diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/cyMisc.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/cyMisc.cpp
index ef01a509..d3c06252 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/cyMisc.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/cyMisc.cpp
@@ -443,7 +443,7 @@ void cyMisc::DetachObjectSO(pySceneObject& cobj, pySceneObject& pobj, bool netFo
 //
 //  PURPOSE    : set the Python modifier to be dirty and asked to be saved out
 //
-void cyMisc::SetDirtySyncState(pyKey &selfkey, const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t sendFlags)
+void cyMisc::SetDirtySyncState(pyKey &selfkey, const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t sendFlags)
 {
     selfkey.DirtySynchState(SDLStateName, sendFlags);
 }
@@ -455,7 +455,7 @@ void cyMisc::SetDirtySyncState(pyKey &selfkey, const char* SDLStateName, uint32_
 //
 //  PURPOSE    : set the Python modifier to be dirty and asked to be saved out
 //
-void cyMisc::SetDirtySyncStateWithClients(pyKey &selfkey, const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t sendFlags)
+void cyMisc::SetDirtySyncStateWithClients(pyKey &selfkey, const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t sendFlags)
 {
     selfkey.DirtySynchState(SDLStateName, sendFlags|plSynchedObject::kBCastToClients);
 }
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/cyMisc.h b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/cyMisc.h
index a6befc1f..6dfa30ce 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/cyMisc.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/cyMisc.h
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ public:
     //
     //  PURPOSE    : set the Python modifier to be dirty and asked to be saved out
     //
-    static void SetDirtySyncState(pyKey &selfkey, const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t sendFlags);
+    static void SetDirtySyncState(pyKey &selfkey, const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t sendFlags);
 
     /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
     //
@@ -227,7 +227,7 @@ public:
     //  PURPOSE    : set the Python modifier to be dirty and asked to be saved out
     //                  specifies that state should be sent to other clients as well as server
     //
-    static void SetDirtySyncStateWithClients(pyKey &selfkey, const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t sendFlags);
+    static void SetDirtySyncStateWithClients(pyKey &selfkey, const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t sendFlags);
 
     /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
     //
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonFileMod.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonFileMod.cpp
index defd5d5d..8d220a22 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonFileMod.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonFileMod.cpp
@@ -336,7 +336,6 @@ bool plPythonFileMod::fAtConvertTime = false;
 //
 plPythonFileMod::plPythonFileMod()
 {
-    fPythonFile = nil;
     fModule = nil;
     fLocalNotify= true;
     fIsFirstTimeEval = true;
@@ -401,12 +400,6 @@ plPythonFileMod::~plPythonFileMod()
         fSelfKey = nil;
     }
 
-    // get rid of the python code
-    if ( fPythonFile )
-    {
-        delete [] fPythonFile;
-        fPythonFile = nil;
-    }
     // then get rid of this module
     //  NOTE: fModule shouldn't be made in the plugin, only at runtime
     if ( !fModuleName.IsNull() && fModule )
@@ -438,14 +431,14 @@ bool plPythonFileMod::ILoadPythonCode()
 #ifndef PLASMA_EXTERNAL_RELEASE
     // get code from file and execute in module
     // see if the file exists first before trying to import it
-    plFileName pyfile = plFileName::Join(".", "python", plString::Format("%s.py", fPythonFile));
+    plFileName pyfile = plFileName::Join(".", "python", plString::Format("%s.py", fPythonFile.c_str()));
     if (plFileInfo(pyfile).Exists())
     {
         char fromLoad[256];
-        //sprintf(fromLoad,"from %s import *", fPythonFile);
+        //sprintf(fromLoad,"from %s import *", fPythonFile.c_str());
         // ok... we can't really use import because Python remembers too much where global variables came from
         // ...and using execfile make it sure that globals are defined in this module and not in the imported module
-        sprintf(fromLoad,"execfile('.\\\\python\\\\%s.py')", fPythonFile);
+        sprintf(fromLoad,"execfile('.\\\\python\\\\%s.py')", fPythonFile.c_str());
         if ( PythonInterface::RunString( fromLoad, fModule) )
         {
             // we've loaded the code into our module
@@ -461,7 +454,7 @@ bool plPythonFileMod::ILoadPythonCode()
         }
         DisplayPythonOutput();
         char errMsg[256];
-        sprintf(errMsg,"Python file %s.py had errors!!! Could not load.",fPythonFile);
+        snprintf(errMsg, arrsize(errMsg), "Python file %s.py had errors!!! Could not load.", fPythonFile.c_str());
         PythonInterface::WriteToLog(errMsg);
         hsAssert(0,errMsg);
         return false;
@@ -476,7 +469,7 @@ bool plPythonFileMod::ILoadPythonCode()
 
