| Post/Author/DateTime | Post |
|---|---|
| Shi'ar Morpheus05-09-06, 10:17 PM | I don't know about you guys, but naming a cool character can be a big pain in the arse. So I thought we could start a thread posting all our best names. I'll start: 1) Avengar Pureblade 2) Leland Grimm 3) Mordaki Zhambi 4) Raj Izmir 5) Saben Loc 6) Solomon Ash... |
| Novacat05-10-06, 02:14 AM | These are names from my fantasy world, Aleas Emrod. They're the Ten Legends: the ten most powerful people ever to exist in the world (one of whom is actually immortal). Presented in order of power: 1. Hawklin (no last name known, titles include The Unmatched, The Winged One, and Lord of Morgal) 2. Saibrock, son of Saiborwolfe (no last names used among his race, titles include Dark Avenger, The Exiled King, and The Wandering Warrior) 3. Zentou (I never made up a last name for him, as he discarded it long before coming to power; titles include Lord of the Night, Master Zentou, and Bearer of the Sky) 4. Saiborwolfe (no last names used among his race, titles include The Ravager, The Terrible Flame, and The Dire) 5. Ravenstorm (this is an assumed name, and includes no family name; titles include The Beautiful, The Terrible, and Queen of Morgal) 6. Albereth Tianaron, The Lost Knight 7. Ardmoore Shadeskill, The Dark Demonslayer 8. Shinn Luun, Kai'Xaio (Kai'Xiao is a title given to a child once every 1,000 years, and denoted special powers) 9. Arkus Feng, Thrall of Aeon 10. Dragon (assumed name, original name intentionally obscured for security; titles include Warmaker, Legion Caller, and Master of the Void) My characters' names include: • Ando Felwater • Kale Gentry • Beebop • Vianor Morowell • Sean Haggred (Weird West) • Raphael D'Antaign • Lance Hanson (Shadowrun) • Darrion Felwater • Jarren Du Pier |
| FnordBear05-10-06, 07:15 AM | Meh, names can be annoying. Here are a few characters I have played. Atien Niccolo Walker, Last of the Wardens (Dark Sun) Arkard Vanheshing (Star Wars) Malakim Engel, Jedi Knight (Star Wars) Father Job Abraham of the Church of the Silver Flame (Eberron) Jonas MacRage (BESM Firefly game) Takamoto Shinji "Wu-Jen" (Champions) Rupert, A natural 3 intellegence barbarian that spent all his skill points on handle animal and profession (falconry) "Rupert Love birdies" (Forgotten Realms) Aton Roge (D&D 3.0 Homebrew) Bail Ironfist, Knight of the Holy Mug (D&D 3.0 Homebrew) Qual Bannon, Scholar (D&D 3.0 Homebrew) Javier Rone, (Call of Cthulhu d20....only defensive character I ever saw better at combat than the combat monkey) Veldon the Gunsaint (BESM Final Fantasy game) Enoch Shaw (BESM Modern Supernatural game) Harold Graves "Grave" (BESM Deadlands/Call of Cthulhu game) There are some thoughts for you. |
| Azezel05-10-06, 08:20 AM | My current Character: Zankoku Istari Pallas My last character: Corryn Clearwater (male, even with a name like Corryn). Edit: - yes, I do know what 'zankoku' means, so you don't have to point it out to me. I just like the sound of the word. Double Edit: - I also know what 'Istari' and 'Pallas' mean... |
| Dhavaer05-10-06, 08:40 AM | I like the letter 'a' a little too much. Aerethi (Human Illusionist) Alais (Elven Rogue/Fighter/Wizard) Alis (Elven Scout) Maedrass (Maenad Psychic Warrior) Lie (Elven Ninja/Assassin) Morgan (Human Barbarian) Kesh (Half-orc Ex-Barbarian/Fighter) Alaryas: (Human Thug/Scarlet Corsair) Oryss (Erinyes Ex-monk/Sorcerer/Blackguard) |
| Cthulhu312505-10-06, 08:48 AM | I tend to rip off names from other sources. My last campaigns included NPCs with the following names: Diogenes Pontifex Audifax O'Hanlon Abramelin-Lincoln-Enobarbous/50.3-Enobarbous McMiridom William McGillian, a man of unusual parts Epiktistes, the first Ktistec Machine I will point out that four of those are from a short story by R.A.Lafferty, "Thus we Frustrate Charlemagne". The players didn't generally remember Audifax by name, and he spent the rest of the campaign being referred to as "The dwarf with the green cardigan and peg-leg". |
| CzarGarrett05-10-06, 08:49 AM | Some of the cooler (IMO) names I've used: Zharnatol, the Northern Wanderer Valak of the Far Lands (aka Yusef of Calimshan, aka Bartak of the Dale, aka Palumbo the Wise) *Note- this was a Bard who changed names like most people change underwear Sskerit Xanadra'lasisvennio (Xandra or Ven for short) |
| Brand_X05-10-06, 01:57 PM | Maybe not the most serious of answers. Random Chance - D&D Bard/Smuggler in D6 Star Wars Jakyb Tirense - Bard Kisil Locklin - Rogue Halfling Brand - Barbarian Mikara Softwing - Paladin Song Dragon Bleys - Fighter Cant think of much more right now. I admi I am a Zelazny fan and prefer Bards. |
