diff --git a/common/item.h b/common/item.h
index 11e1ad151..7d60afdac 100644
--- a/common/item.h
+++ b/common/item.h
@@ -31,9 +31,11 @@ class EvolveInfo;			// Stores information about an evolving item family
 #include "../common/timer.h"
 #include "../common/bodytypes.h"
 
+#include "string_util.h"
+
 #include <list>
 #include <map>
-#include <sstream>
+//#include <sstream>
 
 
 namespace ItemField
@@ -413,7 +415,7 @@ public:
 	uint32 GetKillsNeeded(uint8 currentlevel);
 
 	std::string Serialize(int16 slot_id) const { InternalSerializedItem_Struct s; s.slot_id = slot_id; s.inst = (const void*)this; std::string ser; ser.assign((char*)&s, sizeof(InternalSerializedItem_Struct)); return ser; }
-	void Serialize(std::stringstream& ss, int16 slot_id) const { InternalSerializedItem_Struct isi; isi.slot_id = slot_id; isi.inst = (const void*)this; ss.write((const char*)&isi, sizeof(isi)); }
+	void Serialize(EQEmu::OutBuffer& ob, int16 slot_id) const { InternalSerializedItem_Struct isi; isi.slot_id = slot_id; isi.inst = (const void*)this; ob.write((const char*)&isi, sizeof(isi)); }
 	
 	inline int32 GetSerialNumber() const { return m_SerialNumber; }
 	inline void SetSerialNumber(int32 id) { m_SerialNumber = id; }
diff --git a/common/patches/rof.cpp b/common/patches/rof.cpp
index 49e644412..dc57d0ba6 100644
--- a/common/patches/rof.cpp
+++ b/common/patches/rof.cpp
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ namespace RoF
 	static OpcodeManager *opcodes = nullptr;
 	static Strategy struct_strategy;
 
-	void SerializeItem(std::stringstream& ss, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id, uint8 depth);
+	void SerializeItem(EQEmu::OutBuffer& ob, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id, uint8 depth);
 
 	// server to client inventory location converters
 	static inline structs::InventorySlot_Struct ServerToRoFSlot(uint32 serverSlot);
@@ -557,24 +557,21 @@ namespace RoF
 
 		InternalSerializedItem_Struct* eq = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)in->pBuffer;
 
-		std::stringstream ss(std::stringstream::in | std::stringstream::out);
-		std::stringstream::pos_type last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer ob;
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type last_pos = ob.tellp();
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&item_count, sizeof(uint32));
+		ob.write((const char*)&item_count, sizeof(uint32));
 
 		for (int index = 0; index < item_count; ++index, ++eq) {
-			SerializeItem(ss, (const ItemInst*)eq->inst, eq->slot_id, 0);
-			if (ss.tellp() == last_pos)
+			SerializeItem(ob, (const ItemInst*)eq->inst, eq->slot_id, 0);
+			if (ob.tellp() == last_pos)
 				Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Netcode, "[STRUCTS] Serialization failed on item slot %d during OP_CharInventory.  Item skipped.", eq->slot_id);
 
-			last_pos = ss.tellp();
+			last_pos = ob.tellp();
 		}
 
-		std::string serialized = ss.str();
-
-		in->size = serialized.size();
-		in->pBuffer = new uchar[in->size];
-		memcpy(in->pBuffer, serialized.c_str(), serialized.size());
+		in->size = ob.size();
+		in->pBuffer = ob.detach();
 
 		delete[] __emu_buffer;
 
@@ -1492,30 +1489,24 @@ namespace RoF
 
 		//store away the emu struct
 		uchar* __emu_buffer = in->pBuffer;
-		//ItemPacket_Struct* old_item_pkt = (ItemPacket_Struct*)__emu_buffer;
-		//InternalSerializedItem_Struct* int_struct = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)(old_item_pkt->SerializedItem);
+
 		InternalSerializedItem_Struct* int_struct = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)(&__emu_buffer[4]);
 
-		std::stringstream ss(std::stringstream::in | std::stringstream::out);
-		std::stringstream::pos_type last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer ob;
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type last_pos = ob.tellp();
 
-		ss.write((const char*)__emu_buffer, 4);
+		ob.write((const char*)__emu_buffer, 4);
 
-		SerializeItem(ss, (const ItemInst*)int_struct->inst, int_struct->slot_id, 0);
-		if (ss.tellp() == last_pos) {
+		SerializeItem(ob, (const ItemInst*)int_struct->inst, int_struct->slot_id, 0);
+		if (ob.tellp() == last_pos) {
 			Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Netcode, "[STRUCTS] Serialization failed on item slot %d.", int_struct->slot_id);
 			delete in;
 			return;
 		}
 
-		std::string serialized = ss.str();
-
-		in->size = serialized.size();
-		in->pBuffer = new uchar[in->size];
-		//ItemPacket_Struct* new_item_pkt = (ItemPacket_Struct*)in->pBuffer;
-		//new_item_pkt->PacketType = old_item_pkt->PacketType;
-		memcpy(in->pBuffer, serialized.c_str(), serialized.size());
-
+		in->size = ob.size();
+		in->pBuffer = ob.detach();
+		
 		delete[] __emu_buffer;
 
 		dest->FastQueuePacket(&in, ack_req);
@@ -5180,7 +5171,7 @@ namespace RoF
 		return NextItemInstSerialNumber;
 	}
 
-	void SerializeItem(std::stringstream& ss, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth)
+	void SerializeItem(EQEmu::OutBuffer& ob, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth)
 	{
 		const Item_Struct *item = inst->GetUnscaledItem();
 		
@@ -5212,7 +5203,7 @@ namespace RoF
 		hdr.unknown052 = 0;
 		hdr.isEvolving = item->EvolvingItem;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&hdr, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemSerializationHeader));
+		ob.write((const char*)&hdr, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemSerializationHeader));
 
 		if (item->EvolvingItem > 0) {
 			RoF::structs::EvolvingItem evotop;
@@ -5226,7 +5217,7 @@ namespace RoF
 			evotop.Activated = 1;
 			evotop.evomaxlevel = item->EvolvingMax;
 
