diff --git a/core/ChatTriggers.cpp b/core/ChatTriggers.cpp
index 430c88e7..60366cbf 100644
--- a/core/ChatTriggers.cpp
+++ b/core/ChatTriggers.cpp
@@ -277,10 +277,10 @@ bool ChatTriggers::OnSayCommand_Pre(int client, const ICommandArgs *command)
 	bool is_silent = false;
 
 	// Prefer the silent trigger in case of clashes.
-	if (strchr(m_PrivTrigger.chars(), m_ArgSBackup[0])) {
+	if (strchr(m_PrivTrigger.c_str(), m_ArgSBackup[0])) {
 		is_trigger = true;
 		is_silent = true;
-	} else if (strchr(m_PubTrigger.chars(), m_ArgSBackup[0])) {
+	} else if (strchr(m_PubTrigger.c_str(), m_ArgSBackup[0])) {
 		is_trigger = true;
 	}
 
diff --git a/core/ChatTriggers.h b/core/ChatTriggers.h
index db49d4e4..e309858f 100644
--- a/core/ChatTriggers.h
+++ b/core/ChatTriggers.h
@@ -74,8 +74,8 @@ private:
 	cell_t CallOnClientSayCommand(int client);
 private:
 	ke::Vector<ke::RefPtr<CommandHook>> hooks_;
-	ke::AString m_PubTrigger;
-	ke::AString m_PrivTrigger;
+	std::string m_PubTrigger;
+	std::string m_PrivTrigger;
 	bool m_bWillProcessInPost;
 	bool m_bIsChatTrigger;
 	bool m_bWasFloodedMessage;
diff --git a/core/ConCmdManager.cpp b/core/ConCmdManager.cpp
index a5da1ca7..d57abc54 100644
--- a/core/ConCmdManager.cpp
+++ b/core/ConCmdManager.cpp
@@ -649,7 +649,7 @@ void ConCmdManager::OnRootConsoleCommand(const char *cmdname, const ICommandArgs
 
 			name = hook->info->pCmd->GetName();
 			if (hook->helptext.length())
-				help = hook->helptext.chars();
+				help = hook->helptext.c_str();
 			else
 				help = hook->info->pCmd->GetHelpText();
 			UTIL_ConsolePrint("  %-17.16s %-12.11s %s", name, type, help);		
diff --git a/core/ConCmdManager.h b/core/ConCmdManager.h
index 6c805898..cf37193a 100644
--- a/core/ConCmdManager.h
+++ b/core/ConCmdManager.h
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ struct CmdHook : public ke::InlineListNode<CmdHook>
 	Type type;
 	ConCmdInfo *info;
 	IPluginFunction *pf;				/* function hook */
-	ke::AString helptext;				/* help text */
+	std::string helptext;				/* help text */
 	std::unique_ptr<AdminCmdInfo> admin;	/* admin requirements, if any */
 };
 
diff --git a/core/ConVarManager.h b/core/ConVarManager.h
index ad2fe376..fd3b0025 100644
--- a/core/ConVarManager.h
+++ b/core/ConVarManager.h
@@ -70,18 +70,16 @@ struct ConVarInfo
 		{
 			const char *conVarChars = info->pVar->GetName();
 
-			ke::AString convarName = ke::AString(conVarChars).lowercase();
-			ke::AString input = ke::AString(name).lowercase();
+			std::string convarName = ke::Lowercase(conVarChars);
+			std::string input = ke::Lowercase(name);
 
 			return convarName == input;
 		}
 
 		static inline uint32_t hash(const detail::CharsAndLength &key)
 		{
-			ke::AString original(key.chars());
-			ke::AString lower = original.lowercase();
-
-			return detail::CharsAndLength(lower.chars()).hash();
+			std::string lower = ke::Lowercase(key.c_str());
+			return detail::CharsAndLength(lower.c_str()).hash();
 		}
 	};
 };
diff --git a/core/CoreConfig.cpp b/core/CoreConfig.cpp
index 77716cc5..f2b32f72 100644
--- a/core/CoreConfig.cpp
+++ b/core/CoreConfig.cpp
@@ -290,7 +290,7 @@ ConfigResult CoreConfig::SetConfigOption(const char *option, const char *value,
 		pBase = pBase->m_pGlobalClassNext;
 	}
 
-	ke::AString vstr(value);
+	std::string vstr(value);
 	m_KeyValues.replace(option, std::move(vstr));
 
 	return result;
@@ -298,10 +298,10 @@ ConfigResult CoreConfig::SetConfigOption(const char *option, const char *value,
 
 const char *CoreConfig::GetCoreConfigValue(const char *key)
 {
-	StringHashMap<ke::AString>::Result r = m_KeyValues.find(key);
+	StringHashMap<std::string>::Result r = m_KeyValues.find(key);
 	if (!r.found())
 		return NULL;
-	return r->value.chars();
+	return r->value.c_str();
 }
 
 bool SM_AreConfigsExecuted()
diff --git a/core/CoreConfig.h b/core/CoreConfig.h
index ecb907bc..461a1493 100644
--- a/core/CoreConfig.h
+++ b/core/CoreConfig.h
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ private:
 	 */
 	ConfigResult SetConfigOption(const char *option, const char *value, ConfigSource, char *Error, size_t maxlength);
 private:
-	StringHashMap<ke::AString> m_KeyValues;
+	StringHashMap<std::string> m_KeyValues;
 };
 
 extern bool SM_AreConfigsExecuted();
diff --git a/core/EventManager.cpp b/core/EventManager.cpp
index 62b820bd..dc67d81c 100644
--- a/core/EventManager.cpp
+++ b/core/EventManager.cpp
@@ -484,7 +484,7 @@ bool EventManager::OnFireEvent_Post(IGameEvent *pEvent, bool bDontBroadcast)
 				pForward->PushCell(BAD_HANDLE);
 			}
 
-			pForward->PushString(pHook->name.chars());
+			pForward->PushString(pHook->name.c_str());
 			pForward->PushCell(bDontBroadcast);
 			pForward->Execute(NULL);
 
