Guild Wars 2

I’m new to Guild Wars, having started playing 2 just a couple days ago. I was playing without incident today when without warning I was banned and suspended for 72 hours for having an inappropriate name.

I named my Asura thief Phuca after a mischief spreading fae creature from irish folklore with a few different spellings called a Pooka/Puca/Phouka/Phooka: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pooka. I had a problem finding a spelling that wasn’t taken, so I found an available alternative that was a combination of them. I didn’t realize my name was offensive, I feel like the suspension/ban is unfair. I can change my character’s name but I’d really like to keep it because of it’s meaning. I’d at least like to not be suspended for 3 days for something I didn’t realize I did wrong.

I filed a support ticket for it, I hope to get some feedback about it.

If you filed a ticket, there’s nothing the forum can do for you. I doubt they’ll release it as it sounds too much like a variation of a certain obscenity.

It took me a second looking at the name but if say “Phuca” it sounds like an F word. Putting the word thief in front of it makes it a little more shady. Perhaps it was coincidental but words in a name that sound like words that violate the language guidelines can result in problems as well.

I only mention her race and class because a phouka is a prankster fairy creature, it’s why I picked the name for a fae-like creature like an asura and a thief.

Generally the first offense is a forced renaming, not a 3 day suspension. Did you get a forced renaming prior to this?

No, I’ve been playing for less than a week and I’ve never had any warnings or anything. Part of the reason I’m feeling slighted about it was because I wasn’t given the option to change the name, rather than suspending me for 3 days.

Yeah, I get what you’re going for with Pooka, but it probably is the first three letters and/or the resemblance to a certain f-word when you vary the spelling. I don’t believe you’re trying to sneak in a profanity, but the rule will occasionally catch the innocent name that happens to match up. I remember a guy a few months ago who had trouble with the name “Foo Foo Cuddly Poops” for similar reasons.

pookat.1864:

I only mention her race and class because a phouka is a prankster fairy creature, it’s why I picked the name for a fae-like creature like an asura and a thief.

Sure but say it out loud where the “u” sounds like when you pronounce trucker. I’m not saying you picked a name specifically to sound like a curse word. I’m saying given the way it can be pronounced may be what is causing the problem.

Maybe try swapping that H for an extra U when you get in game?

And have you tried to log in again since then? Sometimes when they tag a name for rename the game shows a 72 hour suspension but it then gets removed shortly thereafter.

It looks like the suspension has been lifted and a forced rename is in place to play the character. I haven’t had any luck with any other variations of the name that haven’t been taken yet, it doesn’t help that I’m a little paranoid now. o_o

Anyway thanks everyone.

Try Pooka maybe?

This name is very close to Female genitals in Tagolog, I would assume that’s what got it banned.

StugLyfe.2134:

This name is very close to Female genitals in Tagolog, I would assume that’s what got it banned.

Your assumption is probably wrong as it’s far closer to a very common swear word. Just say it out load.

I would post something to argue your cause, but I’ve seen a lot of this type of thing in this game. All I feel comfortable with saying is the mods and GMs in this game are ultra strict. Nothing negative against any mod reading this. I’m just letting him know to watch himself. Its really easy to get banned for like no reason at all. Your character in GW2 does not share your rights. If someone sees something they don’t like, they have the right to just dispose of you. Once again mods, I don’t mean any offense.