diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index 900c59de1e..f56bf60438 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -257,6 +257,7 @@ add_library(${PROJECT_NAME}
 	src/shake.h
 	src/shinonome_gothic.h
 	src/shinonome_mincho.h
+	src/span.h
 	src/sprite_airshipshadow.cpp
 	src/sprite_airshipshadow.h
 	src/sprite_battler.cpp
@@ -276,6 +277,7 @@ add_library(${PROJECT_NAME}
 	src/state.cpp
 	src/state.h
 	src/std_clock.h
+	src/string_view.h
 	src/system.h
 	src/teleport_target.h
 	src/text.cpp
diff --git a/Makefile.am b/Makefile.am
index a8ca7f1d11..07f46e0d73 100644
--- a/Makefile.am
+++ b/Makefile.am
@@ -256,6 +256,7 @@ libeasyrpg_player_a_SOURCES = \
 	src/sdl_ui.h \
 	src/shinonome_gothic.h \
 	src/shinonome_mincho.h \
+	src/span.h \
 	src/sprite.cpp \
 	src/sprite.h \
 	src/sprite_airshipshadow.h \
@@ -275,6 +276,7 @@ libeasyrpg_player_a_SOURCES = \
 	src/state.cpp \
 	src/state.h \
 	src/std_clock.h \
+	src/string_view.h \
 	src/system.h \
 	src/teleport_target.h \
 	src/text.cpp \
diff --git a/bench/utils.cpp b/bench/utils.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..2b98f3f3ce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/bench/utils.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+#include <benchmark/benchmark.h>
+#include <font.h>
+#include <rect.h>
+#include <bitmap.h>
+#include <text.h>
+#include <pixel_format.h>
+#include <cache.h>
+
+static void BM_ReplacePlaceholders(benchmark::State& state) {
+	for (auto _: state) {
+		Utils::ReplacePlaceholders("One night is %V %U",
+				Utils::MakeArray('V', 'U'),
+				Utils::MakeSvArray("Rest", "Do not Rest"));
+	}
+}
+
+BENCHMARK(BM_ReplacePlaceholders);
+
+BENCHMARK_MAIN();
diff --git a/src/async_handler.cpp b/src/async_handler.cpp
index 362842fa54..dbff61c5f2 100644
--- a/src/async_handler.cpp
+++ b/src/async_handler.cpp
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ void AsyncHandler::CreateRequestMapping(const std::string& file) {
 #endif
 }
 
-FileRequestAsync* AsyncHandler::RequestFile(const std::string& folder_name, const std::string& file_name) {
+FileRequestAsync* AsyncHandler::RequestFile(StringView folder_name, StringView file_name) {
 	auto path = FileFinder::MakePath(folder_name, file_name);
 
 	auto* request = GetRequest(path);
@@ -105,10 +105,10 @@ FileRequestAsync* AsyncHandler::RequestFile(const std::string& folder_name, cons
 
 	//Output::Debug("Waiting for {}", path);
 
-	return RegisterRequest(std::move(path), folder_name, file_name);
+	return RegisterRequest(std::move(path), std::string(folder_name), std::string(file_name));
 }
 
-FileRequestAsync* AsyncHandler::RequestFile(const std::string& file_name) {
+FileRequestAsync* AsyncHandler::RequestFile(StringView file_name) {
 	return RequestFile(".", file_name);
 }
 
diff --git a/src/async_handler.h b/src/async_handler.h
index c2d8fa7613..02b06e17d5 100644
--- a/src/async_handler.h
+++ b/src/async_handler.h
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
 #include <memory>
 #include <string>
 #include <vector>
+#include "string_view.h"
 
 class FileRequestAsync;
 struct FileRequestResult;
@@ -48,7 +49,7 @@ namespace AsyncHandler {
 	 * @param file_name Name of the requested file requested.
 	 * @return The async request.
 	 */
-	FileRequestAsync* RequestFile(const std::string& folder_name, const std::string& file_name);
+	FileRequestAsync* RequestFile(StringView folder_name, StringView file_name);
 
 	/**
 	 * Creates a request to a file.
@@ -60,7 +61,7 @@ namespace AsyncHandler {
 	 * @param file_name Name of the requested file requested.
 	 * @return The async request.
 	 */
-	FileRequestAsync* RequestFile(const std::string& file_name);
+	FileRequestAsync* RequestFile(StringView file_name);
 
 	/**
 	 * Checks if any file with important-flag hasn't finished downloading yet.
diff --git a/src/bitmap.cpp b/src/bitmap.cpp
index 940af8e914..dfed87e643 100644
--- a/src/bitmap.cpp
+++ b/src/bitmap.cpp
@@ -309,7 +309,7 @@ void Bitmap::HueChangeBlit(int x, int y, Bitmap const& src, Rect const& src_rect
 	Blit(dst_rect.x, dst_rect.y, bmp, bmp.GetRect(), Opacity::Opaque());
 }
 
-void Bitmap::TextDraw(Rect const& rect, int color, std::string const& text, Text::Alignment align) {
+void Bitmap::TextDraw(Rect const& rect, int color, StringView text, Text::Alignment align) {
 	FontRef font = Font::Default();
 	Rect text_rect = font->GetSize(text);
 	int dx = text_rect.width - rect.width;
@@ -328,13 +328,13 @@ void Bitmap::TextDraw(Rect const& rect, int color, std::string const& text, Text
 	}
 }
 
-void Bitmap::TextDraw(int x, int y, int color, std::string const& text, Text::Alignment align) {
+void Bitmap::TextDraw(int x, int y, int color, StringView text, Text::Alignment align) {
 	auto font = Font::Default();
 	auto system = Cache::SystemOrBlack();
 	Text::Draw(*this, x, y, *font, *system, color, text, align);
 }
 
-void Bitmap::TextDraw(Rect const& rect, Color color, std::string const& text, Text::Alignment align) {
+void Bitmap::TextDraw(Rect const& rect, Color color, StringView text, Text::Alignment align) {
 	FontRef font = Font::Default();
 	Rect text_rect = font->GetSize(text);
 	int dx = text_rect.width - rect.width;
@@ -353,7 +353,7 @@ void Bitmap::TextDraw(Rect const& rect, Color color, std::string const& text, Te
 	}
 }
 
-void Bitmap::TextDraw(int x, int y, Color color, std::string const& text) {
+void Bitmap::TextDraw(int x, int y, Color color, StringView text) {
 	auto font = Font::Default();
 	Text::Draw(*this, x, y, *font, color, text);
 }
diff --git a/src/bitmap.h b/src/bitmap.h
index a9cba07973..e0fcc38f5c 100644
--- a/src/bitmap.h
+++ b/src/bitmap.h
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@
 #include "pixman_image_ptr.h"
 #include "opacity.h"
 #include "filesystem_stream.h"
+#include "string_view.h"
 
 struct Transform;
 
@@ -207,7 +208,7 @@ class Bitmap {
 	 * @param text text to draw.
 	 * @param align text alignment.
 	 */
-	void TextDraw(int x, int y, int color, std::string const& text, Text::Alignment align = Text::AlignLeft);
+	void TextDraw(int x, int y, int color, StringView text, Text::Alignment align = Text::AlignLeft);
 
 	/**
 	 * Draws text to bitmap using the Font::Default() font.
@@ -217,7 +218,7 @@ class Bitmap {
 	 * @param text text to draw.
 	 * @param align text alignment inside bounding rectangle.
 	 */
-	void TextDraw(Rect const& rect, int color, std::string const& text, Text::Alignment align = Text::AlignLeft);
+	void TextDraw(Rect const& rect, int color, StringView text, Text::Alignment align = Text::AlignLeft);
 
 	/**
 	 * Draws text to bitmap using the Font::Default() font.
@@ -227,7 +228,7 @@ class Bitmap {
 	 * @param color text color.
 	 * @param text text to draw.
 	 */
-	void TextDraw(int x, int y, Color color, std::string const& text);
+	void TextDraw(int x, int y, Color color, StringView text);
 