@@ -505,7 +505,7 @@ bool EventManager::OnFireEvent_Post(IGameEvent *pEvent, bool bDontBroadcast)
 		{
 			assert(pHook->pPostHook == NULL);
 			assert(pHook->pPreHook == NULL);
-			m_EventHooks.remove(pHook->name.chars());
+			m_EventHooks.remove(pHook->name.c_str());
 			delete pHook;
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/core/EventManager.h b/core/EventManager.h
index 1c8a1da5..b1492314 100644
--- a/core/EventManager.h
+++ b/core/EventManager.h
@@ -71,11 +71,11 @@ struct EventHook
 	IChangeableForward *pPostHook;
 	bool postCopy;
 	unsigned int refCount;
-	ke::AString name;
+	std::string name;
 
 	static inline bool matches(const char *name, const EventHook *hook)
 	{
-		return strcmp(name, hook->name.chars()) == 0;
+		return strcmp(name, hook->name.c_str()) == 0;
 	}
 	static inline uint32_t hash(const detail::CharsAndLength &key)
 	{
diff --git a/core/HalfLife2.h b/core/HalfLife2.h
index 9a1662af..74dc9a85 100644
--- a/core/HalfLife2.h
+++ b/core/HalfLife2.h
@@ -280,7 +280,7 @@ public:
 		return !m_bFollowCSGOServerGuidelines || !m_CSGOBadList.has(pszPropName);
 	}
 private:
-	ke::HashSet<ke::AString, detail::StringHashMapPolicy> m_CSGOBadList;
+	ke::HashSet<std::string, detail::StringHashMapPolicy> m_CSGOBadList;
 	bool m_bFollowCSGOServerGuidelines = true;
 #endif
 };
diff --git a/core/MenuStyle_Base.cpp b/core/MenuStyle_Base.cpp
index 208d9cd6..884260c9 100644
--- a/core/MenuStyle_Base.cpp
+++ b/core/MenuStyle_Base.cpp
@@ -637,7 +637,7 @@ bool CBaseMenu::AppendItem(const char *info, const ItemDrawInfo &draw)
 
 	item.info = info;
 	if (draw.display)
-		item.display = std::make_unique<ke::AString>(draw.display);
+		item.display = std::make_unique<std::string>(draw.display);
 	item.style = draw.style;
 
 	m_items.append(std::move(item));
@@ -658,7 +658,7 @@ bool CBaseMenu::InsertItem(unsigned int position, const char *info, const ItemDr
 	CItem item;
 	item.info = info;
 	if (draw.display)
-		item.display = std::make_unique<ke::AString>(draw.display);
+		item.display = std::make_unique<std::string>(draw.display);
 	item.style = draw.style;
 
 	m_items.insert(position, std::move(item));
@@ -686,11 +686,11 @@ const char *CBaseMenu::GetItemInfo(unsigned int position, ItemDrawInfo *draw/* =
 
 	if (draw)
 	{
-		draw->display = m_items[position].display->chars();
+		draw->display = m_items[position].display->c_str();
 		draw->style = m_items[position].style;
 	}
 
-	return m_items[position].info.chars();
+	return m_items[position].info.c_str();
 }
 
 unsigned int CBaseMenu::GetItemCount()
@@ -733,7 +733,7 @@ void CBaseMenu::SetDefaultTitle(const char *message)
 
 const char *CBaseMenu::GetDefaultTitle()
 {
-	return m_Title.chars();
+	return m_Title.c_str();
 }
 
 void CBaseMenu::Cancel()
diff --git a/core/MenuStyle_Base.h b/core/MenuStyle_Base.h
index 57844eaa..d81e4b07 100644
--- a/core/MenuStyle_Base.h
+++ b/core/MenuStyle_Base.h
@@ -68,8 +68,8 @@ public:
 	}
 
 public:
-	ke::AString info;
-	std::unique_ptr<ke::AString> display;
+	std::string info;
+	std::unique_ptr<std::string> display;
 	unsigned int style;
 	unsigned int access;
 
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ public:
 private:
 	void InternalDelete();
 protected:
-	ke::AString m_Title;
+	std::string m_Title;
 	IMenuStyle *m_pStyle;
 	unsigned int m_Pagination;
 	ke::Vector<CItem> m_items;
diff --git a/core/PlayerManager.cpp b/core/PlayerManager.cpp
index 0ab95008..c743adac 100644
--- a/core/PlayerManager.cpp
+++ b/core/PlayerManager.cpp
@@ -405,7 +405,7 @@ void PlayerManager::RunAuthChecks()
 		pPlayer = &m_Players[m_AuthQueue[i]];
 		pPlayer->UpdateAuthIds();
 		
-		authstr = pPlayer->m_AuthID.chars();
+		authstr = pPlayer->m_AuthID.c_str();
 
 		if (!pPlayer->IsAuthStringValidated())
 		{
@@ -709,14 +709,14 @@ void PlayerManager::OnClientPutInServer(edict_t *pEntity, const char *playername
 		for (iter=m_hooks.begin(); iter!=m_hooks.end(); iter++)
 		{
 			pListener = (*iter);
-			pListener->OnClientAuthorized(client, steamId ? steamId : pPlayer->m_AuthID.chars());
+			pListener->OnClientAuthorized(client, steamId ? steamId : pPlayer->m_AuthID.c_str());
 		}
 		/* Finally, tell plugins */
 		if (m_clauth->GetFunctionCount())
 		{
 			m_clauth->PushCell(client);
 			/* For legacy reasons, people are expecting the Steam2 id here if using Steam auth */
-			m_clauth->PushString(steamId ? steamId : pPlayer->m_AuthID.chars());
+			m_clauth->PushString(steamId ? steamId : pPlayer->m_AuthID.c_str());
 			m_clauth->Execute(NULL);
 		}
 		pPlayer->Authorize_Post();
@@ -919,13 +919,13 @@ void PlayerManager::OnPrintfFrameAction(unsigned int serial)
 		int nNumBitsWritten = pNetChan->GetNumBitsWritten(false); // SVC_Print uses unreliable netchan
 #endif
 
-		ke::AString &string = player.m_PrintfBuffer.front();
+		std::string &string = player.m_PrintfBuffer.front();
 
 		// stop if we'd overflow the SVC_Print buffer  (+7 as ceil)
 		if ((nNumBitsWritten + NETMSG_TYPE_BITS + 7) / 8 + string.length() >= SVC_Print_BufferSize)
 			break;
 
-		SH_CALL(engine, &IVEngineServer::ClientPrintf)(player.m_pEdict, string.chars());
+		SH_CALL(engine, &IVEngineServer::ClientPrintf)(player.m_pEdict, string.c_str());
 
 		player.m_PrintfBuffer.popFront();
 	}
@@ -2298,7 +2298,7 @@ const char *CPlayer::GetAuthString(bool validated)
 		return NULL;
 	}
 
-	return m_AuthID.chars();
+	return m_AuthID.c_str();
 }
 
 const CSteamID &CPlayer::GetSteamId(bool validated)
@@ -2319,7 +2319,7 @@ const char *CPlayer::GetSteam2Id(bool validated)
 		return NULL;
 	}
 
-	return m_Steam2Id.chars();
+	return m_Steam2Id.c_str();
 }
 
 const char *CPlayer::GetSteam3Id(bool validated)
@@ -2329,7 +2329,7 @@ const char *CPlayer::GetSteam3Id(bool validated)
 		return NULL;
 	}
 
-	return m_Steam3Id.chars();
+	return m_Steam3Id.c_str();
 }
 
 unsigned int CPlayer::GetSteamAccountID(bool validated)
@@ -2596,7 +2596,7 @@ void CPlayer::DoBasicAdminChecks()
 	}
 
