In The Lord of the Rings Online how to rename kinship lotro (LOTRO), kinships (guilds in other MMORPGs) play an essential role in the social and gameplay experience. A kinship provides a sense of community, a way to team up for various in-game activities, and a means of building long-lasting relationships with other players. If you are a kinship leader and want to rename your kinship to reflect new goals, ideals, or simply because you’re looking for something fresh, this guide will walk you through the process.
What is a Kinship in LOTRO?
A kinship is a group of players who come together within LOTRO to share experiences, tackle group content, and build a social network within the game. Members of a kinship often chat, share resources, and collaborate on quests, dungeons, and raids. Kinships also have their own unique names, which can be an important part of a group’s identity. If the leadership or the members feel that a name change is necessary, the process to rename a kinship is straightforward, though there are a few limitations.
Why Rename Your Kinship?
Renaming your kinship can be done for several reasons, including:
- Changing the focus: Your kinship’s goals or the type of content you focus on might have shifted.
- New leadership: A new kinship leader may want to mark a new beginning.
- Aesthetic or thematic reasons: Maybe the old name no longer fits the kinship’s vibe or theme.
- Unification: A more cohesive or meaningful name could represent a growing, evolving community.
Prerequisites for Renaming a Kinship
Before renaming your kinship, there are a few prerequisites:
- You must be the Kinship Leader: Only the leader has the authority to rename the kinship.
- You must be in a Kinship: To rename a kinship, you must first be in one.
- The kinship must not be under restrictions: Some kinships, especially if they have been recently created or are under specific restrictions, may not be eligible for a name change.
Step-by-Step Guide on Renaming Your Kinship in LOTRO
Step 1: Open the Kinship Window
The first thing you need to do is open the Kinship window.
- In LOTRO, press the ‘K’ key or click on the kinship icon in your toolbar.
- This will open up the Kinship Panel, which displays the list of members, kinship rank, and the various tabs related to your kinship management.
Step 2: Access the Kinship Management Options
Once you’re in the Kinship window, you will need to access the management options:
- Find the ‘Manage’ tab at the top of the Kinship window.
- Click on the ‘Manage’ tab to bring up the kinship settings and administrative tools.
Step 3: Rename the Kinship
Once in the kinship management panel, the option to rename your kinship will be available under the kinship details section.
- Look for the ‘Kinship Name’ field. Here, you should see the current name of your kinship.
- Click on the name field, and a prompt will appear allowing you to type in the new name.
- Enter your new kinship name. The name must follow certain restrictions:
- It can’t be offensive, inappropriate, or violate LOTRO’s Code of Conduct.
- It must be unique and not already taken by another kinship.
- After typing the desired name, click the ‘Rename Kinship’ button.
Step 4: Confirm the Change
Once you submit the new kinship name, a confirmation window will pop up asking you to verify the name change.
- Double-check the spelling of the new name and ensure it fits your kinship’s vision.
- If everything looks good, confirm the change by clicking ‘Yes’.
Once confirmed, your kinship name will be updated immediately across the game. The new name will appear in the Kinship Panel, and all members will see the new name when they interact with the kinship’s UI.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Cooldown Period: After renaming your kinship, you may have to wait a period before making another change. Be sure you’re satisfied with the name before committing.
- Impact on Members: Renaming the kinship does not affect any member’s rank or permissions. It is purely a cosmetic change, but it can impact how members perceive the kinship and its direction.
- Reputation & History: Renaming the kinship will not change its history or reputation. Members will still have access to the kinship’s past achievements, chat logs, and progression.
Alternatives to Renaming Your Kinship
If you don’t want to change the kinship name but still want to evolve, there are alternative options:
- Change the Kinship Motto: This can reflect a shift in values, themes, or the kinship’s direction.
- Reorganize Kinship Ranks: You can reorganize how ranks are assigned, giving new roles to members based on their involvement or contributions.
- Create a New Kinship: If you feel that the name change doesn’t capture the vision of your kinship’s future, you might consider starting a new kinship and inviting your current members to join.
Why Renaming Might Not Be a Good Idea
While renaming your kinship can be exciting, it’s essential to consider the following reasons you may want to avoid changing the name:
- Member Attachment: Some members may feel strongly connected to the current name, and a change might cause confusion or dissatisfaction.
- In-game recognition: A kinship with a long history or reputation might lose some of its recognition with a name change.
- Disruption: If your kinship is highly active, the name change could cause temporary confusion in communication, especially for players unfamiliar with the new name.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can only the Kinship Leader Rename the Kinship?
Yes, only the Kinship Leader has the ability to rename the kinship. Regular members do not have permission to make changes to the kinship’s name.
2. Are there any restrictions on kinship names?
Yes, kinship names must comply with LOTRO’s Code of Conduct. They must not be offensive, violate intellectual property rights, or be similar to existing kinship names.
3. Can I change my kinship’s name back if I don’t like it?
Once the name is changed, you can change it again after a cooldown period. However, the name change is permanent for the current kinship, and you cannot revert it immediately.
4. Will the kinship’s reputation change when the name is changed?
No, the reputation, achievements, and other aspects of your kinship will remain the same. Only the name will change.
5. What happens to the kinship’s web or social media presence?
If you have associated websites or social media accounts with your kinship’s old name, you will need to update those as well. Changing the kinship name in LOTRO does not affect external accounts.
6. Can I rename my kinship more than once?
Yes, you can rename your kinship, but there may be a cooldown period between renames. You need to wait before making another name change.
Conclusion
Renaming your kinship in LOTRO can be a simple but significant way to refresh your group’s identity, reflect new goals, or mark a new phase in its journey. By following this guide, you should be able to rename your kinship without issue. Remember to choose a name that resonates with your members and reflects the values and goals of your kinship moving forward. Whether you’re looking for a rebranding or a fresh start, the process is straightforward, allowing your kinship to evolve along with its members.