-			ss.write((const char*)&evotop, sizeof(RoF::structs::EvolvingItem));
+			ob.write((const char*)&evotop, sizeof(RoF::structs::EvolvingItem));
 		}
 
 		//ORNAMENT IDFILE / ICON
@@ -5241,16 +5232,16 @@ namespace RoF
 			char tmp[30]; memset(tmp, 0x0, 30); sprintf(tmp, "IT%d", inst->GetOrnamentationIDFile());
 
 			//Mainhand
-			ss.write(tmp, strlen(tmp));
-			ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(tmp, strlen(tmp));
+			ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 			//Offhand
-			ss.write(tmp, strlen(tmp));
-			ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(tmp, strlen(tmp));
+			ob.write("\0", 1);
 		}
 		else {
-			ss.write("\0", 1); // no main hand Ornamentation
-			ss.write("\0", 1); // no off hand Ornamentation
+			ob.write("\0", 1); // no main hand Ornamentation
+			ob.write("\0", 1); // no off hand Ornamentation
 		}
 
 		RoF::structs::ItemSerializationHeaderFinish hdrf;
@@ -5264,21 +5255,21 @@ namespace RoF
 		hdrf.unknowna5 = 0;
 		hdrf.ItemClass = item->ItemClass;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&hdrf, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemSerializationHeaderFinish));
+		ob.write((const char*)&hdrf, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemSerializationHeaderFinish));
 
 		if (strlen(item->Name) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->Name, strlen(item->Name));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->Name, strlen(item->Name));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		if (strlen(item->Lore) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->Lore, strlen(item->Lore));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->Lore, strlen(item->Lore));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		if (strlen(item->IDFile) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->IDFile, strlen(item->IDFile));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->IDFile, strlen(item->IDFile));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 		
 		RoF::structs::ItemBodyStruct ibs;
 		memset(&ibs, 0, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
@@ -5369,12 +5360,12 @@ namespace RoF
 		ibs.FactionAmt4 = item->FactionAmt4;
 		ibs.FactionMod4 = item->FactionMod4;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ibs, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ibs, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
 
 		//charm text
 		if (strlen(item->CharmFile) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->CharmFile, strlen(item->CharmFile));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->CharmFile, strlen(item->CharmFile));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		RoF::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct isbs;
 		memset(&isbs, 0, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
@@ -5403,11 +5394,11 @@ namespace RoF
 		isbs.book = item->Book;
 		isbs.booktype = item->BookType;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&isbs, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&isbs, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->Filename) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->Filename, strlen(item->Filename));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->Filename, strlen(item->Filename));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		RoF::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct itbs;
 		memset(&itbs, 0, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
@@ -5442,7 +5433,7 @@ namespace RoF
 		itbs.unknown13 = 0;
 		itbs.unknown14 = 0;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&itbs, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&itbs, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
 
 		// Effect Structures Broken down to allow variable length strings for effect names
 		int32 effect_unknown = 0;
@@ -5459,13 +5450,13 @@ namespace RoF
 		ices.recast = item->RecastDelay;
 		ices.recast_type = item->RecastType;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ices, sizeof(RoF::structs::ClickEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ices, sizeof(RoF::structs::ClickEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ClickName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ClickName, strlen(item->ClickName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ClickName, strlen(item->ClickName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// clickunk7
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// clickunk7
 
 		RoF::structs::ProcEffectStruct ipes;
 		memset(&ipes, 0, sizeof(RoF::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
@@ -5476,13 +5467,13 @@ namespace RoF
 		ipes.level = item->Proc.Level;
 		ipes.procrate = item->ProcRate;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ipes, sizeof(RoF::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ipes, sizeof(RoF::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ProcName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ProcName, strlen(item->ProcName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ProcName, strlen(item->ProcName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown5
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown5
 
 		RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct iwes;
 		memset(&iwes, 0, sizeof(RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -5492,13 +5483,13 @@ namespace RoF
 		iwes.type = item->Worn.Type;
 		iwes.level = item->Worn.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&iwes, sizeof(RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&iwes, sizeof(RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->WornName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->WornName, strlen(item->WornName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->WornName, strlen(item->WornName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 
 		RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct ifes;
 		memset(&ifes, 0, sizeof(RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -5508,13 +5499,13 @@ namespace RoF
 		ifes.type = item->Focus.Type;
 		ifes.level = item->Focus.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ifes, sizeof(RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ifes, sizeof(RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->FocusName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->FocusName, strlen(item->FocusName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->FocusName, strlen(item->FocusName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 
 		RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct ises;
 		memset(&ises, 0, sizeof(RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -5524,13 +5515,13 @@ namespace RoF
 		ises.type = item->Scroll.Type;
 		ises.level = item->Scroll.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ises, sizeof(RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ises, sizeof(RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ScrollName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ScrollName, strlen(item->ScrollName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ScrollName, strlen(item->ScrollName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 
 		// Bard Effect?
 		RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct ibes;
@@ -5542,7 +5533,7 @@ namespace RoF
 		ibes.level = 0;
 		//ibes.unknown6 = 0xffffffff;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ibes, sizeof(RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ibes, sizeof(RoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		/*
 		if(strlen(item->BardName) > 0)
@@ -5551,9 +5542,9 @@ namespace RoF
 		ss.write((const char*)&null_term, sizeof(uint8));
 		}
 		else */
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 		// End of Effects
 
 		RoF::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct iqbs;
@@ -5586,12 +5577,12 @@ namespace RoF
 		iqbs.unknown30 = 0;
 		iqbs.unknown39 = 1;
 		
-		ss.write((const char*)&iqbs, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&iqbs, sizeof(RoF::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct));
 
-		std::stringstream::pos_type count_pos = ss.tellp();
+		std::stringstream::pos_type count_pos = ob.tellp();
 		uint32 subitem_count = 0;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
+		ob.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
 
 		for (uint32 index = SUB_INDEX_BEGIN; index < EQEmu::legacy::ITEM_CONTAINER_SIZE; ++index) {
 			ItemInst* sub = inst->GetItem(index);
@@ -5608,20 +5599,14 @@ namespace RoF
 			else
 				SubSlotNumber = slot_id_in;
 
