I heard about the Story Games Name Project a few months back, and checked in to see if it was nearing completion. Apparently, it is: here’s a sample PDF that will give you a good idea of what to expect from the SGNP.
It looks good — tons of names, friendly layout, simple and useful. If you want NPC names from different cultures, have trouble coming up with names on the fly or need a bit of name-related inspiration, this is one to keep an eye on.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any info on when it’s coming out or in what form (if you happen to know, please tell us in the comments!). In the meantime, Coming Up With, and Using, NPC Names, here on TT, offers 27 ways to name your NPCs.
Story Games itself, the forum that’s home to the SGNP, is a pretty neat place. They specifically requested that folks only be told about Story Games “One on one, or in small, controlled groups,” which is why I didn’t link to them sooner. I’ve since seen links to Story Games in a variety of other places, so I figured it’d be okay to share.
It’s coming soon! The text is laid out, there are a few lingering issues because it is a pretty massive book, but it won’t be long. It’ll be available through Lulu. Thanks for the mention.
Hey, thanks for linking!
Unfortunately, I’m not The Man on the project, but seeing that the layout is done, and IIRC there’s no further editing to be done, it should be out by GenCon or so. But again, don’t take that as law; just the observations of a contributor.
Sorry about the confusing language on that thread you linked to above (re: “one on one or in small, controlled groups”). There was a period where I was trying to grow a solid foundation before opening the forum to everyone (so we didn’t have that explosion-blowback effect). I forgot to change the wording. Basically, linking and all is fine, I just didn’t want some eager member spamming other mailing lists or communities going “COMEZ HER YO THIS PLACE = AWESOMEZ!!” and the like. 🙂 I changed the wording to better reflect that.
-Andy K (S-G admin and Treasure Tables Forums member)
Jason: I’ll keep an eye peeled for news of the release. I’m glad you went with Lulu — that sounds like a good way to get a lot of book for not too much money.
Andy K: Will there be copies for browsing at GenCon, perhaps at the Forge booth?
And no worries at all on the SG rules — I was just trying to respect your wishes. I actually thought it was an interesting strategy, and it seems to have worked — SG got big quick, but seems to have maintained its vibe and quality very well.
I’m looking forward to seeing that. It would be a handy book just to have around. Flip and grab a name when you need it. I’m highly surprised someone hasn’t come out with something similar before, but I’m glad it is being done now under creative common licensing.
There’s at least one of the “Has Gary Gygax’s name on the cover, but doesn’t really involve him much at all” line of books that’s full of names, but that’s the only RPG-oriented name book I can think of offhand. The SGNP looks to be miles better across the board.
“The SGNP looks to be miles better across the board.”
I hope it is usable in the end. I put some effort in the Modern, Historical and Ancient Japanese names lists and Egyptian list. The last draft I saw looked really slick.
The other day, I used a draft of the Russian list for a one-shot RISUS action-horror game set in a far future Russia, and with a d20 (the lists are broken down into chunks of 20 names so that you can roll randomly) I was able to quickly name all the NPCs, and the PCs quickly chose their names to. So I can at least vouch for that list!
-Andy
I have just purchased my copy. I’m glad you guys have the lulu preview up there. I wanted to make sure it was what I was thinking of it as, and quite frankly I don’t think I’ve looked forward to owning an RPG book more than this one. The concept is a great idea, and something that is going to prevent me from having names like “pyool que” (pool cue) or ” pi – lo”(pillow) in my games.
Great work guys.
Yeah, the Lulu preview is critical — it makes it clear that there’s more than just lists of names, and it lets you see the depth of the lists themselves.
I can’t believe this sucker is only $11!
Any plans to do up a Lulu hardcover, perhaps in time for GenCon?