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cpthero2
Great Reader
USA
2286 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Nov 2020 : 07:07:27
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Learned Scribe Azar,
I only use two generic names in very specific situations: Steve and Suzi. It is a generic, meta-name placeholder for a reference to something at the moment.
Best regards,
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Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring |
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Returnip
Learned Scribe
222 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2020 : 09:13:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Azar
Hello everyone.
In your games, do you feature plain real-life names such as James, Pierre, Yusuf, Anne, Sophia, Mei and the like? If you do, how do you determine the rough percentage of NPCs that sound "ordinary"? Is there a rhyme or reason...a method to your madness?
Come to think of it, "Albert" may very well be the exotic individual on a world with Alias, Alustriel and Azoun  .
I use the examples of regional names presented in the FR sourcebooks either as is or as a foundation to come up with a name that sounds similar, or has a similar structure. Some more rare names from the real world might be in use in FR as well and so they can stay. Usually I want the names to give a sense of origin in the game.
Ursula Helder
Shaharyar the Merciless
Aegilwulf
I'm pretty sure most people here can figure out what kinds of characters, and from where, these names apply to. |
On the other hand you have different fingers. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2020 : 11:19:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Zeromaru X
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I wouldn't call it a relic of 2E -- that was the ruleset when a lot of those ridiculous names were made, but it wasn't because of the rules, it was because of the authors. More of those names happened in 2E just because that's when most of the fiction was published.
And a lot of the bad names are from one author.
And I can (or try to) understand why they did it: they just wanted to avoid all that Satanic Panic trouble. So, flanderizing D&D was a necessity back then. But it isn't today. They shouldn't bring it back.
I don't think it had anything at all to do with TSR. It was all on the authors, and mostly just one of them. There's no reason that TSR would leave Florin Falconhand or Artus Cimber alone but change something else to Cordio Muffinhead.
No, this is all on the authors, and the editors that failed to do anything with the horrible names. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 30 Nov 2020 22:39:11 |
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cpthero2
Great Reader
USA
2286 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2020 : 21:57:10
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Acolyte Returnip,
Yeah, that is good stuff.
quote:
I use the examples of regional names presented in the FR sourcebooks either as is or as a foundation to come up with a name that sounds similar, or has a similar structure. Some more rare names from the real world might be in use in FR as well and so they can stay. Usually I want the names to give a sense of origin in the game.
Ursula Helder
Shaharyar the Merciless
Aegilwulf
These are names that are either from lore lists of similar like names from areas, or you can just use regional approximations of nations from Earth to help with them too.
Best regards,
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Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring |
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Delnyn
Senior Scribe
USA
953 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2020 : 01:04:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
-Cordio Muffinhead.
-That's all.
And his fellow dwarf General Dagnabbit.  |
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cpthero2
Great Reader
USA
2286 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2020 : 04:53:06
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Senior Scribe Delnyn,
I regret to inform you that I rolled a '1': Basil Stag Hare
My sincere apologies.
Best regards,
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Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring |
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Returnip
Learned Scribe
222 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2020 : 13:10:48
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quote:
Originally posted by cpthero2
These are names that are either from lore lists of similar like names from areas, or you can just use regional approximations of nations from Earth to help with them too.
Best regards,
Close. Helder is said to be a name given to children of guards if I'm not mistaken. Ursula Helder is a rogue in the Silver Marches, daughter of a guard from Everlund iirc. Shaharyar the Merciless is a stage name for a former gladiator who fought in the Quivering Thumb before gaining his freedom and turning to a life of adventure. Aegilwulf was an outcast from the Greywolf tribe who didn't have the lycanthropic abilities of his fellow tribesfolk. |
On the other hand you have different fingers. |
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cpthero2
Great Reader
USA
2286 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2020 : 16:41:11
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Acolyte Returnip,
Fantastic find on those! I'm glad you dug into those. I'm assuming that you found Ursula Helder in the Silver Marches accessory. Where did you find the other two at?
Best regards,
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Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring |
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Returnip
Learned Scribe
222 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2020 : 16:51:09
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quote:
Originally posted by cpthero2
Acolyte Returnip,
Fantastic find on those! I'm glad you dug into those. I'm assuming that you found Ursula Helder in the Silver Marches accessory. Where did you find the other two at?
