The name may have been put on the 'unavailable' list since the game went live. They add stuff to the list from time to time, and this kind of thing has happened to others. If that's the case, you're out of luck. Such names aren't taken from characters, but if you delete to reroll, you won't be able to use the name.
Use the check name function. If it says 'name is not available', that's likely the case. If it says 'name is taken', then you're just really unlucky and someone took the name, but I doubt that's the case.
They ALL float down here. When you're down here with us, you'll float too!
@Starflier
Its possible someone used the name while you were logged off even if it seems improbable. Could you post the name? It might be a name that's been added to a list of invalid names and you slipped in several years ago but something that wouldn't get by today.
[ QUOTE ]
It might be a name that's been added to a list of invalid names and you slipped in several years ago but something that wouldn't get by today.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah. Most likely it's a name that wasn't prohibited or blocked when you originally created the character, but is now. They won't force you to give up a name if you already have it, but if you delete the character, you're out of luck.
Why does stuff get added to the banned list? Well, y'know, the comic book industry does come up with new characters from time to time. Stuff becomes more popular, more mainstream - and makes it to the list.
The GMs will generic Naruto clones now, for instance. At one point they didn't seem to care. And yes, I realise 'Naruto clone' is probably a redundant statement, but you know what I mean. I remember when I first started the game, in 2004, they used to host player-submitted screenshots on the official CoH webpage. One of them prominently showed a guy who was a dead ringer for Rock Lee, the Naruto character...hell, I think he was even NAMED that, or something very close. I really really doubt you'd be able to get away with such a thing today. Back then, the GMs probably didn't know Naruto. Now? They do.
If an NPC in the game uses a particular name, it'll probably make it to the blocked list. So perhaps 'Maelstrom' wasn't blocked before, but when the devs designed him as a signature character for the new expansion, it probably got added.
@Acyl
VIRTUE
Blue: Realpolitik, Leading Lady, Glass Lass, Superball, Alec Kazam
Red: Battery Acid, Obsolete, Bugfix
Ahh OK. The name was Scalphunter (yes I liked the original Marauders) > Figured as the build was nothing like the Marvel character there wouldn't be an issue.
I guess there was.
Thanks for the quick reply!
-Actually another question, is there a list of names that aren't permitted? Just would like to know before I delete and reroll another toon.
Thanks again!
<sigh> damnit. Guess that means I gotta be original again.
So much easier when I don't have to think for myself.
Thanks!
What server was this on? Some servers have 'Name Watch' threads where people post suggestions - lists of cool stuff they've thought of that is still open. Folks also can request names (there's always the chance the person who has it is willing to give it up). Or you can ask for suggestions.
I know Pinnacle and Virtue have such threads, stickied in the server forums.
Even if your server doesn't have a thread like that, you can always take a look at the name threads from other servers and see if cool stuff there is open on yours too...
@Acyl
VIRTUE
Blue: Realpolitik, Leading Lady, Glass Lass, Superball, Alec Kazam
Red: Battery Acid, Obsolete, Bugfix
If you're unsure of a name, just use the Check Name feature. If it comes back 'available', it's free and not on the list, 'in use' means it's taken, and 'unavailable' means it's on the banned names list.
They ALL float down here. When you're down here with us, you'll float too!
@Starflier
[ QUOTE ]
Ahh OK. The name was Scalphunter (yes I liked the original Marauders) > Figured as the build was nothing like the Marvel character there wouldn't be an issue.
[/ QUOTE ]
There's one over at DC too, unfortunately, but he's not *that* well known; likely it was the Marvel version that someone tagged over.
Currently playing:
The Domestic: Broom/WP
Shadowhex: Dark Control/Dark Affinity
Defenestration Lass: Grav/Kin
"See, this is what happens when you have to shove all this stuff into your pockets: it's easy to misplace a suborbital warhead." -Arcanaville, on how crowded our power trays are getting lately
The main rule with copyrighted names it "If you have to ask, you can't use it." They're usually taken anyway.
Kinda interesting to see how they come and go, recently there was a wave of Watchmen clones due to the movie. I'm surprised I didn't see any Drizz't clones since Dual Blades came out though.
Hey all, back after a couple years off.
Anyway went to log in on one of my toons, logged him on, realized I had no idea what I was trying to build so logged off, made a new toon, saved the design, went back and deleted the first toon, loaded the second toon's design tried to give him the first toon's name and was told the name was taken.
Did someone else actually create a toon with the name I used in the one or two seconds that passed between deletion and attempted renaming? Or has the name policy changed somehow in the last couple years?
I'd have no issues if the game gave up my characters name to someone else when I wasn't subscribed, but I had logged him on and didn't get any "must rename your toon" message of any kind.
Am I missing something here?
Just would like to know before I delete any more of my original toons.
Thanks for any info/advice you can offer.