This, while technically accurate, is also slightly disingenuous. There are many more caveats that need to be considered. For example - Let us consider an accent in a name. Seems reasonable, yes? I know what you are thinking - "But Spyder, the accent in a name is for special cases only". Ah! let us examine what information we have access to then.
The last post a Guide made on surnames can be found here -
http://www.project1999.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=211201 - Where a staff member is saying "let’s all have fun! Let them accents fly as long as it makes sense and doesn’t violate the rules". I have not seen a guide or GM Sirken address surnames in any other posts besides in specific situations where I am being trolled.
"But Spyder - everyone knows you are butt hurt because Braknar nerf'd your silly surname" - Another good point! While I admit to be extremely salty, I also believe that rules are in place to prevent the few from ruining it for the many and it is a necessary evil.
Let us consider the name “Wu’Tang” now as it pertains to the naming policy (just for giggles)
Naming Policy
Character names in EverQuest should be
thematically consistent with the high-fantasy environment of EverQuest. These guidelines apply both forenames and surnames, and also to the combination produced by a forename and surname. (For example, the first name Clint and the last name Eastwood are both acceptable names separately, but Clint Eastwood is not.)
The server staff can, in accordance with all described rules and ultimate discretion, provide assistance with surname changes, including names with multiple capital letters and/or a single accent grave (`). Examples of this are Kirn V`Last, Harl McTarnigal, Leeza MacTeagan.
The server staff will be happy to change your surnames on request, however we will not provide forename changes unless the name violates the naming policy.
The following names are considered unacceptable.
Vile, profane, rude, or racist names including common swear words, anatomical references, racial slurs, and homonyms of these words.
NO VIOLATION
Combinations of words that produce an offensive result (e.g. Hugeazz, Tug Mcgroin).
NO VIOLATION
Names of religious, occult, or significant historic origin (e.g. Jesus, Allah, Satan, Stalin).
NO VIOLATION
Copyrighted or trademarked names of products, characters, services, or concepts (e.g. Bigmac, Marlboro, Sony).
NO VIOLATION – “Wu’Tang” =/= "The Wu-Tang Clan". This is an important distinction. “Wu’Tang” is in NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM copyrighted.
Names from popular media. These names can be either fictional (e.g. Rambo, Darthvader) or non-fictional (e.g. Garth Brooks, Pierce Brosnan, George Washington, Michael Jordan).
This is the where I am assuming Sirken and Nilbog have a problem with Wu’Tang. While very similar to the hip-hop group “The Wu-Tang Clan” - “Wu’Tang” is wholly and completely separate from this group. 1) It represents a broad area of China in the Wu Dang Mountains and is one of the pillars of Wu Dang Kun Fu (also called WU TANG Kung Fu). The first line of the Namin Policy says that names should aspire to be THEMATIC. I feel like the theme of Wu’Tang far out runs any possible association with the so-called Wu-Tang Clan. They 2 entities are separate and unreleated
Common words and phrases that would not be found in the time, place and setting of EverQuest (e.g. Switchblade, Phaser, Toaster, Cannabis).
NO VIOLATION
Proper names from EverQuest (e.g. Rathe, Karana). This also includes the first or last name of any significant EverQuest NPC (e.g. Dorn, Trumpy, Karn).
NO VIOLATION - My contention is that Master Wu is not an important character in classic everquest because HE IS NOT IN THE GAME AND IS NEVER MENTIONED BY ANY NPC! He is not a god, he is not a demi god, he is nothing in Classic EQ besides a name sake for a few low grade items and some fist wraps. I have seen Shadow Knights with the surname “Soulleech” – Well CT drops a sword named Soulleech and no one gives 2 craps because it is not violation. Wu is no different from the SK example.
Any form of a name similar to current or past Project 1999 Staff (e.g. Nilbog, Rogean, Sirken).
NO VIOLATION
Names chosen with the intent or possessed with the effect of harming the reputation of a player or Staff member.
NO VIOLATION
Forenames containing titles within them, such as, but not limited to: The, Lord, Lady, Master, King, Knight, Sir, Father (e.g. Sirtallon, Lordeagle, Mothermaggy, Darksister).
NO VIOLATION
Names that contain sentences (Ikillorcs), phrases (Ontop), or two or more words that do not form descriptive compound words (Petcarbob, Diediedie and Tablechair).
NO VIOLATION
Descriptive compound words are allowed in first names and are encouraged in surnames (e.g. Treehugger, Giantslayer).
NO VIOLATION
Descriptive compound words (each separate part of the word and the entire word) must otherwise adhere to all other naming rules.
NO VIOLATION
Fantasy-oriented names which are easily recognized from popular existing media (e.g. Merlin, Gandalf, Drizzt).
NO VIOLATION
Names where the combination of the first and last name forms a phrase or violate a previous rule (e.g. Crymea River, Bran Muffin, Story Thyme).
NO VIOLATION
For all of the above, misspellings and alternative spellings (such as spelling it backwards) of the word or words are also unacceptable.
NO VIOLATION
For all of the above, any foreign variations are also unacceptable. If a player petitions a name he or she feels is offensive in a foreign language, all rules set forth shall be applied.
NO VIOLATION
Above all else, you may not choose character or guild name which, in the sole and absolute discretion of the Project 1999 Customer Service Staff, is deemed to be offensive or improper.
NO VIOLATION
Now I have underlined the first sentence int he naming policy because it is the mission statement of the entire policy. Every other item addressed is solely in place to make sure that the spirit of that first line is adhered to. I submit to you that Wu'Tang is in the spirit of EQ
As you can see from the rules – A lot of the rules are open to interpretation from the GMs. Typical they are very fair, however there are times when the community doesn’t see eye-2-eye with the naming policy and there is very little recourse besides trying to state your case as best you can.
I wish you luck traveler!
Tekilya Wu’Tang
Monk of the Celestial Fist and Ruler of Dalnir
03-10-2016, 08:58 AM
Linear Mode