Best regards,
Sorry if I was unclear. Those are names I've come up with for PCs. My point was the sounding of the names immediately gives you ideas of where they come from, without being too strange, not rooted in lore or simply "Bob the barbarian". |
On the other hand you have different fingers. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2020 : 16:55:08
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quote:
Originally posted by Returnip
quote:
Originally posted by cpthero2
Acolyte Returnip,
Fantastic find on those! I'm glad you dug into those. I'm assuming that you found Ursula Helder in the Silver Marches accessory. Where did you find the other two at?
Best regards,
Sorry if I was unclear. Those are names I've come up with for PCs. My point was the sounding of the names immediately gives you ideas of where they come from, without being too strange, not rooted in lore or simply "Bob the barbarian".
My default name, when I want to refer to a generic NPC, is Bahb Nounsilver. He is, of course, from Cormyr. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 01 Dec 2020 16:55:48 |
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cpthero2
Great Reader
USA
2286 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2020 : 17:11:55
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Acolyte Returnip,
Ahhh, well then, very nice sounding names indeed! Yes, they are vastly better than Bob the Barbarian. lol
Best regards,
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Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring |
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Returnip
Learned Scribe
222 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2020 : 17:27:29
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I usually keep a list of female and male names nearby in case the PCs ask some insignificant NPC their name, just to avoid the:
- "And what's your name?"
- "Err.."
- "You don't know your name?"
..situation. |
On the other hand you have different fingers. |
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cpthero2
Great Reader
USA
2286 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2020 : 19:01:09
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Acolyte Returnip,
I hear you. I make my players create a psyche profile and bio for their characters. By the time they are done with their character building, they know every little detail they have about that person, and never do they forget their name! ;) haha
Best regards,
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Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring |
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Azar
Master of Realmslore
1309 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2020 : 13:21:42
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Next up are Humans. Apologies if any pertinent entries were missed, but...I had quite a few names to examine.
* Achmed.
* Adama.
* Adele.
* Adnan.
* Ahmad.
* Aiken.
* Akbar.
* Aki.
* Akinari.
* Alaine.
* Alder.
* Aldolphus (Adolphus).
* Aleena.
* Alek.
* Alex.
* Alexander.
* Aliah.
* Alicia x3.
* Allie.
* Alphonse.
* Althea.
* Alton.
* Alurah (Alura).
* Amahl.
* Amar.
* Amber.
* Ambrose.
* Amie.
* Amin.
* Amon.
* Anais.
* Andar.
* Anders x2.
* Andrew.
* Andru (Andrew).
* Angelo.
* Angus x2.
* Anna (Tatyana of Ravenloft).
* Anthony.
* Anton x3.
* Anusha.
* Anya.
* Arata.
* Arietta.
* Arik.
* Artemis.
* Artur.
* Arvin.
* Assad.
* Ashley.
* Astrid.
* Atsuko.
* Atsuo.
* August.
* Aurora.
* Avery x2.
* Azad.
* Azala.
* Azar.
* Aziz.
* Aziza.
* Balthazar.
* Barak.
* Barrow.
* Bartholomew x2.
* Bartley.
* Bashir.
* Basil.
* Bayle.
* Bea.
* Beech.
* Belinda.
* Belisarius.
* Bella.
* Ben.
* Benson.
* Benton.
* Bernard.
* Bernadette.
* Biff.
* Bishop.
* Bjorn.
* Blaine.
* Bob.
* Bobby (Earth emigrant).
* Bohr.
* Bolton.
* Boris.
* Bosco.
* Braccio.
* Braden.
* Brandon (appears in both the AD&D Forgotten Realms Campaign Set and AD&D 2e Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting).
* Branislav.
* Branson.
* Brant.
* Brenna x2.
* Brennan.
* Brian.
* Brianna x2.
* Brianne.
* Bridget.
* Brigitte.
* Bronn.
* Brunhilde.
* Bryan.
* Bryon.
* Cain.
* Cale.
* Caleb.
* Calvin.
* Camden.
* Carmen.
* Cartier.
* Carver.
* Cassandra.
* Casimir.
* Cassius.
* Cavil (Cavill).
* Cedric x2.
* Celeste.
* Chan.
* Charles x2.
* Charleston.
* Chase.
* Chen.
* Cheng.
* Chiang x2.
* Chien.
* Chin x3.
* Chou.
* Chu.
* Christian.
* Christine.
* Clara.