-			ss.write((const char*)&index, sizeof(uint32));
+			ob.write((const char*)&index, sizeof(uint32));
 
-			SerializeItem(ss, sub, SubSlotNumber, (depth + 1));
+			SerializeItem(ob, sub, SubSlotNumber, (depth + 1));
 			++subitem_count;
 		}
 
-		if (subitem_count) {
-			std::stringstream::pos_type cur_pos = ss.tellp();
-			ss.seekp(count_pos);
-
-			ss.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
-
-			ss.seekp(cur_pos);
-		}
+		if (subitem_count)
+			ob.overwrite(count_pos, (const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
 	}
 
 	static inline structs::InventorySlot_Struct ServerToRoFSlot(uint32 serverSlot)
diff --git a/common/patches/rof2.cpp b/common/patches/rof2.cpp
index 43cc31d55..a7f63abe6 100644
--- a/common/patches/rof2.cpp
+++ b/common/patches/rof2.cpp
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ namespace RoF2
 	static OpcodeManager *opcodes = nullptr;
 	static Strategy struct_strategy;
 
-	void SerializeItem(std::stringstream& ss, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id, uint8 depth, ItemPacketType packet_type);
+	void SerializeItem(EQEmu::OutBuffer& ob, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id, uint8 depth, ItemPacketType packet_type);
 
 	// server to client inventory location converters
 	static inline structs::InventorySlot_Struct ServerToRoF2Slot(uint32 serverSlot, ItemPacketType PacketType = ItemPacketInvalid);
@@ -628,24 +628,21 @@ namespace RoF2
 
 		InternalSerializedItem_Struct* eq = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)in->pBuffer;
 
-		std::stringstream ss(std::stringstream::in | std::stringstream::out);
-		std::stringstream::pos_type last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer ob;
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type last_pos = ob.tellp();
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&item_count, sizeof(uint32));
+		ob.write((const char*)&item_count, sizeof(uint32));
 
 		for (int index = 0; index < item_count; ++index, ++eq) {
-			SerializeItem(ss, (const ItemInst*)eq->inst, eq->slot_id, 0, ItemPacketCharInventory);
-			if (ss.tellp() == last_pos)
+			SerializeItem(ob, (const ItemInst*)eq->inst, eq->slot_id, 0, ItemPacketCharInventory);
+			if (ob.tellp() == last_pos)
 				Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Netcode, "[STRUCTS] Serialization failed on item slot %d during OP_CharInventory.  Item skipped.", eq->slot_id);
 
-			last_pos = ss.tellp();
+			last_pos = ob.tellp();
 		}
 
-		std::string serialized = ss.str();
-
-		in->size = serialized.size();
-		in->pBuffer = new uchar[in->size];
-		memcpy(in->pBuffer, serialized.c_str(), serialized.size());
+		in->size = ob.size();
+		in->pBuffer = ob.detach();
 
 		delete[] __emu_buffer;
 
@@ -1563,29 +1560,24 @@ namespace RoF2
 
 		//store away the emu struct
 		uchar* __emu_buffer = in->pBuffer;
+
 		ItemPacket_Struct* old_item_pkt = (ItemPacket_Struct*)__emu_buffer;
-		//InternalSerializedItem_Struct* int_struct = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)(old_item_pkt->SerializedItem);
 		InternalSerializedItem_Struct* int_struct = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)(&__emu_buffer[4]);
 
-		std::stringstream ss(std::stringstream::in | std::stringstream::out);
-		std::stringstream::pos_type last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer ob;
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type last_pos = ob.tellp();
 
-		ss.write((const char*)__emu_buffer, 4);
+		ob.write((const char*)__emu_buffer, 4);
 
-		SerializeItem(ss, (const ItemInst*)int_struct->inst, int_struct->slot_id, 0, old_item_pkt->PacketType);
-		if (ss.tellp() == last_pos) {
+		SerializeItem(ob, (const ItemInst*)int_struct->inst, int_struct->slot_id, 0, old_item_pkt->PacketType);
+		if (ob.tellp() == last_pos) {
 			Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Netcode, "[STRUCTS] Serialization failed on item slot %d.", int_struct->slot_id);
 			delete in;
 			return;
 		}
 
-		std::string serialized = ss.str();
-
-		in->size = serialized.size();
-		in->pBuffer = new uchar[in->size];
-		//ItemPacket_Struct* new_item_pkt = (ItemPacket_Struct*)in->pBuffer;
-		//new_item_pkt->PacketType = old_item_pkt->PacketType;
-		memcpy(in->pBuffer, serialized.c_str(), serialized.size());
+		in->size = ob.size();
+		in->pBuffer = ob.detach();
 
 		delete[] __emu_buffer;
 
@@ -5451,7 +5443,7 @@ namespace RoF2
 		return NextItemInstSerialNumber;
 	}
 
-	void SerializeItem(std::stringstream& ss, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth, ItemPacketType packet_type)
+	void SerializeItem(EQEmu::OutBuffer& ob, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth, ItemPacketType packet_type)
 	{
 		const Item_Struct *item = inst->GetUnscaledItem();
 		
@@ -5483,7 +5475,7 @@ namespace RoF2
 		hdr.unknown052 = 0;
 		hdr.isEvolving = item->EvolvingItem;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&hdr, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemSerializationHeader));
+		ob.write((const char*)&hdr, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemSerializationHeader));
 
 		if (item->EvolvingItem > 0) {
 			RoF2::structs::EvolvingItem evotop;
@@ -5497,7 +5489,7 @@ namespace RoF2
 			evotop.Activated = 1;
 			evotop.evomaxlevel = item->EvolvingMax;
 
-			ss.write((const char*)&evotop, sizeof(RoF2::structs::EvolvingItem));
+			ob.write((const char*)&evotop, sizeof(RoF2::structs::EvolvingItem));
 		}
 
 		//ORNAMENT IDFILE / ICON
@@ -5512,16 +5504,16 @@ namespace RoF2
 			char tmp[30]; memset(tmp, 0x0, 30); sprintf(tmp, "IT%d", inst->GetOrnamentationIDFile());
 