     DisplayPythonOutput();
     char errMsg[256];
-    sprintf(errMsg,"Python file %s.py was not found.",fPythonFile);
+    snprintf(errMsg, arrsize(errMsg), "Python file %s.py was not found.", fPythonFile.c_str());
     PythonInterface::WriteToLog(errMsg);
     hsAssert(0,errMsg);
     return false;
@@ -503,7 +496,7 @@ void plPythonFileMod::AddTarget(plSceneObject* sobj)
     if ( !fAtConvertTime )      // if this is just an Add that's during a convert, then don't do anymore
     {
         // was there a python file module with this?
-        if ( fPythonFile )
+        if ( !fPythonFile.IsEmpty() )
         {
             // has the module not been initialized yet
             if ( !fModule )
@@ -523,7 +516,7 @@ void plPythonFileMod::AddTarget(plSceneObject* sobj)
 
             // set the name of the file (in the global dictionary of the module)
                 PyObject* dict = PyModule_GetDict(fModule);
-                PyObject* pfilename = PyString_FromString(fPythonFile);
+                PyObject* pfilename = PyString_FromPlString(fPythonFile);
                 PyDict_SetItemString(dict, "glue_name", pfilename);
             // next we need to:
             //  - create instance of class
@@ -542,7 +535,7 @@ void plPythonFileMod::AddTarget(plSceneObject* sobj)
                 {
                     // display any output (NOTE: this would be disabled in production)
                     char errMsg[256];
-                    sprintf(errMsg,"Python file %s.py, instance not found.",fPythonFile);
+                    snprintf(errMsg, arrsize(errMsg), "Python file %s.py, instance not found.", fPythonFile.c_str());
                     PythonInterface::WriteToLog(errMsg);
                     hsAssert(0, errMsg);
                     return;         // if we can't create the instance then there is nothing to do here
@@ -2933,10 +2926,9 @@ void plPythonFileMod::DisplayPythonOutput()
 //             : Compile it into a Python code object
 //             : (This is usually called by the component)
 //
-void plPythonFileMod::SetSourceFile(const char* filename)
+void plPythonFileMod::SetSourceFile(const plString& filename)
 {
-    delete [] fPythonFile;
-    fPythonFile = hsStrcpy(filename);
+    fPythonFile = filename;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -2996,13 +2988,7 @@ void plPythonFileMod::Read(hsStream* stream, hsResMgr* mgr)
     plMultiModifier::Read(stream, mgr);
 
     // read in the compile python code (pyc)
-    if ( fPythonFile )
-    {
-        // if we already have some code, get rid of it!
-        delete [] fPythonFile;
-        fPythonFile = nil;
-    }
-    fPythonFile = stream->ReadSafeString();
+    fPythonFile = stream->ReadSafeString_TEMP();
 
     // then read in the list of receivers that want to be notified
     int nRcvs = stream->ReadLE32();
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonFileMod.h b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonFileMod.h
index 57fed231..65208b48 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonFileMod.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonFileMod.h
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ protected:
 
     plString IMakeModuleName(plSceneObject* sobj);
 
-    char*       fPythonFile;
+    plString    fPythonFile;
     plString    fModuleName;
 
     // the list of receivers that want to be notified
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ public:
     plPythonSDLModifier* GetSDLMod() { return fSDLMod; }
     bool WasLocalNotify() { return fLocalNotify; }
     plPipeline* GetPipeline() { return fPipe; }
-    virtual void SetSourceFile(const char* filename);
+    virtual void SetSourceFile(const plString& filename);
     virtual int getPythonOutput(std::string* line);
     virtual void ReportError();
     virtual void DisplayPythonOutput();
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonPack.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonPack.cpp
index ae697f0c..8242c75f 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonPack.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonPack.cpp
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ protected:
     std::vector<hsStream*> fPackStreams;
     bool fPackNotFound;     // No pack file, don't keep trying
 
-    typedef std::map<std::string, plPackOffsetInfo> FileOffset;
+    typedef std::map<plString, plPackOffsetInfo> FileOffset;
     FileOffset fFileOffsets;
 
     plPythonPack();
@@ -81,16 +81,16 @@ public:
     bool Open();
     void Close();
 
-    PyObject* OpenPacked(const char *fileName);
-    bool IsPackedFile(const char* fileName);
+    PyObject* OpenPacked(const plString& sfileName);
+    bool IsPackedFile(const plString& fileName);
 };
 
-PyObject* PythonPack::OpenPythonPacked(const char* fileName)
+PyObject* PythonPack::OpenPythonPacked(const plString& fileName)
 {
     return plPythonPack::Instance().OpenPacked(fileName);
 }
 