* Clive (ref. Orion).
* Colin.
* Conan.
* Conner.
* Connor.
* Cora.
* Coram.
* Corin.
* Cormick.
* Corneil.
* Corwyn.
* Cromley.
* Culkin.
* Cullen x2.
* Cuthbert.
* Cutter.
* Dahl.
* Dalia.
* Dalilah.
* Damian.
* Damien x2.
* Danica.
* Darla.
* Dan.
* Danilo.
* Daren.
* Darvis.
* Daud.
* Davien.
* Deidre x2.
* deLancie (de Lancie).
* Dell x2.
* Delly.
* Delora.
* Deng.
* Denton.
* Denver.
* Derrick.
* Diana (Earth emigrant).
* Dillard.
* Dimon.
* Don x2.
* Donnor (Donner).
* Dorn x2.
* Drake.
* Drusilla.
* Duncan x3.
* Dylan.
* Eckert.
* Eddard.
* Eden.
* Edwin.
* Eiji.
* Elden.
* Eli.
* Eliah x2.
* Elliot.
* Ellis.
* Ellison.
* Elmo.
* Elwin.
* Elza.
* Eric (Earth emigrant).
* Erikksonn (Eriksson).
* Estele.
* Ethon.
* Eva.
* Evaine.
* Evan.
* Evlyn.
* Fadela.
* Fang.
* Fara.
* Farid x2.
* Farim.
* Fatima x4.
* Fei.
* Felix.
* Frederik.
* Frederick.
* Fu.
* Funada.
* Fyodor.
* Fzoul ("Pasta"...just kidding).
* Gabourey.
* Gabrielle.
* Gaius.
* Galen.
* Gallard.
* Galvin.
* Gareth.
* Garret x2.
* Garrick.
* Garth.
* Garwin.
* Gaspar.
* Gavin x2.
* Gaylyn.
* Genji.
* Genzo.
* Geoffrey.
* Georg x2.
* Gera.
* Gerrin.
* Gideon.
* Giles.
* Gilliam.
* Gina.
* Ginny.
* Giselle.
* Glinda.
* Gonsuke.
* Gordon.
* Grady.
* Graves.
* Greene.
* Gregor.
* Gretta.
* Grigor.
* Grimes.
* Grossman.
* Gus.
* Gustaf.
* Gwen.
* Gwendolynn.
* Gwydion.
* Gwynneth.
* Hagen.
* Haji.
* Hakim.
* Haku.
* Hala.
* Halloran.
* Hamad.
* Hamid.
* Hamida.
* Hanamoto.
* Hank.
* Hank (Earth emigrant.)
* Hannah.
* Harman.
* Harriman.
* Harrold (Harold).
* Haru.
* Harun.
* Hasan.
* Hashiba.
* Hawk.
* Helene.
* Hendrick.
* Hern.
* Hess.
* Hidenobu.
* Hino.
* Hiro x3.
* Hiroyasu.
* Hisao.
* Hitoshi.
* Hiwa.
* Ho x2.
* Hojo.
* Holiday.
* Holly x2.
* Holt.
* Hori.
* Hoshi.
* Howard.
* Hrolf.
* Hu x3.
* Huang.
* Hung.
* Husam.
* Ian.
* Ibrahim.
* Ichiro.
* Ido.
* Ike.
* Ira.
* Iskander.
* Isolde.
* Ito.
* Jack.
* Jacob.
* Jade.
* Jafar x2.
* Jaffe.
* Jaffer.
* Jai.
* Jak.
* Jamad.
* Jamal x5.
* Jamila.
* Jamina.
* Jamison.
* Jasmine.
* Jasper.
* Jered.
* Jerome.
* Jim.
* Joel.
* Jonah.
* Jordy.
* Jorgen.
* Josef.
* Joseph.
* Julia.
* Juni.
* Jushiro.
* Justyn (Justin).
* Kadokawa.
* Kaitlynn.
* Kalas.
* Kalia.
* Kane.
* Kang.
* Kara x2.
* Karim.
* Karl.
* Kate (pronounced KAH-TAY?)
* Katriana.
* Karolina.
* Kasim.
* Kawakubo.
* Kazuhiko.
* Khalia.
* Khalil x2.
* Keane.
* Keefe.
* Keegan x3.
* Keesha.
* Ken.
* Kendrick x7.
* Kenniwick (Kennewick).