 			//Mainhand
-			ss.write(tmp, strlen(tmp));
-			ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(tmp, strlen(tmp));
+			ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 			//Offhand
-			ss.write(tmp, strlen(tmp));
-			ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(tmp, strlen(tmp));
+			ob.write("\0", 1);
 		}
 		else {
-			ss.write("\0", 1); // no main hand Ornamentation
-			ss.write("\0", 1); // no off hand Ornamentation
+			ob.write("\0", 1); // no main hand Ornamentation
+			ob.write("\0", 1); // no off hand Ornamentation
 		}
 
 		RoF2::structs::ItemSerializationHeaderFinish hdrf;
@@ -5535,21 +5527,21 @@ namespace RoF2
 		hdrf.unknowna5 = 0;
 		hdrf.ItemClass = item->ItemClass;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&hdrf, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemSerializationHeaderFinish));
+		ob.write((const char*)&hdrf, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemSerializationHeaderFinish));
 
 		if (strlen(item->Name) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->Name, strlen(item->Name));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->Name, strlen(item->Name));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		if (strlen(item->Lore) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->Lore, strlen(item->Lore));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->Lore, strlen(item->Lore));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		if (strlen(item->IDFile) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->IDFile, strlen(item->IDFile));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->IDFile, strlen(item->IDFile));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 		
 		RoF2::structs::ItemBodyStruct ibs;
 		memset(&ibs, 0, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
@@ -5640,12 +5632,12 @@ namespace RoF2
 		ibs.FactionAmt4 = item->FactionAmt4;
 		ibs.FactionMod4 = item->FactionMod4;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ibs, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ibs, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
 
 		//charm text
 		if (strlen(item->CharmFile) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->CharmFile, strlen(item->CharmFile));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->CharmFile, strlen(item->CharmFile));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		RoF2::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct isbs;
 		memset(&isbs, 0, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
@@ -5674,11 +5666,11 @@ namespace RoF2
 		isbs.book = item->Book;
 		isbs.booktype = item->BookType;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&isbs, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&isbs, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->Filename) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->Filename, strlen(item->Filename));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->Filename, strlen(item->Filename));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		RoF2::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct itbs;
 		memset(&itbs, 0, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
@@ -5713,7 +5705,7 @@ namespace RoF2
 		itbs.unknown13 = 0;
 		itbs.unknown14 = 0;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&itbs, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&itbs, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
 
 		// Effect Structures Broken down to allow variable length strings for effect names
 		int32 effect_unknown = 0;
@@ -5730,13 +5722,13 @@ namespace RoF2
 		ices.recast = item->RecastDelay;
 		ices.recast_type = item->RecastType;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ices, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ClickEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ices, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ClickEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ClickName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ClickName, strlen(item->ClickName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ClickName, strlen(item->ClickName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// clickunk7
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// clickunk7
 
 		RoF2::structs::ProcEffectStruct ipes;
 		memset(&ipes, 0, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
@@ -5747,13 +5739,13 @@ namespace RoF2
 		ipes.level = item->Proc.Level;
 		ipes.procrate = item->ProcRate;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ipes, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ipes, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ProcName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ProcName, strlen(item->ProcName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ProcName, strlen(item->ProcName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown5
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown5
 
 		RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct iwes;
 		memset(&iwes, 0, sizeof(RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -5763,13 +5755,13 @@ namespace RoF2
 		iwes.type = item->Worn.Type;
 		iwes.level = item->Worn.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&iwes, sizeof(RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&iwes, sizeof(RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->WornName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->WornName, strlen(item->WornName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->WornName, strlen(item->WornName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 
 		RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct ifes;
 		memset(&ifes, 0, sizeof(RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -5779,13 +5771,13 @@ namespace RoF2
 		ifes.type = item->Focus.Type;
 		ifes.level = item->Focus.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ifes, sizeof(RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ifes, sizeof(RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->FocusName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->FocusName, strlen(item->FocusName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->FocusName, strlen(item->FocusName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 
 		RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct ises;
 		memset(&ises, 0, sizeof(RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -5795,13 +5787,13 @@ namespace RoF2
 		ises.type = item->Scroll.Type;
 		ises.level = item->Scroll.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ises, sizeof(RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ises, sizeof(RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ScrollName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ScrollName, strlen(item->ScrollName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ScrollName, strlen(item->ScrollName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 
 		// Bard Effect?
 		RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct ibes;
@@ -5813,18 +5805,18 @@ namespace RoF2
 		ibes.level = item->Bard.Level;
 		//ibes.unknown6 = 0xffffffff;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ibes, sizeof(RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ibes, sizeof(RoF2::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		/*
 		if(strlen(item->BardName) > 0)
 		{
-		ss.write((const char*)item->BardName, strlen(item->BardName));
-		ss.write((const char*)&null_term, sizeof(uint8));
+		ob.write((const char*)item->BardName, strlen(item->BardName));
+		ob.write((const char*)&null_term, sizeof(uint8));
 		}
 		else */
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 		// End of Effects
 
 		RoF2::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct iqbs;
@@ -5867,12 +5859,12 @@ namespace RoF2
 		iqbs.unknown38 = 0;
 		iqbs.unknown39 = 1;
 		
-		ss.write((const char*)&iqbs, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&iqbs, sizeof(RoF2::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct));
 
-		std::stringstream::pos_type count_pos = ss.tellp();
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type count_pos = ob.tellp();
 		uint32 subitem_count = 0;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
+		ob.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
 
 		for (uint32 index = SUB_INDEX_BEGIN; index < EQEmu::legacy::ITEM_CONTAINER_SIZE; ++index) {
 			ItemInst* sub = inst->GetItem(index);
@@ -5889,20 +5881,14 @@ namespace RoF2
 			else
 				SubSlotNumber = slot_id_in;
 
-			ss.write((const char*)&index, sizeof(uint32));
+			ob.write((const char*)&index, sizeof(uint32));
 
-			SerializeItem(ss, sub, SubSlotNumber, (depth + 1), packet_type);
+			SerializeItem(ob, sub, SubSlotNumber, (depth + 1), packet_type);
 			++subitem_count;
 		}
 
