:31:59  Show Profile Send Eilserus a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Oh very good! I've long thought about doing such a thing because I'm horrible at naming NPC's. Usually keep a small list in case I have to wing it, but this is just awesome! Thank you very much.
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The Arcanamach
Master of Realmslore

1847 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  13:57:31  Show Profile Send The Arcanamach a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Nice Derul thanks. I've compiled a list of names from various sources myself but haven't posted them.

I have a dream that one day, all game worlds will exist as one.
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Derulbaskul
Senior Scribe

Singapore
408 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  14:38:50  Show Profile Send Derulbaskul a Private Message  Reply with Quote
You're welcome. This actually started out as my way of getting some value from Castlemourn. After paying a lot of money for it, I realised I was never going to run it but I thought the names were really cool and I could simply use them in my games. It just got bigger from there....

It's also handy for renaming NPCs in published adventures. :)

At some point I should edit it Jeremy's lists of names from various novels as well.

Cheers
D

NB: Please remember: A cannon is a big gun. Canon is what we discuss here.
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire

USA
15724 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  15:22:01  Show Profile Send Markustay a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Thanks for posting this useful resource.

Yeah, I even made that mistake myself; named a character in my one CKC article 'Richard' Montoya.

Knowing what I know NOW - and given the chance to revisit any of that - I would rename him Rikaart Mantoia instead. Not perfect, but far more 'Realmsian'.

I would also rename at least two of the places I named in that article. Fortunately, I am giving myself that chance on a new map I started (but put-aside a few days later, when I realized my ADD was getting the better of me again). I swear to god, I did NOT know Punjabbi was a real place when I named those islands that. Most of you probably don't remember Little Orphan Annie (I barely do), but she had a genie companion named 'Punjab' (who was my favorite), and thats where I got it from.

I've since learned to Google any name I come up with, because I've come to realize that you can make-up stuff that you think is your own, and then find it was just your subconscious pulling-up drabs from stuff you read or seen before.

"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone


Edited by - Markustay on 17 Jan 2014 15:25:08
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36793 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  15:43:46  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer

Well done sir!

I've been away from name collecting myself, but hope to get back to it.

EDIT: having trouble with the link on your blog. Anyone else having trouble?



I had issues with it... I couldn't download the file. I was finally able to do so, using Firefox.

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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36793 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  15:44:29  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
And I must say, that is a most impressive resource!

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Derulbaskul
Senior Scribe

Singapore
408 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  16:21:30  Show Profile Send Derulbaskul a Private Message  Reply with Quote
You're welcome. Glad it's just a browser problem.

quote:
Originally posted by Markustay (snip) Knowing what I know NOW - and given the chance to revisit any of that - I would rename him Rikaart Mantoia instead. Not perfect, but far more 'Realmsian'. (snip)



You mean, Star Trek-ian....

Cheers
D

NB: Please remember: A cannon is a big gun. Canon is what we discuss here.
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Derulbaskul
Senior Scribe

Singapore
408 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  16:22:21  Show Profile Send Derulbaskul a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

And I must say, that is a most impressive resource!



Thanks. I've been working on it for a while. I just do half a book at a time and it gets done. :)

Cheers
D

NB: Please remember: A cannon is a big gun. Canon is what we discuss here.
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader

USA
2717 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  16:24:06  Show Profile Send Jeremy Grenemyer a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Yep, second link works.


Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver).
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader

USA
2717 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  16:25:50  Show Profile Send Jeremy Grenemyer a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Derulbaskul

At some point I should edit it Jeremy's lists of names from various novels as well.

I'd stepped away from list generating for awhile (pregnant wife and now a newborn), but I hope to get back on it once things settle down here.

Really great job on the list though.

Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver).
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire

USA
15724 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  17:00:58  Show Profile Send Markustay a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Derulbaskul

You're welcome. This actually started out as my way of getting some value from Castlemourn. After paying a lot of money for it, I realised I was never going to run it but I thought the names were really cool and I could simply use them in my games. It just got bigger from there....
So then its not really 'FR canon', its Ed canon.

Hadn't thought to use Castlemourn in that fashion - good call.

quote:
Originally posted by Derulbaskul

quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
(snip) Knowing what I know NOW - and given the chance to revisit any of that - I would rename him Rikaart Mantoia instead. Not perfect, but far more 'Realmsian'. (snip)



You mean, Star Trek-ian....

You mean there's a star Trek personality named that?

I've come to find, over time, that everyone's idea of what sounds 'right' isn't the same thing. As far as I'm concerned, so long as you put two 'A's in there somewhere, its Realmsian.

I've seen published (official) stuff that is far worse. The only thing that jumps to mind ATM are the 'Pools of..." stuff and Phlan. Just something very jarring abut all that material.