| CriminalTruth05-10-06, 02:33 PM | My VERY FIRST character name ..... Cool MagicSeeker :P i was 9 <3 and played him for close to 10 years :P |
| Lord_Canius05-10-06, 05:43 PM | First Character: Gail Windrider, Destroyer of Worlds (Insane Sorceror/Warlock that beleaved he was a diety of destruction in a previus life. Also had class levels in ranger.) Second Character: Camor Drastin, Cleric of the Dark Forest (Human Cleric with 18 Strength. His domains were Death and Destruction, and he worshipped no diety. Killed 70% more creatures than the rest of the team combined at level 2 [the other guys were a level 5 fighter, and a level 8 wizard.]) Third (and possibly favorite) Character: Krask the Quick (Kobold Monk who maximized his ability to run really fast and for a really long time. Super fun to play. Amazingly, he never got hit, even when he was prone and a T-Rex tried to step on him.) |
| cloudncali05-10-06, 06:01 PM | Here are some from my game Valric: the dwarf fighter/claric Mordred: the elf ragner Miroko: my frend came up with that one its basicaly miroku from inuasha but with a "o" instad of a "u" |
| Darkxarth05-10-06, 06:21 PM | Titor: Huge guy, 8'5'" I believe, and several hundred pounds, 500 or 600 I believe. He was literally a mountain of muscle. Not too bright, but that's okay, he was just an evil minion anyway. Kardaak: Illithid Wizard, teal-blue skin, cunning and evil. Also an evil minion, though more like a lieutenant. Zandra: Evil chick, basically a female version of my main villain from an alternate dimension. Pretty darn evil, actually, probably more evil than her counterpart, the guy she was an alternate of. Mithran: Ancient smith, named after Mithral, basically. His father was Mithralsmith, and Mithran eventually became the greatest Mithralsmith in the multiverse. Truul the Berserker: A Blue Slaad berserker who uses his natural claws to rip his enemies to shred. Truul seems to be the very epitome of chaos, when he goes into a battle-rage he slaughters every living thing in sight. When Truul attacks, other Slaadi stay out of the way. Umm... I have more, but I can't think of them right now. |
| Quarterstaff05-10-06, 08:14 PM | Lucas Darcius, master pit fighter of the west-Fighter weapon master of the spiked chain, pretty damn hardcore. Berdic Ironsides the Protector-Dwarf barbarian frenzied berserker/every other barbarian prc 58 level. Berdic was my most successful character, his title is ironic considering in the fight against the god that attacked the city he destroyed more of the city then the enemy did. Hadrian Thornstar the chef-My favorite character he was a halfling rogue mage of around 12 level. He was a master chef but not that wise so he would offer people cookies at inappropriate times but they were absolutely delicious (the check made was 33 for the cooking) |
| Chrono Nexus05-11-06, 12:29 AM | Lucien Greystoke Kynn Mulani Azz'turath Serzan the Mad |
| Arcane05-11-06, 01:10 AM | Serra Darkslayer - Half-Celestial Paladin. Basically the embodiment of lawful good. Lucius Greyscale - Half-Dragon Dragon Disciple. Embodiment of TN. |
| Platonix05-11-06, 01:11 AM | Hagaan Stormshield, my dwarven paladin (his clan's name is actually based on their fame as Dwarven Defenders. They are the Shield against the coming Storm. My character has to choose to answer the call he hears in his heart instead of the tradition of his clan.) Charmaine Underbough, my halfling bard I've got a half-orc monk named Garret, I've never actually given him a last name. And I recently played a sorc/cleric in a high-power campaign named Jander Dawnbringer. That wasn't his real last name, it was a title given him by a grateful group of wandering minstrels. He kind of ignored it at first, but those minstrels got around and weren't shy about spreading the word. He also has a raven familiar named Tobias, and that was originally his younger brother's name. His younger brother died in a tragic accident, and Jander subconsciously imprinted his brother's personality onto his familiar. |