-bool PythonPack::IsItPythonPacked(const char* fileName)
+bool PythonPack::IsItPythonPacked(const plString& fileName)
 {
     return plPythonPack::Instance().IsPackedFile(fileName);
 }
@@ -148,9 +148,7 @@ bool plPythonPack::Open()
             for (int i = 0; i < numFiles; i++)
             {
                 // and pack the index into our own data structure
-                char* buf = fPackStream->ReadSafeString();
-                std::string pythonName = buf; // reading a "string" from a hsStream directly into a stl string causes memory loss
-                delete [] buf;
+                plString pythonName = fPackStream->ReadSafeString_TEMP();
                 uint32_t offset = fPackStream->ReadLE32();
 
                 plPackOffsetInfo offsetInfo;
@@ -191,13 +189,12 @@ void plPythonPack::Close()
     fFileOffsets.clear();
 }
 
-PyObject* plPythonPack::OpenPacked(const char* fileName)
+PyObject* plPythonPack::OpenPacked(const plString& fileName)
 {
     if (!Open())
         return nil;
 
-    std::string pythonName = fileName;
-    pythonName += ".py";
+    plString pythonName = fileName + ".py";
 
     FileOffset::iterator it = fFileOffsets.find(pythonName);
     if (it != fFileOffsets.end())
@@ -213,7 +210,7 @@ PyObject* plPythonPack::OpenPacked(const char* fileName)
             char *buf = new char[size];
             uint32_t readSize = fPackStream->Read(size, buf);
             hsAssert(readSize <= size, plString::Format("Python PackFile %s: Incorrect amount of data, read %d instead of %d",
-                fileName, readSize, size).c_str());
+                fileName.c_str(), readSize, size).c_str());
 
             // let the python marshal make it back into a code object
             PyObject *pythonCode = PyMarshal_ReadObjectFromString(buf, size);
@@ -227,13 +224,12 @@ PyObject* plPythonPack::OpenPacked(const char* fileName)
     return nil;
 }
 
-bool plPythonPack::IsPackedFile(const char* fileName)
+bool plPythonPack::IsPackedFile(const plString& fileName)
 {
     if (!Open())
         return nil;
 
-    std::string pythonName = fileName;
-    pythonName += ".py";
+    plString pythonName = fileName + ".py";
 
     FileOffset:: iterator it = fFileOffsets.find(pythonName);
     if (it != fFileOffsets.end())
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonPack.h b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonPack.h
index d671f281..9114d362 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonPack.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonPack.h
@@ -43,11 +43,12 @@ You can contact Cyan Worlds, Inc. by email legal@cyan.com
 #define plPythonPack_h_inc
 
 typedef struct _object PyObject;
+class plString;
 
 namespace PythonPack
 {
-    PyObject* OpenPythonPacked(const char* fileName);
-    bool IsItPythonPacked(const char* fileName);
+    PyObject* OpenPythonPacked(const plString& fileName);
+    bool IsItPythonPacked(const plString& fileName);
 }
 
 #endif // plPythonPack_h_inc
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonSDLModifier.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonSDLModifier.cpp
index 0b1bf3fe..17b8e002 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonSDLModifier.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonSDLModifier.cpp
@@ -265,7 +265,9 @@ void plPythonSDLModifier::SetItemIdx(const plString& key, int idx, PyObject* val
 
 const char* plPythonSDLModifier::GetSDLName() const
 {
-    return fOwner->fPythonFile;
+    // NOTE:  Not changing GetSDLName since most implementations of this
+    //   virtual function just return a stored string literal.
+    return fOwner->fPythonFile.c_str();
 }
 
 void plPythonSDLModifier::SetFlags(const plString& name, bool sendImmediate, bool skipOwnershipCheck)
@@ -566,7 +568,7 @@ PyObject* plPythonSDLModifier::ISDLVarToPython(plSimpleStateVariable* var)
     return pyTuple;
 }
 
-bool plPythonSDLModifier::HasSDL(const char* pythonFile)
+bool plPythonSDLModifier::HasSDL(const plString& pythonFile)
 {
     return (plSDLMgr::GetInstance()->FindDescriptor(pythonFile, plSDL::kLatestVersion) != nil);
 }
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonSDLModifier.h b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonSDLModifier.h
index 2632ae62..0031d28f 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonSDLModifier.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/plPythonSDLModifier.h
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ public:
     virtual const char* GetSDLName() const;
     virtual void SetItemFromSDLVar(plSimpleStateVariable* var);
 