-		if (subitem_count) {
-			std::stringstream::pos_type cur_pos = ss.tellp();
-			ss.seekp(count_pos);
-
-			ss.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
-
-			ss.seekp(cur_pos);
-		}
+		if (subitem_count)
+			ob.overwrite(count_pos, (const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
 	}
 
 	static inline structs::InventorySlot_Struct ServerToRoF2Slot(uint32 serverSlot, ItemPacketType PacketType)
diff --git a/common/patches/sod.cpp b/common/patches/sod.cpp
index 9902447b8..b3c5d50d8 100644
--- a/common/patches/sod.cpp
+++ b/common/patches/sod.cpp
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ namespace SoD
 	static OpcodeManager *opcodes = nullptr;
 	static Strategy struct_strategy;
 
-	void SerializeItem(std::stringstream& ss, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id, uint8 depth);
+	void SerializeItem(EQEmu::OutBuffer& ob, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id, uint8 depth);
 
 	// server to client inventory location converters
 	static inline uint32 ServerToSoDSlot(uint32 ServerSlot);
@@ -361,25 +361,22 @@ namespace SoD
 
 		InternalSerializedItem_Struct* eq = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)in->pBuffer;
 
-		std::stringstream ss(std::stringstream::in | std::stringstream::out);
-		std::stringstream::pos_type last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer ob;
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type last_pos = ob.tellp();
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&item_count, sizeof(uint32));
+		ob.write((const char*)&item_count, sizeof(uint32));
 
 		for (int index = 0; index < item_count; ++index, ++eq) {
-			SerializeItem(ss, (const ItemInst*)eq->inst, eq->slot_id, 0);
-			if (ss.tellp() == last_pos)
+			SerializeItem(ob, (const ItemInst*)eq->inst, eq->slot_id, 0);
+			if (ob.tellp() == last_pos)
 				Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Netcode, "[STRUCTS] Serialization failed on item slot %d during OP_CharInventory.  Item skipped.", eq->slot_id);
 
-			last_pos = ss.tellp();
+			last_pos = ob.tellp();
 		}
 
-		std::string serialized = ss.str();
-
-		in->size = serialized.size();
-		in->pBuffer = new uchar[in->size];
-		memcpy(in->pBuffer, serialized.c_str(), serialized.size());
-
+		in->size = ob.size();
+		in->pBuffer = ob.detach();
+		
 		delete[] __emu_buffer;
 
 		dest->FastQueuePacket(&in, ack_req);
@@ -1023,30 +1020,24 @@ namespace SoD
 
 		//store away the emu struct
 		uchar* __emu_buffer = in->pBuffer;
-		//ItemPacket_Struct* old_item_pkt = (ItemPacket_Struct*)__emu_buffer;
-		//InternalSerializedItem_Struct* int_struct = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)(old_item_pkt->SerializedItem);
+		
 		InternalSerializedItem_Struct* int_struct = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)(&__emu_buffer[4]);
 
-		std::stringstream ss(std::stringstream::in | std::stringstream::out);
-		std::stringstream::pos_type last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer ob;
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type last_pos = ob.tellp();
 
-		ss.write((const char*)__emu_buffer, 4);
+		ob.write((const char*)__emu_buffer, 4);
 
-		SerializeItem(ss, (const ItemInst*)int_struct->inst, int_struct->slot_id, 0);
-		if (ss.tellp() == last_pos) {
+		SerializeItem(ob, (const ItemInst*)int_struct->inst, int_struct->slot_id, 0);
+		if (ob.tellp() == last_pos) {
 			Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Netcode, "[STRUCTS] Serialization failed on item slot %d.", int_struct->slot_id);
 			delete in;
 			return;
 		}
 
-		std::string serialized = ss.str();
-
-		in->size = serialized.size();
-		in->pBuffer = new uchar[in->size];
-		//ItemPacket_Struct* new_item_pkt = (ItemPacket_Struct*)in->pBuffer;
-		//new_item_pkt->PacketType = old_item_pkt->PacketType;
-		memcpy(in->pBuffer, serialized.c_str(), serialized.size());
-
+		in->size = ob.size();
+		in->pBuffer = ob.detach();
+		
 		delete[] __emu_buffer;
 
 		dest->FastQueuePacket(&in, ack_req);
@@ -3540,7 +3531,7 @@ namespace SoD
 		return NextItemInstSerialNumber;
 	}
 
-	void SerializeItem(std::stringstream& ss, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth)
+	void SerializeItem(EQEmu::OutBuffer& ob, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth)
 	{
 		const Item_Struct *item = inst->GetUnscaledItem();
 		
@@ -3569,19 +3560,19 @@ namespace SoD
 		hdr.unknown062 = 0;
 		hdr.ItemClass = item->ItemClass;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&hdr, sizeof(SoD::structs::ItemSerializationHeader));
+		ob.write((const char*)&hdr, sizeof(SoD::structs::ItemSerializationHeader));
 
 		if (strlen(item->Name) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->Name, strlen(item->Name));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->Name, strlen(item->Name));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		if (strlen(item->Lore) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->Lore, strlen(item->Lore));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->Lore, strlen(item->Lore));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		if (strlen(item->IDFile) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->IDFile, strlen(item->IDFile));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->IDFile, strlen(item->IDFile));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		SoD::structs::ItemBodyStruct ibs;
 		memset(&ibs, 0, sizeof(SoD::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
@@ -3670,12 +3661,12 @@ namespace SoD
 		ibs.FactionAmt4 = item->FactionAmt4;
 		ibs.FactionMod4 = item->FactionMod4;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ibs, sizeof(SoD::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ibs, sizeof(SoD::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
 
 		//charm text
 		if (strlen(item->CharmFile) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->CharmFile, strlen(item->CharmFile));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->CharmFile, strlen(item->CharmFile));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		SoD::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct isbs;
 		memset(&isbs, 0, sizeof(SoD::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
@@ -3703,11 +3694,11 @@ namespace SoD
 		isbs.book = item->Book;
 		isbs.booktype = item->BookType;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&isbs, sizeof(SoD::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&isbs, sizeof(SoD::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->Filename) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->Filename, strlen(item->Filename));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->Filename, strlen(item->Filename));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		SoD::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct itbs;
 		memset(&itbs, 0, sizeof(SoD::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
@@ -3731,7 +3722,7 @@ namespace SoD
 		itbs.no_transfer = item->NoTransfer;
 		itbs.expendablearrow = item->ExpendableArrow;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&itbs, sizeof(SoD::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&itbs, sizeof(SoD::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
 
