Admin: Create Player Names guide

2026-10-26T23:57:57Z

Create Player Names guide

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On New Bradford, '''every character name is unique'''. No two player characters can share a name, so the name you see in the world or in [[Global Chat]] always belongs to one person.

This page explains when the server checks your name, what happens if your name is already taken, and how to pick a new one.

== How names are checked ==
The server checks your character's name '''every time you log in''', about a second after you enter the world. That includes the first time you play a brand-new character. The character creation screen doesn't check names, so this is the first point where a duplicate is caught.

A name counts as '''already in use''' if another player character has the same name:
* '''Capital letters don't matter.''' "Aldric", "aldric", and "ALDRIC" are all the same name.
* '''Spaces at the start or end are ignored.''' " Aldric " is the same as "Aldric".
* '''Every character counts''', on any account, whether that player is online or not. That includes your own other characters.
* '''Deleted characters don't count.''' Once a character is deleted, its name is free again.
* '''Staff characters count too.''' You can't take a name a staff character is using.

You'll also be asked to pick a new name if your character has no name, or a name that's reserved (see [[#Name rules|Name rules]]).

== If your name is already taken ==
=== Step 1: The Character Name prompt ===
[[File:NB_Name_In_Use.png|thumb|center|450px|The Character Name prompt you see when your name is already in use.]]
If your name is taken, a '''Character Name''' window opens with this message in red:

: ''That character name is already in use. Enter a unique name to continue.''

You'll also see this in your journal:

: ''You must choose a unique character name before you can play.''

This window '''can't be closed'''. Right-clicking it does nothing, and it keeps coming back until you've chosen a name that's accepted.

=== Step 2: Your temporary guest name ===
[[File:NB_Guest_Name.png|thumb|center|300px|A paperdoll showing a temporary guest name.]]
Until you pick a new name, your character is given a temporary '''guest name'''. It's '''Guest-''' followed by a short ID that belongs to your character, for example '''Guest-402'''. You'll see it on your paperdoll and anywhere else your name shows up.

Guest names are only placeholders. You can't keep one, and you can't choose a name that starts with "Guest-".

=== Step 3: You can't move or chat yet ===
While the prompt is open, your character is '''frozen''':
* You '''can't move'''.
* You '''can't speak'''. If you try, you'll see ''You must choose a unique character name before you can speak.''
* You '''can't use [[Global Chat]]'''. It won't open, and you'll see ''You must choose a unique character name before using global chat.''

If you log out before choosing a name, you're unfrozen, but you '''keep the guest name'''. The prompt comes back the next time you log in with that character.

=== Step 4: Pick a new name ===
Type a name in the '''Name''' box and click '''Submit'''. The box holds up to '''16 characters'''.

[[File:NB_Name_In_Use_Retry.png|thumb|center|450px|The prompt after trying a name that's already in use.]]
If the name you typed isn't accepted, the prompt opens again with a red message telling you why:

{| class="wikitable"
! Message !! What it means
|-
| ''Enter a character name.'' || The Name box was empty.
|-
| ''That name is not allowed. Use 2–16 letters (spaces, -, ., ' limited).'' || The name breaks one of the [[#Name rules|name rules]].
|-
| ''That name is reserved. Choose a different name.'' || The name starts with "Guest-", or is "noname".
|-
| ''That character name is already in use.'' || Another character already has that name. Try a different one.
|}

Just type a different name and click '''Submit''' again. You can try as many times as you need.

=== Step 5: You're ready to play ===
Once your name is accepted:
* You'll see ''You are now known as '''YourName'''.'' in green.
* You're '''unfrozen''' and can move, speak, and play normally.
* Your new name is saved, and the name you chose is now yours.
* [[Global Chat]] announces your arrival with ''NB: '''YourName''' has come online'' (for players who have join notifications turned on). This announcement is held back until you have a real name, so nobody sees your guest name come online.
* Global Chat works now. Click the '''Chat''' button on your menu bar if it isn't already open.

== Name rules ==
Names you choose must follow these rules:
* '''2 to 16 characters''' long.
* '''Letters only''', no numbers.
* You can use '''spaces''', '''hyphens''' (-), '''periods''' (.), and '''apostrophes''' ('), but:
** not as the '''first''' character, and
** not '''two in a row''' (for example "Ann--Marie" or "Ann .Marie").
* No offensive words.
* No names that '''begin''' with Seer, Counselor, GM, Admin, Lady, or Lord.
* No skill titles or reserved words used as a separate word, such as Scholar, Mage, Neophyte, Grandmaster, Smith, Merchant, or British.
* No names starting with "Guest-", and not "noname".
* Not already in use by another character.

== Tips for picking a name ==
* '''Have a backup or two in mind.''' Common names are often taken.
* '''Changing capital letters won't help.''' "aldric" counts as the same name as "Aldric".
* '''Add a second word''' to make a name unique, like "Aldric Stone" or "Mira Ashford". Keep it to 16 characters or less, counting the space.
* '''Avoid numbers.''' They aren't allowed, so "Aldric2" won't work.
* '''Leave titles out.''' Words like Lord, Lady, or Mage will be rejected.

== Quick reference ==
* '''When it's checked:''' every login, including your first time with a new character
* '''Duplicate means:''' same name as any other player character, ignoring capital letters and extra spaces at the start or end
* '''Temporary name:''' Guest- plus your character's ID, for example Guest-402
* '''While waiting:''' can't move, speak, or use Global Chat, and the prompt can't be closed
* '''Name length:''' 2 to 16 letters

New to New Bradford? See [[Getting Started]] to install the game and log in.

[[Category:Player Guides]]
[[Category:Custom Systems]]

Player Names - Revision history

Admin: Create Player Names guide