-    static bool HasSDL(const char* pythonFile);
+    static bool HasSDL(const plString& pythonFile);
     // find the Age global SDL guy... if there is one
     static const plPythonSDLModifier* FindAgeSDL();
     static plKey FindAgeSDLTarget();
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/pyKey.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/pyKey.cpp
index 3779eaff..94db30b1 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/pyKey.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/pyKey.cpp
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@ plKey pyKey::GetNotifyListItem(int32_t i)
 
 
 // Set the dirty state on the PythonModifier
-void pyKey::DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t sendFlags)
+void pyKey::DirtySynchState(const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t sendFlags)
 {
     // see if we have a PythonFileModifier pointer
     if ( fPyFileMod )
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/pyKey.h b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/pyKey.h
index b0795382..c0f23525 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/pyKey.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/FeatureLib/pfPython/pyKey.h
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ public:
     // get a notify list item
     virtual plKey GetNotifyListItem(int32_t i);
     // Set the dirty state on the PythonModifier
-    virtual void DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t sendFlags);
+    virtual void DirtySynchState(const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t sendFlags);
 
     // register and unregister for control key envents
     virtual void EnableControlKeyEvents();
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plSynchedObject.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plSynchedObject.cpp
index d677138b..e11123a5 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plSynchedObject.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plSynchedObject.cpp
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ void plSynchedObject::RegisterSynchedValueFriend(plSynchedValueBase* v)
 //
 // send sdl state msg immediately
 //
-void plSynchedObject::SendSDLStateMsg(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags /*SendSDLStateFlags*/)
+void plSynchedObject::SendSDLStateMsg(const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags /*SendSDLStateFlags*/)
 {
     plSDLModifierMsg* sdlMsg = new plSDLModifierMsg(SDLStateName,
         (synchFlags & kBCastToClients) ? plSDLModifierMsg::kSendToServerAndClients : plSDLModifierMsg::kSendToServer /* action */);
@@ -203,14 +203,14 @@ void plSynchedObject::SendSDLStateMsg(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFl
 // Tell an object to send an sdl state update.
 // The request will get queued (returns true)
 //
-bool plSynchedObject::DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags /*SendSDLStateFlags*/)
+bool plSynchedObject::DirtySynchState(const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags /*SendSDLStateFlags*/)
 {
     if (!IOKToDirty(SDLStateName))
     {
 #if 0
         if (plNetClientApp::GetInstance())
             plNetClientApp::GetInstance()->DebugMsg("NotOKToDirty - Not queueing SDL state, obj %s, sdl %s",
-                    GetKeyName(), SDLStateName);
+                    GetKeyName().c_str(), SDLStateName.c_str());
 #endif
         return false;
     }
@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@ bool plSynchedObject::DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFl
 #if 0
         if (plNetClientApp::GetInstance())
             plNetClientApp::GetInstance()->DebugMsg("LocalOnly Object - Not queueing SDL msg, obj %s, sdl %s",
-                    GetKeyName(), SDLStateName);
+                    GetKeyName().c_str(), SDLStateName.c_str());
 #endif
         return false;
     }
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ bool plSynchedObject::DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFl
         {
             if (plNetClientApp::GetInstance())
                 plNetClientApp::GetInstance()->DebugMsg("Queueing SDL state with 'maybe' ownership, obj %s, sdl %s",
-                    GetKeyName().c_str(), SDLStateName);
+                    GetKeyName().c_str(), SDLStateName.c_str());
         }
     }
     
