http://na.aiononline.com/board/notices/view?articleID=317&page=Greetings Daevas,
We want to update you about some changes relating to the upcoming server merge. We are setting in place processes to resolve same-name conflicts once the upcoming server merge takes place. In order to provide a fair and just resolution, we are changing the server merge date to July 14, 2010.
So how does this affect my character?
Once the merge occurs, a character with a name that is up to 14 letters long will have a two-letter server abbreviation added to the end of the name. For example, “Fergreedy” on Azphel would become “FergreedyAZ” after the merge.
A character name that is 15 letters long will have a one-letter server abbreviation added to the end of the name. For example, “Misterhappyface” on Azphel would become “MisterhappyfaceA”.
In the rare instance that two characters transferring to a merged server share the same name and it is 16 letters long, one of the characters will be renamed. We understand that this is an inconvenience, and regret the need to change anyone’s character name. We will keep a close eye on the few characters that this name conflict will affect, and can confidently say the percentage of this occurrence will be very low.
Lastly, we’ll be providing all Daevas with a free Character Name Change ticket so that they can later pick a new name.
Will I ever get my character’s name back?
Now that we’ve established what’s happening to names, you might be wondering what will happen to your old character’s name. When the merge maintenance is completed on July 14, 2010, you’ll be able to log in and use your free Character Name Change ticket change your name. All uses of that Character Name Change ticket will be on a “first come, first served” basis.
After reviewing all of the options available to us, we determined this to be the fairest way to handle name conflicts. We have modified our Server Merge FAQ to help address the questions you may have regarding this process. Additionally, due to the delay in creating a better process for name changes, we are also extending the free character transfers to August 25, 2010.
See you on the other side!
—The Aion Community Team