"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone


Edited by - Markustay on 17 Jan 2014 17:04:43
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Kris the Grey
Senior Scribe

USA
422 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  17:24:24  Show Profile Send Kris the Grey a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I'm only getting 999 names (up to F's)? Anyone else have that issue?

Kris the Grey - Member in Good Standing of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors, the Arcane Guild of Silverymoon, and the Connecticut Bar Association
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36793 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  17:40:31  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay

quote:
Originally posted by Derulbaskul

You're welcome. This actually started out as my way of getting some value from Castlemourn. After paying a lot of money for it, I realised I was never going to run it but I thought the names were really cool and I could simply use them in my games. It just got bigger from there....
So then its not really 'FR canon', its Ed canon.

Hadn't thought to use Castlemourn in that fashion - good call.



I also saw The Five Shires listed as one of the sources, and that, too, is not an FR book (though Ed readily admitted it could be used for Luiren, as if someone wrote it that way! ).

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Hawkins
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USA
2131 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  18:35:45  Show Profile  Visit Hawkins's Homepage Send Hawkins a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Wow, this is really cool! Thanks for the work you put into compiling it.

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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire

USA
15724 Posts

Posted - 17 Jan 2014 :  19:17:47  Show Profile Send Markustay a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by Markustay

quote:
Originally posted by Derulbaskul

You're welcome. This actually started out as my way of getting some value from Castlemourn. After paying a lot of money for it, I realised I was never going to run it but I thought the names were really cool and I could simply use them in my games. It just got bigger from there....
So then its not really 'FR canon', its Ed canon.

Hadn't thought to use Castlemourn in that fashion - good call.



I also saw The Five Shires listed as one of the sources, and that, too, is not an FR book (though Ed readily admitted it could be used for Luiren, as if someone wrote it that way! ).

Especially if you Turn it Upside-Down.

{shameless self-promotion}

And BTW, in my 'Misbegotten Realms I have it right-side up again. It sits right about where Amn used to be (Amn, along with Tethyr and Calimshan all moved into the Old-Empires/Golden Waters region). When I get done with the 'Impiltur Region' (Demonlands?) map, I'll get back to that.

I wish I could have somehow used Castlemourn in there somewhere, but it just didn't fit. The 'encapsulated' flavor of it just didn't work with everything else. (and now I've come full-circle, back to the topic... sort of).

"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone


Edited by - Markustay on 17 Jan 2014 19:19:46
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Derulbaskul
Senior Scribe

Singapore
408 Posts

Posted - 18 Jan 2014 :  05:39:55  Show Profile Send Derulbaskul a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer

Yep, second link works.



Cool. I'm glad that's sorted out.

quote:
Originally posted by MarkustaySo then its not really 'FR canon', its Ed canon. (snip)


Um, yeah. Maybe that's why I called it "names by Ed Greenwood" rather than "Forgotten Realms names"? ;)

quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert (snip) I also saw The Five Shires listed as one of the sources, and that, too, is not an FR book (though Ed readily admitted it could be used for Luiren, as if someone wrote it that way! ).


There's also his non-FR adventure Endless Stair and the names from the article he wrote for Pathfinder 33: The Varnhold Vanishing. I was going to also incorporate Geanavue: The Stones of Peace[i] from Kalamar but those names are too Kalamar-ish.

quote:
[i]Originally posted by Hawkins

Wow, this is really cool! Thanks for the work you put into compiling it.


You're welcome. I hope people get some use from it.

BTW, my own version begins with a random number generator at the top so I can randomly generate a name (my Excel-fu is not advanced enough to simply take me to a randomly generated name). I also have extra columns for alignment, gender, race, class, deity, organisation and the name of the campaign in which they appear. That way it also becomes something of a master NPC list.

Cheers
D

NB: Please remember: A cannon is a big gun. Canon is what we discuss here.
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rjfras
Learned Scribe

261 Posts

Posted - 20 Jan 2014 :  03:22:08  Show Profile  Visit rjfras's Homepage Send rjfras a Private Message  Reply with Quote
any way we can please get the list with the genders of the names?
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Dark Wizard
Senior Scribe

USA
830 Posts

Posted - 20 Jan 2014 :  03:38:58  Show Profile Send Dark Wizard a Private Message  Reply with Quote
There are a few more Greenwoodian names in his other sourcebook work for TSR, such as Spelljammer's Lost Ships. I read one of the entries summarized on a Spelljammer fansite and thought "that sure sounds like a Realms name" (it wasn't, Mystara I think), but later I wasn't surprised to find the source was Lost Ships (or rather, who the author was).