* Kenric.
* Kent.
* Kenzo.
* Kerim.
* Kern.
* Kerrigan.
* Kieren (Kieran).
* Kiku.
* Kiro.
* Kishimoto.
* Kitashi.
* Knox.
* Koda.
* Koji x3.
* Komatsu.
* Koresh.
* Kromm.
* Kuroda.
* Kwan.
* Kyo.
* Kyrie.
* Lam.
* Lamarck.
* Lana x2.
* Lannon.
* Lao.
* Lauren.
* Larissa x2.
* LaValle.
* LaVerne.
* Lazarus.
* Lazlo x2.
* Leah.
* Leona.
* Li x4.
* Liam x3.
* Liang.
* Liara.
* Lilith.
* Ling.
* Lissa x2.
* Liza.
* Llewellyn.
* Lloyd.
* Lo.
* Locke.
* Lorien.
* Lorren (Loren).
* Lotte.
* Luc.
* Lucia.
* Lucrezia.
* Ludwig.
* Luna.
* Lutecia.
* Mahmud x2.
* Mai.
* Malcomb.
* Malik.
* Malla.
* Mallik.
* Malus.
* Malyk.
* Mandrake.
* Manfred / "Manny".
* Mao.
* Mara x3.
* Marco x2.
* Marcos.
* Marcus x2.
* Marek.
* Marilyn.
* Marion.
* Markham.
* Markov.
* Marks.
* Marlin.
* Marlot.
* Marlowe.
* Marlyn.
* Martin x2.
* Martine.
* Marwan.
* Masako.
* Masanori.
* Masaru.
* Mathilda.
* Matsu.
* Mattias.
* Maxeene (Maxeen).
* McGill.
* Meer.
* Mei x2.
* Melinda.
* Mensch.
* Meo.
* Mifune.
* Mikal.
* Mikali.
* Miki.
* Miklos.
* Mildred.
* Miller x2.
* Min.
* Mina.
* Ming x2.
* Mira x3.
* Mischa.
* Mitsuhide.
* Mitsutoshi.
* Moirah.
* Moll.
* Monica.
* Moore.
* Morann (Moran).
* Morgan.
* Morwen.
* Motoharu.
* Mubarak.
* Munsch.
* Muraoka.
* Murasame.
* Muriel.
* Mustapha.
* Nabil.
* Nada.
* Nadia x2.
* Nadim.
* Nagahide.
* Nagazane.
* Najib.
* Nalia.
* Namiko.
* Naomi.
* Nariakira.
* Nasim (Nassim).
* Nasir x2.
* Nebbish (not actually a name, but rather a descriptor of Hebrew origin).
* Neira.
* Nellis.
* Nestor.
* Neville.
* Niko.
* Niles.
* Niwa.
* Ngo.
* Nobu.
* Nogami.
* Nolan.
* Noora.
* Nura.
* O'Kane.
* Oberon x2.
* Ogden.
* Ohta.
* Oka.
* Okawa.
* Olaf.
* Oliver.
* Olivine.
* Oman.
* Omar x2.
* Orion.
* Osamu.
* Otomo.
* Otomoto.
* Otto.
* Paine.
* Pan.
* Pang.
* Parker.
* Patric.
* Pavel x3.
* Peck.
* Pemberton x2.
* Penelope.
* Percival.
* Pern.
* Perry.
* Perth.
* Pete.
* Petrou.
* Pierson.
* Pinochet.
* Piper.
* Pitney.
* Po x3.
* Polaris.
* Presto (Earth emigrant).
* Preston.
* Priscilla.
* Quentin.
* Quinn x2.
* Rachel.
* Rafferty.
* Randal.
* Randal (ref. Randal Morn).
* Randall.
* Randolph.
* Rashid.
* Rath x2.
* Reginald x2.
* Reynald.
* Rhee.
* Rico.
* Roben.
* Robyn.
* Roddy.
* Roderick.
* Rodrick.
* Roe.
* Roland.
* Rolf.
* Rolo.
* Rose x2.
* Rosena.
* Rosene.
* Rowan x2.
* Rowen.
* Rowena.
* Roxanna.
* Ruckert.
* Russell.
* Rutherford.
* Sabine.
* Sadamoto.
* Saddam.
* Sadik.
* Sado.
* Safia.
* Saito.
* Sakai.
* Salman.
