diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/CoreLib/plString.h b/Sources/Plasma/CoreLib/plString.h
index 368b4a96..7537bc07 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/CoreLib/plString.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/CoreLib/plString.h
@@ -33,8 +33,15 @@ You can contact Cyan Worlds, Inc. by email legal@cyan.com
 #include <vector>
 #include <functional>
 
-#define _TEMP_CONVERT_FROM_LITERAL(x)   plString::FromUtf8((x))
-#define _TEMP_CONVERT_FROM_WCHAR_T(x)   plString::FromWchar((x))
+/* NOTE & TODO:
+ *   These macros are intentionally annoyingly named, to mark what code
+ *   needs to be cleaned up after a larger portion of Plasma is converted
+ *   to plString.
+ */
+#define _TEMP_CONVERT_FROM_LITERAL(x)       plString::FromUtf8((x))
+#define _TEMP_CONVERT_FROM_WCHAR_T(x)       plString::FromWchar((x))
+#define _TEMP_CONVERT_TO_CONST_CHAR(x)      (x).c_str()
+#define _TEMP_CONVERT_TO_CONST_CHAR_S(x)    (x).s_str()
 
 typedef unsigned int UniChar;
 
@@ -176,7 +183,9 @@ public:
     }
 
     const char *c_str() const { return fUtf8Buffer.GetData(); }
-    const char *s_str() const { return c_str() ? c_str() : ""; }
+    const char *s_str(const char *safe = "") const { return c_str() ? c_str() : safe; }
+    char CharAt(size_t position) const { return c_str()[position]; }
+
     plStringBuffer<char> ToUtf8() const { return fUtf8Buffer; }
     plStringBuffer<UInt16> ToUtf16() const;
     plStringBuffer<wchar_t> ToWchar() const;
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfConsole/pfConsole.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfConsole/pfConsole.cpp
index 2a4556f7..33313010 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfConsole/pfConsole.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfConsole/pfConsole.cpp
@@ -333,8 +333,8 @@ hsBool  pfConsole::MsgReceive( plMessage *msg )
             // InviteReceived           
             case kSrv2Cli_GameMgr_InviteReceived: {
                 const Srv2Cli_GameMgr_InviteReceived & gmMsg = *(const Srv2Cli_GameMgr_InviteReceived *)gameMgrMsg->netMsg;
-                const char * inviterName = plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerNameById(gmMsg.inviterId);
-                AddLineF("[GameMgr] Invite received: %S, %u. Inviter: %s", pfGameMgr::GetInstance()->GetGameNameByTypeId(gmMsg.gameTypeId), gmMsg.newGameId, inviterName ? inviterName : "<Unknown>");
+                const plString & inviterName = plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerNameById(gmMsg.inviterId);
+                AddLineF("[GameMgr] Invite received: %S, %u. Inviter: %s", pfGameMgr::GetInstance()->GetGameNameByTypeId(gmMsg.gameTypeId), gmMsg.newGameId, inviterName.s_str("<Unknown>"));
             }
             return true;
 
@@ -342,8 +342,8 @@ hsBool  pfConsole::MsgReceive( plMessage *msg )
             // InviteRevoked            
             case kSrv2Cli_GameMgr_InviteRevoked: {
                 const Srv2Cli_GameMgr_InviteRevoked & gmMsg = *(const Srv2Cli_GameMgr_InviteRevoked *)gameMgrMsg->netMsg;
-                const char * inviterName = plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerNameById(gmMsg.inviterId);
-                AddLineF("[GameMgr] Invite revoked: %S, %u. Inviter: %s", pfGameMgr::GetInstance()->GetGameNameByTypeId(gmMsg.gameTypeId), gmMsg.newGameId, inviterName ? inviterName : "<Unknown>");
+                const plString & inviterName = plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerNameById(gmMsg.inviterId);
+                AddLineF("[GameMgr] Invite revoked: %S, %u. Inviter: %s", pfGameMgr::GetInstance()->GetGameNameByTypeId(gmMsg.gameTypeId), gmMsg.newGameId, inviterName.s_str("<Unknown>"));
             }
             return true;
             
@@ -372,7 +372,7 @@ hsBool  pfConsole::MsgReceive( plMessage *msg )
                     cli->GetName(),
                     cli->GetGameId(),
                     netMsg.playerId
-                        ? plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerNameById(netMsg.playerId)
+                        ? plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerNameById(netMsg.playerId).c_str()
                         : "Computer"
                 );
             }
@@ -387,7 +387,7 @@ hsBool  pfConsole::MsgReceive( plMessage *msg )
                     cli->GetName(),
                     cli->GetGameId(),
                     netMsg.playerId
-                        ? plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerNameById(netMsg.playerId)
+                        ? plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerNameById(netMsg.playerId).c_str()
                         : "Computer"
                 );
             }
@@ -503,7 +503,7 @@ hsBool  pfConsole::MsgReceive( plMessage *msg )
                     const Srv2Cli_TTT_MoveMade & netMsg = *(const Srv2Cli_TTT_MoveMade *)gameCliMsg->netMsg;
                     const char * playerName
                         = netMsg.playerId
-                            ? plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerNameById(netMsg.playerId)
+                            ? plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerNameById(netMsg.playerId).c_str()
                             : "Computer";
                     AddLineF(
                         "[Game %s:%u] %s moved:",
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfConsole/pfConsoleCommandsNet.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfConsole/pfConsoleCommandsNet.cpp
index d9db6b2f..4268604a 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfConsole/pfConsoleCommandsNet.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfConsole/pfConsoleCommandsNet.cpp
@@ -229,13 +229,13 @@ PF_CONSOLE_CMD( Net,        // groupName
                "broadcast chat msg" )   // helpString
 {
     // send chat text
-    std::string text=plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName();
-    text += ":";
+    plString text=plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName();
+    text += _TEMP_CONVERT_FROM_LITERAL(":");
     int i;
     for(i=0;i<numParams;i++)
     {
-        text += (char*)params[i];
-        text += " ";
+        text += plString::FromUtf8( (char*)params[i] );
+        text += _TEMP_CONVERT_FROM_LITERAL(" ");
     }
     plConsoleMsg    *cMsg = TRACKED_NEW plConsoleMsg( plConsoleMsg::kAddLine, text.c_str() );
     cMsg->SetBCastFlag(plMessage::kNetPropagate | plMessage::kNetForce);
@@ -1014,7 +1014,7 @@ PF_CONSOLE_CMD(
         return;
     }
 
