Request for naming exception due to Dwarven lore

[chupacabra]

Dearest benevolent DM overlords!

I hope this is the appropriate subforum for my request. If not, kindly move it to where it should be.

I have just had a lengthy discussion with DM Thephanes about my Dwarf character's clan name, Blood of Ironstar, being in violation of server rules because of the word 'of.' I appreciate and respect his decision is simply his application of the server rules, however I have to disagree.

My character's clan name refers to an extinct clan directly from FR lore, referred to in the Savage North and Dwarve's Deep source books. The Ironstar clan is said to have been destroyed at an epic bridge battle in DR 207 and is now officially disbanded, though some source material refers to living Dwarves with the clan name (Ed Greenwood's own writings).

However, when naming my character, I used the naming convention as referred to here: http://www.nj-pbem.com/data/Races/Dwarf ... arvenNames :
If a Dwarf is two or more generations removed from relation to a clan, they often take that clan's name in the form of 'Blood of X' as the first part of their sarname, especially in the case of a legendary (but disbanded) clan like Ironstar. Thus my Character's name is Dunbarr, Blood of Ironstar, then continuing with the names of his father and father's father, his clan hold, his relevant military unit, and continuing with blood line ad nauseum, as is Dwarven custom.

I don't mind the name over my character's head to read Dunbarr Ironstar, as DM Thephanes changed it, but from an RP standpoint I see no problem with his REAL name being Dunbarr Blood of Ironstar, as it is in actuality a Clan name, and not a title.

The rule against titles makes perfect sense--they should be earned. However I feel it unnecessary to censor my character's name when it does not seem to violate the spirit of the rule.

As such, I would like for you to consider my character's clan name to be exempt from the rule, but will agree to leave it as 'Ironstar' over the characters head in game, even though that clan no longer exists as such.

Thanks for your consideration.
With much grovelling,
Chupacabra

[DM Cradh]

Chupacabra,

We do not allow names such as that here on the server.

However you are free to introduce yourself to others in any manner that you wish, be it a nickname that your character prefers to go by or what not.

As for the name over your head we will not allow the "of" in the name so you will have two choices, either have it read Dunbarr Ironstar or we can remove the surname and just have it show up as Dunbarr.

Thank you
Cradh

[chupacabra]

DM Cradh,

Thanks for your quick reply!

Just to clarify, he can use his Dwarven name if it is used by way of introduction?

From my perspective, for him to become Ironstar proper would require a change of lore or backstory or both.

I have no interest in breaking any rules and would prefer not get pinged again for him using his name wrongly, but by way of lore that is still part of his name, if you get me. Really, his first name is all he would ever normally give to anyone but a significantly higher status Dwarf anyhow.

As to the name over his head I have no attachment one way or another as it is more or less meta knowledge anyhow to simplify things.

Thanks in advance for any clarification,
With much grovelling and toe massaging,

Chupacabra

[DM Narshe]

Just to clarify, he can use his Dwarven name if it is used by way of introduction?
...
As to the name over his head I have no attachment one way or another as it is more or less meta knowledge anyhow to simplify things.

That's just about the sum of it. Names over players heads are limited to not having titles and other various things.

Hidden: show

Please do not use famous names (like "Robin Hood" or "Drizzt Do'Urden") for your character. Do not put any titles in your name or biography that you did not earn. You are not a king, noble, general, baron, etc. unless the DMs grant your PC that title. And finally, please use a name rather than a description (no "Big Man" or "Larry the Wizard") for your character. A character in violation of this rule may log in to find the character with a new name.

Your character is welcome to introduce themselves as whatever they want though.

[chupacabra]

Thanks a million for the clarification!
All is well in the end.

[Rasael]

The DM's reasoning in this case is probably that the Dwarven naming convention 'Bloof of' is always attached to herigate of a famous dwarf.

If the descent is further removed than two generations, the phrase "blood of" is employed - but only in the case of the most famous heroes or rulers. Thus, "Dorn, blood of Gordrimm"
http://www.nj-pbem.com/data/Races/Dwarf ... arvenNames

As DM Narshe supplied, the server rules do not allow famous relationships or the self-appointment of noble titles, and so on.

Please do not use famous names (like "Robin Hood" or "Drizzt Do'Urden") for your character. Do not put any titles in your name or biography that you did not earn. You are not a king, noble, general, baron, etc. unless the DMs grant your PC that title. And finally, please use a name rather than a description (no "Big Man" or "Larry the Wizard") for your character. A character in violation of this rule may log in to find the character with a new name.

Which is an effort to maintain the integrity of the server's setting without restricting player's abilities to come up with characters too much.

I would draw an analogy between your case and the case where someone might name his character X Blood of Battlehammer. Because the claim implies that a ruling family gave birth to you, and thus gives you a claim on a noble title or heritage, while at the same time implying that such family had another son or daughter: the player. Important bits of lore get twisted. By that reasoning we should also be able to claim heritage to Elminster Aumar (he's old enough), Duke Eltan, or any of the eight Zulkir's in Thay.

That the DM's allowed you to only use Ironstar is a little confusing though. As you observe yourself the Iron Star clan is an old noble family

Clan Ironstar was a dwarven clan whose realm was founded in -2919 DR beneath Firstpeak, Secondpeak and Thirdpeak, also known as Ironstar Mountain, Northlook and Wyrmtongue.
http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Clan_Ironstar

I would guess that the DM perspective is that this Clan was of noble heritage in the past, but no longer maintains its own realm. I collected that there are rumours that a small clanhold still exists somewhere, but that is more akin to a family than a kingdom. So in that sense saying that you are an Ironstar is different from claiming to be a Battlehammer.

The reason why the 'blood of' was still rejected is probably because it remains attached to a famous person. Although I don't quite know who or why that person is famous.