 	/**
 	 * Draws text to bitmap using the Font::Default() font.
@@ -237,7 +238,7 @@ class Bitmap {
 	 * @param text text to draw.
 	 * @param align text alignment inside bounding rectangle.
 	 */
-	void TextDraw(Rect const& rect, Color color, std::string const& text, Text::Alignment align = Text::AlignLeft);
+	void TextDraw(Rect const& rect, Color color, StringView, Text::Alignment align = Text::AlignLeft);
 
 	/**
 	 * Blits source bitmap to this one.
diff --git a/src/cache.cpp b/src/cache.cpp
index 84646c78d7..bcfdd5172d 100644
--- a/src/cache.cpp
+++ b/src/cache.cpp
@@ -39,21 +39,21 @@
 using namespace std::chrono_literals;
 
 namespace {
-	std::string MakeHashKey(const std::string& folder_name, const std::string& filename, bool transparent) {
-		return folder_name + ":" + filename + ":" + (transparent ? "T" : " ");
+	std::string MakeHashKey(StringView folder_name, StringView filename, bool transparent) {
+		return ToString(folder_name) + ":" + ToString(filename) + ":" + (transparent ? "T" : " ");
 	}
 
-	std::string MakeTileHashKey(const std::string& chipset_name, int id) {
+	std::string MakeTileHashKey(StringView chipset_name, int id) {
 		std::string key;
 		key.reserve(chipset_name.size() + sizeof(int) + 2);
 		key.append(reinterpret_cast<char*>(&id), sizeof(id));
 		key.append(1, ':');
-		key.append(chipset_name);
+		key.append(chipset_name.begin(), chipset_name.end());
 
 		return key;
 	}
 
-	int IdFromTileHash(const std::string& key) {
+	int IdFromTileHash(StringView key) {
 		int id = 0;
 		if (key.size() > sizeof(id)) {
 			std::memcpy(&id, key.data(), sizeof(id));
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ namespace {
 		return id;
 	}
 
-	const char* NameFromTileHash(const std::string& key) {
+	const char* NameFromTileHash(StringView key) {
 		int offset = sizeof(int) + 1;
 		if (static_cast<int>(key.size()) < offset) {
 			return "";
@@ -132,14 +132,15 @@ namespace {
 		return (cache[key] = {bmp, Game_Clock::GetFrameTime()}).bitmap;
 	}
 
-	BitmapRef LoadBitmap(const std::string& folder_name, const std::string& filename,
+	BitmapRef LoadBitmap(StringView folder_name, StringView filename,
 						 bool transparent, const uint32_t flags) {
 		const auto key = MakeHashKey(folder_name, filename, transparent);
 
 		auto it = cache.find(key);
 
 		if (it == cache.end()) {
-			const std::string path = FileFinder::FindImage(folder_name, filename);
+			// FIXME: STRING_VIEW string copies here
+			const std::string path = FileFinder::FindImage(ToString(folder_name), ToString(filename));
 
 			BitmapRef bmp = BitmapRef();
 
@@ -249,7 +250,7 @@ namespace {
 	}
 
 	template<Material::Type T>
-	BitmapRef LoadDummyBitmap(const std::string& folder_name, const std::string& filename, bool transparent) {
+	BitmapRef LoadDummyBitmap(StringView folder_name, StringView filename, bool transparent) {
 		static_assert(Material::REND < T && T < Material::END, "Invalid material.");
 
 		const Spec& s = spec[T];
@@ -271,7 +272,7 @@ namespace {
 	}
 
 	template<Material::Type T>
-	BitmapRef LoadBitmap(const std::string& f, bool transparent) {
+	BitmapRef LoadBitmap(StringView f, bool transparent) {
 		static_assert(Material::REND < T && T < Material::END, "Invalid material.");
 
 		const Spec& s = spec[T];
@@ -320,7 +321,7 @@ namespace {
 	}
 
 	template<Material::Type T>
-	BitmapRef LoadBitmap(const std::string& f) {
+	BitmapRef LoadBitmap(StringView f) {
 		static_assert(Material::REND < T && T < Material::END, "Invalid material.");
 
 		const Spec& s = spec[T];
@@ -331,67 +332,67 @@ namespace {
 
 std::vector<uint8_t> Cache::exfont_custom;
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Backdrop(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Backdrop(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Backdrop>(file);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Battle(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Battle(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Battle>(file);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Battle2(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Battle2(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Battle2>(file);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Battlecharset(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Battlecharset(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Battlecharset>(file);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Battleweapon(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Battleweapon(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Battleweapon>(file);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Charset(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Charset(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Charset>(file);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Chipset(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Chipset(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Chipset>(file);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Faceset(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Faceset(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Faceset>(file);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Frame(const std::string& file, bool transparent) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Frame(StringView file, bool transparent) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Frame>(file, transparent);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Gameover(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Gameover(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Gameover>(file);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Monster(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Monster(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Monster>(file);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Panorama(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Panorama(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Panorama>(file);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Picture(const std::string& file, bool transparent) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Picture(StringView file, bool transparent) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Picture>(file, transparent);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::System2(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::System2(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::System2>(file);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Title(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Title(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::Title>(file);
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::System(const std::string& file) {
+BitmapRef Cache::System(StringView file) {
 	return LoadBitmap<Material::System>(file);
 }
 
@@ -419,7 +420,7 @@ BitmapRef Cache::Exfont() {
 	}
 }
 
-BitmapRef Cache::Tile(const std::string& filename, int tile_id) {
+BitmapRef Cache::Tile(StringView filename, int tile_id) {
 	const auto key = MakeTileHashKey(filename, tile_id);
 	auto it = cache_tiles.find(key);
 
@@ -519,12 +520,12 @@ void Cache::Clear() {
 	cache_tiles.clear();
 }
 
-void Cache::SetSystemName(std::string const& filename) {
-	system_name = filename;
+void Cache::SetSystemName(std::string filename) {
+	system_name = std::move(filename);
 }
 
-void Cache::SetSystem2Name(std::string const& filename) {
-	system2_name = filename;
+void Cache::SetSystem2Name(std::string filename) {
+	system2_name = std::move(filename);
 }
 
 BitmapRef Cache::System() {
diff --git a/src/cache.h b/src/cache.h
index 786767a3ba..64802f9dba 100644
--- a/src/cache.h
+++ b/src/cache.h
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@
 
 #include "system.h"
 #include "memory_management.h"
+#include "string_view.h"
 
 #define CACHE_DEFAULT_BITMAP "\x01"
 
@@ -35,25 +36,25 @@ class Tone;
  * Cache namespace.
  */
 namespace Cache {
-	BitmapRef Backdrop(const std::string& filename);
-	BitmapRef Battle(const std::string& filename);
-	BitmapRef Battle2(const std::string& filename);
-	BitmapRef Battlecharset(const std::string& filename);
-	BitmapRef Battleweapon(const std::string& filename);
-	BitmapRef Charset(const std::string& filename);
+	BitmapRef Backdrop(StringView filename);
+	BitmapRef Battle(StringView filename);
+	BitmapRef Battle2(StringView filename);
+	BitmapRef Battlecharset(StringView filename);
+	BitmapRef Battleweapon(StringView filename);
+	BitmapRef Charset(StringView filename);
 	BitmapRef Exfont();
-	BitmapRef Faceset(const std::string& filename);
-	BitmapRef Frame(const std::string& filename, bool transparent = true);
-	BitmapRef Gameover(const std::string& filename);
-	BitmapRef Monster(const std::string& filename);
-	BitmapRef Panorama(const std::string& filename);
-	BitmapRef Picture(const std::string& filename, bool transparent);
-	BitmapRef Chipset(const std::string& filename);
-	BitmapRef Title(const std::string& filename);
-	BitmapRef System(const std::string& filename);
-	BitmapRef System2(const std::string& filename);
+	BitmapRef Faceset(StringView filename);
+	BitmapRef Frame(StringView filename, bool transparent = true);
+	BitmapRef Gameover(StringView filename);
+	BitmapRef Monster(StringView filename);
+	BitmapRef Panorama(StringView filename);
+	BitmapRef Picture(StringView filename, bool transparent);
+	BitmapRef Chipset(StringView filename);
+	BitmapRef Title(StringView filename);
+	BitmapRef System(StringView filename);
+	BitmapRef System2(StringView filename);
 