| Bulletproof_Condom05-11-06, 02:34 AM | http://www.20000-names.com/ Probably the coolest name I ever came up with was Lord Protector Alexander Celeres. Alexander is Greek for "defender of man," Celeres is Latin for "paladin." He was an NPC though. I'm currently playing a half-elf acolyte of the fist named Yotsuga Kazuki (stole it from an anime), and a human gestalt psion/wilder named Fletcher Quinlan (Breland, Eberron; I was going to have him take all them crystal shard powers and joke that Fletcher is actually short for "flechette launcher"). There was also the kalashtar barbarian/wilder named Jeaneuntash (Jean the Wilder), human ranger Jacob Farley (sorry, not an overweight master of chains), half-celestial monk Saffron Nesral (pun on this chick we knew), and Decius DuPont (a name that just sort of occured to me that my "friend" stole for a rogue. Thievin' bastid). There was Jonathan Samuelsen Gabriel, a human gestalt soulknife/fighter (...I got nothin'. I just sort of slapped this name together), and Ug'buzz, the bugbear paladin of tyranny (stolen from Children of the Jedi). There were probably some others. Point is you can get a decent name from anywhere. |
| Evil DM Mk305-11-06, 03:19 AM | Memebers of the Royal court: His Royal Highness King Altuman the 8th of the house of Draul (elven) Her Royal Highness the Dowadger Queen Susam Her Royal Highness the Queen Consort Bethrnata (Both elves) His Royal Highness Prince Lemunto (Again) Baron Perthist Earlston, Royal champeon at arms (Human) Artimus Dragon-head, Royal cahmpeon at horse (Human) Sir Magast Grey, Royal champeon Arcanis (Half-elven) Mortimer Grey, Advisor to the court on afaris of relegeon and inteligance (Human) Grulmin Brentcastle, Advisor to the court on affaris of relegeon and state cerimony (Human) Thane Guard Drumtak GromTor, Dwarven ambasador to the court (Dwarf) Perigrin VonAultmanter, Landowner (Human) Alum VonAultmanter, wife of same (elf) Inner circle sage Grimtin, Druidic nobleman (elf) Mercinaries: Haul Hemet the half-dead Pomtorst the Grim Steven Seven-dagger Three minute Peter 71 hour Achmed Landlords: Altun Grimthporst Demol Portlan Ewstrok Gamtol Semom Demlot Cudos to anyone who spots the three jokes in that lot. |
| meatrace05-11-06, 03:23 AM | Here's some names that I've thought were cool. Some have been my characters, some have been friends characters, some have been annoying NPCs. Salavar Khesti Mestprinn (1st character, half-elf sorcerer) Auer (pronounced ow-er) Ellekran D'Aerntres (drow female Vhaeraun worshipper) Luthor Demonsbane (monk/paladin/pious templar) Azure'Adon Skraal Rosh Tyris Stern Jaradoz the Pale Rithak the Maneater (feral halfling) Seraio the Mindshredder(human psion telepath) Rian Eledwen Povan |
| Sunrider05-11-06, 07:07 AM | Ugg Lee, the half-orc monk with a Cha score of 6. Also happens to be Bruce Lee's great-great-great grandfather... |
| Darkxarth05-11-06, 11:20 AM | Kril: The Vampire God, also called: The Lord of Night, Master of Blood, Drinker of Life, and Slayer of the Light Viekor: Lich Cleric/Wizard. Powerful spells and Unholy death are his specialities. Sareldon: Actually the name of an Artifact. The Common translation (Sareldon is Elven) is "Silverstring." This was an intelligent Greatbow that was created by the Elven Gods to slay Demons. It was wielded by Master Archer Korwin. |
| WhiteRaven81005-11-06, 01:10 PM | Elrag and Odra, my fallen Human Druid and his Wolf animal companion. Vi, a Dwarven citadel. Izar, a group of islands that make up the Elven Islands in my game. |
| Brand_X05-11-06, 02:23 PM | I realize this is D&D but.. Palladium Trolls can be PCs though I they can in D&D now according to the rules. Anyways Friend named his Female Troll - Menz. Then there was the Barbarian named Meenoe -- Quote by said barbarian "Meenoe do nottin rong" Brand X Generic GM |
| Herald@Large05-11-06, 04:47 PM | Had quite a few characters over the years -- some names that stand out: Shanidar Whitewolf (human barbarian) Kendrew Steelsong (best fighter I *ever* diced up) Justin Iron-hand (human paladin -- he lost an arm in battle and the DM let me role-play getting a prosthetic "hand" from a dwarven mastersmith) Indri Quickhand (elf rogue/wizard with 20 Dex at 1st level) Lyara the Silver-Tongued (elf rogue with a lot of points in Bluff and Diplomacy -- she could talk the Pope into marrying her ... :D ) |
| Bob_The_Wizard05-11-06, 05:11 PM | Jvellos Gladonel- Elf sorcerer, been playing him since I started D&D Cigam Resu- An evil mage I was once pitted against. It's "Magic User" backwards. Daednu Revol- An evil mage I lost to, his name is "Undead Lover" backwards. Magius Rerecros, another evil mage that I fought, his last name is "Sorcerer" backwards. My DM has a thing for evil mages with backwards names. |
| meatrace05-11-06, 07:11 PM | Jvellos Gladonel- Elf sorcerer, been playing him since I started D&D Cigam Resu- An evil mage I was once pitted against. It's "Magic User" backwards. Daednu Revol- An evil mage I lost to, his name is "Undead Lover" backwards. Magius Rerecros, another evil mage that I fought, his last name is "Sorcerer" backwards. My DM has a thing for evil mages with backwards names. holy harry potter man, those are lame backwards names. |