 		// Effect Structures Broken down to allow variable length strings for effect names
 		int32 effect_unknown = 0;
@@ -3748,13 +3739,13 @@ namespace SoD
 		ices.recast = item->RecastDelay;
 		ices.recast_type = item->RecastType;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ices, sizeof(SoD::structs::ClickEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ices, sizeof(SoD::structs::ClickEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ClickName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ClickName, strlen(item->ClickName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ClickName, strlen(item->ClickName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// clickunk7
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// clickunk7
 
 		SoD::structs::ProcEffectStruct ipes;
 		memset(&ipes, 0, sizeof(SoD::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
@@ -3765,13 +3756,13 @@ namespace SoD
 		ipes.level = item->Proc.Level;
 		ipes.procrate = item->ProcRate;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ipes, sizeof(SoD::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ipes, sizeof(SoD::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ProcName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ProcName, strlen(item->ProcName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ProcName, strlen(item->ProcName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown5
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown5
 
 		SoD::structs::WornEffectStruct iwes;
 		memset(&iwes, 0, sizeof(SoD::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -3781,13 +3772,13 @@ namespace SoD
 		iwes.type = item->Worn.Type;
 		iwes.level = item->Worn.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&iwes, sizeof(SoD::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&iwes, sizeof(SoD::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->WornName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->WornName, strlen(item->WornName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->WornName, strlen(item->WornName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 
 		SoD::structs::WornEffectStruct ifes;
 		memset(&ifes, 0, sizeof(SoD::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -3797,13 +3788,13 @@ namespace SoD
 		ifes.type = item->Focus.Type;
 		ifes.level = item->Focus.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ifes, sizeof(SoD::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ifes, sizeof(SoD::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->FocusName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->FocusName, strlen(item->FocusName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->FocusName, strlen(item->FocusName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 
 		SoD::structs::WornEffectStruct ises;
 		memset(&ises, 0, sizeof(SoD::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -3813,13 +3804,13 @@ namespace SoD
 		ises.type = item->Scroll.Type;
 		ises.level = item->Scroll.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ises, sizeof(SoD::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ises, sizeof(SoD::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ScrollName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ScrollName, strlen(item->ScrollName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ScrollName, strlen(item->ScrollName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 		// End of Effects
 
 		SoD::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct iqbs;
@@ -3849,12 +3840,12 @@ namespace SoD
 		iqbs.SpellDmg = item->SpellDmg;
 		iqbs.Clairvoyance = item->Clairvoyance;
 		
-		ss.write((const char*)&iqbs, sizeof(SoD::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&iqbs, sizeof(SoD::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct));
 
-		std::stringstream::pos_type count_pos = ss.tellp();
+		std::stringstream::pos_type count_pos = ob.tellp();
 		uint32 subitem_count = 0;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
+		ob.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
 
 		for (uint32 index = SUB_INDEX_BEGIN; index < EQEmu::legacy::ITEM_CONTAINER_SIZE; ++index) {
 			ItemInst* sub = inst->GetItem(index);
@@ -3871,20 +3862,14 @@ namespace SoD
 			else
 				SubSlotNumber = slot_id_in;
 
-			ss.write((const char*)&index, sizeof(uint32));
+			ob.write((const char*)&index, sizeof(uint32));
 
-			SerializeItem(ss, sub, SubSlotNumber, (depth + 1));
+			SerializeItem(ob, sub, SubSlotNumber, (depth + 1));
 			++subitem_count;
 		}
 
-		if (subitem_count) {
-			std::stringstream::pos_type cur_pos = ss.tellp();
-			ss.seekp(count_pos);
-
-			ss.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
-
-			ss.seekp(cur_pos);
-		}
+		if (subitem_count)
+			ob.overwrite(count_pos, (const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
 	}
 
 	static inline uint32 ServerToSoDSlot(uint32 serverSlot)
diff --git a/common/patches/sof.cpp b/common/patches/sof.cpp
index e2526cb45..32383d4e9 100644
--- a/common/patches/sof.cpp
+++ b/common/patches/sof.cpp
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ namespace SoF
 	static OpcodeManager *opcodes = nullptr;
 	static Strategy struct_strategy;
 
-	void SerializeItem(std::stringstream& ss, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id, uint8 depth);
+	void SerializeItem(EQEmu::OutBuffer& ob, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id, uint8 depth);
 
 	// server to client inventory location converters
 	static inline uint32 ServerToSoFSlot(uint32 serverSlot);
@@ -343,25 +343,22 @@ namespace SoF
 
 		InternalSerializedItem_Struct* eq = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)in->pBuffer;
 
-		std::stringstream ss(std::stringstream::in | std::stringstream::out);
-		std::stringstream::pos_type last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer ob;
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type last_pos = ob.tellp();
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&item_count, sizeof(uint32));
+		ob.write((const char*)&item_count, sizeof(uint32));
 
 		for (int index = 0; index < item_count; ++index, ++eq) {
-			SerializeItem(ss, (const ItemInst*)eq->inst, eq->slot_id, 0);
-			if (ss.tellp() == last_pos)
+			SerializeItem(ob, (const ItemInst*)eq->inst, eq->slot_id, 0);
+			if (ob.tellp() == last_pos)
 				Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Netcode, "[STRUCTS] Serialization failed on item slot %d during OP_CharInventory.  Item skipped.", eq->slot_id);
 
-			last_pos = ss.tellp();
+			last_pos = ob.tellp();
 		}
 
-		std::string serialized = ss.str();
-
-		in->size = serialized.size();
-		in->pBuffer = new uchar[in->size];
-		memcpy(in->pBuffer, serialized.c_str(), serialized.size());
-
+		in->size = ob.size();
+		in->pBuffer = ob.detach();
+		
 		delete[] __emu_buffer;
 
 		dest->FastQueuePacket(&in, ack_req);
@@ -823,30 +820,24 @@ namespace SoF
 
 		//store away the emu struct
 		uchar* __emu_buffer = in->pBuffer;
-		//ItemPacket_Struct* old_item_pkt = (ItemPacket_Struct*)__emu_buffer;
-		//InternalSerializedItem_Struct* int_struct = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)(old_item_pkt->SerializedItem);
+		
 		InternalSerializedItem_Struct* int_struct = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)(&__emu_buffer[4]);
 