-	BitmapRef Tile(const std::string& filename, int tile_id);
+	BitmapRef Tile(StringView filename, int tile_id);
 	BitmapRef SpriteEffect(const BitmapRef& src_bitmap, const Rect& rect, bool flip_x, bool flip_y, const Tone& tone, const Color& blend);
 
 	void Clear();
@@ -70,8 +71,8 @@ namespace Cache {
 	/** @return the configured system2 bitmap, or nullptr if there is no system2 */
 	BitmapRef System2();
 
-	void SetSystemName(std::string const& filename);
-	void SetSystem2Name(std::string const& filename);
+	void SetSystemName(std::string filename);
+	void SetSystem2Name(std::string filename);
 
 	extern std::vector<uint8_t> exfont_custom;
 }
diff --git a/src/filefinder.cpp b/src/filefinder.cpp
index 6c09846d7e..cf0103dd1d 100644
--- a/src/filefinder.cpp
+++ b/src/filefinder.cpp
@@ -319,8 +319,8 @@ std::shared_ptr<FileFinder::DirectoryTree> FileFinder::CreateDirectoryTree(const
 	return tree;
 }
 
-std::string FileFinder::MakePath(const std::string& dir, const std::string& name) {
-	std::string str = dir.empty()? name : dir + "/" + name;
+std::string FileFinder::MakePath(StringView dir, StringView name) {
+	std::string str = dir.empty()? std::string(name) : std::string(dir) + "/" + std::string(name);
 #ifdef _WIN32
 	std::replace(str.begin(), str.end(), '/', '\\');
 #else
@@ -372,7 +372,7 @@ std::vector<std::string> FileFinder::SplitPath(const std::string& path) {
 }
 
 std::string FileFinder::GetPathInsidePath(const std::string& path_to, const std::string& path_in) {
-	if (!Utils::StartsWith(path_in, path_to)) {
+	if (!ToStringView(path_in).starts_with(path_to)) {
 		return path_in;
 	}
 
@@ -888,7 +888,7 @@ bool FileFinder::IsMajorUpdatedTree() {
 			string_map mem = tree->sub_members["music"];
 			for (auto& i : mem) {
 				std::string file = mem[i.first];
-				if (Utils::EndsWith(Utils::LowerCase(file), ".mp3")) {
+				if (ToStringView(Utils::LowerCase(file)).ends_with(".mp3")) {
 					Output::Debug("MP3 file ({}) found", file);
 					return true;
 				}
diff --git a/src/filefinder.h b/src/filefinder.h
index c4f6710045..175302049f 100644
--- a/src/filefinder.h
+++ b/src/filefinder.h
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
 // Headers
 #include "system.h"
 #include "filesystem_stream.h"
+#include "string_view.h"
 
 #include <string>
 #include <cstdio>
@@ -203,7 +204,7 @@ namespace FileFinder {
 	 * @param name file name to be appended to dir.
 	 * @return combined path
 	 */
-	std::string MakePath(const std::string& dir, const std::string& name);
+	std::string MakePath(StringView dir, StringView name);
 
 	/**
 	 * Converts a path to the canonical equivalent.
diff --git a/src/font.cpp b/src/font.cpp
index 382044af4f..ca912a0ef4 100644
--- a/src/font.cpp
+++ b/src/font.cpp
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ namespace {
 
 		BitmapFont(const std::string& name, function_type func);
 
-		Rect GetSize(std::string const& txt) const override;
+		Rect GetSize(StringView txt) const override;
 		Rect GetSize(char32_t ch) const override;
 
 		GlyphRet Glyph(char32_t code) override;
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ namespace {
 	struct FTFont : public Font  {
 		FTFont(const std::string& name, int size, bool bold, bool italic);
 
-		Rect GetSize(std::string const& txt) const override;
+		Rect GetSize(StringView txt) const override;
 		Rect GetSize(char32_t ch) const override;
 
 		GlyphRet Glyph(char32_t code) override;
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ namespace {
 		public:
 			enum { HEIGHT = 12, WIDTH = 12 };
 			ExFont();
-			Rect GetSize(std::string const& txt) const override;
+			Rect GetSize(StringView txt) const override;
 			Rect GetSize(char32_t ch) const override;
 			GlyphRet Glyph(char32_t code) override;
 		private:
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@ Rect BitmapFont::GetSize(char32_t ch) const {
 	return Rect(0, 0, units * HALF_WIDTH, HEIGHT);
 }
 
-Rect BitmapFont::GetSize(std::string const& txt) const {
+Rect BitmapFont::GetSize(StringView txt) const {
 	size_t units = 0;
 	const auto* iter = txt.data();
 	const auto* end = txt.data() + txt.size();
@@ -228,7 +228,7 @@ std::weak_ptr<std::remove_pointer<FT_Library>::type> FTFont::library_checker_;
 FTFont::FTFont(const std::string& name, int size, bool bold, bool italic)
 	: Font(name, size, bold, italic), current_size_(0) {}
 
-Rect FTFont::GetSize(std::string const& txt) const {
+Rect FTFont::GetSize(StringView txt) const {
 	int const s = Font::Default()->GetSize(txt).width;
 
 	if (s == -1) {
@@ -443,7 +443,7 @@ Font::GlyphRet ExFont::Glyph(char32_t code) {
 	return { bm, Rect(0, 0, WIDTH, HEIGHT) };
 }
 
-Rect ExFont::GetSize(std::string const&) const {
+Rect ExFont::GetSize(StringView) const {
 	return Rect(0, 0, 12, 12);
 }
 
diff --git a/src/font.h b/src/font.h
index 1f5244d544..4ff32f9dae 100644
--- a/src/font.h
+++ b/src/font.h
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
 #include "system.h"
 #include "memory_management.h"
 #include "rect.h"
+#include "string_view.h"
 #include <string>
 
 class Color;
@@ -40,7 +41,7 @@ class Font {
 	 * @param txt the string to measure
 	 * @return Rect describing the rendered string boundary
 	 */
-	virtual Rect GetSize(std::string const& txt) const = 0;
+	virtual Rect GetSize(StringView txt) const = 0;
 	/**
 	 * Returns the size of the rendered utf32 character, not including shadows.
 	 *
diff --git a/src/game_actor.cpp b/src/game_actor.cpp
index ef046191f9..3110cf6adf 100644
--- a/src/game_actor.cpp
+++ b/src/game_actor.cpp
@@ -719,8 +719,8 @@ std::string Game_Actor::GetLevelUpMessage(int new_level) const {
 		ss << new_level;
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			lcf::Data::terms.level_up,
-			{'S', 'V', 'U'},
-			{GetData().name, ss.str(), lcf::Data::terms.level}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S', 'V', 'U'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(GetData().name, ss.str(), lcf::Data::terms.level)
 		);
 	} else {
 		std::string particle, space = "";
@@ -742,8 +742,8 @@ std::string Game_Actor::GetLearningMessage(const lcf::rpg::Skill& skill) const {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			lcf::Data::terms.skill_learned,
-			{'S', 'O'},
-			{GetData().name, skill.name}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S', 'O'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(GetData().name, skill.name)
 		);
 	}
 