| Bob_The_Wizard05-11-06, 07:15 PM | I know. I've told him. |
| Tristan05-11-06, 07:17 PM | coolest character EVER Grebble-Kast Dillip "Von Pressel" (Someone called him a Pretzal once. He heard "Pressel" and liked it" guess which race he is ;) |
| Platonix05-11-06, 08:51 PM | Just remembered another name I had fun with. I put together an NPC using the Tauric Template. The top half was a sylvan creature from Mystara called an actaeon; the bottom half was a spider. This character used to be a normal actaeon, but was experimented on by an evil wizard. I decided that Sylvan = Swahili for a moment. The, ahem, "Sylvan" word kilima refers to a grassy hillock; buibui means spider. So I chose Kilima for this actaeon's original name, and then after she became an arachne, she added the suffix -bui to her name and called herself Kilimabui. (Much more original than the name the evil wizard settled on for her new form, "aractaeon". :rolleyes: ) |
| Darkxarth05-12-06, 10:18 AM | Dwarfburn- Evil Fire Giant Warlord. Slayblade the Merciless- Dwarf-Azer Paladin, killed Dwarfburn. Queen Voola- A Formian Queen who seeks to dominate the Material Plane. She has ruled her hive for centuries, as such, she has lots of experience in war and leadership. Though she has experience in war, she leaves the actual commanding of the troops to General Tang General Tang- General Tang is a Formian Myrmarch, and the leader of the Formian army. He leads the army into battle against the Slaadi, while he receives telepathic orders from Queen Voola. Sorrig the Blade- A Green Slaad who uses a giant sword in battle. Sorrig has long ebony horns growing from his skull, bat like wings, and an extra arm growing under his right one. Both of Sorrig’s right arms hold his sword, while his left hand holds a shield. I've got millions of 'em. |
| Keenath05-12-06, 11:14 AM | I don't really have specific names for you, but here are some general rules I try to use: 1) Apostrophes are evil. Don't stick useless apostrophes in a name. Use spaces, or hyphenate if you really think it's necessary. Ex: BAD - Tel'amir GOOD - Telamir, Tel Amir Exception: Apostrophes can be used to indicate a title or family name, such as d'Sylva or al'Thor. In this case, the apostrophe indicates a contraction of a longer term, such as "de Sylva" or "ala Thor". In Eberron, members of the dragonmarked houses go by something of the form, "John Smith d'Jorasco", while noble but non-dragonmarked houses go by something like "John Smith ir'Fallon". This is not a misuse of apostrophes. 2) Make it pronounceable. If your name looks like a cat walked on the keyboard, it's not a good name. Kxylzm may be funny to you, but those of us that have to talk to you in character don't appreciate it. 3) Try not to use hippie-names. Hippie names are all those 'noun-verb', 'verb-noun', or 'noun-noun' names. You know. "Winterfall", "Starshine", "Rainleaf" and so on. These tend to get annoying real quick, so don't use one unless you have a really good reason to -- for example, if you're an elf you can get away with it (though a good elfish-sounding name is better). A better choice is to use a single noun. For example, "River" is a fine name. "Riverstone" is not. Exception: If you're going for a distinctly asian or amerind flavor, you can use this structure, where it's understood that you're giving the translation of your actual name, which is in your own language. However, it's more interesting to do something other than noun-verb. For example, a tall kung-fu warrior might be named "Storm-Crowned Mountain", or a tribal type could be "Running-brook". Both of these use a different form. 4) Very long names are irritating. Even if it's pronounceable, "Hakalamara" is likely to get you nicknamed "Mara" or "Hawk". Either pick a shorter name, or break down a long name into multiple parts with spaces. For example: "Hakala Mara" would be more understandable, and suggests what you would like people to call you for short. In addition, the eye tends to skip over long names in text. Adding spaces makes it read more clearly. This is where people often start adding apostrophes or hypenating. Don't bother; a space is fine. "Jor El" is not a bad name -- you don't have to make it Jor-El, but even that's better than Jor'el. I personally like to use legitimate words or names that already exist, with a little borrowing from other languages. For example, "Maya" is a great female name. There's nothing wrong with a character named "Jonathan" or "Marcus". For a little more exotic sound, "Sakura" is always popular, or "Esteban". I just think there are enough names in this world that we can all have unique character names without making up weird stuff. |