-    if (unsigned playerId = plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerIdByName((const char *)params[1])) {
+    if (unsigned playerId = plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerIdByName(plString::FromUtf8((const char *)params[1]))) {
         ttt->InvitePlayer(playerId);
         PrintStringF(PrintString, "Sent invite to playerId %u", playerId);
     }
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/cyMisc.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/cyMisc.cpp
index f7e935cd..27d33639 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/cyMisc.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/cyMisc.cpp
@@ -455,8 +455,7 @@ hsBool cyMisc::WasLocallyNotified(pyKey &selfkey)
 //
 const char* cyMisc::GetClientName(pyKey &avKey)
 {
-    const char* ret=plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName(avKey.getKey());
-    return (ret==nil) ? "" : ret;
+    return plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName(avKey.getKey()).s_str();
 }
 
 PyObject* cyMisc::GetAvatarKeyFromClientID(int clientID)
@@ -549,7 +548,7 @@ hsBool cyMisc::ValidateKey(pyKey& key)
 //
 const char* cyMisc::GetLocalClientName()
 {
-    return plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName();
+    return plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName().c_str();
 }
 
 
@@ -946,7 +945,7 @@ PyObject* cyMisc::GetLocalAvatar()
 PyObject* cyMisc::GetLocalPlayer()
 {
     return pyPlayer::New(plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetLocalPlayerKey(),
-                        plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName(),
+                        plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName().c_str(),
                         plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerID(),
                         0.0 );
 }
@@ -1003,7 +1002,7 @@ std::vector<PyObject*> cyMisc::GetPlayerList()
             // only non-ignored people in list and not in ignore list
             if ( !VaultAmIgnoringPlayer ( mbr->GetPlayerID()) )
             {
-                PyObject* playerObj = pyPlayer::New(avkey, mbr->GetPlayerName(), mbr->GetPlayerID(), mbr->GetDistSq());
+                PyObject* playerObj = pyPlayer::New(avkey, mbr->GetPlayerName().c_str(), mbr->GetPlayerID(), mbr->GetDistSq());
                 pyPlayer* player = pyPlayer::ConvertFrom(playerObj); // accesses internal pyPlayer object
 
                 // modifies playerObj
@@ -1038,7 +1037,7 @@ std::vector<PyObject*> cyMisc::GetPlayerListDistanceSorted()
                 // only non-ignored people in list and not in ignore list
                 if ( !VaultAmIgnoringPlayer ( mbr->GetPlayerID()) )
                 {
-                    PyObject* playerObj = pyPlayer::New(avkey, mbr->GetPlayerName(), mbr->GetPlayerID(), mbr->GetDistSq());
+                    PyObject* playerObj = pyPlayer::New(avkey, mbr->GetPlayerName().c_str(), mbr->GetPlayerID(), mbr->GetDistSq());
                     pyPlayer* player = pyPlayer::ConvertFrom(playerObj); // accesses internal pyPlayer object
 
                     // modifies playerObj
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonFileMod.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonFileMod.cpp
index 29c3304c..9b0df979 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonFileMod.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonFileMod.cpp
@@ -1965,7 +1965,7 @@ hsBool plPythonFileMod::MsgReceive(plMessage* msg)
                 if ( mbrIndex != -1 )
                 {
                     plNetTransportMember *mbr = plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->TransportMgr().GetMember( mbrIndex );
-                    player = pyPlayer::New(mbr->GetAvatarKey(), mbr->GetPlayerName(), mbr->GetPlayerID(), mbr->GetDistSq());
+                    player = pyPlayer::New(mbr->GetAvatarKey(), mbr->GetPlayerName().c_str(), mbr->GetPlayerID(), mbr->GetDistSq());
                 }
                 else
                 {
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonSDLModifier.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonSDLModifier.cpp
index 31cd3202..f6a7ed07 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonSDLModifier.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonSDLModifier.cpp
@@ -609,9 +609,8 @@ const plPythonSDLModifier* plPythonSDLModifier::FindAgeSDL()
             }
             else
             {
-                char str[256];
                 if (!key)
-                    plNetClientApp::StaticErrorMsg("nil key %s for age sdl %s", ageName, oid.StringIze(str));
+                    plNetClientApp::StaticErrorMsg("nil key %s for age sdl %s", ageName, oid.StringIze().c_str());
                 else
                 if (!key->ObjectIsLoaded())
                     plNetClientApp::StaticErrorMsg("key %s not loaded for age sdl %s", 
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/pyVault.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/pyVault.cpp
index 0efa47cc..85ac40c1 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/pyVault.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/pyVault.cpp
@@ -652,24 +652,24 @@ void pyVault::CreateNeighborhood()
     link.GetAgeInfo()->SetAgeFilename(kNeighborhoodAgeFilename);
     link.GetAgeInfo()->SetAgeInstanceName(kNeighborhoodAgeInstanceName);
 
-    std::string title;
-    std::string desc;
+    plString title;
+    plString desc;
 
