The name I want is taken

#0 - Aug. 25, 2010, 9:11 p.m.

Ive seen a few times that someone wants a name that is taken by a character under level 10, and I remember people saying they could contact a GM who would let them have that name by changing the name of the original character with that name. I want to make a druid named Fluffy, which is taken by a character under level 10. I was wondering if it is true that they can force a name change, and how I am supposed to contact the GMs about this?

Auryk

#3 - Aug. 25, 2010, 9:20 p.m.

There are times when the Game Master may be able to step in and assist with these sorts of issues. I would like to first clarify that there are very strict restrictions for us to do so and that it is not simply if the character is under level ten. You may submit an in-game petition and ask that the Game Master see if it is in any way possible to free the name up for your use, Mechapope.

Auryk

#9 - Aug. 25, 2010, 9:32 p.m.

Q u o t e:

Hm...
I remember making a character on a trial account with a name I liked, but I never deleted him, and I ended up subscribing to WoW on a different account
So, assuming I wanted to try to get that name back, it would be possible? Just wondering, of course, I don't think I'd level another character up, I'm too impatient

This is a bit different, as you are the one that holds the name, Darkvolcan. It may very well be possible, and more likely, that you would get this name freed up for use.

Auryk

#15 - Aug. 25, 2010, 9:45 p.m.

Q u o t e:

Can I ask a question of you, Auryk?

I have a hunter named "<snip>". I have a warrior with the name "<snip>". Can I move "<snip>" to my hunter, so I would be free to rename the warrior?

Edited the names out to avoid any harassment possibilities.

I'm willing to pay for the name changes, Auryk, but wasn't sure with name lockouts if I could get all this done at once.

Unfortunately we don't currently provide a "Name Swap" service, Sunlyght, so you would be unable to get this done all at once using the Paid Character Name Change (PCNC) feature. You may be able to think outside the box and, though it may require you to make some risky actions, get everything accomplished. The other option would be to use the PCNC service then wait the 90 days for the name to become available, then change the second character's name. :0/

Trainee

#39 - Aug. 27, 2010, 5:47 a.m.

Q u o t e:
here is what he meant by risky actions:
delete ur character and then ask a friend to make a lvl 1 char with the same name that u want to get rid of then ask a gm to give u ur char back and say that u deleted ur char by mistake as u were deleting ur alts. although it might take up to a week or maybe 2 ;/ when u get ur char back it will be flagged for a rename.

I reaaaaaally wouldn't recommend such an action. Contrary to popular belief, we are aware of these "workarounds."

And they don't work nearly as well as you might assume. ;P In fact, it can result in the denial of the restoration, and ending up with a level 1 over a level 80 doesn't seem like a smart exchange.