diff --git a/src/game_battlealgorithm.cpp b/src/game_battlealgorithm.cpp
index d485768d90..c54f57ceae 100644
--- a/src/game_battlealgorithm.cpp
+++ b/src/game_battlealgorithm.cpp
@@ -364,8 +364,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::AlgorithmBase::GetDeathMessage() const {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			message,
-			{'S'},
-			{GetTarget()->GetName()}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(GetTarget()->GetName())
 		);
 	}
 	else {
@@ -381,8 +381,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::AlgorithmBase::GetAttackFailureMessage(const s
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			message,
-			{'S', 'O'},
-			{GetSource()->GetName(), GetTarget()->GetName()}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S', 'O'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(GetSource()->GetName(), GetTarget()->GetName())
 		);
 	}
 	else {
@@ -394,8 +394,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::AlgorithmBase::GetHpSpRecoveredMessage(int val
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			lcf::Data::terms.hp_recovery,
-			{'S', 'V', 'U'},
-			{GetTarget()->GetName(), std::to_string(value), points}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S', 'V', 'U'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(GetTarget()->GetName(), std::to_string(value), points)
 		);
 	}
 	else {
@@ -427,8 +427,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::AlgorithmBase::GetUndamagedMessage() const {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			message,
-			{'S'},
-			{GetTarget()->GetName()}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(GetTarget()->GetName())
 		);
 	}
 	else {
@@ -446,8 +446,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::AlgorithmBase::GetCriticalHitMessage() const {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			message,
-			{'S', 'O'},
-			{GetSource()->GetName(), GetTarget()->GetName()}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S', 'O'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(GetSource()->GetName(), GetTarget()->GetName())
 		);
 	}
 	else {
@@ -465,8 +465,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::AlgorithmBase::GetHpSpAbsorbedMessage(int valu
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			message,
-			{'S', 'O', 'V', 'U'},
-			{GetSource()->GetName(), GetTarget()->GetName(), std::to_string(value), points}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S', 'O', 'V', 'U'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(GetSource()->GetName(), GetTarget()->GetName(), std::to_string(value), points)
 		);
 	}
 	else {
@@ -500,8 +500,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::AlgorithmBase::GetDamagedMessage() const {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			message,
-			{'S', 'V', 'U'},
-			{GetTarget()->GetName(), std::to_string(value), lcf::Data::terms.health_points}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S', 'V', 'U'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(GetTarget()->GetName(), std::to_string(value), lcf::Data::terms.health_points)
 		);
 	}
 	else {
@@ -528,8 +528,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::AlgorithmBase::GetParameterChangeMessage(bool
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			message,
-			{'S', 'V', 'U'},
-			{GetTarget()->GetName(), std::to_string(value), points}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S', 'V', 'U'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(GetTarget()->GetName(), std::to_string(value), points)
 		);
 	}
 	else {
@@ -556,8 +556,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::AlgorithmBase::GetStateMessage(const std::stri
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			message,
-			{'S'},
-			{GetTarget()->GetName()}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(GetTarget()->GetName())
 		);
 	}
 	else {
@@ -572,11 +572,10 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::AlgorithmBase::GetAttributeShiftMessage( const
 	std::stringstream ss;
 
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
-		ss << attribute;
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			message,
-			{ 'S', 'O' },
-			{ GetTarget()->GetName(), ss.str() }
+			Utils::MakeArray('S', 'O'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(GetTarget()->GetName(), attribute)
 		);
 	}
 	else {
@@ -1098,8 +1097,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::Normal::GetStartMessage() const {
 		if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 			return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 				lcf::Data::terms.attacking,
-				{'S'},
-				{source->GetName()}
+				Utils::MakeArray('S'),
+				Utils::MakeSvArray(source->GetName())
 			);
 		}
 		else {
@@ -1401,8 +1400,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::Skill::GetStartMessage() const {
 			auto* target = GetTarget();
 			return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 				skill.using_message1,
-				{'S', 'O', 'U'},
-				{GetSource()->GetName(), (target ? target->GetName() : "???"), skill.name}
+				Utils::MakeArray('S', 'O', 'U'),
+				Utils::MakeSvArray(GetSource()->GetName(), (target ? target->GetName() : "???"), skill.name)
 			);
 		}
 		else {
@@ -1427,8 +1426,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::Skill::GetSecondStartMessage() const {
 			auto* target = GetTarget();
 			return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 				skill.using_message2,
-				{ 'S', 'O', 'U' },
-				{GetSource()->GetName(), (target ? target->GetName() : "???"), skill.name}
+				Utils::MakeArray('S', 'O', 'U'),
+				Utils::MakeSvArray(GetSource()->GetName(), (target ? target->GetName() : "???"), skill.name)
 			);
 		}
 		else {
@@ -1653,8 +1652,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::Item::GetStartMessage() const {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			lcf::Data::terms.use_item,
-			{'S', 'O'},
-			{source->GetName(), item.name}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S', 'O'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(source->GetName(), item.name)
 		);
 	}
 	else if (Player::IsRPG2k()) {
@@ -1696,8 +1695,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::Defend::GetStartMessage() const {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			lcf::Data::terms.defending,
-			{'S'},
-			{source->GetName()}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(source->GetName())
 		);
 	}
 	else if (Player::IsRPG2k()) {
@@ -1730,8 +1729,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::Observe::GetStartMessage() const {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			lcf::Data::terms.observing,
-			{'S'},
-			{source->GetName()}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(source->GetName())
 		);
 	}
 	else if (Player::IsRPG2k()) {
@@ -1757,8 +1756,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::Charge::GetStartMessage() const {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			lcf::Data::terms.focus,
-			{'S'},
-			{source->GetName()}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(source->GetName())
 		);
 	}
 	else if (Player::IsRPG2k()) {
@@ -1788,8 +1787,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::SelfDestruct::GetStartMessage() const {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			lcf::Data::terms.autodestruction,
-			{'S'},
-			{source->GetName()}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(source->GetName())
 		);
 	}
 	else if (Player::IsRPG2k()) {
@@ -1867,8 +1866,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::Escape::GetStartMessage() const {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			lcf::Data::terms.enemy_escape,
-			{'S'},
-			{source->GetName()}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(source->GetName())
 		);
 	}
 	else if (Player::IsRPG2k()) {
@@ -1920,8 +1919,8 @@ std::string Game_BattleAlgorithm::Transform::GetStartMessage() const {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		return Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			lcf::Data::terms.enemy_transform,
-			{'S', 'O'},
-			{source->GetName(), lcf::ReaderUtil::GetElement(lcf::Data::enemies, new_monster_id)->name} // Sanity check in Game_Enemy
+			Utils::MakeArray('S', 'O'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(source->GetName(), lcf::ReaderUtil::GetElement(lcf::Data::enemies, new_monster_id)->name) // Sanity check in Game_Enemy
 		);
 	}
 	else if (Player::IsRPG2k()) {
diff --git a/src/game_interpreter_map.cpp b/src/game_interpreter_map.cpp
index 5429dd66f2..678aed0b84 100644
--- a/src/game_interpreter_map.cpp
+++ b/src/game_interpreter_map.cpp
@@ -368,80 +368,53 @@ bool Game_Interpreter_Map::CommandShowInn(lcf::rpg::EventCommand const& com) { /
 	}
 
 	auto pm = PendingMessage();
-	std::ostringstream out;
+
+	StringView greeting_1, greeting_2, greeting_3, accept, cancel;
 