-    unsigned nameLen = StrLen(nc->GetPlayerName());
-    if (nc->GetPlayerName()[nameLen - 1] == 's' || nc->GetPlayerName()[nameLen - 1] == 'S')
+    unsigned nameLen = nc->GetPlayerName().GetSize();
+    if (nc->GetPlayerName().CharAt(nameLen - 1) == 's' || nc->GetPlayerName().CharAt(nameLen - 1) == 'S')
     {
-        xtl::format( title, "%s'", nc->GetPlayerName() );
-        xtl::format( desc, "%s' %s", nc->GetPlayerName(), link.GetAgeInfo()->GetAgeInstanceName() );
+        title = plString::Format( "%s'", nc->GetPlayerName().c_str() );
+        desc = plString::Format( "%s' %s", nc->GetPlayerName().c_str(), link.GetAgeInfo()->GetAgeInstanceName() );
     }
     else
     {
-        xtl::format( title, "%s's", nc->GetPlayerName() );
-        xtl::format( desc, "%s's %s", nc->GetPlayerName(), link.GetAgeInfo()->GetAgeInstanceName() );
+        title = plString::Format( "%s's", nc->GetPlayerName().c_str() );
+        desc = plString::Format( "%s's %s", nc->GetPlayerName().c_str(), link.GetAgeInfo()->GetAgeInstanceName() );
     }
 
     link.GetAgeInfo()->SetAgeInstanceGuid(&plUUID(GuidGenerate()));
-    link.GetAgeInfo()->SetAgeUserDefinedName( title.c_str() );
-    link.GetAgeInfo()->SetAgeDescription( desc.c_str() );
+    link.GetAgeInfo()->SetAgeUserDefinedName( _TEMP_CONVERT_TO_CONST_CHAR(title) );
+    link.GetAgeInfo()->SetAgeDescription( _TEMP_CONVERT_TO_CONST_CHAR(desc) );
 
     VaultRegisterOwnedAge(&link);
 }
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnKeyedObject/hsKeyedObject.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnKeyedObject/hsKeyedObject.cpp
index 2853a272..233baa92 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnKeyedObject/hsKeyedObject.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnKeyedObject/hsKeyedObject.cpp
@@ -143,12 +143,9 @@ void hsKeyedObject::UnRegisterAsManual(plUoid& inUoid)
         if (!(inUoid == myUoid))
         {
 #if !HS_BUILD_FOR_UNIX      // disable for unix servers
-            char inStr[255], myStr[255];
-            inUoid.StringIze(inStr);
-            myUoid.StringIze(myStr);
             hsAssert(false,
-                xtl::format("Request to Unregister wrong FixedKey, keyName=%s, inUoid=%s, myUoid=%s",
-                fpKey->GetName() ? fpKey->GetName() : "?", inStr, myStr).c_str());
+                plString::Format("Request to Unregister wrong FixedKey, keyName=%s, inUoid=%s, myUoid=%s",
+                fpKey->GetName() ? fpKey->GetName() : "?", inUoid.StringIze().c_str(), myUoid.StringIze().c_str()).c_str());
 #endif
         }
         ((plKeyImp*)fpKey)->UnRegister();
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnKeyedObject/plUoid.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnKeyedObject/plUoid.cpp
index d870b6f7..f70d4a49 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnKeyedObject/plUoid.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnKeyedObject/plUoid.cpp
@@ -118,10 +118,9 @@ hsBool plLocation::IsVirtual() const
 }
 
 // THIS SHOULD BE FOR DEBUGGING ONLY <hint hint>
-char* plLocation::StringIze(char* str)  const // Format to displayable string
+plString plLocation::StringIze()  const // Format to displayable string
 {
-    sprintf(str, "S0x%xF0x%x", fSequenceNumber, int(fFlags));
-    return str;
+    return plString::Format("S0x%xF0x%x", fSequenceNumber, int(fFlags));
 }
 
 plLocation plLocation::MakeReserved(UInt32 number)
@@ -272,13 +271,12 @@ plUoid& plUoid::operator=(const plUoid& rhs)
 }
 
 // THIS SHOULD BE FOR DEBUGGING ONLY <hint hint>
-char* plUoid::StringIze(char* str) const // Format to displayable string
+plString plUoid::StringIze() const // Format to displayable string
 {
-    sprintf(str, "(0x%x:0x%x:%s:C:[%u,%u])", 
+    return plString::Format("(0x%x:0x%x:%s:C:[%u,%u])",
         fLocation.GetSequenceNumber(), 
         int(fLocation.GetFlags()), 
         fObjectName, 
         GetClonePlayerID(), 
         GetCloneID());
-    return str;
 }
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnKeyedObject/plUoid.h b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnKeyedObject/plUoid.h
index 08cd7f56..fa11c0f8 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnKeyedObject/plUoid.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnKeyedObject/plUoid.h
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ You can contact Cyan Worlds, Inc. by email legal@cyan.com
 #include "plLoadMask.h"
 
 class hsStream;
+class plString;
 
 //// plLocation //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
@@ -124,7 +125,7 @@ public:
     bool operator<(const plLocation& loc ) const { return fSequenceNumber < loc.fSequenceNumber; }
 
     // THIS SHOULD BE FOR DEBUGGING ONLY <hint hint>
-    char* StringIze(char* str) const;  // Format to displayable string. Returns the same string for convenience
+    plString StringIze() const;  // Format to displayable string.
 
     static plLocation MakeReserved(UInt32 number);
     static plLocation MakeNormal(UInt32 number);
@@ -174,7 +175,7 @@ public:
     void SetObjectID(UInt32 id) { fObjectID = id; }
 
     // THIS SHOULD BE FOR DEBUGGING ONLY <hint hint>
-    char* StringIze(char* str) const;  // Format to displayable string
+    plString StringIze() const;  // Format to displayable string
 
 protected:
     enum ContentsFlags  // for read/write functions
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plNetApp.h b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plNetApp.h
index bd8a2c34..ea9cb586 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plNetApp.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plNetApp.h
@@ -178,7 +178,7 @@ public:
     // functions that all net client apps should implement
     virtual int SendMsg(plNetMessage* msg) = 0;
     virtual UInt32 GetPlayerID() const = 0;
-    virtual const char * GetPlayerName( const plKey avKey=nil ) const = 0;
+    virtual plString GetPlayerName( const plKey avKey=nil ) const = 0;
 