@@ -256,13 +256,13 @@ bool plSynchedObject::DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFl
 // add state defn if not already there.
 // if there adjust flags if necessary
 //
-void plSynchedObject::IAddDirtyState(plKey objKey, const char* sdlName, uint32_t sendFlags)
+void plSynchedObject::IAddDirtyState(plKey objKey, const plString& sdlName, uint32_t sendFlags)
 {
     bool found=false;
     std::vector<StateDefn>::iterator it=fDirtyStates.begin();
     for( ; it != fDirtyStates.end(); it++)
     {
-        if ((*it).fObjKey==objKey && !stricmp((*it).fSDLName.c_str(), sdlName))
+        if (it->fObjKey == objKey && it->fSDLName.CompareI(sdlName) == 0)
         {
             if (sendFlags & kForceFullSend)
                 (*it).fSendFlags |= kForceFullSend;
@@ -282,7 +282,7 @@ void plSynchedObject::IAddDirtyState(plKey objKey, const char* sdlName, uint32_t
     {
 #if 0
         plNetClientApp::GetInstance()->DebugMsg("Not queueing diplicate request for SDL state, obj %s, sdl %s",
-                    objKey->GetName(), sdlName);
+                    objKey->GetName().c_str(), sdlName.c_str());
 #endif
     }
 }
@@ -290,12 +290,12 @@ void plSynchedObject::IAddDirtyState(plKey objKey, const char* sdlName, uint32_t
 //
 // STATIC
 //
-void plSynchedObject::IRemoveDirtyState(plKey objKey, const char* sdlName)
+void plSynchedObject::IRemoveDirtyState(plKey objKey, const plString& sdlName)
 { 
     std::vector<StateDefn>::iterator it=fDirtyStates.begin();
     for( ; it != fDirtyStates.end(); it++)
     {
-        if ((*it).fObjKey==objKey && !stricmp((*it).fSDLName.c_str(), sdlName))
+        if (it->fObjKey == objKey && it->fSDLName.CompareI(sdlName) == 0)
         {
             fDirtyStates.erase(it);
             break;
@@ -342,7 +342,7 @@ void    plSynchedObject::Read(hsStream* stream, hsResMgr* mgr)
         int i;
         for(i=0;i<num;i++)
         {
-            std::string s;
+            plString s;
             plMsgStdStringHelper::Peek(s, stream);
             fSDLExcludeList.push_back(s);
         }
@@ -356,7 +356,7 @@ void    plSynchedObject::Read(hsStream* stream, hsResMgr* mgr)
         int i;
         for(i=0;i<num;i++)
         {
-            std::string s;
+            plString s;
             plMsgStdStringHelper::Peek(s, stream);
             fSDLVolatileList.push_back(s);
         }
@@ -449,7 +449,7 @@ void plSynchedObject::CallDirtyNotifiers() {}
 //
 // return true if it's ok to dirty this object
 //
-bool plSynchedObject::IOKToDirty(const char* SDLStateName) const
+bool plSynchedObject::IOKToDirty(const plString& SDLStateName) const
 {   
     // is synching disabled?
     bool synchDisabled = (GetSynchDisabled()!=0);
@@ -471,7 +471,7 @@ bool plSynchedObject::IOKToDirty(const char* SDLStateName) const
 //
 // return true if this object should send his SDL msg (for persistence or synch) over the net
 //
-bool plSynchedObject::IOKToNetwork(const char* sdlName, uint32_t* synchFlags) const
+bool plSynchedObject::IOKToNetwork(const plString& sdlName, uint32_t* synchFlags) const
 {
     // determine destination
     bool dstServerOnly=false, dstClientsOnly=false, dstClientsAndServer=false;  
@@ -523,14 +523,14 @@ bool plSynchedObject::IOKToNetwork(const char* sdlName, uint32_t* synchFlags) co
     return false;
 }
  
-plSynchedObject::SDLStateList::const_iterator plSynchedObject::IFindInSDLStateList(const SDLStateList& list, const char* sdlName) const
+plSynchedObject::SDLStateList::const_iterator plSynchedObject::IFindInSDLStateList(const SDLStateList& list, const plString& sdlName) const
 {
-    if (!sdlName)
+    if (sdlName.IsEmpty())
         return list.end();  // false
 
     SDLStateList::const_iterator it = list.begin();
     for(; it != list.end(); it++)
-        if (!stricmp((*it).c_str(), sdlName))
+        if (it->CompareI(sdlName) == 0)
             return it;
 
     return it;  // .end(), false
@@ -540,19 +540,19 @@ plSynchedObject::SDLStateList::const_iterator plSynchedObject::IFindInSDLStateLi
 // EXCLUDE LIST
 ///////////////////////////
 
-void plSynchedObject::AddToSDLExcludeList(const char* sdlName)
+void plSynchedObject::AddToSDLExcludeList(const plString& sdlName)
 {
-    if (sdlName)
+    if (!sdlName.IsEmpty())
     {
         if (IFindInSDLStateList(fSDLExcludeList, sdlName)==fSDLExcludeList.end())
         {
-            fSDLExcludeList.push_back(sdlName); // Don't dupe sdlName, std::string will copy
+            fSDLExcludeList.push_back(sdlName);
             fSynchFlags |= kExcludePersistentState;
         }
     }
 }
 
-void plSynchedObject::RemoveFromSDLExcludeList(const char* sdlName)
+void plSynchedObject::RemoveFromSDLExcludeList(const plString& sdlName)
 {
     SDLStateList::const_iterator it=IFindInSDLStateList(fSDLExcludeList, sdlName);
     if (it != fSDLExcludeList.end())
@@ -563,7 +563,7 @@ void plSynchedObject::RemoveFromSDLExcludeList(const char* sdlName)
     }
 }
 