| Darkxarth05-12-06, 01:34 PM | Yeah... but where's the fun in using existing names? And apostrophes are lots of fun! I agree that long, complex names can be annoying, but they can also be memorable and interesting. Bob the Evil Mage, is a lot less memorable than, Rax'makon, Master of the Arcane. Slavemaster Grell- A Formian Taskmaster who leads the Slavers Force in the Formian army. Grell is a cruel Formian who uses his slaves as living shields to protect himself. Grell obeys the orders of General Tang, and only General Tang, some even question his loyalty to Queen Voola. Though those that do often find themselves victims of murderous “renegade” slaves. Maurim the Free Slave- An Azer who was formerly a mind slave of Formian Taskmasters. Maurim gained his independence when he broke free from slavery and pledged to help Queen Voola if she would let him “kill some toadies.” Maurim fights alone in the Formian army, his only purpose to kill as many Slaadi, or “toadies,” as he calls them, as he possibly can. Supposedly, Slaadi killed his entire clan, but many Formians believe Maurim just enjoys killing. Kiflar the Huntress- An Elven Ranger who's entire village was destroyed by Orcs. She crafted a magic bow, Orc-Hunter, and slew every last Orc that had attacked her village. She then went on to randomly slaughter Orc village after Orc village, and was eventually killed by one of Gruumsh's avatars. Demon Prince Xigyac- An ancient demon prince who fought directly against the forces of Heironeous, eventually falling to the Blade of Heironeous, a powerful Solar general. |
| Selena Ombrenoire05-12-06, 01:57 PM | William Worthington: Half-Orc Bard, ex-butler, adventurer, writer. Always speak with a british accent and can't go on a quest without is tea box. Author of the best seller "The adventures of Emmanuel Gray" Selena Ombrenoire / Satin: Aasimar Dervish living a double life, one as Selena, the shy prima ballerina of the Linchester Dance Company and another as Satin, the flambloyante legendary vigilante. Maruka Khan: Cleric of Kamala, the Arctic Traveler. Has a nymph lover, exiled herself in the frozen north in a failed attempt to forget her lover. |
| Beeblebrox05-12-06, 02:20 PM | Fora Japanese style campaign, Nis. That way, when he is addressed, he can be Nis-san. :D Hans Olo- A kind-hearted smuggler, who doesn't believe in any "hokey religions." |
| Keenath05-12-06, 02:54 PM | Fora Japanese style campaign, Nis. That way, when he is addressed, he can be Nis-san. :DAre you going for the car name, or the Japanese term "Nii-san", which is an affectionate address to an older brother? Anyway, "nis" isn't a proper Japanese name. It'd have to be "Nisu" or something of that nature. Japanese syllables never end with a consonant, except N. Yeah... but where's the fun in using existing names? And apostrophes are lots of fun! I agree that long, complex names can be annoying, but they can also be memorable and interesting. Bob the Evil Mage, is a lot less memorable than, Rax'makon, Master of the Arcane.Well, there's no need for that apostrophe. The only reason for an apostrophe, other than indicating a contraction, is to notate a glottal stop. For example, "Tauri" could be said "Tow-ri". But "Ta'uri" indicates that you split up the vowels into "Tah-oori". "Raxmakon" and "Rax'makon" are pronounced identically, so why bother with a mark? Drizzt Do'Urden is another good example, really. His surname is not "DOWerden", it's "doh-ERDen". However, were I naming him, I'd probably just name him something to avoid the apostrophe. I guess there are really two related issues: One, apostrophes are overused, inserted where they aren't needed. Two, people throw them in because they make your name "look exotic", which seems pretentious to me. Anyway, on the 'complex' front: Do you really think anyone is going to say "Raxmakon" for very long at the table? Face it: You're "Rax", and you might as well get used to it. Names longer than three syllables are almost always cut down by the other players, so you might as well just avoid it to start with. Anyway -- what kind of loving parent would do that to a child!? |