     // commonly used net client app functions
     virtual float GetCurrentAgeTimeOfDayPercent() const { hsAssert(false, "stub"); return 0.; }
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plInputCore/plInputDevice.h b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plInputCore/plInputDevice.h
index c0cfe58c..5dd26d57 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plInputCore/plInputDevice.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plInputCore/plInputDevice.h
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ You can contact Cyan Worlds, Inc. by email legal@cyan.com
 #include "pnInputCore/plKeyDef.h"
 #include "hsBitVector.h"
 #include "hsTemplates.h"
+#include "plString.h"
 class plMessage;
 struct plMouseInfo;
 class plPipeline;
@@ -189,6 +190,7 @@ public:
     static bool GetInverted() { return plMouseDevice::bInverted; }
     static void SetInverted(bool inverted) { plMouseDevice::bInverted = inverted; }
     static void AddNameToCursor(const char* name);
+    static void AddNameToCursor(const plString& name) { AddNameToCursor(_TEMP_CONVERT_TO_CONST_CHAR(name)); }
     static void AddIDNumToCursor(UInt32 idNum);
     static void AddCCRToCursor();
     
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plInputCore/plSceneInputInterface.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plInputCore/plSceneInputInterface.cpp
index 30725e7e..c44be7b0 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plInputCore/plSceneInputInterface.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plInputCore/plSceneInputInterface.cpp
@@ -837,8 +837,8 @@ void plSceneInputInterface::ILinkOffereeToAge()
         std::string title;
         std::string desc;
         
-        unsigned nameLen = StrLen(plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName());
-        if (plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName()[nameLen - 1] == 's' || plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName()[nameLen - 1] == 'S') {
+        unsigned nameLen = plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName().GetSize();
+        if (plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName().CharAt(nameLen - 1) == 's' || plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName().CharAt(nameLen - 1) == 'S') {
             xtl::format( title, "%s'", plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName() );
             xtl::format( desc, "%s' %s", plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetPlayerName(), link.GetAgeInfo()->GetAgeInstanceName() );
         }
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgr.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgr.cpp
index f8462da7..5bed98b7 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgr.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgr.cpp
@@ -619,9 +619,8 @@ void plNetClientMgr::ICheckPendingStateLoad(double secs)
                 if ( !hsgResMgr::ResMgr()->FindKey( tmpUoid ) )
                 {
                     // discard the state if object not found in dataset.
-                    char tmp[256];
                     hsLogEntry( DebugMsg( "Failed to find object %s in dataset. Discarding pending state '%s'",
-                        tmpUoid.StringIze(tmp),
+                        tmpUoid.StringIze().c_str(),
                         pl->fSDRec->GetDescriptor()->GetName() ) );
                     delete pl;
                     it = fPendingLoads.erase(it);
@@ -663,7 +662,6 @@ void plNetClientMgr::ICheckPendingStateLoad(double secs)
                 double rawSecs = hsTimer::GetSeconds();
                 if ((rawSecs - pl->fQueuedTime) > 60.f /*secs*/)
                 {
-                    char tmp[256], tmp2[256];
                     if (pl->fQueueTimeResets >= 5)
                     {
                         // if this is our fifth time in here then we've been queued
@@ -671,7 +669,7 @@ void plNetClientMgr::ICheckPendingStateLoad(double secs)
 
                         WarningMsg( "Pending state '%s' for object [uoid:%s,key:%s] has been queued for about %f secs. Removing...",
                             pl->fSDRec && pl->fSDRec->GetDescriptor() ? pl->fSDRec->GetDescriptor()->GetName() : "?",
-                            pl->fUoid.StringIze(tmp2), pl->fKey ? pl->fKey->GetUoid().StringIze(tmp) : "?",
+                            pl->fUoid.StringIze().c_str(), pl->fKey ? pl->fKey->GetUoid().StringIze().c_str() : "?",
                             ( rawSecs - pl->fQueuedTime ) * pl->fQueueTimeResets);
 
                         delete pl;
@@ -681,7 +679,7 @@ void plNetClientMgr::ICheckPendingStateLoad(double secs)
 
                     WarningMsg( "Pending state '%s' for object [uoid:%s,key:%s] has been queued for about %f secs. %s",
                         pl->fSDRec && pl->fSDRec->GetDescriptor() ? pl->fSDRec->GetDescriptor()->GetName() : "?",
-                        pl->fUoid.StringIze(tmp2), pl->fKey ? pl->fKey->GetUoid().StringIze(tmp) : "?",
+                        pl->fUoid.StringIze().c_str(), pl->fKey ? pl->fKey->GetUoid().StringIze().c_str() : "?",
                         ( rawSecs - pl->fQueuedTime ) * pl->fQueueTimeResets,
                         so ? "(not loaded)" : "(not final)" );
                     // reset queue time so we don't spew too many log msgs.
@@ -938,8 +936,7 @@ hsBool plNetClientMgr::MsgReceive( plMessage* msg )
         {
             hsAssert(fAgeSDLObjectKey==nil, "already have a ref to age sdl hook");
             fAgeSDLObjectKey = ref->GetRef()->GetKey();
-            char tmp[256];
-            DebugMsg("Age SDL hook object created, uoid=%s", fAgeSDLObjectKey->GetUoid().StringIze(tmp));
+            DebugMsg("Age SDL hook object created, uoid=%s", fAgeSDLObjectKey->GetUoid().StringIze().c_str());
         }
         else
         {
@@ -1149,34 +1146,34 @@ bool plNetClientMgr::CanSendMsg(plNetMessage * msg)
 // Return the net client (account) name of the player whose avatar
 // key is provided.  If avKey is nil, returns local client name.
 //
-const char* plNetClientMgr::GetPlayerName(const plKey avKey) const
+plString plNetClientMgr::GetPlayerName(const plKey avKey) const
 {
     // local case
     if (!avKey || avKey==GetLocalPlayerKey())
-        return NetCommGetPlayer()->playerNameAnsi;
+        return plString::FromIso8859_1(NetCommGetPlayer()->playerNameAnsi);
     
     plNetTransportMember* mbr=TransportMgr().GetMember(TransportMgr().FindMember(avKey));
-    return mbr ? mbr->GetPlayerName() : nil;
+    return mbr ? mbr->GetPlayerName() : plString::Null;
 }
 