-bool plSynchedObject::IsInSDLExcludeList(const char* sdlName) const
+bool plSynchedObject::IsInSDLExcludeList(const plString& sdlName) const
 {
     if ((fSynchFlags & kExcludeAllPersistentState) != 0)
         return true;
@@ -579,9 +579,9 @@ bool plSynchedObject::IsInSDLExcludeList(const char* sdlName) const
 // VOLATILE LIST
 ///////////////////////////
 
-void plSynchedObject::AddToSDLVolatileList(const char* sdlName)
+void plSynchedObject::AddToSDLVolatileList(const plString& sdlName)
 {
-    if (sdlName)
+    if (!sdlName.IsEmpty())
     {
         if (IFindInSDLStateList(fSDLVolatileList,sdlName)==fSDLVolatileList.end())
         {
@@ -591,7 +591,7 @@ void plSynchedObject::AddToSDLVolatileList(const char* sdlName)
     }
 }
 
-void plSynchedObject::RemoveFromSDLVolatileList(const char* sdlName)
+void plSynchedObject::RemoveFromSDLVolatileList(const plString& sdlName)
 {
     SDLStateList::const_iterator it=IFindInSDLStateList(fSDLVolatileList,sdlName);
     if (it != fSDLVolatileList.end())
@@ -602,7 +602,7 @@ void plSynchedObject::RemoveFromSDLVolatileList(const char* sdlName)
     }
 }
 
-bool plSynchedObject::IsInSDLVolatileList(const char* sdlName) const
+bool plSynchedObject::IsInSDLVolatileList(const plString& sdlName) const
 {
     if ((fSynchFlags & kAllStateIsVolatile) != 0)
         return true;
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plSynchedObject.h b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plSynchedObject.h
index 0fa8995f..9e51458b 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plSynchedObject.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plSynchedObject.h
@@ -89,17 +89,18 @@ public:
 
     struct StateDefn
     {
-        plKey   fObjKey;
+        plKey     fObjKey;
         uint32_t  fSendFlags;
-        std::string fSDLName;
+        plString  fSDLName;
 
         plSynchedObject* GetObject() const { return plSynchedObject::ConvertNoRef(fObjKey->ObjectIsLoaded()); }
         StateDefn() : fObjKey(nil),fSendFlags(0) {}
-        StateDefn(plKey k, uint32_t f, const char* sdlName) : fObjKey(k),fSendFlags(f) { fSDLName=sdlName; }
+        StateDefn(plKey k, uint32_t f, const plString& sdlName)
+            : fObjKey(k), fSendFlags(f), fSDLName(sdlName) { }
     };
 
 private:
-    typedef std::vector<std::string> SDLStateList;
+    typedef std::vector<plString> SDLStateList;
     SDLStateList fSDLExcludeList;
     SDLStateList fSDLVolatileList;
     uint32_t fSynchFlags;
@@ -110,12 +111,12 @@ private:
     static plSynchedObject* fStaticSynchedObj;      // static which temporarily holds address of each object's synchMgr
     static std::vector<StateDefn>   fDirtyStates;
 
-    static void IRemoveDirtyState(plKey o, const char* sdlName);
-    static void IAddDirtyState(plKey o, const char* sdlName, uint32_t sendFlags);
-    bool IOKToDirty(const char* SDLStateName) const;
-    SDLStateList::const_iterator IFindInSDLStateList(const SDLStateList& list, const char* sdlName) const;
+    static void IRemoveDirtyState(plKey o, const plString& sdlName);
+    static void IAddDirtyState(plKey o, const plString& sdlName, uint32_t sendFlags);
+    bool IOKToDirty(const plString& SDLStateName) const;
+    SDLStateList::const_iterator IFindInSDLStateList(const SDLStateList& list, const plString& sdlName) const;
 protected:
-    bool IOKToNetwork(const char* sdlName, uint32_t* synchFlags) const;   
+    bool IOKToNetwork(const plString& sdlName, uint32_t* synchFlags) const;
 public:
     plSynchedObject();
     virtual ~plSynchedObject();
@@ -136,8 +137,8 @@ public:
     virtual void SetNetGroup(plNetGroupId netGroup) { fNetGroup = netGroup; }   
     plNetGroupId SelectNetGroup(plKey groupKey);
 
-    virtual bool DirtySynchState(const char* sdlName, uint32_t sendFlags);      
-    void SendSDLStateMsg(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags);  // don't use, only for net code
+    virtual bool DirtySynchState(const plString& sdlName, uint32_t sendFlags);
+    void SendSDLStateMsg(const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags);  // don't use, only for net code
 
     void ClearSynchFlagsBit(uint32_t f) { fSynchFlags &= ~f; }
 
@@ -168,14 +169,14 @@ public:
     void SetLocalOnly(bool b) { if (b) fSynchFlags |= kLocalOnly; else fSynchFlags &= ~kLocalOnly;  }
 