* Samia.
* Samuel.
* Sanai.
* Sandrine.
* Sato x3.
* Satomi.
* Sayeed.
* Schell.
* Schonert.
* Scott.
* Scramsax (Scramasax: a Germanic knife).
* Sean.
* Sebastian.
* Seiji.
* Selkirk.
* Semyon.
* Serge.
* Setara x2.
* Severin x2.
* Shafiya.
* Shandra.
* Shane.
* Sharia (Shariah).
* Shaw.
* Shawn.
* Sheila x3.
* Sheila (Earth emigrant).
* Sheng.
* Shigeruchan (Shigeru chan).
* Shigetada.
* Shimizu.
* Shiro.
* Shou.
* Silas.
* Silke.
* Simon.
* Sims.
* Sirius.
* Slater.
* Soren x2.
* Sousuke.
* Stephan.
* Sugawara.
* Sumihiro.
* Sumitomo.
* Sydney.
* Sylvia.
* Tada.
* Tadahiro.
* Tajima.
* Takahashi.
* Takahiro.
* Takako.
* Takashi.
* Takenaka.
* Takeshi.
* Talbot.
* Talia.
* Tam.
* Tamura.
* Tanaka.
* Tanan.
* Tanner.
* Tanya.
* Tara.
* Taraj.
* Tareen.
* Tarik.
* Tasha x2.
* Teelah (Teela).
* Terrence.
* Tetsu.
* Thalia.
* Thane.
* Thomas x2.
* Tia.
* Timor.
* Timoshenko.
* Ting.
* Toda x2.
* Tojo.
* Toliver (Tolliver).
* Tomas x2.
* Tomi.
* Tor.
* Toru.
* Toshikazu.
* Toyo x2.
* Toyoo.
* Trahern.
* Traven.
* Trent.
* Trevor.
* Tristan x2.
* Tristian.
* Tsien.
* Tsu x2.
* Tuan.
* Tyran.
* Uday.
* Ujisato.
* Ulrich.
* Unger.
* Uther.
* Vander.
* Vance.
* Vane x2.
* Vanessa.
* Varden.
* Vargas.
* Varro.
* Victor.
* Vesper.
* Wada.
* Wadsworth.
* Wai.
* Waleed.
* Wallen.
* Walter.
* Wan x2.
* Wang x2.
* Ward.
* Warren.
* Watanabe.
* Webb.
* Werth.
* Wheeler.
* Wilfred.
* Willard.
* Willem.
* William x2.
* Winski.
* Winthrop.
* Wong x2.
* Woo.
* Wynne.
* Xander.
* Xara.
* Yamaguchi.
* Yamato.
* Yasmin.
* Yazid.
* Yen.
* Yip.
* Yoichi x2.
* Yolanda.
* Yori.
* Yoshinaka.
* Yoshitoki.
* Yu x3.
* Yui.
* Yuji.
* Yuka.
* Yukio.
* Yung.
* Yusef.
* Yusuf.
* Yusuke.
* Zafir.
* Zara.
* Zi.
* Zola.
* Zwei.
Charles Frederik LaVerne Blacktree IV in particular is a rather large middle finger to orthodox Realmsian naming conventions. Charles Oliver O'Kane is likewise particularly conspicuous.
By the way, it should be noted that these names appear across multiple editions, multiple authors/writers and multiple media (i.e., supplements/modules, novels, comics, trading cards and video games). It should also be noted that some of these names appeared in works authored or co-authored by the man himself...Ed Greenwood. Overall, it seems that names from our world are relatively rare but nevertheless present on Toril. Now - after all that discovery - I won't feel so bad if I throw in a "plain" name once in a blue moon  .
P.S. Some of the art that I've come across while scanning the names is odd; this fellow looks like he walked straight out of the 1990s. |
Stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.
Earth names in the Realms are more common than you may think. |
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BlackAce
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
358 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2020 : 14:07:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I've commented on this before -- just changing one or two letters, or scrambling them, gives you something new.
To quote myself from a discussion in October:
"And there's no reason to use real-world names, either -- just swap a letter or two, and you've got a fantasy name. Instead of Marcus, go with Mardus or Tarkas or Makras. One of my fave published NPCs is named Jevicca -- an obvious take on Jessica, but made different by playing with just a few letters.