 	/* Check steam id */
-	if ((id = adminsys->FindAdminByIdentity("steam", m_AuthID.chars())) != INVALID_ADMIN_ID)
+	if ((id = adminsys->FindAdminByIdentity("steam", m_AuthID.c_str())) != INVALID_ADMIN_ID)
 	{
 		if (g_Players.CheckSetAdmin(client, this, id))
 		{
diff --git a/core/PlayerManager.h b/core/PlayerManager.h
index 34462a4f..876a17e1 100644
--- a/core/PlayerManager.h
+++ b/core/PlayerManager.h
@@ -133,9 +133,9 @@ private:
 	String m_Name;
 	String m_Ip;
 	String m_IpNoPort;
-	ke::AString m_AuthID;
-	ke::AString m_Steam2Id;
-	ke::AString m_Steam3Id;
+	std::string m_AuthID;
+	std::string m_Steam2Id;
+	std::string m_Steam3Id;
 	AdminId m_Admin = INVALID_ADMIN_ID;
 	bool m_TempAdmin = false;
 	edict_t *m_pEdict = nullptr;
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ private:
 #if SOURCE_ENGINE == SE_CSGO
 	QueryCvarCookie_t m_LanguageCookie = InvalidQueryCvarCookie;
 #endif
-	ke::Deque<ke::AString> m_PrintfBuffer;
+	ke::Deque<std::string> m_PrintfBuffer;
 };
 
 class PlayerManager : 
diff --git a/core/logic/AdminCache.cpp b/core/logic/AdminCache.cpp
index 0ddcbfaa..195d870e 100644
--- a/core/logic/AdminCache.cpp
+++ b/core/logic/AdminCache.cpp
@@ -1844,12 +1844,12 @@ bool AdminCache::DumpCache(const char *filename)
 		if (pGroup->pCmdGrpTable != NULL)
 		{
 			for (OverrideMap::iterator iter = pGroup->pCmdTable->iter(); !iter.empty(); iter.next())
-				iterator_group_grp_override(fp, iter->key.chars(), iter->value);
+				iterator_group_grp_override(fp, iter->key.c_str(), iter->value);
 		}
 		if (pGroup->pCmdTable != NULL)
 		{
 			for (OverrideMap::iterator iter = pGroup->pCmdTable->iter(); !iter.empty(); iter.next())
-				iterator_group_basic_override(fp, iter->key.chars(), iter->value);
+				iterator_group_basic_override(fp, iter->key.c_str(), iter->value);
 		}
 		fprintf(fp, "\t\t}\n");
 
@@ -1924,9 +1924,9 @@ bool AdminCache::DumpCache(const char *filename)
 
 	fprintf(fp, "\"Overrides\"\n{\n");
 	for (FlagMap::iterator iter = m_CmdGrpOverrides.iter(); !iter.empty(); iter.next())
-		iterator_glob_grp_override(fp, iter->key.chars(), iter->value);
+		iterator_glob_grp_override(fp, iter->key.c_str(), iter->value);
 	for (FlagMap::iterator iter = m_CmdOverrides.iter(); !iter.empty(); iter.next())
-		iterator_glob_basic_override(fp, iter->key.chars(), iter->value);
+		iterator_glob_basic_override(fp, iter->key.c_str(), iter->value);
 	fprintf(fp, "}\n");
 	
 	fclose(fp);
diff --git a/core/logic/CDataPack.cpp b/core/logic/CDataPack.cpp
index 65666b39..e70f4300 100644
--- a/core/logic/CDataPack.cpp
+++ b/core/logic/CDataPack.cpp
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ void CDataPack::PackString(const char *string)
 {
 	InternalPack val;
 	val.type = CDataPackType::String;
-	ke::AString *sval = new ke::AString(string);
+	std::string *sval = new std::string(string);
 	val.pData.sval = sval;
 	elements.insert(position++, val);
 }
@@ -205,11 +205,11 @@ const char *CDataPack::ReadString(size_t *len) const
 		return nullptr;
 	}
 
-	const ke::AString &val = *elements[position++].pData.sval;
+	const std::string &val = *elements[position++].pData.sval;
 	if (len)
 		*len = val.length();
 
-	return val.chars();
+	return val.c_str();
 }
 
 cell_t *CDataPack::ReadCellArray(cell_t *size) const
diff --git a/core/logic/CDataPack.h b/core/logic/CDataPack.h
index 6e46bd89..fe7ba7a1 100644
--- a/core/logic/CDataPack.h
+++ b/core/logic/CDataPack.h
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ private:
 		cell_t cval;
 		float fval;
 		uint8_t *vval;
-		ke::AString *sval;
+		std::string *sval;
 		cell_t *aval;
 	} InternalPackValue;
 	
diff --git a/core/logic/Database.cpp b/core/logic/Database.cpp
index 562ceca6..a4f9282b 100644
--- a/core/logic/Database.cpp
+++ b/core/logic/Database.cpp
@@ -148,12 +148,12 @@ bool DBManager::Connect(const char *name, IDBDriver **pdr, IDatabase **pdb, bool
 		/* Try to assign a real driver pointer */
 		if (pInfo->info.driver[0] == '\0')
 		{
-			ke::AString defaultDriver = list->GetDefaultDriver();
+			std::string defaultDriver = list->GetDefaultDriver();
 			if (!m_pDefault && defaultDriver.length() > 0)
 			{
-				m_pDefault = FindOrLoadDriver(defaultDriver.chars());
+				m_pDefault = FindOrLoadDriver(defaultDriver.c_str());
 			}
-			dname = defaultDriver.length() ? defaultDriver.chars() : "default";
+			dname = defaultDriver.length() ? defaultDriver.c_str() : "default";
 			pInfo->realDriver = m_pDefault;
 		} else {
 			pInfo->realDriver = FindOrLoadDriver(pInfo->info.driver);
@@ -256,10 +256,10 @@ void DBManager::RemoveDriver(IDBDriver *pDriver)
 IDBDriver *DBManager::GetDefaultDriver()
 {
 	ConfDbInfoList *list = m_Builder.GetConfigList();
-	ke::AString defaultDriver = list->GetDefaultDriver();
+	std::string defaultDriver = list->GetDefaultDriver();
 	if (!m_pDefault && defaultDriver.length() > 0)
 	{
-		m_pDefault = FindOrLoadDriver(defaultDriver.chars());
+		m_pDefault = FindOrLoadDriver(defaultDriver.c_str());
 	}
 
 	return m_pDefault;
@@ -580,7 +580,7 @@ void DBManager::OnPluginWillUnload(IPlugin *plugin)
 	}
 }
 
