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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
 Posted - 27 Sep 2005 : 22:57:02
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Does anyone have any good suggestion for naming a Forgotten Realms town, and ways to help it sound as FRish as possible? Links to good name generators are also welcome.
Thanks!
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"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
2067 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2005 : 00:43:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Does anyone have any good suggestion for naming a Forgotten Realms town, and ways to help it sound as FRish as possible? Links to good name generators are also welcome.
Thanks!
Where is the town located? What race/ethnic group founded the town? Why was the town founded? When was it founded? Who lives there now?
--Eric |
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http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/ |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2005 : 20:33:35
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Good questions. It's a mostly, standard human town (though I don't intend it to be human only, not by far) founded by a half-elf, in modern times. Honestly, I haven't fleshed out most of the details, because it seems silly to do so without first having a name to work with! As for it's location, use the old 2E map because this description is based on that: look at the River Chionthar between Scornubel and Berdusk. there is a little "nook" of the river that sort of "dives" into Reaching Woods. That's around were the town would be, on the right side of the River. This "nook" is on the new map, but looking at the two maps I found how much the area has changed.
My main concern is that I want the name to sound "Realmsian" but not too corny either. I've actually thought of a nice name yesterday: Ambervale. Tell me what you think. I also thought of Amberdusk, but that just sounds too close to Berdusk for my taste (just take away the first two letters!).
Thanks for your help,
Rinonalyrna |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 28 Sep 2005 20:35:50 |
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Talanfir Swiftfeet
Learned Scribe
Finland
143 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2005 : 20:47:51
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| What about Amberholm. |
I am Talanfir Swiftfeet. (In)famous across the Swoardcoast as "Tal the Swift", Brandobaris´ seraph of mischief. If ye find yer shoelaces tied together while trying to catch a thief or meet a king who is angry because somebody switched the places of his chamberpot and his crown, ye can usually (try to) find me near.
If I had a halfling mother and a human father, would I be a half-halfling or a threequarterling? |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2005 : 20:51:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Talanfir Swiftfeet
What about Amberholm.
Hmmm, that's nice too.  Thanks, I'll think about it. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Talanfir Swiftfeet
Learned Scribe
Finland
143 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2005 : 20:57:12
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sorry holm means an island so maybe not.
And it has a ring to it that makes it sound more like a town founded by a dwarf rather than half-elf. maybe Amberholme is also possible. |
I am Talanfir Swiftfeet. (In)famous across the Swoardcoast as "Tal the Swift", Brandobaris´ seraph of mischief. If ye find yer shoelaces tied together while trying to catch a thief or meet a king who is angry because somebody switched the places of his chamberpot and his crown, ye can usually (try to) find me near.
If I had a halfling mother and a human father, would I be a half-halfling or a threequarterling? |
Edited by - Talanfir Swiftfeet on 28 Sep 2005 21:01:10 |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2005 : 21:20:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Talanfir Swiftfeet
sorry holm means an island so maybe not.
And it has a ring to it that makes it sound more like a town founded by a dwarf rather than half-elf. maybe Amberholme is also possible.
Honestly, I don't think the fact that a half-elf is founding this town is THAT important (it is important, but not paramount). What's most important to me is that the name sounds nice, FRish, not too cheesy, and fits in nicely with the rest of the towns and cities in the area. Not long ago, I read a post by George Krashnos that mentioned a town by the name of "Guidodale" (which he thought was silly). That's basically the type of name what I want to avoid--Guido's is an Italian restaurant, not a place in the Realms. ;)
And yeah, I don't want to add a suffix to the name that makes no sense for the town's location. I was even unsure about the suffix "vale", but the FRCS calls Berdusk "The Jewel of the Vale", so I think I could get away with something like "Ambervale". Nothing that denotes it as an island though, since it isn't. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 28 Sep 2005 21:24:50 |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2005 : 21:04:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
My main concern is that I want the name to sound "Realmsian" but not too corny either. I've actually thought of a nice name yesterday: Ambervale. Tell me what you think. I also thought of Amberdusk, but that just sounds too close to Berdusk for my taste (just take away the first two letters!).
Well met! I do not personally like "Ambervale" so much. Amberdusk is better, though it is perhaps a bit too close to Berdusk (as you noted yourself). How about changing some letters... Ambermask? Imbarask?
I do not see why a small town or village might not take its name from a nearby bigger town/city. So there might be a small hamlet called "Saerduth" (for example) near Saerloon.
Yet, there are few examples (if any) of this in the Realms. Usually places and settlements have "unique" names.
I created a small hamlet called "Ulvathar" (named after a not-so-famous, yet locally significant and well-liked Lord Mage Ulvathar - who vanished mysteriously some decades ago) between Daerlun and Seaspring, in Sembia. Ulvathar's ruined tower once stood on a small hill, known locally as "the Wizard's Height" (but usually called "Ulvathar's hill" in the presence of outsiders). Almost nothing remains of its modest former glory, beyond a few rune-carved stones.