| Darkxarth05-12-06, 03:43 PM | Well, there's no need for that apostrophe. The only reason for an apostrophe, other than indicating a contraction, is to notate a glottal stop. For example, "Tauri" could be said "Tow-ri". But "Ta'uri" indicates that you split up the vowels into "Tah-oori". I thought it was pronounced "Tow-ri"? We're talking Stargate, right? "Raxmakon" and "Rax'makon" are pronounced identically, so why bother with a mark? Drizzt Do'Urden is another good example, really. His surname is not "DOWerden", it's "doh-ERDen". However, were I naming him, I'd probably just name him something to avoid the apostrophe. I guess there are really two related issues: One, apostrophes are overused, inserted where they aren't needed. Two, people throw them in because they make your name "look exotic", which seems pretentious to me. Anyway, on the 'complex' front: Do you really think anyone is going to say "Raxmakon" for very long at the table? Face it: You're "Rax", and you might as well get used to it. Names longer than three syllables are almost always cut down by the other players, so you might as well just avoid it to start with. The fact that players may shorten Rax'makon to "Rax" wasn't my point. My point was that Rax'makon is more memorable than Bob. Okay, I'll agree that Raxmakon didn't need an apostrophe, I just did that to annoy you, sorry. And I'll agree that most people use apostrophes just to make a name "look exotic", but is that really so bad? Anyway -- what kind of loving parent would do that to a child!? He's a villain, he took the name Raxmakon (now without apostrophe!) to intimidate his foes. His original name was Farec Northson. But, anyway, more names. Tor the Brute- Six foot six Human Barbarian, has a magical flail called Kegtar. Squashed Orcs beneath his feet. Nimbleflit- Halfling Master Thrower. Threw shuriken, daggers, exploding darts, handaxes, and throwing axes. Turned Orcs into pincushions. Blackjack- Stern Halfling Rogue, thief and would-be assassin. Chaotic Neutral, hates Gnomes. Hates Festivus, a LOT. Festivus- Happy-go-lucky Gnome Bard. Loved everything, even Blackjack. |
| Shi'ar Morpheus05-12-06, 05:17 PM | Wow, this thread's really taken off... Anyways, here's some more from me: 7) Foster Cabot 8) Narube Down (Nay-ruby) 9) Galen Steelefist 10) Samuel Evilsbane |
| Keenath05-12-06, 05:37 PM | I thought it was pronounced "Tow-ri"? We're talking Stargate, right?No, I just made that name up to show an example of a useful apostrophe that breaks up a diphthong. Stargate is really bad about unpronounceable names -- "nahquahdah" is a terrible way to spell "naquida". But I know WHY they did it that way; they're using the standardized translation between egyptian heiroglyphs and english, which has WAY too many h's. The fact that players may shorten Rax'makon to "Rax" wasn't my point. My point was that Rax'makon is more memorable than Bob.My point is that nobody will remember Rax'makon. Everyone will remember Rax. He's a villain, he took the name Raxmakon (now without apostrophe!) to intimidate his foes.I guess it is kind of intimidating if you can't remember how to spell your arch-enemy's name. :D Festivus- The bard for the rest of us? |
| Darkxarth05-12-06, 07:04 PM | No, I just made that name up to show an example of a useful apostrophe that breaks up a diphthong. Stargate is really bad about unpronounceable names -- "nahquahdah" is a terrible way to spell "naquida". But I know WHY they did it that way; they're using the standardized translation between egyptian heiroglyphs and english, which has WAY too many h's. I didn't know if that was a Stargate reference or not. My point is that nobody will remember Rax'makon. Everyone will remember Rax. It depends, do people call Rasputin, "Ras?" Do they call Bullwinkle, "Bull?" Do they call Rumplestiltskin, "Rump?" (that would be funny though... Rump... :) ) I guess it is kind of intimidating if you can't remember how to spell your arch-enemy's name. :D For that, Raxmakon will banish you to the depths of the Abyss, to suffer for all eternity... but he's kinda busy right now, can I take a message? The bard for the rest of us? Ha ha. Not my character, one of my players made it up. He actually turned out to be a great character. He never shut up... but other than that, great. EDIT: Oh yeah... names... Pyg- Disgusting owner of Pyg Sty, a disgusting tavern. Captain Argeth- A feared pirate captain. Also known as "Red Death" or "Blodbeard" because of his auburn beard and merciless killings. |
| Keenath05-12-06, 11:38 PM | It depends, do people call Rasputin, "Ras?" Do they call Bullwinkle, "Bull?" Do they call Rumplestiltskin, "Rump?" (that would be funny though... Rump... :) )The first two, no, but three syllables is about as far as people go before they start abbreviating. Anyway, famous names get a benefit of repetition and familiarity that you won't have at the table. The third, well, the complexity of Rumplestiltskin's name is, as you may recall, the primary point of the story. It's SUPPOSED to be hard to say. |