-const char * plNetClientMgr::GetPlayerNameById (unsigned playerId) const {
+plString plNetClientMgr::GetPlayerNameById (unsigned playerId) const {
     // local case
     if (NetCommGetPlayer()->playerInt == playerId)
-        return NetCommGetPlayer()->playerNameAnsi;
+        return plString::FromIso8859_1(NetCommGetPlayer()->playerNameAnsi);
         
     plNetTransportMember * mbr = TransportMgr().GetMember(TransportMgr().FindMember(playerId));
-    return mbr ? mbr->GetPlayerName() : nil;
+    return mbr ? mbr->GetPlayerName() : plString::Null;
 }
 
-unsigned plNetClientMgr::GetPlayerIdByName (const char name[]) const {
+unsigned plNetClientMgr::GetPlayerIdByName (const plString & name) const {
     // local case
-    if (0 == StrCmp(name, NetCommGetPlayer()->playerNameAnsi, (unsigned)-1))
+    if (0 == name.Compare(NetCommGetPlayer()->playerNameAnsi))
         NetCommGetPlayer()->playerInt;
     
     unsigned n = TransportMgr().GetNumMembers();
     for (unsigned i = 0; i < n; ++i)
         if (plNetTransportMember * member = TransportMgr().GetMember(i))
-            if (0 == StrCmp(name, member->GetPlayerName(), (unsigned)-1))
+            if (0 == name.Compare(member->GetPlayerName()))
                 return member->GetPlayerID();
     return 0;
 }
@@ -1483,10 +1480,9 @@ void plNetClientMgr::AddPendingLoad(PendingLoad *pl)
     pl->fKey = hsgResMgr::ResMgr()->FindKey(pl->fUoid);
 
     // check for age SDL state
-    char tmp[256];
     if (pl->fUoid.GetObjectName() && !strcmp(pl->fUoid.GetObjectName(), plSDL::kAgeSDLObjectName))
     {
-        DebugMsg("Recv SDL state for age hook object, uoid=%s", pl->fUoid.StringIze(tmp));
+        DebugMsg("Recv SDL state for age hook object, uoid=%s", pl->fUoid.StringIze().c_str());
         if (!pl->fKey)
             WarningMsg("Can't find age hook object, nil key!");
         else
@@ -1499,12 +1495,12 @@ void plNetClientMgr::AddPendingLoad(PendingLoad *pl)
         if (!pl->fKey->ObjectIsLoaded())
         {
             WarningMsg("Object %s not loaded, withholding SDL state", 
-                pl->fKey->GetUoid().StringIze(tmp));
+                pl->fKey->GetUoid().StringIze().c_str());
         }
         else if (!pl->fKey->ObjectIsLoaded()->IsFinal())
         {
             WarningMsg("Object %s is not FINAL, withholding SDL state", 
-                pl->fKey->GetUoid().StringIze(tmp));            
+                pl->fKey->GetUoid().StringIze().c_str());
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgr.h b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgr.h
index a3d8447e..64992cdf 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgr.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgr.h
@@ -288,9 +288,9 @@ public:
     
     // getters
     UInt32              GetPlayerID( void ) const;
-    const char *        GetPlayerName( const plKey avKey=nil ) const;
-    const char *        GetPlayerNameById (unsigned playerId) const;
-    unsigned            GetPlayerIdByName(const char name[]) const;
+    plString            GetPlayerName( const plKey avKey=nil ) const;
+    plString            GetPlayerNameById (unsigned playerId) const;
+    unsigned            GetPlayerIdByName(const plString & name) const;
 
     UInt8 GetJoinOrder()                const { return fJoinOrder; }    // only valid at join time
 
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgrLoad.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgrLoad.cpp
index 24943cbf..ac075455 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgrLoad.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgrLoad.cpp
@@ -107,8 +107,7 @@ plKey plNetClientMgr::ILoadClone(plLoadCloneMsg *pCloneMsg)
     {
         if (cloneKey->ObjectIsLoaded())
         {
-            char tmp[256];
-            DebugMsg("ILoadClone: object %s is already loaded, ignoring", cloneKey->GetUoid().StringIze(tmp));
+            DebugMsg("ILoadClone: object %s is already loaded, ignoring", cloneKey->GetUoid().StringIze().c_str());
             return cloneKey;
         }
 
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgrSend.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgrSend.cpp
index fa2233ba..4ac812ff 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgrSend.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgrSend.cpp
@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ void plNetClientMgr::ISendCCRPetition(plCCRPetitionMsg* petMsg)
     char buffy[20];
     sprintf( buffy, "%lu", GetPlayerID() );
     info.AddValue( "Petition", "PlayerID", buffy );
-    info.AddValue( "Petition", "PlayerName", GetPlayerName() );
+    info.AddValue( "Petition", "PlayerName", _TEMP_CONVERT_TO_CONST_CHAR(GetPlayerName()) );
 
     // write config info formatted like an ini file to a buffer
     hsRAMStream ram;
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgrShow.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgrShow.cpp
index c32aad73..ad63ead4 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgrShow.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMgrShow.cpp
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ void plNetClientMgr::IShowLists()
         sprintf(str, "%s%s %s p2p=%d dist=%.1f",
             mbr->GetTransportFlags() & plNetTransportMember::kSendingVoice ? "V" : " ",
             mbr->GetTransportFlags() & plNetTransportMember::kSendingActions ? "A" : " ",
-            mbr->AsStdString().c_str(),
+            mbr->AsString().c_str(),
             mbr->IsPeerToPeer(),
             mbr->GetDistSq() != hsScalarMax ? hsSquareRoot(mbr->GetDistSq()) :-1.f);
         txt.DrawString(x,y,str);
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ void plNetClientMgr::IShowLists()
     y+=yOff;
     for(i=0;i<GetListenList()->GetNumMembers();i++)
     {
-        sprintf(str, "name=%s", GetListenList()->GetMember(i)->AsStdString().c_str());
+        sprintf(str, "name=%s", GetListenList()->GetMember(i)->AsString().c_str());
         txt.DrawString(x,y,str);
         y+=yOff;
     }
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ void plNetClientMgr::IShowLists()
     y+=yOff;
     for(i=0;i<GetTalkList()->GetNumMembers();i++)
     {
-        sprintf(str, "name=%s", GetTalkList()->GetMember(i)->AsStdString().c_str());
+        sprintf(str, "name=%s", GetTalkList()->GetMember(i)->AsString().c_str());
         txt.DrawString(x,y,str);
         y+=yOff;
     }
@@ -231,8 +231,8 @@ void plNetClientMgr::IShowRelevanceRegions()
     //
     UInt32 maxPlayerName = 0;
 