Local residents have learned to guard their tongue well these days, after too many "wildswords" and adventurers had entered the ruins in search of treasures and magic - only to be slain by its guardians and warding spells. One night there was a series of loud explosions, as an adventuring party fireballed their way through the creatures and wards of the tower. The next morning the villagers found the tower in ruins - its stones and timber had flown and tumbled all over the hill and its surroundings. They carried away most of the stones and timber to use them to repair and build their own houses.
Only two items were ever recovered from Ulvathar's tower - a silver amulet bearing engraved runes and Ulvathar's sigil (apparently functioning as a ward stone), and a bronze shield embossed with a human-like face. The shield either has a limited intelligence, or is cleverly crafted with multiple "Magic mouth"-spells. It calls itself "Thulvan", and gives cryptic (and often repeating) answers to straight-forward questions. Both items are in possession of the old mayor of the village (the amulet may have been given to him by Ulvathar himself, before he disappeared). The mayor is convinced that the shield is intelligent, and seems to "hear more" than others who have heard it speak.
It is whispered among the villagers, that there are yet undiscovered secret passages under the ruins, but it may only be a local legend (and NEVER spoken of to any outsider that the villagers do not completely trust).
And so on...
My point is that the name itself is not that significant (Whether the hamlet is called Duthloon, Saerduth or any other name). But the ORIGIN of the name might be much more important, even providing characters some local flavour and possibly adventurers/subplots. Hopefully this helps? |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2005 : 21:25:02
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Yes, it does help! Thank you much for your comments.
I liked Amberdusk and thought of it myself, and a few minutes later I realized it was "Berdusk" with two letters attached. I just like the city of Berdusk and I don't want to unintentionally steal it's thunder, name-wise. I'm curious as to what you dislike about the name "Ambervale" though--just curious. I find it rolls off tongue and sounds like a pleasant town without being too corny (like, say, "Rainbowton" ). I could name it closely after my character, but...that seems rather egotisical (she's not an overly humble person, but I don't think she is so conceited to name a town after herself).
Again, thanks for the comments. How about Amberlit? Amberfall? Amberdell?
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"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 29 Sep 2005 21:31:02 |
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Mystery_Man
Senior Scribe
USA
455 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2005 : 02:17:24
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Maybe there's a waterfall there.
Kyndril Falls
Durom Falls
Or not
Myrkan
Haverton
Palinsdale
Tarkin's Point
Palderton
Shadowspar
Or maybe there's a ford nearby
Coran's Ford
Drommond's Ford
add shire to the end of anything that might have been the name of the town's founder..
Thronshire
Duronshire
Andonshire
Or maybe a great warrior died there while fending off an orc raid (as orcs are wont to do a lot in the Realms for some reason) when the town was just a thorp:
Feshen's Rest
Croath's Rest
etc.. Which is an example of how it helps if you actually do come up with a history beforehand. 
Mix and match.
p.s. Dump the "Amber" thing, IMHO it aint workin'.  |
Edited by - Mystery_Man on 30 Sep 2005 02:35:38 |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2005 : 19:10:32
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Sorry, I don't agree that the Amber thing doesn't work. :) Maybe it's a tad bit corny, but it's grown on me. I'll drop it if I get another idea that really grabs me though. How about "Duskamber"? I like it better than "Amberdusk" and it doesn't sound so close to Berdusk. I don't mind my town being a "little sister" city to Berdusk, but I don't want the town overshadowed by it either--I want it to stand on it's own.
I like your suggestions though, thanks. I didn't think of calling the town "___ Falls", because I didn't see a waterfall nearby on the old 2E map. Perhaps there's a little one though, and there is already one near Berdusk, so I presume the river is moving downward. "Ford" is a possibility, too, being the town is on the Chionthar. I'll also try to think about history a bit more. Thanks for the help!
Also, I'll probably make more towns in the future, so any suggestions will help me in the long run, including ones having nothing to do with "Amber". :p |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 30 Sep 2005 19:12:20 |
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Mystery_Man
Senior Scribe
USA
455 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2005 : 20:43:52
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Definitely not Duskamber!
Amberdusk needs something...
Amberdusk Falls
Amberdusk Ford
Amberdusk Point
Amberduskshire...but then again no...
Sounds like your on the right track anyway. I would start with one or two sentences briefly describing the town. Then ask why..why Amber? Is there abundance of amber found on the shoreline of the river? Maybe there's a trading post that sells amber to wizards to use in there spellcasting etc.
I'm interested in what you come up with! |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2005 : 21:03:09
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Thanks! Okay, don't laugh...
Amber means yellow...and when the sun rises and sets, the sky becomes colorful and leaves an amber "glow" about the land. Laugh, if you must ( ) but I'm a bit of a romantic. I just thought today that maybe my character was inspired by a bard singing about the area, and one of the lines he sings mentions the "amber dusk" that settles about the vale. I started thinking about sunsets because of, you guessed it, the Sunset Mountains. And my character just plain loves the whole area.