-ke::AString DBManager::GetDefaultDriverName()
+std::string DBManager::GetDefaultDriverName()
 {
 	ConfDbInfoList *list = m_Builder.GetConfigList();
 	return list->GetDefaultDriver();
diff --git a/core/logic/Database.h b/core/logic/Database.h
index f32342b3..8cb8be5b 100644
--- a/core/logic/Database.h
+++ b/core/logic/Database.h
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ public: //IPluginsListener
 public:
 	IDBDriver *FindOrLoadDriver(const char *name);
 	IDBDriver *GetDefaultDriver();
-	ke::AString GetDefaultDriverName();
+	std::string GetDefaultDriverName();
 	bool AddToThreadQueue(IDBThreadOperation *op, PrioQueueLevel prio);
 	void RunFrame();
 	inline HandleType_t GetDatabaseType()
diff --git a/core/logic/DatabaseConfBuilder.cpp b/core/logic/DatabaseConfBuilder.cpp
index 93443204..5d2bdfad 100644
--- a/core/logic/DatabaseConfBuilder.cpp
+++ b/core/logic/DatabaseConfBuilder.cpp
@@ -59,9 +59,9 @@ void DatabaseConfBuilder::StartParse()
 {
 	SMCError err;
 	SMCStates states = {0, 0};
-	if ((err = textparsers->ParseFile_SMC(m_Filename.chars(), this, &states)) != SMCError_Okay)
+	if ((err = textparsers->ParseFile_SMC(m_Filename.c_str(), this, &states)) != SMCError_Okay)
 	{
-		logger->LogError("[SM] Detected parse error(s) in file \"%s\"", m_Filename.chars());
+		logger->LogError("[SM] Detected parse error(s) in file \"%s\"", m_Filename.c_str());
 		if (err != SMCError_Custom)
 		{
 			const char *txt = textparsers->GetSMCErrorString(err);
@@ -153,11 +153,11 @@ SMCResult DatabaseConfBuilder::ReadSMC_LeavingSection(const SMCStates *states)
 
 	if (m_ParseState == DBPARSE_LEVEL_DATABASE)
 	{
-		m_ParseCurrent->info.driver = m_ParseCurrent->driver.chars();
-		m_ParseCurrent->info.database = m_ParseCurrent->database.chars();
-		m_ParseCurrent->info.host = m_ParseCurrent->host.chars();
-		m_ParseCurrent->info.user = m_ParseCurrent->user.chars();
-		m_ParseCurrent->info.pass = m_ParseCurrent->pass.chars();
+		m_ParseCurrent->info.driver = m_ParseCurrent->driver.c_str();
+		m_ParseCurrent->info.database = m_ParseCurrent->database.c_str();
+		m_ParseCurrent->info.host = m_ParseCurrent->host.c_str();
+		m_ParseCurrent->info.user = m_ParseCurrent->user.c_str();
+		m_ParseCurrent->info.pass = m_ParseCurrent->pass.c_str();
 		
 		/* Save it.. */
 		m_ParseCurrent->AddRef();
diff --git a/core/logic/DatabaseConfBuilder.h b/core/logic/DatabaseConfBuilder.h
index 8d9d3faa..4482c389 100644
--- a/core/logic/DatabaseConfBuilder.h
+++ b/core/logic/DatabaseConfBuilder.h
@@ -46,12 +46,12 @@ public:
 	ConfDbInfo() : realDriver(NULL)
 	{
 	}
-	ke::AString name;
-	ke::AString driver;
-	ke::AString host;
-	ke::AString user;
-	ke::AString pass;
-	ke::AString database;
+	std::string name;
+	std::string driver;
+	std::string host;
+	std::string user;
+	std::string pass;
+	std::string database;
 	IDBDriver *realDriver;
 	DatabaseInfo info;
 };
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ class ConfDbInfoList : public ke::Vector<ConfDbInfo *>
 	friend class DBManager;
 	friend class DatabaseConfBuilder;
 private:
-	ke::AString& GetDefaultDriver() {
+	std::string& GetDefaultDriver() {
 		return m_DefDriver;
 	}
 	
@@ -72,11 +72,11 @@ private:
 			ConfDbInfo *current = this->at(i);
 			/* If we run into the default configuration, then we'll save it
 			 * for the next call to GetDefaultConfiguration */ 
-			if (strcmp(current->name.chars(), "default") == 0)
+			if (strcmp(current->name.c_str(), "default") == 0)
 			{
 				m_DefaultConfig = current;
 			}
-			if (strcmp(current->name.chars(), name) == 0)
+			if (strcmp(current->name.c_str(), name) == 0)
 			{
 				return current;
 			}
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ private:
 		return m_DefaultConfig;
 	}
 	void SetDefaultDriver(const char *input) {
-		m_DefDriver = ke::AString(input);
+		m_DefDriver = std::string(input);
 	}
 	void ReleaseMembers() {
 		for (size_t i = 0; i < this->length(); i++) {
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ private:
 	}
 private:
 	ConfDbInfo *m_DefaultConfig;
-	ke::AString m_DefDriver;
+	std::string m_DefDriver;
 };
 
 
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ private:
 	ConfDbInfo *m_ParseCurrent;
 	ConfDbInfoList *m_ParseList;
 private:
-	ke::AString m_Filename;
+	std::string m_Filename;
 	ConfDbInfoList *m_InfoList;
 };
 
diff --git a/core/logic/DebugReporter.cpp b/core/logic/DebugReporter.cpp
index 16652137..55bbf0c4 100644
--- a/core/logic/DebugReporter.cpp
+++ b/core/logic/DebugReporter.cpp
@@ -194,17 +194,17 @@ void DebugReport::ReportError(const IErrorReport &report, IFrameIterator &iter)
 		g_Logger.LogError("[SM] Blaming: %s", blame);
 	}
 
-	ke::Vector<ke::AString> arr = GetStackTrace(&iter);
+	ke::Vector<std::string> arr = GetStackTrace(&iter);
 	for (size_t i = 0; i < arr.length(); i++)
 	{
-		g_Logger.LogError("%s", arr[i].chars());
+		g_Logger.LogError("%s", arr[i].c_str());
 	}
 }
 
-ke::Vector<ke::AString> DebugReport::GetStackTrace(IFrameIterator *iter)
+ke::Vector<std::string> DebugReport::GetStackTrace(IFrameIterator *iter)
 {
 	char temp[3072];
-	ke::Vector<ke::AString> trace;
+	ke::Vector<std::string> trace;
 	iter->Reset();
 	
 	if (!iter->Done())
diff --git a/core/logic/DebugReporter.h b/core/logic/DebugReporter.h
index cf151665..b8e7be60 100644
--- a/core/logic/DebugReporter.h
+++ b/core/logic/DebugReporter.h
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ public:
 	void GenerateError(IPluginContext *ctx, cell_t func_idx, int err, const char *message, ...);
 	void GenerateErrorVA(IPluginContext *ctx, cell_t func_idx, int err, const char *message, va_list ap); 
 	void GenerateCodeError(IPluginContext *ctx, uint32_t code_addr, int err, const char *message, ...);
-	ke::Vector<ke::AString> GetStackTrace(IFrameIterator *iter);
+	ke::Vector<std::string> GetStackTrace(IFrameIterator *iter);
 private:
 	int _GetPluginIndex(IPluginContext *ctx);
 };
diff --git a/core/logic/FrameIterator.cpp b/core/logic/FrameIterator.cpp
index 0c91db25..dd10fc33 100644
--- a/core/logic/FrameIterator.cpp
+++ b/core/logic/FrameIterator.cpp
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ const char *SafeFrameIterator::FunctionName() const
 		return NULL;
 	}
 