Another trick is anagrams. Marcus could be Mascur or Ruscam. Do an anagram and swap out a letter or two, you've got Sulcam or Ralmus.
You could even use non-names with those tricks -- collect can become Telcar or Corralt. Dice can become Kace or Kase.
There's just too many ways to avoid using real-world names to justify using one."
It's my favourite technique of making real-world names blend in better. Easy to drop or change a letter, or latinize it and then drop a letter. eg Alice - Alicia - Alinia. |
Edited by - BlackAce on 02 Dec 2020 14:45:04 |
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Azar
Master of Realmslore
1309 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2020 : 14:14:16
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| Coincidentally, I was considering including an NPC with the surname of "Muffinfriend"; this person is a Halfling from a family of bakers...hm...specialty chefs. Color me surprised to find out that a sliver of lighthearted material is taboo. |
Stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.
Earth names in the Realms are more common than you may think. |
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BlackAce
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
358 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2020 : 14:22:31
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| Oh and sometimes just switch letters around. Steven - Estven, Caroline - Rocelina etc. |
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BlackAce
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
358 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2020 : 14:24:42
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Personally don't mind lighthearted names if they have good context. It's when it's a bad pun I tend to groan.
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2020 : 17:26:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Azar
Coincidentally, I was considering including an NPC with the surname of "Muffinfriend"; this person is a Halfling from a family of bakers...hm...specialty chefs. Color me surprised to find out that a sliver of lighthearted material is taboo.
For a halfling, the name Muffinfriend is a little odd, but it's a damn sight better than a dwarf named Muffinhead. Dwarven surnames usually involve weapons, metal, or geological references. Muffinhead seems like it would be an insult to a dwarf, not a surname.
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TheIriaeban
Master of Realmslore
USA
1289 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2020 : 18:00:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Azar
Next up are Humans. Apologies if any pertinent entries were missed, but...I had quite a few names to examine.
<List removed because we don't need to repeat it>
Charles Frederik LaVerne Blacktree IV in particular is a rather large middle finger to orthodox Realmsian naming conventions. Charles Oliver O'Kane is likewise particularly conspicuous.
By the way, it should be noted that these names appear across multiple editions, multiple authors/writers and multiple media (i.e., supplements/modules, novels, comics, trading cards and video games). It should also be noted that some of these names appeared in works authored or co-authored by the man himself...Ed Greenwood. Overall, it seems that names from our world are relatively rare but nevertheless present on Toril. Now - after all that discovery - I won't feel so bad if I throw in a "plain" name once in a blue moon .
P.S. Some of the art that I've come across while scanning the names is odd; this fellow looks like he walked straight out of the 1990s.
Awesome, so Pip Packer is perfectly presentable.
Also, the gentleman in question, Cullen Salgoud, is the spokesperson for Burrowville Blueleaf Tobacco. I am sure you saw the full page ads in chapbooks all over the Realms.
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"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."
My FR writeups - http://www.mediafire.com/folder/um3liz6tqsf5n/Documents
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Archmage of Nowhere
Seeker
USA
64 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2020 : 18:56:39
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I tend towards trying to make phonemes of the name fit with the language I associate with the character and their backstory.
A half-elf born in a dwarven city and who's primary language is dwarvish is probably still named something of significance to the parents primary languages.
Problem being when there is no examples of the language to go on. Personally, the spelling of a name doesn't really matter for me in game for obvious reasons, in a book I would prefer alternate spellings at least, but personally I think it is far more important to pick a language that the root culture of the character best identifies with, then choose a name that exists in that culture first. From a immersion perspective. |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2020 : 20:39:17
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quote:
Originally posted by Azar
Coincidentally, I was considering including an NPC with the surname of "Muffinfriend"; this person is a Halfling from a family of bakers...hm...specialty chefs. Color me surprised to find out that a sliver of lighthearted material is taboo.
I should say so.... that goodsir is absolutely and unrefutedly absurd.... halflings are NOT MuffinFRIENDS.... halfings are MuffinDESTROYERS. Halflings are not Pastrypals... halflings are Pastryfoes. Halflings are not Browniebakers.... halflings are Browniebiters. Halflings are not named Appleally.... halflings are Appleadversaries. Halflings are not Maplemates... halflings are Maplegluttons. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Azar
Master of Realmslore
1309 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2020 : 22:13:23
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Here are Half-Elves.
* Adrienne.
* Alan.
* Alia x2.