Thanks for the suggestions, too. :) I think maybe I'll add "ford" at the end of the name. But I still rather like "Duskamber" |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Mystery_Man
Senior Scribe
USA
455 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2005 : 21:30:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Amber means yellow...and when the sun rises and sets, the sky becomes colorful and leaves an amber "glow" about the land. Laugh, if you must () but I'm a bit of a romantic. I just thought today that maybe my character was inspired by a bard singing about the area, and one of the lines he sings mentions the "amber dusk" that settles about the vale. I started thinking about sunsets because of, you guessed it, the Sunset Mountains. And my character just plain loves the whole area.
That's cool! |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2005 : 03:31:08
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| Thank you! |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Wenin
Senior Scribe
585 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2005 : 06:43:22
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Duskamber sounds like a harty beer! =)
Adding Ford to the name would set it aside from Berdusk if you were to return to the Amberdusk thought. |
Session Reports posted at RPG Geek.
Stem the Tide Takes place in Mistledale.
Dark Curtains - Takes place in the Savage North, starting in Nesmé. I wrapped my campaign into the Hoard of the Dragon Queen, but it takes place in 1372 DR. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2005 : 20:21:55
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| Thank you for the suggestions. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2005 : 16:09:52
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| I think Duskamber is a far better name than any Amberdusk Point/Ford/Falls/Etc. It has a "Realmish" feel to it |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 03 Oct 2005 : 04:13:54
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| Thank you! I think I'll use Duskamber then. Still, any other comments are certainly welcome. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Crennen FaerieBane
Master of Realmslore
USA
1378 Posts |
Posted - 04 Oct 2005 : 17:31:29
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Duskamber definitely has a Realmsian feeling to it. And you can incorporate the suggestion above about the strong drink named after the town, as it could be brewed there and that is why the name could be somewhat known around the region.
C-Fb |
Still rockin' the Fey'ri style. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 04 Oct 2005 : 20:40:34
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quote:
Originally posted by CrennenFaerieBane
Duskamber definitely has a Realmsian feeling to it. And you can incorporate the suggestion above about the strong drink named after the town, as it could be brewed there and that is why the name could be somewhat known around the region.
C-Fb
*grins* I was thinking of doing something just like that. Thanks for the tip. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 05 Oct 2005 : 19:42:34
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Okay another question...
What would one call a resident of Duskamber?
Duskamben? Duskambern? A Dusker? *shrug*
Is there a standard for this? I ask because some names are trick, like Silvarn (sp?) from Silverymoon, or Waterdhavian from Waterdeep.
Thanks in advance. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Crennen FaerieBane
Master of Realmslore
USA
1378 Posts |
Posted - 05 Oct 2005 : 20:18:17
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I like Dusker - or a Duskam. :) I don't think there are any standards - except for people in the Dales, and heck, not even them!
C-Fb |
Still rockin' the Fey'ri style. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 05 Oct 2005 : 20:34:35
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| All right, thank you for the suggestions. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Thelonius
Senior Scribe
Spain
730 Posts |
Posted - 05 Oct 2005 : 21:12:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Okay another question...
What would one call a resident of Duskamber?
Duskamben? Duskambern? A Dusker? *shrug*
Is there a standard for this? I ask because some names are trick, like Silvarn (sp?) from Silverymoon, or Waterdhavian from Waterdeep.
Thanks in advance.
I would call him a Dusk... |
"If you are to truly understand, then you will need the contrast, not adherence to a single ideal." - Kreia
"I THINK I JUST HAD ANOTHER NEAR-RINCEWIND EXPERIENCE"- Discworld's Death frustrated after Rincewind scapes his grasp... again.
"I am death, come for thee" - Nimbul, from Baldur's Gate I just before being badly spanked
Sapientia sola libertas est |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 05 Oct 2005 : 21:47:12
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| No standard that I've noted (much like in real life. Personally I'd go with Duskar. |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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Crennen FaerieBane
Master of Realmslore
USA
1378 Posts |
Posted - 06 Oct 2005 : 00:41:05
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Or, if written, it could be a Duska'r... taking out the mbe that goes inbetween... that way the could identify with the city and stick with the old english way of speaking.
C-Fb |
Still rockin' the Fey'ri style. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 06 Oct 2005 : 04:49:22
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Okay another question...
What would one call a resident of Duskamber?
Duskamben? Duskambern? A Dusker? *shrug*
Is there a standard for this? I ask because some names are trick, like Silvarn (sp?) from Silverymoon, or Waterdhavian from Waterdeep.
Thanks in advance.
How about "Duskran"? |
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Fletcher
Learned Scribe
USA
299 Posts |
Posted - 06 Oct 2005 : 18:02:51
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Duskambrian?
ooh I know! How about Duskambright? or Duskaintbright?
I crack myself up.
Seriously
I like Duskan and Duskran, |
Run faster! The Kobolds are catching up! |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 06 Oct 2005 : 19:15:00
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Hmmm, a lot of good replies. I'll have to give these issue more thought, it seems.
Thanks to all for the responses! |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 06 Oct 2005 19:15:32 |
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Topic |
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Naming a Town in the Realms