Ed also has a novel for the Pathfinder Tales line, the Wizard's Mask. Has a halfling character in it named Tantaerra Loroeva Klazra. The other protagonist is Tarram "The Masked" Armistrade (somewhat less FR-ish).
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Derulbaskul
Senior Scribe

Singapore
408 Posts

Posted - 20 Jan 2014 :  05:30:20  Show Profile Send Derulbaskul a Private Message  Reply with Quote
@Dark Wizard: Coincidentally, I opened Lost Ships a couple of days ago to see what names I could extract....

I won't be touching novels, though.

quote:
Originally posted by rjfras

any way we can please get the list with the genders of the names?



I only have that noted for about 50 names, a tiny fraction of the total.

We're currently in the middle of floods here in my undisclosed Third World location so let's see if the resulting flood-imposed boredom doesn't spur me on to completely fill that column....

Cheers
D

NB: Please remember: A cannon is a big gun. Canon is what we discuss here.
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Derulbaskul
Senior Scribe

Singapore
408 Posts

Posted - 23 Jan 2014 :  09:09:08  Show Profile Send Derulbaskul a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Here's the latest version and, as requested by rjfras, I have included a column for gender: http://my-realms.blogspot.com/2014/01/names-by-ed-greenwood-4006-names-to-be.html

This latest version includes the names from Ed's Forging the Realms series up until the most recent article. Unfortunately, I have doubled up on a few names but I will edit the document at some point.

Oh, and now there are 4,006 names. :)

Cheers
D

NB: Please remember: A cannon is a big gun. Canon is what we discuss here.

Edited by - Derulbaskul on 23 Jan 2014 15:06:51
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire

USA
15724 Posts

Posted - 23 Jan 2014 :  15:47:55  Show Profile Send Markustay a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Derulbaskul

quote:
Originally posted by MarkustaySo then its not really 'FR canon', its Ed canon. (snip)


Um, yeah. Maybe that's why I called it "names by Ed Greenwood" rather than "Forgotten Realms names"?
No need to be snarky. This is from your original post in this thread -
quote:
Originally posted by Derulbaskul

Here's a handy spreadsheet of names by Ed Greenwood from various FR products: http://my-realms.blogspot.com/2014/01/more-names-by-ed-greenwood-now-there.html
Accent, mine. I'm sorry if I came off like a jerk, but I was merely making a clarification.

I would take from Castlemourn and Five Shires, but I don't think I would take from Golarion/PF or other settings, simply because Ed actually tries to make them different then FR names... but thats your call.

Still, thank you for the list - it will come in handy for naming random NPCs.

"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone

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Derulbaskul
Senior Scribe

Singapore
408 Posts

Posted - 25 Jan 2014 :  10:51:37  Show Profile Send Derulbaskul a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay (snip) No need to be snarky. (snip)


You're right: that does come across as snarky. I wasn't in a snarky mindset when I typed that but I can see why you might have interpreted it that way. My sincere apologies.


Cheers
D

NB: Please remember: A cannon is a big gun. Canon is what we discuss here.
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader

USA
2717 Posts

Posted - 25 Jan 2014 :  11:14:45  Show Profile Send Jeremy Grenemyer a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Derulbaskul, I'm still working my way through "Elminster Must Die" and I hope to be able to make available to you all the character names in it when I am done.

Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver).
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Derulbaskul
Senior Scribe

Singapore
408 Posts

Posted - 26 Jan 2014 :  14:31:28  Show Profile Send Derulbaskul a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer

Derulbaskul, I'm still working my way through "Elminster Must Die" and I hope to be able to make available to you all the character names in it when I am done.



Thanks, Jeremy.

I can't imagine how long the document will be once your names are incorporated as well! :)

Cheers
D

NB: Please remember: A cannon is a big gun. Canon is what we discuss here.
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Caladan Brood
Senior Scribe

Norway
410 Posts

Posted - 07 Jun 2015 :  08:17:23  Show Profile  Visit Caladan Brood's Homepage Send Caladan Brood a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Hello Derulbaskul.
I was wondering if you could re-upload your list for a newcomer?
I'm building extensive Realms character name generators, by scouring all my books, but it sounds like you already did half the work.
Once I'm done I will of course share the generators here.
Best regards,
Caladan Brood,
also known as Shadowthrone, Slynt, Wolfheart & R.J. across the wide web (of Lolth).
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Lothlos
Learned Scribe

USA
111 Posts

Posted - 07 Jun 2015 :  15:19:00  Show Profile Send Lothlos a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Thanks for sharing this awesome resource.

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
-J.R.R. Tolkien

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Caladan Brood
Senior Scribe

Norway
410 Posts

Posted - 07 Jun 2015 :  15:44:57  Show Profile  Visit Caladan Brood's Homepage Send Caladan Brood a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Lothlos, were you able to download the file/have a copy? When I click the link it yields no treasure
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