-    txt.DrawString(x, y, GetPlayerName());
-    maxPlayerName = hsMaximum(maxPlayerName, txt.CalcStringWidth(GetPlayerName()));
+    txt.DrawString(x, y, _TEMP_CONVERT_TO_CONST_CHAR(GetPlayerName()));
+    maxPlayerName = hsMaximum(maxPlayerName, txt.CalcStringWidth(_TEMP_CONVERT_TO_CONST_CHAR(GetPlayerName())));
     y += yOff;
 
     int i;
@@ -243,9 +243,9 @@ void plNetClientMgr::IShowRelevanceRegions()
         if (mbr->IsServer())
             continue;
 
-        const char* name = mbr->GetPlayerName();
-        txt.DrawString(x, y, name);
-        maxPlayerName = hsMaximum(maxPlayerName, txt.CalcStringWidth(name));
+        const plString& name = mbr->GetPlayerName();
+        txt.DrawString(x, y, _TEMP_CONVERT_TO_CONST_CHAR(name));
+        maxPlayerName = hsMaximum(maxPlayerName, txt.CalcStringWidth(_TEMP_CONVERT_TO_CONST_CHAR(name)));
         y += yOff;
     }
 
@@ -359,7 +359,7 @@ void plNetClientMgr::IShowAvatars()
         ori = (player ? player->GetLocalToWorld() * hsVector3(0, -1, 0) : hsVector3(0, 0, 0));
 
         sprintf(str, "%s: pos(%.2f, %.2f, %.2f) ori(%.2f, %.2f, %.2f)",
-                mbr->AsStdString().c_str(), pos.fX, pos.fY, pos.fZ, ori.fX, ori.fY, ori.fZ);
+                mbr->AsString().c_str(), pos.fX, pos.fY, pos.fZ, ori.fX, ori.fY, ori.fZ);
         txt.DrawString(x,y,str);
         y+=yOff;
     
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMsgHandler.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMsgHandler.cpp
index aedc731b..2c5b911b 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMsgHandler.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetClientMsgHandler.cpp
@@ -487,7 +487,7 @@ MSG_HANDLER_DEFN(plNetClientMsgHandler,plNetMsgMembersList)
     {
         plNetTransportMember* mbr = TRACKED_NEW plNetTransportMember(nc);
         IFillInTransportMember(m->MemberListInfo()->GetMember(i), mbr);
-        hsLogEntry(nc->DebugMsg("\tAdding transport member, name=%s, p2p=%d, plrID=%d\n", mbr->AsStdString().c_str(), mbr->IsPeerToPeer(), mbr->GetPlayerID()));
+        hsLogEntry(nc->DebugMsg("\tAdding transport member, name=%s, p2p=%d, plrID=%d\n", mbr->AsString().c_str(), mbr->IsPeerToPeer(), mbr->GetPlayerID()));
         int idx=nc->fTransport.AddMember(mbr);
         hsAssert(idx>=0, "Failed adding member?");
             
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetLinkingMgr.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetLinkingMgr.cpp
index 89d0d1d2..dc4efb5f 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetLinkingMgr.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetClient/plNetLinkingMgr.cpp
@@ -932,23 +932,23 @@ UInt8 plNetLinkingMgr::IPreProcessLink(void)
                     if (!info->HasAgeUserDefinedName())
                     {
                         // set user-defined name
-                        std::string title;
-                        unsigned nameLen = StrLen(nc->GetPlayerName());
-                        if (nc->GetPlayerName()[nameLen - 1] == 's' || nc->GetPlayerName()[nameLen - 1] == 'S')
-                            xtl::format(title, "%s'", nc->GetPlayerName());
+                        plString title;
+                        unsigned nameLen = nc->GetPlayerName().GetSize();
+                        if (nc->GetPlayerName().CharAt(nameLen - 1) == 's' || nc->GetPlayerName().CharAt(nameLen - 1) == 'S')
+                            title = plString::Format("%s'", nc->GetPlayerName());
                         else
-                            xtl::format(title, "%s's", nc->GetPlayerName());
-                        info->SetAgeUserDefinedName(title.c_str());
+                            title = plString::Format("%s's", nc->GetPlayerName());
+                        info->SetAgeUserDefinedName(_TEMP_CONVERT_TO_CONST_CHAR(title));
                     }
                     if (!info->HasAgeDescription())
                     {
                         // set description
-                        std::string desc;
-                        unsigned nameLen = StrLen(nc->GetPlayerName());
-                        if (nc->GetPlayerName()[nameLen - 1] == 's' || nc->GetPlayerName()[nameLen - 1] == 'S')
-                            xtl::format(desc, "%s' %s", nc->GetPlayerName(), info->GetAgeInstanceName());
+                        plString desc;
+                        unsigned nameLen = nc->GetPlayerName().GetSize();
+                        if (nc->GetPlayerName().CharAt(nameLen - 1) == 's' || nc->GetPlayerName().CharAt(nameLen - 1) == 'S')
+                            desc = plString::Format("%s' %s", nc->GetPlayerName().c_str(), info->GetAgeInstanceName());
                         else
-                            xtl::format(desc, "%s's %s", nc->GetPlayerName(), info->GetAgeInstanceName());
+                            desc = plString::Format("%s's %s", nc->GetPlayerName().c_str(), info->GetAgeInstanceName());
                         info->SetAgeDescription(desc.c_str());
                     }
                     if (!info->HasAgeInstanceGuid()) {
@@ -970,25 +970,25 @@ UInt8 plNetLinkingMgr::IPreProcessLink(void)
                             if (!info->HasAgeUserDefinedName())
                             {
                                 // set user-defined name
-                                std::string title;
-                                unsigned nameLen = StrLen(nc->GetPlayerName());
-                                if (nc->GetPlayerName()[nameLen - 1] == 's' || nc->GetPlayerName()[nameLen - 1] == 'S')
-                                    xtl::format(title, "%s'", nc->GetPlayerName());
+                                plString title;
+                                unsigned nameLen = nc->GetPlayerName().GetSize();
+                                if (nc->GetPlayerName().CharAt(nameLen - 1) == 's' || nc->GetPlayerName().CharAt(nameLen - 1) == 'S')
+                                    title = plString::Format("%s'", nc->GetPlayerName().c_str());
                                 else
-                                    xtl::format(title, "%s's", nc->GetPlayerName());
-                                info->SetAgeUserDefinedName(title.c_str());
+                                    title = plString::Format("%s's", nc->GetPlayerName().c_str());
+                                info->SetAgeUserDefinedName(_TEMP_CONVERT_TO_CONST_CHAR(title));
                             }
 
