Beyond Kerman: Diversifying Your Kerbal Astronaut Corps with the Name Generator Mod

Are you tired of launching Jebediah, Bill, and Bob Kerman into space in your Kerbal Space Program (KSP) saves? Do you yearn for a more diverse and realistic Kerbal astronaut corps? The Name Generator mod offers a simple, yet effective solution to break free from the endless line of Kermans. This article dives into the features, customization options, and community feedback surrounding this clever KSP enhancement.

Breaking the Kerman Mold: What is the Name Generator Mod?

The Name Generator mod, created by the user severedsolo, is designed to automatically assign new, more varied names to Kerbals that the game generates. Instead of the default "Kerman" surname and limited selection of first names, the mod pulls from a comprehensive list of names, offering a vastly expanded pool of possible Kerbal names.

According to the original forum post, the initial release included a list of 8,788,806 possible combinations of first and last names, based on 1999 US Census data (http://deron.meranda.us/data/). This immediately injects a dose of realism and variety into the game, making each new Kerbal applicant feel unique.

Key Features of the Name Generator Mod

• Automatic Name Generation: The mod automatically assigns a first name and surname to newly generated Kerbals, eliminating the monotony of the "Kerman family."
• Customizable Name Lists: Players can easily add, remove, or edit the name lists, allowing for personalized name pools that reflect specific cultures, themes, or even fictional universes.
• Exception List: The mod can be configured to skip renaming specific Kerbals such as the original crew (Jebediah, Bill, Bob, and Valentina).
• Support for Multiple Languages: Later versions include support for gender-specific surnames (like Russian names)
• Lightweight and Simple: The mod focuses solely on name generation, avoiding any changes to Kerbal stats or other game mechanics.

Customization: Adding Your Personal Touch

One of the most appealing aspects of the Name Generator mod is its customizability. Players can easily tailor the name lists to their liking by editing simple text files within the mod's folder. This opens up a realm of possibilities:

• Adding Names from Your Culture: Tired of American names? Simply add names from your own culture to the .txt files.
• Creating Fictional Naming Conventions: Develop unique naming schemes for your Kerbals based on your own stories or settings.
• Homage to Real-World Astronauts: Populate the lists with the names of famous astronauts and space pioneers.

To customize the name pool. navigate to the mod's folder and locate the following files:

• surnames.txt: Contains the list of surnames.
• male.txt: Contains the list of male first names.
• female.txt: Contains the list of female first names.

Simply add or remove names from these files, save them, and the mod will use your updated lists when generating new Kerbal names. The mod's creator also added support for separate male and female surnames for languages like Russian that have different surnames based on gender.

Addressing Common Questions and Concerns

The original forum thread reveals some common questions and concerns from users, along with helpful responses from the mod developer:

• Will this mod rename existing Kerbals in my save?
  • Initially, no. However, an update was released to rename all applicants on first load.
• How do I ensure some Kerbals retain the "Kerman" surname?
  • Simply edit the surnames.txt file to only contain the name "Kerman."
• Is this mod compatible with other mods that affect Kerbal hiring?
  • Compatibility may vary. User vardicd asked about compatibility with the MKS mod, highlighting the importance of community feedback for specific mod interactions.
• What about Jeb, Bob, Bill and Val - will their names be changed?
  • No. The mod specifically ignores Kerbals who are generated with the names Jebediah, Bill, Bob or Valentina Kerman

Alternatives to Name Generator

While the Name Generator mod offers a straightforward solution for diversifying Kerbal names, it's worth noting that other mods approach the issue differently. For example, Kerbal Renamer allows you to rename existing Kerbals. However, the creator of Name Generator states that the Kerbal Renamer mod also changes stats, which Name Generator does not affect.

Conclusion: A Simple Mod with a Big Impact

The Name Generator mod provides a simple, yet effective way to add variety and realism to your Kerbal Space Program experience. By breaking free from the endless line of Kermans and embracing a more diverse cast of characters, you can enhance your immersion and create more compelling stories within the game. Whether you stick with the default American names, curate a list of international astronauts, or craft your own fictional naming conventions, the Name Generator mod empowers you to personalize your Kerbal universe and create a more engaging space program. This mod also highlights the KSP modding community and the impact community-made content has on the game.