| Darkxarth05-13-06, 01:25 PM | The first two, no, but three syllables is about as far as people go before they start abbreviating. Anyway, famous names get a benefit of repetition and familiarity that you won't have at the table. Hmmm... maybe. A good character or villain should be famous at your table, though. Maybe my players are just different than yours, but we haven't abbreviated anyone's name. If it was Festivus Flabberknocker "Two-Toes" MacDuffington III, we might called him, Festivus (his first name) or "Two-Toes," (his nickname). But not "Festy" or "Toey" or "Flabb" or something shortened like that. Some of my characters, however, would insist upon us calling their character by his/her full name. But only if it was ridiculously long. The third, well, the complexity of Rumplestiltskin's name is, as you may recall, the primary point of the story. It's SUPPOSED to be hard to say. I know, that's the point. Just because it's hard to say, doesn't mean people will automatically shorten it. By the way Keenath, it's nice to know that some people can have an intelligent discussion without getting nasty. You seem to be a decent person. Names: Darkin Fireye- Neutral Good Drow Sorcerer. Has bright orange eyes. Gutsy Barrelbowler- A brave, if a bit foolish, Halfling Fighter. Putsy Barrelbowler- A wise, shy, Halfling Cleric, Gutsy's brother. Master Magician Mamul- A Master Healer from the Republic of Verrice. Originally a desert dweller. Askadar Lightwielder- Aasimar Paladin. Also called "The Demonslayer." |
| Beeblebrox05-13-06, 01:50 PM | Are you going for the car name, or the Japanese term "Nii-san", which is an affectionate address to an older brother? Car name! :D Anyway, "nis" isn't a proper Japanese name. It'd have to be "Nisu" or something of that nature. Japanese syllables never end with a consonant, except N. Hey, who says Japanese people couldn't name their kids Nis? We name our kids things like Zappa, Moonunit, and Dweasel, for goodness sakes!!! Another name for the archives... Beeblebrox, Supreme High Commander of the Chicken Army of Doom, Wielder of the Pointy Stick of Peril, Grand Master Sitter on the Throne of Gods and Champions, Knower of the Ultimate Answer, Seeker of the Ultimate Question, Great Puba of the Purple Monarchs, Kicker of Butts, Taker of Names, and All-Around Great Guy- Me! -Beeb |
| Mic05-13-06, 03:53 PM | some of mine Awran - an Ogre Mage mining lord Erebor - my first character, a Dwarven fighter Meneth Narutem Sichel - a human scout/swashbuckler Konsal Boda - a Dwarven King |
| countbubba05-13-06, 06:53 PM | Wanna know where I get my cool names? The books of Kings, Chronicles, Numbers, etc. The Old Testament, baby! I've found names like Meremoth and other cool things. Also, look in history books for the names of people that no one would ever think of. For example, did you know that Cuthbert was the head of the Lindisfarne monastery when it was destroyed by Vikings? Now, where have I heard the name Cuthbert before?..... So look in the Old Testament. The New Testament has some cool names, but it's got nothing on the Old. Also, Zeratul is an awesome name, taken from Starcraft: Brood War. |
| Platonix05-14-06, 12:02 AM | Awshoot, this is not the double-post you're looking for... |
| Platonix05-14-06, 12:04 AM | Hmmm... maybe. A good character or villain should be famous at your table, though. Maybe my players are just different than yours, but we haven't abbreviated anyone's name. If it was Festivus Flabberknocker "Two-Toes" MacDuffington III, we might called him, Festivus (his first name) or "Two-Toes," (his nickname). But not "Festy" or "Toey" or "Flabb" or something shortened like that. Some of my characters, however, would insist upon us calling their character by his/her full name. But only if it was ridiculously long. In my current campaign I have an NPC artificer named Banahain Warrick. The PCs call him Eldritch Monkey Dude. We're not an incredibly serious troupe. Granted, they haven't actually met him yet, they're still trying to rescue him from the Order of the Emerald Claw... |
| Darkxarth05-14-06, 10:58 AM | In my current campaign I have an NPC artificer named Banahain Warrick. The PCs call him Eldritch Monkey Dude. We're not an incredibly serious troupe. Granted, they haven't actually met him yet, they're still trying to rescue him from the Order of the Emerald Claw... Eldritch Monkey Dude??? Okay... :rolleyes: ... does he look like a monkey, or do your players just eat too much sugar before games? Shani Moonblade- A Quasil Elf (basically a standard Elf, but immortal). Her family name comes from an ancient heirloom called the Moonblade, which she is questing for. Taragon the Paragon- Leader of a Halfling kingdom, and world-renowned chef! Steadfast- Dwarven Paladin, currently stranded in the Abyss. Gilbert- Halfling Rogue, stuck in the Abyss with Steadfast. |