                             if (!info->HasAgeDescription())
                             {
                                 // set description
-                                std::string desc;
-                                unsigned nameLen = StrLen(nc->GetPlayerName());
-                                if (nc->GetPlayerName()[nameLen - 1] == 's' || nc->GetPlayerName()[nameLen - 1] == 'S')
-                                    xtl::format(desc, "%s' %s", nc->GetPlayerName(), info->GetAgeInstanceName());
+                                plString desc;
+                                unsigned nameLen = nc->GetPlayerName().GetSize();
+                                if (nc->GetPlayerName().CharAt(nameLen - 1) == 's' || nc->GetPlayerName().CharAt(nameLen - 1) == 'S')
+                                    desc = plString::Format("%s' %s", nc->GetPlayerName().c_str(), info->GetAgeInstanceName());
                                 else
-                                    xtl::format(desc, "%s's %s", nc->GetPlayerName(), info->GetAgeInstanceName());
-                                info->SetAgeDescription( desc.c_str() );
+                                    desc = plString::Format("%s's %s", nc->GetPlayerName().c_str(), info->GetAgeInstanceName());
+                                info->SetAgeDescription( _TEMP_CONVERT_TO_CONST_CHAR(desc) );
                             }
 
                             if (!info->HasAgeInstanceGuid()) {
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetCommon/plNetMember.h b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetCommon/plNetMember.h
index 0ae7f338..49e49dc2 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetCommon/plNetMember.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetCommon/plNetMember.h
@@ -49,6 +49,7 @@ You can contact Cyan Worlds, Inc. by email legal@cyan.com
 
 class plNetApp;
 class plNetGenericServer;
+class plString;
 ////////////////////////////////
 // A participant (peer) who we can send and recv messages from/to
 ////////////////////////////////
@@ -93,7 +94,7 @@ public:
     Int32 GetPeerID() const { return fPeerID; }
     UInt32 GetFlags() const { return fFlags; }
     plNetApp* GetNetApp() { return fNetApp; }
-    virtual std::string AsStdString() const = 0;
+    virtual plString AsString() const = 0;
 
     // setters
     void SetFlags(UInt32 f) { fFlags=f; }
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetMessage/plNetMessage.h b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetMessage/plNetMessage.h
index 937591e6..e02a3b4b 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetMessage/plNetMessage.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetMessage/plNetMessage.h
@@ -331,8 +331,7 @@ public:
     // debug
     plString AsString() const
     {
-        char tmp[256];
-        return plString::Format("object=%s, %s",fObjectHelper.GetUoid().StringIze(tmp), plNetMessage::AsString().c_str());
+        return plString::Format("object=%s, %s",fObjectHelper.GetUoid().StringIze().c_str(), plNetMessage::AsString().c_str());
     }
 
 };
@@ -558,8 +557,7 @@ public:
     // debug
     plString AsString() const
     {
-        char tmp[256];
-        return plString::Format("object=%s initial=%d, %s",fObjectHelper.GetUoid().StringIze(tmp), fIsInitialState,
+        return plString::Format("object=%s initial=%d, %s",fObjectHelper.GetUoid().StringIze().c_str(), fIsInitialState,
             plNetMsgGameMessage::AsString().c_str());
     }
 };
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetTransport/plNetTransport.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetTransport/plNetTransport.cpp
index d0378d8c..17fbc48e 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetTransport/plNetTransport.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetTransport/plNetTransport.cpp
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ int plNetTransport::AddMember(plNetTransportMember* mbr)
     if (FindMember(mbr)==-1)
     {
         fMembers.push_back(mbr);
-        hsLogEntry( plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->DebugMsg("Adding member %s", mbr->AsStdString().c_str()) );
+        hsLogEntry( plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->DebugMsg("Adding member %s", mbr->AsString().c_str()) );
         plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetListenList()->AddMember(mbr);
         plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetTalkList()->AddMember(mbr);
         DumpState();
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ void plNetTransport::IRemoveMember(plNetTransportMember* mbr)
     if (!mbr)
         return;
 
-    hsLogEntry( plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->DebugMsg("Removing member %s", mbr->AsStdString().c_str()) );
+    hsLogEntry( plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->DebugMsg("Removing member %s", mbr->AsString().c_str()) );
 
 //  plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetNetCore()->RemovePeer(mbr->GetPeerID());
     plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->GetTalkList()->RemoveMember(mbr);
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ void plNetTransport::IRemoveMember(plNetTransportMember* mbr)
     // remove member from master list
     fMembers.erase(it);
 
-    hsLogEntry( plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->DebugMsg("Done Removing member %s", mbr->AsStdString().c_str()) );
+    hsLogEntry( plNetClientMgr::GetInstance()->DebugMsg("Done Removing member %s", mbr->AsString().c_str()) );
     DumpState();
     
     delete mbr;
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@ void plNetTransport::DumpState()
         for(j=0; j<mList->size();j++)
         {
             plNetTransportMember * mbr = (*mList)[j];
-            hsLogEntry( nc->DebugMsg("\t\tMbr %s\n",(*mList)[j]->AsStdString().c_str()) );
+            hsLogEntry( nc->DebugMsg("\t\tMbr %s\n",(*mList)[j]->AsString().c_str()) );
         }
     }
 
