I'm putting together name generators for some of the most clichéd familiar fantasy races, like elves, dwarves and orcs.
But I'm not sure what would be the best way to handle the generators, as each of these races has several interpretations in various sources, many of them copyrighted.
Later on it might make sense to add name generators that more accurately reflect a more specific culture or language, such as Tolkien's Quenya. (Possibly not using the original nomenclature to avoid any potential legal issues.)
Would this kind of semi-authentic, syllable-based randomization make sense? Provided that the end result turn out well enough, of course. Any ideas on how to refer to other well-known sources without infringing anyone's copyright? (I'm planning to contribute these to the generator library, so that's an issue to consider.)
But I'm not sure what would be the best way to handle the generators, as each of these races has several interpretations in various sources, many of them copyrighted.
- Dwarves are probably the easiest. Most sources agree that they have Old Norse or Germanic sounding names. The Völuspá part of the Poetic Edda even includes a listing of Dwarf names that conveniently was used verbatim by the best known modern source, JRR Tolkien.
- Tolkien is also the source for elven names, but even he has several variants of the Elvish language. But there are well-known variations that differ more than what is typically used for dwarves.
- Orcs names are probably the most varied in the various sources (from Tolkien who invented the race to later interpretations in literature, film, and games). Also here Tolkien would probably be the best known source, but for example Warcraft or Warhammer fans might expect something a bit different.
Later on it might make sense to add name generators that more accurately reflect a more specific culture or language, such as Tolkien's Quenya. (Possibly not using the original nomenclature to avoid any potential legal issues.)
Would this kind of semi-authentic, syllable-based randomization make sense? Provided that the end result turn out well enough, of course. Any ideas on how to refer to other well-known sources without infringing anyone's copyright? (I'm planning to contribute these to the generator library, so that's an issue to consider.)