| Platonix05-14-06, 11:09 AM | ...or do your players just eat too much sugar before games? You say "too much" like it's possible. |
| roronmisthawk05-14-06, 04:14 PM | Sabrion Arachblade- elf rouge (my current pc) Liraus Of Vymora- half elf ranger Elrohir seasinger- swashbuckling bard elf roron misthawk- human sorcerer (use familiar name in last name!) Alrain vainsayer- elf wizard koraid shoy- samurai Vayden corel-aqua elf ps- search elven names on google and use mr wetheralls generater |
| Darkxarth05-17-06, 11:33 AM | Grenk: AKA Iron-Tooth, Redskin, One-Tusk, Dwarf-Smasher, Elf-Eater. ORc champion of Gruumsh. Krag Fire-Eater: King of the Marsh Trolls. Immune to Fire. Prince Grimm Battelforge: Prince of the Dwarves, kicked Undead butt. |
| Shi'ar Morpheus05-17-06, 10:13 PM | I've also always been partial to 11) Caliban 12) Calypso |
| Seghan05-17-06, 10:36 PM | My two recognizable character names Gavin - 2e Cleric Seghan - 3/3.5e FR Ftr/Rog and perhaps 3.5e Eberron Rog or Brd I stick with simple name-like names Just let the personality shine through |
| Dave Stebbins05-19-06, 07:08 PM | For creating names, I've always been partial to a piece of Windows software called the Everchanging Book of Names (http://ebon.pyorre.net/) (or EBoN). It takes a 'seed' list of names and generates new ones with a similar cadence and feel. It has seed files from many, many, real and fictional cultures, so you can generate names from that sound like they belong to a specific origin. It can generate names in batches so you can quickly populate a town or county with names that sound like they belong together. Or you can generate a long list of names to find the one that sounds just right. -Dave |
| Darkxarth05-20-06, 12:50 PM | Your link doesn't seem to work. Sounds like a cool thing though. Valencia & Elesedar- Ancient twin warriors, wielders of the Dual Blades, powerful sword Artifacts. Thrashk, Champion of Semuanya- A Lizardfolk Shaman, and powerful warrior Hmmm... I'm running out of names... |
| Watchdog_of_Hades05-20-06, 01:07 PM | Fenrir is the only name worth naming a character. |
| Darkxarth05-20-06, 04:27 PM | Found some more names. Kerith, Lord of the Watch- Human Vampire, first of the five Vampire Lords. He guards the borders of the Dreadlands, and slaughters his opponents with his Keen Exit-Wound +2 Shortbow. Nistan, The Packmaster- Gnoll Vampire, second of the Vampire Lords. He rules the Lycanthropes of the Dreadlands, and has a strong connection with Werewolves. He uses his Packmaster's Flail in combat. Slyth, Keeper of the Caves- Slyth, the third Vampire Lord, is charges with defending the Catacombs of Fire. Slyth is a Drow Vampire, and uses his Vorpal +3 Scimitar to great effect. Vagar, Scourge of the Living- Vagar, the fourth of the Vampire Lords, commands the lesser Undead of the Dreadlands. She is the only female of the Vampire Lords, and is an Elven Sorceress. She and Slyth, like any Drow and Elf, have a deep animosity for each other, but they still work together within the Dreadlands. She uses her magic to destroy any enemies. Zfarell, The Dreadlord- Zfarell rules the Vampire Lords, and all of the Dreadlands. As a Illithid Vampire, Zfarell uses a combination of Psionics and Vampire powers to slay his enemies. |
| Dave Stebbins05-20-06, 05:35 PM | Your link doesn't seem to work. Sounds like a cool thing though. Sorry, I forgot that Wizards uses a slightly different BB Code for links, so they can add their warning about leaving the site. I've fixed it in the original post and added it below as well. Everchanging Book of Names (http://ebon.pyorre.net/) -Dave |
| feartheinvinceblehamster05-20-06, 09:52 PM | Names: Auric Zantusuken Dudukain Zelreith Durok |
| Darkxarth05-21-06, 10:47 AM | Sorry, I forgot that Wizards uses a slightly different BB Code for links, so they can add their warning about leaving the site. I've fixed it in the original post and added it below as well. Everchanging Book of Names (http://ebon.pyorre.net/) -Dave Thanks, it works now. |
| Gatherer_of_Thought05-24-06, 05:18 PM | Cadel Norenzath- CN Nomad, lvl 16 Cade Connelly- CG Fighter/Psychic Warrior, lvl 12 Kadeth Nazgervon- TN Sorcerer/Cleric/True necromancer, lvl 18 |
| Bob_The_Wizard05-24-06, 06:52 PM | Hey, I thought that Cade was a level 10 fighter/level 10 psychic warrior/level 10 Guardian of the Everflame! |