@@ -328,7 +328,7 @@ void plNetTransport::DumpState()
     {
         plNetTransportMember * mbr = GetMember(i);
         hsLogEntry (nc->DebugMsg("\tMbr %d, name=%s, plyrID=%lu, subs=%d", 
-            i,mbr->AsStdString().c_str(),mbr->GetPlayerID(),mbr->GetNumSubscriptions()) );
+            i,mbr->AsString().c_str(),mbr->GetPlayerID(),mbr->GetNumSubscriptions()) );
         int j;
         for(j=0;j<mbr->GetNumSubscriptions();j++)
         {
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetTransport/plNetTransportMember.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetTransport/plNetTransportMember.cpp
index 0663e808..34eaad5c 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetTransport/plNetTransportMember.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetTransport/plNetTransportMember.cpp
@@ -73,11 +73,11 @@ int plNetTransportMember::FindSubscription(int chan)
     return (it==fSubscriptions.end()) ? -1 : (it-fSubscriptions.begin());
 }
 
-std::string plNetTransportMember::AsStdString() const
+plString plNetTransportMember::AsString() const
 {
     if (IsServer())
     {
-        return "(server)";
+        return _TEMP_CONVERT_FROM_LITERAL("(server)");
     }
     else
     {
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetTransport/plNetTransportMember.h b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetTransport/plNetTransportMember.h
index 9594eaed..50a497a9 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetTransport/plNetTransportMember.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plNetTransport/plNetTransportMember.h
@@ -45,7 +45,8 @@ You can contact Cyan Worlds, Inc. by email legal@cyan.com
 #include "hsConfig.h"
 #include "hsStlUtils.h"
 #include "plNetCommon/plNetMember.h"
-#include "pnKeyedObject/plKey.h" 
+#include "pnKeyedObject/plKey.h"
+#include "plString.h"
 
 //
 // This represents a participant in the game, ie. another 
@@ -64,7 +65,7 @@ public:
     };
 protected:
     plKey           fAvatarKey;
-    std::string     fPlayerName;
+    plString        fPlayerName;
     UInt32          fPlayerID;
     std::vector<int> fSubscriptions;    // list of channelGrp subscriptions
     UInt32          fTransportFlags;
@@ -88,8 +89,8 @@ public:
         {
             fAvatarKey=k;
         }
-    void SetPlayerName(const char * value) { fPlayerName=value;}
-    const char * GetPlayerName() const { return fPlayerName.c_str();}
+    void SetPlayerName(const plString & value) { fPlayerName=value;}
+    plString GetPlayerName() const { return fPlayerName;}
     void SetPlayerID(UInt32 value) { fPlayerID=value;}
     UInt32 GetPlayerID() const { return fPlayerID;}
     void SetIsServer(bool value) { (value)?SetFlags(GetFlags()|kIsServer):SetFlags(GetFlags()&!kIsServer);}
@@ -108,7 +109,7 @@ public:
     UInt32 GetTransportFlags() const { return fTransportFlags; }
 
     bool IsPeerToPeer() const { return hsCheckBits(fFlags, kRequestP2P); }
-    std::string AsStdString() const;
+    plString AsString() const;
     bool IsEqualTo(const plNetMember * other) const
     {
         const plNetTransportMember * o = plNetTransportMember::ConvertNoRef(other);
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plResMgr/plResManager.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plResMgr/plResManager.cpp
index e1fb12cd..4d828293 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plResMgr/plResManager.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plResMgr/plResManager.cpp
@@ -314,8 +314,7 @@ hsBool plResManager::ReadObject(plKeyImp* key)
     // it will just inc/dec the open/close count during its read, and not actually 
     // close the stream, so we don't lose our place, lose our file handle, and thrash.
 
-    char locstr[64];
-    kResMgrLog(4, ILog(4, "   ...Opening page data stream for location %s...", key->GetUoid().GetLocation().StringIze(locstr)));
+    kResMgrLog(4, ILog(4, "   ...Opening page data stream for location %s...", key->GetUoid().GetLocation().StringIze().c_str()));
     plRegistryPageNode *pageNode = FindPage(key->GetUoid().GetLocation());
     if (!pageNode)
     {
@@ -1576,14 +1575,14 @@ static void sIReportLeak(plKeyImp* key, plRegistryPageNode* page)
     if (refsLeft == 0)
         return;
 
-    char tempStr[256], tempStr2[128];
+    char tempStr2[128];
     if (key->ObjectIsLoaded() == nil)
         sprintf(tempStr2, "(key only, %d refs left)", refsLeft);
     else
         sprintf(tempStr2, "- %d bytes - %d refs left", key->GetDataLen(), refsLeft);
 
     hsStatusMessageF("    %s: %s %s\n", plFactory::GetNameOfClass(key->GetUoid().GetClassType()), 
-                                                key->GetUoid().StringIze(tempStr), tempStr2);
+                                                key->GetUoid().StringIze().c_str(), tempStr2);
 }
 
 //// UnloadPageObjects ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
diff --git a/Sources/Tools/plResBrowser/plResTreeView.cpp b/Sources/Tools/plResBrowser/plResTreeView.cpp
index 6700f0c5..b7838971 100644
--- a/Sources/Tools/plResBrowser/plResTreeView.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Tools/plResBrowser/plResTreeView.cpp
@@ -396,7 +396,7 @@ void    plResTreeView::UpdateInfoDlg( HWND treeCtrl )
                 SetDlgItemText( fInfoDlg, IDC_AGE, pageInfo.GetAge() );
                 SetDlgItemText( fInfoDlg, IDC_PAGE, pageInfo.GetPage() );
 
-                SetDlgItemText( fInfoDlg, IDC_LOCATION, pageInfo.GetLocation().StringIze( tempStr ) );
+                SetDlgItemText( fInfoDlg, IDC_LOCATION, pageInfo.GetLocation().StringIze().c_str() );
 
                 CheckDlgButton(fInfoDlg, IDC_RESERVED,   (pageInfo.GetLocation().GetFlags() & plLocation::kReserved) ? BST_CHECKED : BST_UNCHECKED);
                 CheckDlgButton(fInfoDlg, IDC_BUILTIN,    (pageInfo.GetLocation().GetFlags() & plLocation::kBuiltIn) ? BST_CHECKED : BST_UNCHECKED);