-	return frames[current].FunctionName.chars();
+	return frames[current].FunctionName.c_str();
 }
 
 const char *SafeFrameIterator::FilePath() const
@@ -87,5 +87,5 @@ const char *SafeFrameIterator::FilePath() const
 		return NULL;
 	}
 
-	return frames[current].FilePath.chars();
+	return frames[current].FilePath.c_str();
 }
diff --git a/core/logic/FrameIterator.h b/core/logic/FrameIterator.h
index b0c2ce17..a4ffe37e 100644
--- a/core/logic/FrameIterator.h
+++ b/core/logic/FrameIterator.h
@@ -48,8 +48,8 @@ public:
 	 */
 	struct FrameInfo
 	{	
-		ke::AString FunctionName;
-		ke::AString FilePath;
+		std::string FunctionName;
+		std::string FilePath;
 		unsigned LineNumber;
 
 		FrameInfo(IFrameIterator *it)
@@ -74,4 +74,4 @@ public:
 private:
 	size_t current;
 	ke::Vector<FrameInfo> frames;
-};
\ No newline at end of file
+};
diff --git a/core/logic/GameConfigs.cpp b/core/logic/GameConfigs.cpp
index da36719a..cf4742cf 100644
--- a/core/logic/GameConfigs.cpp
+++ b/core/logic/GameConfigs.cpp
@@ -399,13 +399,13 @@ SMCResult CGameConfig::ReadSMC_KeyValue(const SMCStates *states, const char *key
 			m_Offsets.replace(m_offset, atoi(value));
 		}
 	} else if (m_ParseState == PSTATE_GAMEDEFS_KEYS) {
-		ke::AString vstr(value);
+		std::string vstr(value);
 		m_Keys.replace(key, std::move(vstr));
 	}
 	else if (m_ParseState == PSTATE_GAMEDEFS_KEYS_PLATFORM) {
 		if (IsPlatformCompatible(key, &matched_platform))
 		{
-			ke::AString vstr(value);
+			std::string vstr(value);
 			m_Keys.replace(m_Key, std::move(vstr));
 		}
 	} else if (m_ParseState == PSTATE_GAMEDEFS_SUPPORTED) {
@@ -1001,10 +1001,10 @@ bool CGameConfig::GetOffset(const char *key, int *value)
 
 const char *CGameConfig::GetKeyValue(const char *key)
 {
-	StringHashMap<ke::AString>::Result r = m_Keys.find(key);
+	StringHashMap<std::string>::Result r = m_Keys.find(key);
 	if (!r.found())
 		return NULL;
-	return r->value.chars();
+	return r->value.c_str();
 }
 
 //memory addresses below 0x10000 are automatically considered invalid for dereferencing
diff --git a/core/logic/GameConfigs.h b/core/logic/GameConfigs.h
index 911443ca..dc96eeeb 100644
--- a/core/logic/GameConfigs.h
+++ b/core/logic/GameConfigs.h
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ private:
 	char m_CurFile[PLATFORM_MAX_PATH];
 	StringHashMap<int> m_Offsets;
 	StringHashMap<SendProp *> m_Props;
-	StringHashMap<ke::AString> m_Keys;
+	StringHashMap<std::string> m_Keys;
 	StringHashMap<void *> m_Sigs;
 	/* Parse states */
 	int m_ParseState;
diff --git a/core/logic/HandleSys.cpp b/core/logic/HandleSys.cpp
index 594bcbf9..a7035a82 100644
--- a/core/logic/HandleSys.cpp
+++ b/core/logic/HandleSys.cpp
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@ HandleType_t HandleSystem::CreateType(const char *name,
 	pType->dispatch = dispatch;
 	if (name && name[0] != '\0')
 	{
-		pType->name = std::make_unique<ke::AString>(name);
+		pType->name = std::make_unique<std::string>(name);
 		m_TypeLookup.insert(name, pType);
 	}
 
@@ -925,7 +925,7 @@ bool HandleSystem::RemoveType(HandleType_t type, IdentityToken_t *ident)
 
 	/* Remove it from the type cache. */
 	if (pType->name)
-		m_TypeLookup.remove(pType->name->chars());
+		m_TypeLookup.remove(pType->name->c_str());
 
 	return true;
 }
@@ -1051,7 +1051,7 @@ bool HandleSystem::TryAndFreeSomeHandles()
 		}
 
 		if (m_Types[i].name)
-			pTypeName = m_Types[i].name->chars();
+			pTypeName = m_Types[i].name->c_str();
 		else
 			pTypeName = "ANON";
 
@@ -1131,7 +1131,7 @@ void HandleSystem::Dump(const HandleReporter &fn)
 		unsigned int parentIdx;
 		bool bresult;
 		if (pType->name)
-			type = pType->name->chars();
+			type = pType->name->c_str();
 
 		if ((parentIdx = m_Handles[i].clone) != 0)
 		{
diff --git a/core/logic/HandleSys.h b/core/logic/HandleSys.h
index c4480c3b..0b40caa2 100644
--- a/core/logic/HandleSys.h
+++ b/core/logic/HandleSys.h
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ struct QHandleType
 	TypeAccess typeSec;
 	HandleAccess hndlSec;
 	unsigned int opened;
-	std::unique_ptr<ke::AString> name;
+	std::unique_ptr<std::string> name;
 
 	static inline bool matches(const char *key, const QHandleType *type)
 	{
diff --git a/core/logic/Logger.cpp b/core/logic/Logger.cpp
index e8b299da..f582b07b 100644
--- a/core/logic/Logger.cpp
+++ b/core/logic/Logger.cpp
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@ void Logger::_UpdateFiles(bool bLevelChange)
 	char buff[PLATFORM_MAX_PATH];
 	ke::SafeSprintf(buff, sizeof(buff), "%04d%02d%02d", curtime->tm_year + 1900, curtime->tm_mon + 1, curtime->tm_mday);
 
-	ke::AString currentDate(buff);
+	std::string currentDate(buff);
 
 	if (m_Mode == LoggingMode_PerMap)
 	{
@@ -327,7 +327,7 @@ void Logger::_UpdateFiles(bool bLevelChange)
 		{
 			for (size_t iter = 0; iter < static_cast<size_t>(-1); ++iter)
 			{
-				g_pSM->BuildPath(Path_SM, buff, sizeof(buff), "logs/L%s%u.log", currentDate.chars(), iter);
+				g_pSM->BuildPath(Path_SM, buff, sizeof(buff), "logs/L%s%u.log", currentDate.c_str(), iter);
 				if (!libsys->IsPathFile(buff))
 				{
 					break;
@@ -336,12 +336,12 @@ void Logger::_UpdateFiles(bool bLevelChange)
 		}
 		else
 		{
-			ke::SafeStrcpy(buff, sizeof(buff), m_NormalFileName.chars());
+			ke::SafeStrcpy(buff, sizeof(buff), m_NormalFileName.c_str());
 		}
 	}
 	else
 	{
-		g_pSM->BuildPath(Path_SM, buff, sizeof(buff), "logs/L%s.log", currentDate.chars());
+		g_pSM->BuildPath(Path_SM, buff, sizeof(buff), "logs/L%s.log", currentDate.c_str());
 	}
 
 	if (m_NormalFileName.compare(buff))
@@ -353,11 +353,11 @@ void Logger::_UpdateFiles(bool bLevelChange)
 	{
 		if (bLevelChange)
 		{
-			LogMessage("-------- Mapchange to %s --------", m_CurrentMapName.chars());
+			LogMessage("-------- Mapchange to %s --------", m_CurrentMapName.c_str());
 		}
 	}
 