 	switch (inn_type) {
 		case 0:
-			if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
-				out << inn_price;
-				pm.PushLine(
-					Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
-						lcf::Data::terms.inn_a_greeting_1,
-						{'V', 'U'},
-						{out.str(), lcf::Data::terms.gold}
-					)
-				);
-				pm.PushLine(
-					Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
-						lcf::Data::terms.inn_a_greeting_3,
-						{'V', 'U'},
-						{out.str(), lcf::Data::terms.gold}
-					)
-				);
-			}
-			else {
-				out << lcf::Data::terms.inn_a_greeting_1
-					<< " " << inn_price << lcf::Data::terms.gold
-					<< " " << lcf::Data::terms.inn_a_greeting_2;
-				pm.PushLine(out.str());
-				pm.PushLine(lcf::Data::terms.inn_a_greeting_3);
-			}
+			greeting_1 = lcf::Data::terms.inn_a_greeting_1;
+			greeting_2 = lcf::Data::terms.inn_a_greeting_2;
+			greeting_3 = lcf::Data::terms.inn_a_greeting_3;
+			accept = lcf::Data::terms.inn_a_accept;
+			cancel = lcf::Data::terms.inn_a_cancel;
 			break;
 		case 1:
-			if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
-				out << inn_price;
-				pm.PushLine(
-					Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
-						lcf::Data::terms.inn_b_greeting_1,
-						{'V', 'U'},
-						{out.str(), lcf::Data::terms.gold}
-					)
-				);
-				pm.PushLine(
-					Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
-						lcf::Data::terms.inn_b_greeting_3,
-						{'V', 'U'},
-						{out.str(), lcf::Data::terms.gold}
-					)
-				);
-			}
-			else {
-				out << lcf::Data::terms.inn_b_greeting_1
-					<< " " << inn_price << lcf::Data::terms.gold
-					<< " " << lcf::Data::terms.inn_b_greeting_2;
-				pm.PushLine(out.str());
-				pm.PushLine(lcf::Data::terms.inn_b_greeting_3);
-			}
+			greeting_1 = lcf::Data::terms.inn_b_greeting_1;
+			greeting_2 = lcf::Data::terms.inn_b_greeting_2;
+			greeting_3 = lcf::Data::terms.inn_b_greeting_3;
+			accept = lcf::Data::terms.inn_b_accept;
+			cancel = lcf::Data::terms.inn_b_cancel;
 			break;
-		default:
-			return false;
+	}
+
+	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
+		auto price_s = std::to_string(inn_price);
+		pm.PushLine(
+			Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
+				greeting_1,
+				Utils::MakeArray('V', 'U'),
+				Utils::MakeSvArray(price_s, lcf::Data::terms.gold)
+			)
+		);
+		pm.PushLine(
+			Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
+				greeting_3,
+				Utils::MakeArray('V', 'U'),
+				Utils::MakeSvArray(price_s, lcf::Data::terms.gold)
+			)
+		);
+	}
+	else {
+		pm.PushLine(fmt::format("{} {}{} {}", greeting_1, inn_price, lcf::Data::terms.gold, greeting_2));
+		pm.PushLine(ToString(greeting_3));
 	}
 
 	bool can_afford = (Main_Data::game_party->GetGold() >= inn_price);
 	pm.SetChoiceResetColors(true);
 
-	switch (inn_type) {
-		case 0:
-			pm.PushChoice(lcf::Data::terms.inn_a_accept, can_afford);
-			pm.PushChoice(lcf::Data::terms.inn_a_cancel);
-			break;
-		case 1:
-			pm.PushChoice(lcf::Data::terms.inn_b_accept, can_afford);
-			pm.PushChoice(lcf::Data::terms.inn_b_cancel);
-			break;
-		default:
-			return false;
-	}
+	pm.PushChoice(ToString(accept), can_afford);
+	pm.PushChoice(ToString(cancel));
 
 	pm.SetShowGoldWindow(true);
 
diff --git a/src/game_message.cpp b/src/game_message.cpp
index 6c04e80457..39d52222cf 100644
--- a/src/game_message.cpp
+++ b/src/game_message.cpp
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ int Game_Message::GetRealPosition() {
 	}
 }
 
-int Game_Message::WordWrap(const std::string& line, const int limit, const std::function<void(const std::string &line)> callback) {
+int Game_Message::WordWrap(StringView line, const int limit, const WordWrapCallback& callback) {
 	int start = 0;
 	int line_count = 0;
 	FontRef font = Font::Default();
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ int Game_Message::WordWrap(const std::string& line, const int limit, const std::
 	do {
 		int next = start;
 		do {
-			auto found = line.find(" ", next);
+			auto found = line.find(' ', next);
 			if (found == std::string::npos) {
 				found = line.size();
 			}
diff --git a/src/game_message.h b/src/game_message.h
index 7b4e8cd787..1d45d4a6df 100644
--- a/src/game_message.h
+++ b/src/game_message.h
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
 #include <bitset>
 #include <string>
 #include <functional>
+#include "string_view.h"
 #include "pending_message.h"
 
 class Window_Message;
@@ -171,6 +172,9 @@ namespace Game_Message {
 
 	void SetPendingMessage(PendingMessage&& pm);
 
+	/** Callback type for WordWrap function */
+	using WordWrapCallback = const std::function<void(StringView line)>;
+
 	/**
 	 * Breaks the line into lines, each of which is equal
 	 * or less than a specified limit in pixels in the
@@ -189,7 +193,7 @@ namespace Game_Message {
 	 * @param[in] limit maximum size of each line after word-breaking.
 	 * @param callback a function to be called for each word-wrapped line
 	 */
-	int WordWrap(const std::string& line, int limit, const std::function<void(const std::string &line)> callback);
+	int WordWrap(StringView line, int limit, const WordWrapCallback& callback);
 
 	/**
 	 * Return if it's legal to show a new message box.
diff --git a/src/game_system.cpp b/src/game_system.cpp
index 701e10c62f..015f9f1924 100644
--- a/src/game_system.cpp
+++ b/src/game_system.cpp
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ bool Game_System::IsStopFilename(const std::string& name, std::string (*find_fun
 
 	found_name = find_func(name);
 
-	return found_name.empty() && (Utils::StartsWith(name, "(") && Utils::EndsWith(name, ")"));
+	return found_name.empty() && (ToStringView(name).starts_with('(') && ToStringView(name).ends_with(')'));
 }
 
 
@@ -468,7 +468,7 @@ void Game_System::OnBgmReady(FileRequestResult* result) {
 		return;
 	}
 
-	if (Utils::EndsWith(result->file, ".link")) {
+	if (ToStringView(result->file).ends_with(".link")) {
 		// Handle Ineluki's MP3 patch
 		auto stream = FileFinder::OpenInputStream(path, std::ios_base::in);
 		if (!stream) {
diff --git a/src/message_overlay.cpp b/src/message_overlay.cpp
index 045c702fd7..eea17546e5 100644
--- a/src/message_overlay.cpp
+++ b/src/message_overlay.cpp
@@ -86,8 +86,8 @@ void MessageOverlay::AddMessage(const std::string& message, Color color) {
 	Game_Message::WordWrap(
 			message,
 			SCREEN_TARGET_WIDTH - 6, // hardcoded to screen width because the bitmap is not initialized early enough
-			[&](const std::string& line) {
-				messages.emplace_back(line, color);
+			[&](StringView line) {
+				messages.emplace_back(std::string(line), color);
 			}
 	);
 
diff --git a/src/registry_wine.cpp b/src/registry_wine.cpp
index 2ea2f81d6d..b4deb74920 100644
--- a/src/registry_wine.cpp
+++ b/src/registry_wine.cpp
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ std::string Registry::ReadStrValue(HKEY hkey, const std::string& key, const std:
 		if (!in_section) {
 			if (line.empty() || line[0] != '[') {
 				continue;
-			} else if (Utils::StartsWith(Utils::LowerCaseInPlace(line), formatted_key_search)) {
+			} else if (ToStringView(Utils::LowerCaseInPlace(line)).starts_with(formatted_key_search)) {
 				// Found the section
 				in_section = true;
 			}
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ std::string Registry::ReadStrValue(HKEY hkey, const std::string& key, const std:
 				break;
 			}
 
