True Names (PWH)

__TOC__
Prime wizards don't often explore the concept of true names, but spellcasters of the lawful planes have a long familiarity with it. True name magic is thought of as a force of order, countering the school of wild magic (a force of chaos).
In some long-ago agreement of the powers, all things were given a true name—a name that wasn't just what each thing was called, but that truly defined what that thing was. The powers intended to keep these names to themselves, using them only to maintain conformity among their respective creations. But at least one power—no one knows for sure which one—went stag and revealed some of the true names to mortals. (Some berks say that a mortal stole the names, but that seems unlikely.)
Naturally, once mortal spellcasters discovered the concept of true names, they began to use it. These secret names eventually spread to a select few throughout the worlds of the Prime. Despite this, the names remain closely guarded secrets, for they contain great power for those who know how to exploit them.
Leaming true names is an arduous process, and no one has ever been able to catalog more than a handful at a time. Anyone who wishes to learn a true name must perform research, consulting libraries and sages (sometimes in farflung places or even on different planes) as well as utilizing spells such as legend lore. The methods used and the name in question determine the amount of time necessary to discover a true name. Most names require a period of 2-24 (2d12) months, although those that the DM deems more obscure can take much longer. Some true names (DM's discretion) simply cannot be found, since no one knows them. Not all true names were revealed to mortals in the first place, and many that were once known have been lost.
As far as anyone knows, powers do not have true names.
Once a mage discovers the true name of a living creature, he can use the true name spell with great effect. The name is also necessary for the spells cacofiend, ensnarement, and spirit wrack. It should be noted that while all things have true ·names, only living creatures are affected by these spells. Rare or obscure spells may affect inanimate objects, elements, or compounds whose true names are known.
True name magic is most often applied in the summoning and binding of fiends. To summon a specific fiend by a conjuration spell, the wizard must usually know the being's true name. Further, a fiend—even a tanar'ri—is bound to keep a bargain made with a wizard who knows its true name. It's believed that the powers established this condition to give mortals an edge in dealing with fiends. Of course, the fiends would never admit that the powers have such control over them.
Chaotic characters can learn but cannot use these names. Further, the Athar faction denounces them since it is believed that the names originated with the powers themselvess.