-	g_pSM->BuildPath(Path_SM, buff, sizeof(buff), "logs/errors_%s.log", currentDate.chars());
+	g_pSM->BuildPath(Path_SM, buff, sizeof(buff), "logs/errors_%s.log", currentDate.c_str());
 	if (bLevelChange || m_ErrorFileName.compare(buff))
 	{
 		_CloseError();
@@ -369,7 +369,7 @@ FILE *Logger::_OpenNormal()
 {
 	_UpdateFiles();
 
-	FILE *pFile = fopen(m_NormalFileName.chars(), "a+");
+	FILE *pFile = fopen(m_NormalFileName.c_str(), "a+");
 	if (pFile == NULL)
 	{
 		_LogFatalOpen(m_NormalFileName);
@@ -383,7 +383,7 @@ FILE *Logger::_OpenNormal()
 		char date[32];
 
 		strftime(date, sizeof(date), "%m/%d/%Y - %H:%M:%S", curtime);
-		fprintf(pFile, "L %s: SourceMod log file session started (file \"%s\") (Version \"%s\")\n", date, m_NormalFileName.chars(), SOURCEMOD_VERSION);
+		fprintf(pFile, "L %s: SourceMod log file session started (file \"%s\") (Version \"%s\")\n", date, m_NormalFileName.c_str(), SOURCEMOD_VERSION);
 		m_DamagedNormalFile = true;
 	}
 
@@ -394,7 +394,7 @@ FILE *Logger::_OpenError()
 {
 	_UpdateFiles();
 
-	FILE *pFile = fopen(m_ErrorFileName.chars(), "a+");
+	FILE *pFile = fopen(m_ErrorFileName.c_str(), "a+");
 	if (pFile == NULL)
 	{
 		_LogFatalOpen(m_ErrorFileName);
@@ -409,7 +409,7 @@ FILE *Logger::_OpenError()
 		char date[32];
 		strftime(date, sizeof(date), "%m/%d/%Y - %H:%M:%S", curtime);
 		fprintf(pFile, "L %s: SourceMod error session started\n", date);
-		fprintf(pFile, "L %s: Info (map \"%s\") (file \"%s\")\n", date, m_CurrentMapName.chars(), m_ErrorFileName.chars());
+		fprintf(pFile, "L %s: Info (map \"%s\") (file \"%s\")\n", date, m_CurrentMapName.c_str(), m_ErrorFileName.c_str());
 		m_DamagedErrorFile = true;
 	}
 
@@ -423,11 +423,11 @@ FILE *Logger::_OpenFatal()
 	return fopen(path, "at");
 }
 
-void Logger::_LogFatalOpen(ke::AString &str)
+void Logger::_LogFatalOpen(std::string &str)
 {
 	char error[255];
 	libsys->GetPlatformError(error, sizeof(error));
-	LogFatal("[SM] Unexpected fatal logging error (file \"%s\")", str.chars());
+	LogFatal("[SM] Unexpected fatal logging error (file \"%s\")", str.c_str());
 	LogFatal("[SM] Platform returned error: \"%s\"", error);
 }
 
diff --git a/core/logic/Logger.h b/core/logic/Logger.h
index 69321731..641474ef 100644
--- a/core/logic/Logger.h
+++ b/core/logic/Logger.h
@@ -92,13 +92,13 @@ private:
 	FILE *_OpenError();
 	FILE *_OpenFatal();
 
-	void _LogFatalOpen(ke::AString &str);
+	void _LogFatalOpen(std::string &str);
 	void _PrintToGameLog(const char *fmt, va_list ap);
 	void _UpdateFiles(bool bLevelChange = false);
 private:
-	ke::AString m_NormalFileName;
-	ke::AString m_ErrorFileName;
-	ke::AString m_CurrentMapName;
+	std::string m_NormalFileName;
+	std::string m_ErrorFileName;
+	std::string m_CurrentMapName;
 
 	int m_Day;
 
diff --git a/core/logic/Native.h b/core/logic/Native.h
index 11076f65..99257f0a 100644
--- a/core/logic/Native.h
+++ b/core/logic/Native.h
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ struct FakeNative
 	}
 	~FakeNative();
 
-	ke::AString name;
+	std::string name;
 	IPluginContext *ctx;
 	IPluginFunction *call;
 	SPVM_NATIVE_FUNC gate;
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ struct Native : public ke::Refcounted<Native>
 	{
 		if (native)
 			return native->name;
-		return fake->name.chars();
+		return fake->name.c_str();
 	}
 
 	static inline bool matches(const char *name, const ke::RefPtr<Native> &entry)
diff --git a/core/logic/PluginSys.cpp b/core/logic/PluginSys.cpp
index 2b5029a8..aa2d8b78 100644
--- a/core/logic/PluginSys.cpp
+++ b/core/logic/PluginSys.cpp
@@ -276,7 +276,7 @@ bool CPlugin::ReadInfo()
 		sm_plugininfo_c_t *cinfo;
 		cell_t local_addr;
 
-		auto update_field = [base](cell_t addr, ke::AString *dest) {
+		auto update_field = [base](cell_t addr, std::string *dest) {
 			const char* ptr;
 			if (base->LocalToString(addr, (char **)&ptr) == SP_ERROR_NONE)
 				*dest = ptr;
@@ -524,11 +524,11 @@ PluginType CPlugin::GetType()
 
 const sm_plugininfo_t *CPlugin::GetPublicInfo()
 {
-	m_info.author = info_author_.chars();
-	m_info.description = info_description_.chars();
-	m_info.name = info_name_.chars();
-	m_info.url = info_url_.chars();
-	m_info.version = info_version_.chars();
+	m_info.author = info_author_.c_str();
+	m_info.description = info_description_.c_str();
+	m_info.name = info_name_.c_str();
+	m_info.url = info_url_.c_str();
+	m_info.version = info_version_.c_str();
 	return &m_info;
 }
 
@@ -2063,7 +2063,7 @@ bool CPluginManager::ReloadPlugin(CPlugin *pl, bool print)
 	if (state == PluginState::WaitingToUnloadAndReload)
 		return false;
 
-	ke::AString filename(pl->GetFilename());
+	std::string filename(pl->GetFilename());
 	PluginType ptype = pl->GetType();
 
 	int id = 1;
@@ -2078,13 +2078,13 @@ bool CPluginManager::ReloadPlugin(CPlugin *pl, bool print)
 		{
 			pl->SetWaitingToUnload(true);
 			ScheduleTaskForNextFrame([this, id, filename, ptype, print]() -> void {
-				ReloadPluginImpl(id, filename.chars(), ptype, print);
+				ReloadPluginImpl(id, filename.c_str(), ptype, print);
 			});
 		}
 		return false;
 	}
 