* Allan.
* Anwar.
* Aziz x3.
* Aziza.
* Beatrice.
* Ben x2.
* Constance.
* Corinna.
* Daria.
* Darlan.
* Derek.
* Finch.
* Gunderman.
* Jamal.
* Jon.
* Kane.
* Kara.
* Karim.
* Katharine.
* Kell.
* Kerri.
* Khalid.
* Khalil.
* Kwan.
* Kyrie.
* Latifa.
* Lorelei.
* Lyra.
* Mahmud.
* Mara.
* Marcus.
* Marie.
* Matteo.
* Nabil.
* Neera.
* Nureh.
* Parker.
* Rolf.
* Samia x2.
* Sayida.
* Serena.
* Tianna.
* Winn.
The winner is...Katharine Marie Moorland. |
Stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.
Earth names in the Realms are more common than you may think. |
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Azar
Master of Realmslore
1309 Posts |
Posted - 03 Dec 2020 : 01:16:42
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Even Dwarves can get in on the fun.
* Angus.
* Azan.
* Aziz.
* Bromm.
* Buster.
* Callum.
* Cromwell.
* Cutler.
* Dain.
* Dell.
* Dorn x2.
* Dorna.
* Dudley.
* Duggan.
* Farid.
* Feisal.
* Feldon.
* Fender x2.
* Foss.
* Garick.
* Gord.
* Hama.
* Hildreth.
* Ichi.
* Ito.
* Ivan.
* Jamila.
* Jasper.
* Karl.
* Kerim.
* Kowa.
* Kruger.
* Lugh.
* Mac x3.
* Mamoud (Mahmoud).
* Mandrake.
* Marcius.
* Markos.
* Marten.
* Mashida.
* McCourt.
* Milo.
* Narim.
* Nigel.
* Nura.
* Ogden.
* Omar.
* Oster.
* Rashid.
* Reginald.
* Rollo.
* Rook.
* Sadik.
* Suhailah.
* Taleb.
* Tamal.
* Tariq.
* Tor.
* Umar.
* Unger.
Slightly unrelated: coolest name for a Dwarf ever? How about this one? Those aside, I always enjoyed the moniker of this fellow from Baldur's Gate 2. |
Stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.
Earth names in the Realms are more common than you may think. |
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Delnyn
Senior Scribe
USA
953 Posts |
Posted - 03 Dec 2020 : 02:11:55
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| Would you expect dwarves and elves to introduce themselves first by clan, tribe or house? My understanding especially with dwarves, a refusal to identify clan ("...of the dwarves." introduction) is a clear sign the person addressed is not trusted. |
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TheIriaeban
Master of Realmslore
USA
1289 Posts |
Posted - 03 Dec 2020 : 02:17:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Delnyn
Would you expect dwarves and elves to introduce themselves first by clan, tribe or house? My understanding especially with dwarves, a refusal to identify clan ("...of the dwarves." introduction) is a clear sign the person addressed is not trusted.
I don't see them doing anything other than just their given name unless they already know the social rank of the person they are introducing themselves to. If it is someone of some importance (like a king or leader of a large or important group), they might throw in the whole thing to garner some respect. |
"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."
My FR writeups - http://www.mediafire.com/folder/um3liz6tqsf5n/Documents
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Delnyn
Senior Scribe
USA
953 Posts |
Posted - 03 Dec 2020 : 02:57:07
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| Now I am imagining a dwarf reciting his lineage all the way back to Shanatar. For a human, that may be more potent than a brass great wyrm's sleep breath weapon. |
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cpthero2
Great Reader
USA
2286 Posts |
Posted - 03 Dec 2020 : 06:34:12
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Senior Scribe Delnyn,
quote:
Would you expect dwarves and elves to introduce themselves first by clan, tribe or house? My understanding especially with dwarves, a refusal to identify clan ("...of the dwarves." introduction) is a clear sign the person addressed is not trusted.