-			if (Utils::StartsWith(Utils::LowerCase(line), formatted_val)) {
+			if (ToStringView(Utils::LowerCase(line)).starts_with(formatted_val)) {
 				// value found
 				string_value = line.substr(formatted_val.length());
 				break;
diff --git a/src/scene_battle_rpg2k.cpp b/src/scene_battle_rpg2k.cpp
index e8ec4e977a..d00e4fbbe6 100644
--- a/src/scene_battle_rpg2k.cpp
+++ b/src/scene_battle_rpg2k.cpp
@@ -1466,8 +1466,8 @@ void Scene_Battle_Rpg2k::PushExperienceGainedMessage(PendingMessage& pm, int exp
 		pm.PushLine(
 			Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 				lcf::Data::terms.exp_received,
-				{'V', 'U'},
-				{std::to_string(exp), lcf::Data::terms.exp_short}
+				Utils::MakeArray('V', 'U'),
+				Utils::MakeSvArray(std::to_string(exp), lcf::Data::terms.exp_short)
 			) + Player::escape_symbol + "."
 		);
 	}
@@ -1484,8 +1484,8 @@ void Scene_Battle_Rpg2k::PushGoldReceivedMessage(PendingMessage& pm, int money)
 		pm.PushLine(
 			Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 				lcf::Data::terms.gold_recieved_a,
-				{'V', 'U'},
-				{std::to_string(money), lcf::Data::terms.gold}
+				Utils::MakeArray('V', 'U'),
+				Utils::MakeSvArray(std::to_string(money), lcf::Data::terms.gold)
 			) + Player::escape_symbol + "."
 		);
 	}
@@ -1511,8 +1511,8 @@ void Scene_Battle_Rpg2k::PushItemRecievedMessages(PendingMessage& pm, std::vecto
 			pm.PushLine(
 				Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 					lcf::Data::terms.item_recieved,
-					{'S'},
-					{item_name}
+					Utils::MakeArray('S'),
+					Utils::MakeSvArray(item_name)
 				) + Player::escape_symbol + "."
 			);
 		}
diff --git a/src/span.h b/src/span.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..b314fed3e6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/span.h
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+/*
+ * This file is part of EasyRPG Player.
+ *
+ * EasyRPG Player is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * EasyRPG Player is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with EasyRPG Player. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#ifndef EP_SPAN_H
+#define EP_SPAN_H
+
+#include <lcf/span.h>
+
+using lcf::Span;
+using lcf::ExtentT;
+using lcf::dynamic_extent;
+using lcf::MakeSpan;
+
+#endif
diff --git a/src/string_view.h b/src/string_view.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..a790b78c43
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/string_view.h
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+/*
+ * This file is part of EasyRPG Player.
+ *
+ * EasyRPG Player is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * EasyRPG Player is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with EasyRPG Player. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#ifndef EP_STRING_VIEW_H
+#define EP_STRING_VIEW_H
+
+#include <lcf/string_view.h>
+#include <fmt/core.h>
+
+using StringView = lcf::StringView;
+
+using lcf::ToString;
+using lcf::ToStringView;
+
+// FIXME: liblcf doesn't depend on fmt, so we need to add this here to enable fmtlib support for our StringView.
+namespace nonstd { namespace sv_lite {
+template <typename C, typename T>
+inline fmt::basic_string_view<C> to_string_view(basic_string_view<C,T> s) {
+    return fmt::basic_string_view<C>(s.data(), s.size());
+}
+} }
+
+
+#endif
diff --git a/src/text.cpp b/src/text.cpp
index b150d3ecc2..cb5e93d58b 100644
--- a/src/text.cpp
+++ b/src/text.cpp
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ Rect Text::Draw(Bitmap& dest, int x, int y, Font& font, Color color, char32_t ch
 	}
 }
 
-Rect Text::Draw(Bitmap& dest, const int x, const int y, Font& font, const Bitmap& system, const int color, const std::string& text, const Text::Alignment align) {
+Rect Text::Draw(Bitmap& dest, const int x, const int y, Font& font, const Bitmap& system, const int color, StringView text, const Text::Alignment align) {
 	if (text.length() == 0) return { x, y, 0, 0 };
 
 	Rect dst_rect = font.GetSize(text);
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ Rect Text::Draw(Bitmap& dest, const int x, const int y, Font& font, const Bitmap
 	return { x, y, next_glyph_pos, ih };
 }
 
-Rect Text::Draw(Bitmap& dest, const int x, const int y, Font& font, const Color color, const std::string& text) {
+Rect Text::Draw(Bitmap& dest, const int x, const int y, Font& font, const Color color, StringView text) {
 	if (text.length() == 0) return { x, y, 0, 0 };
 
 	int dx = x;
diff --git a/src/text.h b/src/text.h
index 0aaa63a196..71f57e50b2 100644
--- a/src/text.h
+++ b/src/text.h
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
 #include "memory_management.h"
 #include "rect.h"
 #include "color.h"
+#include "string_view.h"
 #include <string>
 
 class Font;
@@ -52,7 +53,7 @@ namespace Text {
 	 *
 	 * @return Rect describing the sub-rect of dest that was rendered to. Does *not* include shadow pixels.
 	 */
-	Rect Draw(Bitmap& dest, int x, int y, Font& font, const Bitmap& system, int color, const std::string& text, Text::Alignment align = Text::AlignLeft);
+	Rect Draw(Bitmap& dest, int x, int y, Font& font, const Bitmap& system, int color, StringView text, Text::Alignment align = Text::AlignLeft);
 
 	/**
 	 * Draws the text onto dest bitmap with given parameters. Does not draw a shadow.
@@ -66,7 +67,7 @@ namespace Text {
 	 *
 	 * @return Rect describing the sub-rect of dest that was rendered to. Does *not* include shadow pixels.
 	 */
-	Rect Draw(Bitmap& dest, int x, int y, Font& font, Color color, const std::string& text);
+	Rect Draw(Bitmap& dest, int x, int y, Font& font, Color color, StringView text);
 
 	/**
 	 * Draws the character onto dest bitmap with given parameters.
diff --git a/src/utils.cpp b/src/utils.cpp
index 3ba205cf68..4378e03619 100644
--- a/src/utils.cpp
+++ b/src/utils.cpp
@@ -51,8 +51,8 @@ namespace {
 
 }
 
-std::string Utils::LowerCase(const std::string& str) {
-	std::string result = str;
+std::string Utils::LowerCase(StringView str) {
+	auto result = std::string(str);
 	LowerCaseInPlace(result);
 	return result;
 }
@@ -62,12 +62,17 @@ std::string& Utils::LowerCaseInPlace(std::string& str) {
 	return str;
 }
 
-std::string Utils::UpperCase(const std::string& str) {
-	std::string result = str;
-	std::transform(result.begin(), result.end(), result.begin(), Upper);
+std::string Utils::UpperCase(StringView str) {
+	auto result = std::string(str);
+	UpperCaseInPlace(result);
 	return result;
 }
 
+std::string& Utils::UpperCaseInPlace(std::string& str) {
+	std::transform(str.begin(), str.end(), str.begin(), Upper);
+	return str;
+}
+
 int Utils::StrICmp(const char* l, const char* r) {
 	assert(l != nullptr);
 	assert(r != nullptr);
@@ -82,17 +87,7 @@ int Utils::StrICmp(const char* l, const char* r) {
 	return *l - *r;
 }
 
-bool Utils::StartsWith(const std::string& str, const std::string& start) {
-	return str.length() >= start.length() &&
-		   0 == str.compare(0, start.length(), start);
-}
-
-bool Utils::EndsWith(const std::string& str, const std::string& end) {
-	return str.length() >= end.length() &&
-		0 == str.compare(str.length() - end.length(), end.length(), end);
-}
-
-std::u16string Utils::DecodeUTF16(const std::string& str) {
+std::u16string Utils::DecodeUTF16(StringView str) {
 	std::u16string result;
 	for (auto it = str.begin(), str_end = str.end(); it < str_end; ++it) {
 		uint8_t c1 = *it;
@@ -167,7 +162,7 @@ std::u16string Utils::DecodeUTF16(const std::string& str) {
 	return result;
 }
 
-std::u32string Utils::DecodeUTF32(const std::string& str) {
+std::u32string Utils::DecodeUTF32(StringView str) {
 	std::u32string result;
 	for (auto it = str.begin(), str_end = str.end(); it < str_end; ++it) {
 		uint8_t c1 = *it;
@@ -425,22 +420,22 @@ Utils::TextRet Utils::TextNext(const char* iter, const char* end, char32_t escap
 