-	ReloadPluginImpl(id, filename.chars(), ptype, false);
+	ReloadPluginImpl(id, filename.c_str(), ptype, false);
 	return true;
 }
 
diff --git a/core/logic/PluginSys.h b/core/logic/PluginSys.h
index dfd8eca0..a1d40340 100644
--- a/core/logic/PluginSys.h
+++ b/core/logic/PluginSys.h
@@ -289,11 +289,11 @@ private:
 
 	// Cached.
 	sm_plugininfo_t m_info;
-	ke::AString info_name_;
-	ke::AString info_author_;
-	ke::AString info_description_;
-	ke::AString info_version_;
-	ke::AString info_url_;
+	std::string info_name_;
+	std::string info_author_;
+	std::string info_description_;
+	std::string info_version_;
+	std::string info_url_;
 };
 
 class CPluginManager : 
@@ -487,10 +487,8 @@ private:
 		{
 /* For windows & mac, we convert the path to lower-case in order to avoid duplicate plugin loading */
 #if defined PLATFORM_WINDOWS || defined PLATFORM_APPLE
-			ke::AString original(key.chars());
-			ke::AString lower = original.lowercase();
-			
-			return detail::CharsAndLength(lower.chars()).hash();
+			std::string lower = ke::Lowercase(key.c_str());
+			return detail::CharsAndLength(lower.c_str()).hash();
 #else
 			return key.hash();
 #endif
@@ -500,8 +498,8 @@ private:
 		{
 			const char *pluginFileChars = const_cast<CPlugin*>(plugin)->GetFilename();
 #if defined PLATFORM_WINDOWS || defined PLATFORM_APPLE
-			ke::AString pluginFile = ke::AString(pluginFileChars).lowercase();
-			ke::AString input = ke::AString(file).lowercase();
+			std::string pluginFile = ke::Lowercase(pluginFileChars);
+			std::string input = ke::Lowercase(file);
 			
 			return pluginFile == input;
 #else
diff --git a/core/logic/smn_adt_trie.cpp b/core/logic/smn_adt_trie.cpp
index 5a6d9e90..e936f6f2 100644
--- a/core/logic/smn_adt_trie.cpp
+++ b/core/logic/smn_adt_trie.cpp
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ public:
 		assert(isArray());
 		return reinterpret_cast<cell_t *>(raw()->base());
 	}
-	char *chars() const {
+	char *c_str() const {
 		assert(isString());
 		return reinterpret_cast<char *>(raw()->base());
 	}
@@ -518,7 +518,7 @@ static cell_t GetTrieString(IPluginContext *pContext, const cell_t *params)
 		return 0;
 
 	size_t written;
-	pContext->StringToLocalUTF8(params[3], params[4], r->value.chars(), &written);
+	pContext->StringToLocalUTF8(params[3], params[4], r->value.c_str(), &written);
 
 	*pSize = (cell_t)written;
 	return 1;
@@ -561,7 +561,7 @@ static cell_t CreateTrieSnapshot(IPluginContext *pContext, const cell_t *params)
 	snapshot->keys = std::make_unique<int[]>(snapshot->length);
 	size_t i = 0;
 	for (StringHashMap<Entry>::iterator iter = pTrie->map.iter(); !iter.empty(); iter.next(), i++)
-		snapshot->keys[i] = snapshot->strings.AddString(iter->key.chars(), iter->key.length());
+		 snapshot->keys[i] = snapshot->strings.AddString(iter->key.c_str(), iter->key.length());
 	assert(i == snapshot->length);
 
 	if ((hndl = handlesys->CreateHandle(htSnapshot, snapshot, pContext->GetIdentity(), g_pCoreIdent, NULL))
diff --git a/core/logic/smn_core.cpp b/core/logic/smn_core.cpp
index 611d026b..9364eb1a 100644
--- a/core/logic/smn_core.cpp
+++ b/core/logic/smn_core.cpp
@@ -943,7 +943,7 @@ static cell_t LogStackTrace(IPluginContext *pContext, const cell_t *params)
 	g_pSM->FormatString(buffer, sizeof(buffer), pContext, params, 1);
 
 	IFrameIterator *it = pContext->CreateFrameIterator();
-	ke::Vector<ke::AString> arr = g_DbgReporter.GetStackTrace(it);
+	ke::Vector<std::string> arr = g_DbgReporter.GetStackTrace(it);
 	pContext->DestroyFrameIterator(it);
 
 	IPlugin *pPlugin = scripts->FindPluginByContext(pContext->GetContext());
@@ -952,7 +952,7 @@ static cell_t LogStackTrace(IPluginContext *pContext, const cell_t *params)
 	g_Logger.LogError("[SM] Called from: %s", pPlugin->GetFilename());
 	for (size_t i = 0; i < arr.length(); ++i)
 	{
-		g_Logger.LogError("%s", arr[i].chars());
+		g_Logger.LogError("%s", arr[i].c_str());
 	}
 	return 0;
 }
diff --git a/core/logic/smn_database.cpp b/core/logic/smn_database.cpp
index f0e7b0db..5f8809da 100644
--- a/core/logic/smn_database.cpp
+++ b/core/logic/smn_database.cpp
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ struct Transaction
 {
 	struct Entry
 	{
-		ke::AString query;
+		std::string query;
 		cell_t data;
 	};
 
@@ -457,7 +457,7 @@ static cell_t ConnectToDbAsync(IPluginContext *pContext, const cell_t *params, A
 			g_pSM->Format(error, 
 				sizeof(error), 
 				"Could not find driver \"%s\"", 
-				pInfo->driver[0] == '\0' ? g_DBMan.GetDefaultDriverName().chars() : pInfo->driver);
+				pInfo->driver[0] == '\0' ? g_DBMan.GetDefaultDriverName().c_str() : pInfo->driver);
 		} else if (!driver->IsThreadSafe()) {
 			g_pSM->Format(error,
 				sizeof(error),
@@ -1620,7 +1620,7 @@ private:
 		for (size_t i = 0; i < txn_->entries.length(); i++)
 		{
 			Transaction::Entry &entry = txn_->entries[i];
-			IQuery *result = Exec(entry.query.chars());
+			IQuery *result = Exec(entry.query.c_str());
 			if (!result)
 			{
 				failIndex_ = (cell_t)i;
@@ -1746,7 +1746,7 @@ public:
 				failure_->PushCell(dbh);
 				failure_->PushCell(data_);
 				failure_->PushCell(txn_->entries.length());
-				failure_->PushString(error_.chars());
+				failure_->PushString(error_.c_str());
 				failure_->PushCell(failIndex_);
 				failure_->PushArray(data.get(), txn_->entries.length());
 				failure_->Execute(NULL);
@@ -1764,7 +1764,7 @@ private:
 	IPluginFunction *failure_;
 	cell_t data_;
 	AutoHandleRooter autoHandle_;
-	ke::AString error_;
+	std::string error_;
 	ke::Vector<IQuery *> results_;
 	cell_t failIndex_;
 };
diff --git a/core/smn_console.cpp b/core/smn_console.cpp
index 44ef6205..fbb6f206 100644
--- a/core/smn_console.cpp
+++ b/core/smn_console.cpp
@@ -184,17 +184,15 @@ private:
 		{
 			const char *conCommandChars = base->GetName();
 			
