Great Software Resource for Creating Excellent Names

Sundragon2012

First Post
As a worldbuilding DM/GM, I take naming conventions very seriously. A dumb name for a character, god, NPC, nation, tribe, etc. can shatter the versimilitude of a setting faster than nearly anything else. Plus, a lot of people aren't particularly good at creating names. There is an intuitive feel to creating good names, but it takes some time IMO to develop a feel for the process. Sometimes, we don't have time to ponder over creating the perfect name, so we can use some help.

In the spirit of providing that help I recommend the Everchanging Book of Names. This is a piece of shareware that allows you to create names from a large selection of fantasy and real-life cultures from historical celtic and slavic to Tolkienish elves and orcs and many things in between.

The software is free, but to open the naming chapters (allowing you to generate hundreds of names with the push of a button) the cost is US $10 for permanent unlimited access. I'm creating a setting for 4e, runequest or True20 (I'm not sure which yet). This is probably the best $10 I've ever spent.

Even if you only use the free version, you can still create up to 5 names at a time I believe. It might take you longer to find the perfect name, but it won't cost you. On the other hand, this great little piece of software really deserves recognition and its author really deserves the small fee of $10 for his work.

Here is a link to the EBON homepage where you will find info and download instructions:

Everchanging Book of Names

*Note: I am in no way affiliated with this software and my endorsement in no way benefits me. I just believe that EBON is a great resource for both players and DMs/GMs.

Enjoy.



Sundragon :)
 
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Kyuss Knight said:
Thanks for the link, what a wonderful resource. The supplemental chapters are fantastic!

Glad I could help. :)

The developer deserves a lot of credit for creating something of such great utility for gamers.



Sundragon
 

I agree. This is a nice generator, and (IMO) worth the token expense.

Token, relative to the use I'll get out of it over a pretty sizeable span of time.

Very neat.

Is there a comprehensive list of extra chapters anywhere, for this software?
 


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