 #if !defined(__amigaos4__) && !defined(__AROS__)
 template<size_t WideSize>
-static std::wstring ToWideStringImpl(const std::string&);
+static std::wstring ToWideStringImpl(StringView);
 #if __SIZEOF_WCHAR_T__ == 4 || __WCHAR_MAX__ > 0x10000
 template<> // utf32
-std::wstring ToWideStringImpl<4>(const std::string& str) {
-	std::u32string const tmp = Utils::DecodeUTF32(str);
+std::wstring ToWideStringImpl<4>(StringView str) {
+	const auto tmp = Utils::DecodeUTF32(str);
 	return std::wstring(tmp.begin(), tmp.end());
 }
 #else
 template<> // utf16
-std::wstring ToWideStringImpl<2>(const std::string& str) {
-	std::u16string const tmp = Utils::DecodeUTF16(str);
+std::wstring ToWideStringImpl<2>(StringView str) {
+	const auto tmp = Utils::DecodeUTF16(str);
 	return std::wstring(tmp.begin(), tmp.end());
 }
 #endif
 
-std::wstring Utils::ToWideString(const std::string& str) {
+std::wstring Utils::ToWideString(StringView str) {
 	return ToWideStringImpl<sizeof(wchar_t)>(str);
 }
 
@@ -596,7 +591,7 @@ std::string Utils::ReadLine(std::istream &is) {
 	}
 }
 
-std::vector<std::string> Utils::Tokenize(const std::string &str_to_tokenize, const std::function<bool(char32_t)> predicate) {
+std::vector<std::string> Utils::Tokenize(StringView str_to_tokenize, const std::function<bool(char32_t)> predicate) {
 	std::u32string text = DecodeUTF32(str_to_tokenize);
 	std::vector<std::string> tokens;
 	std::u32string cur_token;
@@ -630,8 +625,8 @@ std::vector<uint8_t> Utils::ReadStream(std::istream& stream) {
 	return outbuf;
 }
 
-std::string Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(const std::string& text_template, std::vector<char> types, std::vector<std::string> values) {
-	std::string str = text_template;
+std::string Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(StringView text_template, Span<const char> types, Span<const StringView> values) {
+	auto str = std::string(text_template);
 	size_t index = str.find("%");
 	while (index != std::string::npos) {
 		if (index + 1 < str.length()) {
@@ -642,7 +637,7 @@ std::string Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(const std::string& text_template, std::ve
 					t_it != types.end() && v_it != values.end();
 					++t_it, ++v_it) {
 					if (std::toupper(type) == *t_it) {
-						str.replace(index, 2, *v_it);
+						str.replace(index, 2, v_it->data(), v_it->size());
 						index += (*v_it).length() - 2;
 						break;
 					}
diff --git a/src/utils.h b/src/utils.h
index e1caa8e49d..17bf4c5ac3 100644
--- a/src/utils.h
+++ b/src/utils.h
@@ -24,6 +24,8 @@
 #include <vector>
 #include <random>
 #include "system.h"
+#include "string_view.h"
+#include "span.h"
 
 namespace Utils {
 	/**
@@ -32,7 +34,7 @@ namespace Utils {
 	 * @param str string to convert.
 	 * @return the converted string.
 	 */
-	std::string LowerCase(const std::string& str);
+	std::string LowerCase(StringView str);
 
 	/**
 	 * Converts a string to lower case in-place (ASCII only, faster)
@@ -48,7 +50,15 @@ namespace Utils {
 	 * @param str string to convert.
 	 * @return the converted string.
 	 */
-	std::string UpperCase(const std::string& str);
+	std::string UpperCase(StringView str);
+
+	/**
+	 * Converts a string to upper case in-place. (ASCII only, faster)
+	 *
+	 * @param str string to convert.
+	 * @return the converted string.
+	 */
+	std::string& UpperCaseInPlace(std::string& str);
 
 	/**
 	 * Case insensitive (ascii only) lexicographical compare of 2 strings.
@@ -60,31 +70,13 @@ namespace Utils {
 	 */
 	int StrICmp(const char* l, const char* r);
 
-	/**
-	 * Tests if a string starts with a substring.
-	 *
-	 * @param str String to search in
-	 * @param end Substring to check at the start of str
-	 * @return true when the start matches
-	 */
-	bool StartsWith(const std::string& str, const std::string& end);
-
-	/**
-	 * Tests if a string ends with a substring.
-	 *
-	 * @param str String to search in
-	 * @param end Substring to check at the end of str
-	 * @return true when the end matches
-	 */
-	bool EndsWith(const std::string& str, const std::string& end);
-
 	/**
 	 * Converts Utf8 to UTF-16.
 	 *
 	 * @param str string to convert.
 	 * @return the converted string.
 	 */
-	std::u16string DecodeUTF16(const std::string& str);
+	std::u16string DecodeUTF16(StringView str);
 
 	/**
 	 * Converts UTF-8 to UTF-32.
@@ -92,7 +84,7 @@ namespace Utils {
 	 * @param str string to convert.
 	 * @return the converted string.
 	 */
-	std::u32string DecodeUTF32(const std::string& str);
+	std::u32string DecodeUTF32(StringView str);
 
 	/**
 	 * Converts UTF-16 to UTF-8.
@@ -132,7 +124,7 @@ namespace Utils {
 	 * @param str string to convert.
 	 * @return the converted string.
 	 */
-	std::wstring ToWideString(const std::string& str);
+	std::wstring ToWideString(StringView str);
 
 	/**
 	 * Converts std::wstring to UTF-8 string.
@@ -295,7 +287,7 @@ namespace Utils {
 	 * @param predicate Predicate function, must return true when the character is used for splitting.
 	 * @return vector containing the elements between the tokens
 	 */
-	std::vector<std::string> Tokenize(const std::string& str_to_tokenize, const std::function<bool(char32_t)> predicate);
+	std::vector<std::string> Tokenize(StringView str_to_tokenize, const std::function<bool(char32_t)> predicate);
 
 	/*
 	 * Searches for newlines and calls f(const std::string&) for each line.
@@ -304,7 +296,7 @@ namespace Utils {
 	 * @param f function of type void(const std::string&)
 	 */
 	template <typename F>
-	void ForEachLine(const std::string& line, F&& f);
+	void ForEachLine(StringView line, F&& f);
 
 
 	/**
@@ -326,7 +318,7 @@ namespace Utils {
 	 * should match types in number of elements and order.
 	 * @return A new string with placeholders replaced.
 	 */
-	std::string ReplacePlaceholders(const std::string& text_template, std::vector<char> types, std::vector<std::string> values);
+	std::string ReplacePlaceholders(StringView text_template, Span<const char> types, Span<const StringView> values);
 
 	/**
 	 * @return value clamped between min and max
@@ -352,6 +344,45 @@ namespace Utils {
 	template <typename Dest, typename Src>
 	std::enable_if_t<std::is_arithmetic<Src>::value && std::is_arithmetic<Dest>::value, Dest> RoundTo(Src v);
 