-			ke::AString conCommandName = ke::AString(conCommandChars).lowercase();
-			ke::AString input = ke::AString(name).lowercase();
+			std::string conCommandName = ke::Lowercase(conCommandChars);
+			std::string input = ke::Lowercase(name);
 			
 			return conCommandName == input;
 		}
 		static inline uint32_t hash(const detail::CharsAndLength &key)
 		{
-			ke::AString original(key.chars());
-			ke::AString lower = original.lowercase();
-			
-			return detail::CharsAndLength(lower.chars()).hash();
+			std::string lower = ke::Lowercase(key.c_str());
+			return detail::CharsAndLength(lower.c_str()).hash();
 		}
 	};
 	NameHashSet<ConCommandBase *, ConCommandPolicy> m_CmdFlags;
diff --git a/extensions/cstrike/itemdef-hash.h b/extensions/cstrike/itemdef-hash.h
index dec06d15..0d776781 100644
--- a/extensions/cstrike/itemdef-hash.h
+++ b/extensions/cstrike/itemdef-hash.h
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ struct StringPolicy
 	{
 		return ke::FastHashCharSequence(key, strlen(key));
 	}
-	static inline bool matches(const char *find, const ke::AString &key)
+	static inline bool matches(const char *find, const std::string &key)
 	{
 		return key.compare(find) == 0;
 	}
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ struct WeaponIDPolicy
 	}
 };
 
-typedef ke::HashMap<ke::AString, ItemDefHashValue, StringPolicy> ClassnameMap;
+typedef ke::HashMap<std::string, ItemDefHashValue, StringPolicy> ClassnameMap;
 typedef ke::HashMap<int, ItemDefHashValue, IntegerPolicy> ItemIndexMap;
 typedef ke::HashMap<SMCSWeapon, ItemDefHashValue, WeaponIDPolicy> WeaponIDMap;
 
diff --git a/extensions/cstrike/util_cstrike.cpp b/extensions/cstrike/util_cstrike.cpp
index c369cb03..e51dced0 100644
--- a/extensions/cstrike/util_cstrike.cpp
+++ b/extensions/cstrike/util_cstrike.cpp
@@ -291,7 +291,7 @@ void CreateHashMaps()
 				int iLoadoutslot = node.pDef->GetDefaultLoadoutSlot();
 
 				ClassnameMap::Insert i = g_mapClassToDefIdx.findForAdd(classname);
-				g_mapClassToDefIdx.add(i, ke::AString(classname), ItemDefHashValue(iLoadoutslot, price, iWeaponID, iItemDefIdx, classname));
+				g_mapClassToDefIdx.add(i, std::string(classname), ItemDefHashValue(iLoadoutslot, price, iWeaponID, iItemDefIdx, classname));
 
 				ItemIndexMap::Insert x = g_mapDefIdxToClass.findForAdd(iItemDefIdx);
 				g_mapDefIdxToClass.add(x, iItemDefIdx, ItemDefHashValue(iLoadoutslot, price, iWeaponID, iItemDefIdx, classname));
diff --git a/extensions/sdktools/extension.h b/extensions/sdktools/extension.h
index a4d97221..caf640e7 100644
--- a/extensions/sdktools/extension.h
+++ b/extensions/sdktools/extension.h
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ public:
 	bool ShouldFollowCSGOServerGuidelines() const { return m_bFollowCSGOServerGuidelines; }
 	bool CanSetCSGOEntProp(const char *pszPropName) { return !ShouldFollowCSGOServerGuidelines() || !m_CSGOBadList.has(pszPropName); }
 private:
-	ke::HashSet<ke::AString, detail::StringHashMapPolicy> m_CSGOBadList;
+	ke::HashSet<std::string, detail::StringHashMapPolicy> m_CSGOBadList;
 	bool m_bFollowCSGOServerGuidelines = false;
 #endif
 private:
diff --git a/public/amtl b/public/amtl
index 5376e776..98cbbdd1 160000
--- a/public/amtl
+++ b/public/amtl
@@ -1 +1 @@
-Subproject commit 5376e7763f31b8b284b536aaca3a4463e5f87e26
+Subproject commit 98cbbdd11ab760fe65dfd7176c39f63f8e6ca1e4
diff --git a/public/sm_namehashset.h b/public/sm_namehashset.h
index 0b7d0613..85e975d3 100644
--- a/public/sm_namehashset.h
+++ b/public/sm_namehashset.h
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ class NameHashSet : public ke::SystemAllocatorPolicy
 
 		static bool matches(const CharsAndLength &key, const KeyType &value)
 		{
-			return KeyPolicyType::matches(key.chars(), value);
+			return KeyPolicyType::matches(key.c_str(), value);
 		}
 	};
 
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ class NameHashSet : public ke::SystemAllocatorPolicy
 
 		static bool matches(const CharsAndLength &key, const KeyType *value)
 		{
-			return KeyType::matches(key.chars(), value);
+			return KeyType::matches(key.c_str(), value);
 		}
 	};
 
diff --git a/public/sm_stringhashmap.h b/public/sm_stringhashmap.h
index ea41d712..e1280695 100644
--- a/public/sm_stringhashmap.h
+++ b/public/sm_stringhashmap.h
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ namespace detail
 	  uint32_t hash() const {
 		  return hash_;
 	  }
-	  const char *chars() const {
+	  const char *c_str() const {
 		  return str_;
 	  }
 	  size_t length() const {
@@ -90,9 +90,9 @@ namespace detail
 
 	struct StringHashMapPolicy
 	{
-		static inline bool matches(const CharsAndLength &lookup, const ke::AString &key) {
+		static inline bool matches(const CharsAndLength &lookup, const std::string &key) {
 			return lookup.length() == key.length() &&
-				   memcmp(lookup.chars(), key.chars(), key.length()) == 0;
+				   memcmp(lookup.c_str(), key.c_str(), key.length()) == 0;
 		}
 		static inline uint32_t hash(const CharsAndLength &key) {
 			return key.hash();
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ template <typename T>
 class StringHashMap
 {
 	typedef detail::CharsAndLength CharsAndLength;
-	typedef ke::HashMap<ke::AString, T, detail::StringHashMapPolicy> Internal;
+	typedef ke::HashMap<std::string, T, detail::StringHashMapPolicy> Internal;
 
 public:
 	StringHashMap()
diff --git a/sourcepawn b/sourcepawn
index 20756050..6e5e5f6a 160000
--- a/sourcepawn
+++ b/sourcepawn
@@ -1 +1 @@
-Subproject commit 2075605089d674d70a437469800eb47a916e3c91
+Subproject commit 6e5e5f6abbc350a131f6b9d23adb68fdb9ba8b86