-		std::stringstream ss(std::stringstream::in | std::stringstream::out);
-		std::stringstream::pos_type last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer ob;
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type last_pos = ob.tellp();
 
-		ss.write((const char*)__emu_buffer, 4);
+		ob.write((const char*)__emu_buffer, 4);
 
-		SerializeItem(ss, (const ItemInst*)int_struct->inst, int_struct->slot_id, 0);
-		if (ss.tellp() == last_pos) {
+		SerializeItem(ob, (const ItemInst*)int_struct->inst, int_struct->slot_id, 0);
+		if (ob.tellp() == last_pos) {
 			Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Netcode, "[STRUCTS] Serialization failed on item slot %d.", int_struct->slot_id);
 			delete in;
 			return;
 		}
 
-		std::string serialized = ss.str();
-
-		in->size = serialized.size();
-		in->pBuffer = new uchar[in->size];
-		//ItemPacket_Struct* new_item_pkt = (ItemPacket_Struct*)in->pBuffer;
-		//new_item_pkt->PacketType = old_item_pkt->PacketType;
-		memcpy(in->pBuffer, serialized.c_str(), serialized.size());
-
+		in->size = ob.size();
+		in->pBuffer = ob.detach();
+		
 		delete[] __emu_buffer;
 
 		dest->FastQueuePacket(&in, ack_req);
@@ -2865,7 +2856,7 @@ namespace SoF
 		return NextItemInstSerialNumber;
 	}
 
-	void SerializeItem(std::stringstream& ss, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth)
+	void SerializeItem(EQEmu::OutBuffer& ob, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth)
 	{
 		const Item_Struct *item = inst->GetUnscaledItem();
 		
@@ -2893,19 +2884,19 @@ namespace SoF
 		hdr.unknown061 = 0;
 		hdr.ItemClass = item->ItemClass;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&hdr, sizeof(SoF::structs::ItemSerializationHeader));
+		ob.write((const char*)&hdr, sizeof(SoF::structs::ItemSerializationHeader));
 
 		if (strlen(item->Name) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->Name, strlen(item->Name));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->Name, strlen(item->Name));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		if (strlen(item->Lore) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->Lore, strlen(item->Lore));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->Lore, strlen(item->Lore));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		if (strlen(item->IDFile) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->IDFile, strlen(item->IDFile));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->IDFile, strlen(item->IDFile));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		SoF::structs::ItemBodyStruct ibs;
 		memset(&ibs, 0, sizeof(SoF::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
@@ -2994,12 +2985,12 @@ namespace SoF
 		ibs.FactionAmt4 = item->FactionAmt4;
 		ibs.FactionMod4 = item->FactionMod4;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ibs, sizeof(SoF::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ibs, sizeof(SoF::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
 
 		//charm text
 		if (strlen(item->CharmFile) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->CharmFile, strlen(item->CharmFile));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->CharmFile, strlen(item->CharmFile));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		SoF::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct isbs;
 		memset(&isbs, 0, sizeof(SoF::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
@@ -3027,11 +3018,11 @@ namespace SoF
 		isbs.book = item->Book;
 		isbs.booktype = item->BookType;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&isbs, sizeof(SoF::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&isbs, sizeof(SoF::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->Filename) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->Filename, strlen(item->Filename));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->Filename, strlen(item->Filename));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		SoF::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct itbs;
 		memset(&itbs, 0, sizeof(SoF::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
@@ -3055,7 +3046,7 @@ namespace SoF
 		itbs.no_transfer = item->NoTransfer;
 		itbs.expendablearrow = item->ExpendableArrow;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&itbs, sizeof(SoF::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&itbs, sizeof(SoF::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
 
 		// Effect Structures Broken down to allow variable length strings for effect names
 		int32 effect_unknown = 0;
@@ -3072,13 +3063,13 @@ namespace SoF
 		ices.recast = item->RecastDelay;
 		ices.recast_type = item->RecastType;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ices, sizeof(SoF::structs::ClickEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ices, sizeof(SoF::structs::ClickEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ClickName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ClickName, strlen(item->ClickName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ClickName, strlen(item->ClickName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// clickunk7
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// clickunk7
 
 		SoF::structs::ProcEffectStruct ipes;
 		memset(&ipes, 0, sizeof(SoF::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
@@ -3089,13 +3080,13 @@ namespace SoF
 		ipes.level = item->Proc.Level;
 		ipes.procrate = item->ProcRate;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ipes, sizeof(SoF::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ipes, sizeof(SoF::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ProcName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ProcName, strlen(item->ProcName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ProcName, strlen(item->ProcName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown5
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown5
 
 		SoF::structs::WornEffectStruct iwes;
 		memset(&iwes, 0, sizeof(SoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -3105,13 +3096,13 @@ namespace SoF
 		iwes.type = item->Worn.Type;
 		iwes.level = item->Worn.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&iwes, sizeof(SoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&iwes, sizeof(SoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->WornName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->WornName, strlen(item->WornName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->WornName, strlen(item->WornName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 
 		SoF::structs::WornEffectStruct ifes;
 		memset(&ifes, 0, sizeof(SoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -3121,13 +3112,13 @@ namespace SoF
 		ifes.type = item->Focus.Type;
 		ifes.level = item->Focus.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ifes, sizeof(SoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ifes, sizeof(SoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->FocusName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->FocusName, strlen(item->FocusName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->FocusName, strlen(item->FocusName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 
 		SoF::structs::WornEffectStruct ises;
 		memset(&ises, 0, sizeof(SoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -3137,13 +3128,13 @@ namespace SoF
 		ises.type = item->Scroll.Type;
 		ises.level = item->Scroll.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ises, sizeof(SoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ises, sizeof(SoF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ScrollName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ScrollName, strlen(item->ScrollName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ScrollName, strlen(item->ScrollName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 		// End of Effects
 
