True name A creature ' s true name is its hidden name that , rather just acting as a label , metaphysically truly belongs to that creature . All beings have true names , though most of these are unknown , especially to mere mortals . Knowing a creature ' s true name can grant power over it . There are several different accounts of true names and how they function in this sense . 2nd Edition . True names were given to all creatures by an agreement between the powers in an effort to control them . They were supposed to be kept secret , but some were leaked out by one or more powers . When a creature ' s true name is known , a non - chaotic spellcaster may use it to cast spells such as " true name " , " cacofiend " , " ensnarement " and " spirit wrack " , which harm , bind or control the creature . It can also be used to bind a summoned fiend to make a pact it will be compelled to keep . The powers themselves apparently do not have true names . 3rd Edition . Each creature has a unique true name among the Words of Creation , a language so primal even speaking a word of it has a powerful effect . A character who has knowledge of this language can learn a creature ' s true name and use it to weaken the creature ' s resistance against different effects or to teleport it . The only entity that knows the true name of the Red Knight , Faerûn ian goddess of battle tactics , is Tempus , whom she sees as a father figure . If anyone were to learn her name , they would be privy to every stratagem and battle plan on Toril . Other versions . " Neverwinter Nights : Hordes of the Underdark " . In the computer game " " true names can be learned from a being known as the Knower of Names , who knows all of them but is limited in telling them by the gods ' demanding a sizable monetary sacrifice from the asker for each name . Each individual has only one , and when it is spoken , is under the complete control of the speaker , directly compelled to do anything they order . " Neverwinter Nights 2 " . In Act II of the computer game " Neverwinter Nights 2 " , five Luskan mages led by Black Garius are slain by the PC , but are then resurrected by the King of Shadows in the form of shadow reaver s , near - invulnerable aberration s under the King ' s direct control . Luskan ' s rulers , the Arcane Brotherhood , see this as a potential political quagmire and begin expunging records related to Garius and his cohorts . These records include the true names of the mages : in order to keep control of their members , the Brotherhood always collect their true names as a matter of course . Sydney Natale , however , after learning of the reavers , holds back the names of Garius and the others from the records , and performs a divination upon them which reveals the true names of the reavers . The PC obtains the list of names following an unsuccessful attempt by Natale to double - cross the player , which results in the Luskan mage ' s death . Speaking a shadow reaver ' s true name in its presence strips it of its invulnerability , allowing it to be destroyed . In Ammon Jerro ' s haven , The succubus Blooden will sometimes offer to tell the PC the True Name of Zaxis the hezrou , claiming that it will please her if the PC uses it to torment Zaxis . The PC can then order Zaxis to open the portal to Jerro ' s quarters , or to stop speaking about itself in the third person ( unfortunately , Zaxis is too stupid to comprehend this order ) . The True name can also be offered to Hezebel in order to have her open the portal . The " Icewind Dale " Trilogy . In " The Crystal Shard " by R . A . Salvatore , it is implied that the true name of such a being as Errtu is the same as its given name . Drizzt Do ' Urden draws Errtu ' s attention by speaking out loud this " true name " . In " Streams of Silver " , Dendybar the Mottled torments the spirit of Morkai the Red with the help of his true name in a manner similar to the 2nd Edition spells mentioned above , but it ' s not revealed how he learned this name and what it is . Lists of True Names . " Neverwinter Nights : Hordes of the Underdark " . In " Neverwinter Nights : Hordes of the Underdark " , the Knower of Names can tell you the true names of your allies , enemies , and even you . True name of the PC . Your true name is based on your alignment .