     // disable particular types of persistence
-    void AddToSDLExcludeList(const char*);
-    void RemoveFromSDLExcludeList(const char*);
-    bool IsInSDLExcludeList(const char*) const;
+    void AddToSDLExcludeList(const plString&);
+    void RemoveFromSDLExcludeList(const plString&);
+    bool IsInSDLExcludeList(const plString&) const;
 
     // make volatile particular types of state
-    void AddToSDLVolatileList(const char*);
-    void RemoveFromSDLVolatileList(const char*);
-    bool IsInSDLVolatileList(const char*) const;
+    void AddToSDLVolatileList(const plString&);
+    void RemoveFromSDLVolatileList(const plString&);
+    bool IsInSDLVolatileList(const plString&) const;
 
     //
     // synched value stuff, currently unused
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plSynchedValue.h b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plSynchedValue.h
index e723c43e..079c5800 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plSynchedValue.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/NucleusLib/pnNetCommon/plSynchedValue.h
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ public:
         {
             MakeDirty();                        // dirty value
             if (GetSynchedObject())
-                GetSynchedObject()->DirtySynchState(nil, 0);    // dirty owner
+                GetSynchedObject()->DirtySynchState(plString::Null, 0);    // dirty owner
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAudio/plSound.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAudio/plSound.cpp
index 48dbc57a..018775d0 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAudio/plSound.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAudio/plSound.cpp
@@ -1480,7 +1480,7 @@ plDrawableSpans* plSound::CreateProxy(const hsMatrix44& l2w, hsGMaterial* mat, h
 
 
 // call when state has changed
-bool plSound::DirtySynchState(const char* sdlName /* kSDLSound */, uint32_t sendFlags)
+bool plSound::DirtySynchState(const plString& sdlName /* kSDLSound */, uint32_t sendFlags)
 {
     /*
     if( sdlName == nil )
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAudio/plSound.h b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAudio/plSound.h
index 55a4a57e..d5e241fc 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAudio/plSound.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAudio/plSound.h
@@ -239,7 +239,7 @@ public:
     virtual void        UpdateSoftVolume( bool enable, bool firstTime = false );
 
     virtual bool        MsgReceive( plMessage* pMsg );
-    virtual bool        DirtySynchState( const char *sdlName = nil, uint32_t sendFlags = 0 ); // call when state has changed
+    virtual bool        DirtySynchState( const plString &sdlName = "", uint32_t sendFlags = 0 ); // call when state has changed
 
     // Tests whether this sound is within range of the given position, not counting soft regions
     bool                IsWithinRange( const hsPoint3 &listenerPos, float *distSquared );
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAGMasterMod.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAGMasterMod.cpp
index 7fb747d9..7c8159f5 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAGMasterMod.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAGMasterMod.cpp
@@ -799,7 +799,7 @@ bool plAGMasterMod::HasRunningAnims()
 //
 // Send SDL sendState msg to object's plAGMasterSDLModifier
 //
-bool plAGMasterMod::DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags)
+bool plAGMasterMod::DirtySynchState(const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags)
 {
     if(GetNumTargets() > 0 && (!fIsGrouped || fIsGroupMaster))
     {
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAGMasterMod.h b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAGMasterMod.h
index 815e72b7..d79fc294 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAGMasterMod.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAGMasterMod.h
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@ public:
     virtual void Read(hsStream * stream, hsResMgr *mgr);
 
     bool HasRunningAnims();
-    bool DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags);    
+    bool DirtySynchState(const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags);
     
     CLASSNAME_REGISTER( plAGMasterMod );
     GETINTERFACE_ANY( plAGMasterMod, plModifier );
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plArmatureMod.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plArmatureMod.cpp
index 8a8e0353..607532d1 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plArmatureMod.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plArmatureMod.cpp
@@ -1836,10 +1836,10 @@ void plArmatureMod::Read(hsStream * stream, hsResMgr *mgr)
     plgDispatch::Dispatch()->RegisterForExactType(plAvatarStealthModeMsg::Index(), GetKey());
 }
 