+	namespace detail {
+	template <typename D, typename...> struct MakeArrayReturnHelper { using type = D; };
+	template <typename... Types> struct MakeArrayReturnHelper<void, Types...> : std::common_type<Types...> {};
+	template <typename D, typename... Types> using MakeArrayReturn = std::array<typename MakeArrayReturnHelper<D,Types...>::type, sizeof...(Types)>;
+	template <typename D, typename... Types> using MakeVectorReturn = std::vector<typename MakeArrayReturnHelper<D,Types...>::type>;
+	} // namespace detail
+
+	/**
+	 * Create a std::array from the given parameters, automatically deducing the type and size.
+	 */
+	template <typename D = void, typename... Types>
+	constexpr detail::MakeArrayReturn<D,Types...> MakeArray(Types&& ... t) {
+		return { std::forward<Types>(t)... };
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * Create a std::array<StringView,N> from the given parameters, automatically deducing the size.
+	 */
+	template <typename D = void, typename... Types>
+	constexpr auto MakeSvArray(Types&& ... t) {
+		return MakeArray<StringView>(std::forward<Types>(t)...);
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * Create a std::vector from the given parameters, automatically deducing the type.
+	 */
+	template <typename D = void, typename... Types>
+	constexpr detail::MakeVectorReturn<D,Types...> MakeVector(Types&& ... t) {
+		return { std::forward<Types>(t)... };
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * Create a std::vector<StringView> from the given parameters.
+	 */
+	template <typename D = void, typename... Types>
+	constexpr auto MakeSvVector(Types&& ... t) {
+		return MakeVector<StringView>(std::forward<Types>(t)...);
+	}
+
 } // namespace Utils
 
 template <typename T>
@@ -364,11 +395,11 @@ inline bool Utils::PercentChance(long rate) {
 }
 
 template <typename F>
-inline void Utils::ForEachLine(const std::string& line, F&& f) {
+inline void Utils::ForEachLine(StringView line, F&& f) {
 	size_t next = 0;
 	do {
 		auto idx = line.find('\n', next);
-		if (idx == std::string::npos) {
+		if (idx == decltype(line)::npos) {
 			if (next == 0) {
 				// Optimize the common case
 				f(line);
diff --git a/src/window_battlemessage.cpp b/src/window_battlemessage.cpp
index 7affa37d5c..8c03f0d189 100644
--- a/src/window_battlemessage.cpp
+++ b/src/window_battlemessage.cpp
@@ -35,41 +35,41 @@ Window_BattleMessage::Window_BattleMessage(int ix, int iy, int iwidth, int iheig
 	SetZ(Priority_Window + 50);
 }
 
-void Window_BattleMessage::Push(const std::string& message) {
+void Window_BattleMessage::Push(StringView message) {
 #ifdef EP_DEBUG_BATTLE2K_MESSAGE
 	Output::Debug("Battle2k Message Push \"{}\"", message);
 #endif
-	Utils::ForEachLine(message, [this](const std::string& line)
+	Utils::ForEachLine(message, [this](StringView line)
 			{ PushLine(line); });
 }
 
-void Window_BattleMessage::PushLine(const std::string& line) {
+void Window_BattleMessage::PushLine(StringView line) {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		Game_Message::WordWrap(
 				line,
 				GetWidth() - 20,
-				[this](const std::string& wrap_line) {
-					lines.push_back(wrap_line);
+				[this](StringView wrap_line) {
+					lines.push_back(std::string(wrap_line));
 				}
 				);
 	}
 	else {
-		lines.push_back(line);
+		lines.push_back(std::string(line));
 	}
 
 	needs_refresh = true;
 }
 
-void Window_BattleMessage::PushWithSubject(const std::string& message, const std::string& subject) {
+void Window_BattleMessage::PushWithSubject(StringView message, StringView subject) {
 	if (Player::IsRPG2kE()) {
 		Push(Utils::ReplacePlaceholders(
 			message,
-			{'S'},
-			{subject}
+			Utils::MakeArray('S'),
+			Utils::MakeSvArray(subject)
 		));
 	}
 	else {
-		Push(subject + message);
+		Push(std::string(subject) + std::string(message));
 	}
 	needs_refresh = true;
 }
diff --git a/src/window_battlemessage.h b/src/window_battlemessage.h
index 92616f633f..4275cf1422 100644
--- a/src/window_battlemessage.h
+++ b/src/window_battlemessage.h
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ class Window_BattleMessage : public Window_Base {
 	 *
 	 * @param message The text to be displayed.
 	 */
-	void Push(const std::string& message);
+	void Push(StringView message);
 
 	/**
 	 * Pushes a message, either prepending the subject to it,
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ class Window_BattleMessage : public Window_Base {
 	 * @param message Message to be displayed.
 	 * @param subject Subject that will be displayed in the message.
 	 */
-	void PushWithSubject(const std::string& message, const std::string& subject);
+	void PushWithSubject(StringView message, StringView subject);
 
 	void Pop();
 
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ class Window_BattleMessage : public Window_Base {
 	static const int linesPerPage = 4;
 
 protected:
-	void PushLine(const std::string& line);
+	void PushLine(StringView line);
 private:
 	std::vector<std::string> lines;
 
diff --git a/src/window_message.cpp b/src/window_message.cpp
index dd4147e0ed..06255ae2df 100644
--- a/src/window_message.cpp
+++ b/src/window_message.cpp
@@ -161,8 +161,8 @@ void Window_Message::StartMessageProcessing(PendingMessage pm) {
 			Game_Message::WordWrap(
 					line,
 					width - 24,
-					[&](const std::string& wrapped_line) {
-						append(wrapped_line);
+					[&](StringView wrapped_line) {
+						append(std::string(wrapped_line));
 					}
 			);
 		}
diff --git a/src/window_name.cpp b/src/window_name.cpp
index 1ea1f71a4b..849ac386af 100644
--- a/src/window_name.cpp
+++ b/src/window_name.cpp
@@ -38,17 +38,19 @@ void Window_Name::Refresh() {
 	contents->TextDraw(2, 2, Font::ColorDefault, name);
 }
 
-void Window_Name::Set(const std::string& text) {
-	name = text;
+void Window_Name::Set(std::string text) {
+	name = std::move(text);
 	Refresh();
 }
 
-void Window_Name::Append(const std::string& text) {
-	if(Font::Default()->GetSize(name + text).width <= (12 * 6)) {
-		name += text;
+void Window_Name::Append(StringView text) {
+	// Avoid string copies by reusing the buffer in name
+	name.append(text.begin(), text.end());
+	if(Font::Default()->GetSize(name).width <= (12 * 6)) {
 		Refresh();
 	} else {
 		Game_System::SePlay(Game_System::GetSystemSE(Game_System::SFX_Buzzer));
+		name.resize(name.size() - text.size());
 	}
 }
 
@@ -58,16 +60,13 @@ void Window_Name::Update() {
 }
 
 void Window_Name::Erase() {
-	if (name.size() < 1)
+	if (name.empty())
 		return;
 
-	std::u32string u32name = Utils::DecodeUTF32(name);
+	auto u32name = Utils::DecodeUTF32(name);
 	u32name.pop_back();
 	name = Utils::EncodeUTF(u32name);
 
 	Refresh();
 }
 
-const std::string& Window_Name::Get() {
-	return name;
-}
diff --git a/src/window_name.h b/src/window_name.h
index b9b32427e2..5fefb88589 100644
--- a/src/window_name.h
+++ b/src/window_name.h
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
 // Headers
 #include <string>
 #include "window_base.h"
+#include "string_view.h"
 
 /**
  * Window Name Class.
@@ -37,10 +38,10 @@ class Window_Name :	public Window_Base {
 	 */
 	void Refresh();
 
-	void Set(const std::string& text);
-	void Append(const std::string& text);
+	void Set(std::string text);
+	void Append(StringView text);
 	void Erase();
-	const std::string& Get();
+	const std::string& Get() const;
 
 	void Update() override;
 
@@ -48,4 +49,8 @@ class Window_Name :	public Window_Base {
 	std::string name;
 };
 
+inline const std::string& Window_Name::Get() const {
+	return name;
+}
+
 #endif
diff --git a/tests/wordwrap.cpp b/tests/wordwrap.cpp
index c8e5c9c648..a39d104d4d 100644
--- a/tests/wordwrap.cpp
+++ b/tests/wordwrap.cpp
@@ -7,9 +7,9 @@ TEST_SUITE_BEGIN("Word Wrap");
 
 constexpr int limit_2k = SCREEN_TARGET_WIDTH - 20;
 
-static std::vector<std::string> WordWrap(const std::string& line, int limit = limit_2k) {
+static std::vector<std::string> WordWrap(StringView line, int limit = limit_2k) {
 	std::vector<std::string> lines;
-	Game_Message::WordWrap(line, limit, [&](const std::string& l) { lines.push_back(l); });
+	Game_Message::WordWrap(line, limit, [&](StringView l) { lines.push_back(std::string(l)); });
 	return lines;
 }