With Dwarves, the custom is quote:
A dwarf may introduce himself to a stranger of another race, as 'Narnden, of the dwarves' If Narnden is his real name, this is only a subtle insult, reflecting that the dwarf doesn't trust the stranger well enough to give his clan (last) name. If the stranger is a dwarf, it is an unfriendly greeting. If the dwarf gives the name 'Narnden' falsely, it is meant as an insult. (FR11 Dwarves Deep, p.3)
While Elves view how quote:
...many human cultures grasp and shake hands upon meeting (to unconsciously test the strength of whom they meet), this is a horrible affront to any elf. Most elves (and thus, all the later natives of Myth Drannor) either nod or slightly sketch a bow as a greeting among acquaintances, while friendlier greetings involved placing the right hand on a friend's left shoulder (which, by often leaving an elf off-balance with a primary hand across the body, exposed the heart to the greeted and thus suggested a trust between them). One never meets eyes with a social better until acknowledged by that person, no matter who their race is. (Cormanthyr: Empire of Elves, p.61)
Best regards,
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Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring |
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Azar
Master of Realmslore
1309 Posts |
Posted - 03 Dec 2020 : 09:11:02
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| I imagine the way in which a dwarf interacts with other dwarven families/kingdoms depends on the family's/kingdom's emphasis on stratification. Dwarven society overall is Lawful Good, correct? A community that leans Lawful is likely to be a stickler for protocol...they'll want visitors to prove their bona fides; a community that leans Good likely has their sovereign rubbing shoulders (perhaps quite literally!) with the common folk and waving away insistence on such formalities. |
Stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.
Earth names in the Realms are more common than you may think. |
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Azar
Master of Realmslore
1309 Posts |
Posted - 03 Dec 2020 : 10:50:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Azar
Coincidentally, I was considering including an NPC with the surname of "Muffinfriend"; this person is a Halfling from a family of bakers...hm...specialty chefs. Color me surprised to find out that a sliver of lighthearted material is taboo.
For a halfling, the name Muffinfriend is a little odd, but it's a damn sight better than a dwarf named Muffinhead. Dwarven surnames usually involve weapons, metal, or geological references. Muffinhead seems like it would be an insult to a dwarf, not a surname.
That's fair. I suppose my proposed name would be even more acceptable if a Gnome were bearing it, huh?
P.S. At this point, I am almost fully certain which author you are referring to when you mention "one author" who is the progenitor of "bad names". Are we to employ The Scottish Trope here  ?
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quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban
quote:
Originally posted by Azar
Next up are Humans. Apologies if any pertinent entries were missed, but...I had quite a few names to examine.
<List removed because we don't need to repeat it>
Charles Frederik LaVerne Blacktree IV in particular is a rather large middle finger to orthodox Realmsian naming conventions. Charles Oliver O'Kane is likewise particularly conspicuous.
By the way, it should be noted that these names appear across multiple editions, multiple authors/writers and multiple media (i.e., supplements/modules, novels, comics, trading cards and video games). It should also be noted that some of these names appeared in works authored or co-authored by the man himself...Ed Greenwood. Overall, it seems that names from our world are relatively rare but nevertheless present on Toril. Now - after all that discovery - I won't feel so bad if I throw in a "plain" name once in a blue moon .
P.S. Some of the art that I've come across while scanning the names is odd; this fellow looks like he walked straight out of the 1990s.
Awesome, so Pip Packer is perfectly presentable.
Also, the gentleman in question, Cullen Salgoud, is the spokesperson for Burrowville Blueleaf Tobacco. I am sure you saw the full page ads in chapbooks all over the Realms.
Pip Packer? Let us have some standards, please; "Pip Parker" is much more reasonable.
quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban
Also, the gentleman in question, Cullen Salgoud, is the spokesperson for Burrowville Blueleaf Tobacco. I am sure you saw the full page ads in chapbooks all over the Realms.
Ao/Elminster (take your pick) is letting anyone into the house these days...
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quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
quote:
Originally posted by Azar
Coincidentally, I was considering including an NPC with the surname of "Muffinfriend"; this person is a Halfling from a family of bakers...hm...specialty chefs. Color me surprised to find out that a sliver of lighthearted material is taboo.
I should say so.... that goodsir is absolutely and unrefutedly absurd.... halflings are NOT MuffinFRIENDS.... halfings are MuffinDESTROYERS. Halflings are not Pastrypals... halflings are Pastryfoes. Halflings are not Browniebakers.... halflings are Browniebiters. Halflings are not named Appleally.... halflings are Appleadversaries. Halflings are not Maplemates... halflings are Maplegluttons.
Someone has to be the hairless feet of the Shire. |
Stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.
Earth names in the Realms are more common than you may think. |
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NPC names: mundane versus exotic?