-bool plArmatureMod::DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags)
+bool plArmatureMod::DirtySynchState(const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags)
 {
     // skip requests to synch non-avatar state
-    if (SDLStateName && stricmp(SDLStateName, kSDLAvatar))
+    if (SDLStateName.CompareI(kSDLAvatar) != 0)
     {
         return false;
     }
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plArmatureMod.h b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plArmatureMod.h
index c5924ae3..c9ed070d 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plArmatureMod.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plArmatureMod.h
@@ -283,7 +283,7 @@ public:
 
     void SynchIfLocal(double timeNow, int force); // Just physical state
     void SynchInputState(uint32_t rcvID = kInvalidPlayerID);  
-    bool DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags );
+    bool DirtySynchState(const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags );
     bool DirtyPhysicalSynchState(uint32_t synchFlags);
     plClothingOutfit *GetClothingOutfit() const { return fClothingOutfit; }
     plClothingSDLModifier *GetClothingSDLMod() const { return fClothingSDLMod; }
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAvatarClothing.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAvatarClothing.cpp
index 033e8426..c962bdc2 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAvatarClothing.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAvatarClothing.cpp
@@ -1405,7 +1405,7 @@ bool plClothingOutfit::MsgReceive(plMessage* msg)
 // TESTING SDL
 // Send clothing sendState msg to object's plClothingSDLModifier
 //
-bool plClothingOutfit::DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags)
+bool plClothingOutfit::DirtySynchState(const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags)
 {
     plSynchEnabler ps(true);    // make sure synching is enabled, since this happens during load
     synchFlags |= plSynchedObject::kForceFullSend;  // TEMP
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAvatarClothing.h b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAvatarClothing.h
index 09e7f4b0..7278ac25 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAvatarClothing.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plAvatar/plAvatarClothing.h
@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ public:
 
     virtual void Read(hsStream* s, hsResMgr* mgr);
     virtual void Write(hsStream* s, hsResMgr* mgr);
-    bool DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags);
+    bool DirtySynchState(const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags);
 
     void StripAccessories();
     void WearDefaultClothing();
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plPhysX/plPXPhysical.cpp b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plPhysX/plPXPhysical.cpp
index 9acfab82..7576be53 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plPhysX/plPXPhysical.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plPhysX/plPXPhysical.cpp
@@ -1010,7 +1010,7 @@ void plPXPhysical::Write(hsStream* stream, hsResMgr* mgr)
 // TESTING SDL
 // Send phys sendState msg to object's plPhysicalSDLModifier
 //
-bool plPXPhysical::DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags )
+bool plPXPhysical::DirtySynchState(const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags )
 {
     if (GetObjectKey())
     {
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plPhysX/plPXPhysical.h b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plPhysX/plPXPhysical.h
index 61920b14..1ed1b077 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plPhysX/plPXPhysical.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plPhysX/plPXPhysical.h
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ protected:
     /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
     /** Remember that we need to do a synch soon. */
-    bool DirtySynchState(const char* SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags );
+    bool DirtySynchState(const plString& SDLStateName, uint32_t synchFlags);
 
     double GetLastSyncTime() { return fLastSyncTime; }
 
diff --git a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plSurface/plLayerAnimation.h b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plSurface/plLayerAnimation.h
index 28040ba1..55172273 100644
--- a/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plSurface/plLayerAnimation.h
+++ b/Sources/Plasma/PubUtilLib/plSurface/plLayerAnimation.h
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ public:
     // NEVER!
     // If you think it should... talk to Bob. He will explain why it can't be, and beat you up.
     // If he can't remember, beat him up until he does (or ask Moose).
-    virtual bool DirtySynchState(const char* sdlName, uint32_t sendFlags) { return false; } // don't send link state
+    virtual bool DirtySynchState(const plString& sdlName, uint32_t sendFlags) { return false; } // don't send link state
 
     virtual void Read(hsStream* s, hsResMgr* mgr);
     virtual void Write(hsStream* s, hsResMgr* mgr);
diff --git a/Sources/Tools/MaxMain/plMaxNode.cpp b/Sources/Tools/MaxMain/plMaxNode.cpp
index ea88e983..e6983855 100644
--- a/Sources/Tools/MaxMain/plMaxNode.cpp
+++ b/Sources/Tools/MaxMain/plMaxNode.cpp
@@ -455,7 +455,7 @@ void plMaxNode::CheckSynchOptions(plSynchedObject* so)
             if (gUserPropMgr.GetUserPropStringList(this, "DontPersist", num, sdataList))
             {
                 for(i=0;i<num;i++)
-                    so->AddToSDLExcludeList(sdataList[i]);  // disable a type of persistence
+                    so->AddToSDLExcludeList((const char *)sdataList[i]);  // disable a type of persistence
             }
         }
 
@@ -469,7 +469,7 @@ void plMaxNode::CheckSynchOptions(plSynchedObject* so)
             if (gUserPropMgr.GetUserPropStringList(this, "Volatile", num, sdataList))
             {
                 for(i=0;i<num;i++)
-                    so->AddToSDLVolatileList(sdataList[i]); // make volatile a type of persistence
+                    so->AddToSDLVolatileList((const char *)sdataList[i]); // make volatile a type of persistence
             }
         }