 		SoF::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct iqbs;
@@ -3172,12 +3163,12 @@ namespace SoF
 		iqbs.HealAmt = item->HealAmt;
 		iqbs.SpellDmg = item->SpellDmg;
 		
-		ss.write((const char*)&iqbs, sizeof(SoF::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&iqbs, sizeof(SoF::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct));
 
-		std::stringstream::pos_type count_pos = ss.tellp();
+		std::stringstream::pos_type count_pos = ob.tellp();
 		uint32 subitem_count = 0;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
+		ob.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
 
 		for (uint32 index = SUB_INDEX_BEGIN; index < EQEmu::legacy::ITEM_CONTAINER_SIZE; ++index) {
 			ItemInst* sub = inst->GetItem(index);
@@ -3194,20 +3185,14 @@ namespace SoF
 			else
 				SubSlotNumber = slot_id_in;
 
-			ss.write((const char*)&index, sizeof(uint32));
+			ob.write((const char*)&index, sizeof(uint32));
 
-			SerializeItem(ss, sub, SubSlotNumber, (depth + 1));
+			SerializeItem(ob, sub, SubSlotNumber, (depth + 1));
 			++subitem_count;
 		}
 
-		if (subitem_count) {
-			std::stringstream::pos_type cur_pos = ss.tellp();
-			ss.seekp(count_pos);
-
-			ss.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
-
-			ss.seekp(cur_pos);
-		}
+		if (subitem_count)
+			ob.overwrite(count_pos, (const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
 	}
 
 	static inline uint32 ServerToSoFSlot(uint32 serverSlot)
diff --git a/common/patches/titanium.cpp b/common/patches/titanium.cpp
index cdfbf0250..b3a27cb7b 100644
--- a/common/patches/titanium.cpp
+++ b/common/patches/titanium.cpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ namespace Titanium
 	static OpcodeManager *opcodes = nullptr;
 	static Strategy struct_strategy;
 
-	void SerializeItem(std::stringstream& ss, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth);
+	void SerializeItem(EQEmu::OutBuffer& ob, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth);
 
 	// server to client inventory location converters
 	static inline int16 ServerToTitaniumSlot(uint32 serverSlot);
@@ -272,26 +272,24 @@ namespace Titanium
 			delete in;
 			return;
 		}
+
 		InternalSerializedItem_Struct* eq = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)in->pBuffer;
 
 		//do the transform...
-		std::stringstream ss(std::stringstream::in | std::stringstream::out);
-		std::stringstream::pos_type last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer ob;
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type last_pos = ob.tellp();
 
 		for (int r = 0; r < itemcount; r++, eq++) {
-			SerializeItem(ss, (const ItemInst*)eq->inst, eq->slot_id, 0);
-			if (ss.tellp() == last_pos)
+			SerializeItem(ob, (const ItemInst*)eq->inst, eq->slot_id, 0);
+			if (ob.tellp() == last_pos)
 				Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Netcode, "[STRUCTS] Serialization failed on item slot %d during OP_CharInventory.  Item skipped.", eq->slot_id);
 			
-			last_pos = ss.tellp();
+			last_pos = ob.tellp();
 		}
 
-		std::string serialized = ss.str();
-
-		in->size = serialized.size();
-		in->pBuffer = new uchar[in->size];
-		memcpy(in->pBuffer, serialized.c_str(), serialized.size());
-
+		in->size = ob.size();
+		in->pBuffer = ob.detach();
+		
 		delete[] __emu_buffer;
 
 		dest->FastQueuePacket(&in, ack_req);
@@ -720,30 +718,24 @@ namespace Titanium
 
 		//store away the emu struct
 		uchar* __emu_buffer = in->pBuffer;
-		//ItemPacket_Struct* old_item_pkt = (ItemPacket_Struct*)__emu_buffer;
-		//InternalSerializedItem_Struct* int_struct = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)(old_item_pkt->SerializedItem);
+		
 		InternalSerializedItem_Struct* int_struct = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)(&__emu_buffer[4]);
 
-		std::stringstream ss(std::stringstream::in | std::stringstream::out);
-		std::stringstream::pos_type last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer ob;
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type last_pos = ob.tellp();
 
-		ss.write((const char*)__emu_buffer, 4);
+		ob.write((const char*)__emu_buffer, 4);
 
-		SerializeItem(ss, (const ItemInst*)int_struct->inst, int_struct->slot_id, 0);
-		if (ss.tellp() == last_pos) {
+		SerializeItem(ob, (const ItemInst*)int_struct->inst, int_struct->slot_id, 0);
+		if (ob.tellp() == last_pos) {
 			Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Netcode, "[STRUCTS] Serialization failed on item slot %d.", int_struct->slot_id);
 			delete in;
 			return;
 		}
 
-		std::string serialized = ss.str();
+		in->size = ob.size();
+		in->pBuffer = ob.detach();
 		
-		in->size = serialized.size();
-		in->pBuffer = new uchar[in->size];
-		//ItemPacket_Struct* new_item_pkt = (ItemPacket_Struct*)in->pBuffer;
-		//new_item_pkt->PacketType = old_item_pkt->PacketType;
-		memcpy(in->pBuffer, serialized.c_str(), serialized.size());
-
 		delete[] __emu_buffer;
 
 		dest->FastQueuePacket(&in, ack_req);
@@ -2083,241 +2075,241 @@ namespace Titanium
 	}
 
 // file scope helper methods
-	void SerializeItem(std::stringstream& ss, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth)
+	void SerializeItem(EQEmu::OutBuffer& ob, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth)
 	{
 		const char* protection = "\\\\\\\\\\";
 		const Item_Struct* item = inst->GetUnscaledItem();
 
-		ss << StringFormat("%.*s%s", (depth ? (depth - 1) : 0), protection, (depth ? "\"" : "")); // For leading quotes (and protection) if a subitem;
+		ob << StringFormat("%.*s%s", (depth ? (depth - 1) : 0), protection, (depth ? "\"" : "")); // For leading quotes (and protection) if a subitem;
 		
 		// Instance data
-		ss << itoa((inst->IsStackable() ? inst->GetCharges() : 0)); // stack count
-		ss << '|' << itoa(0); // unknown
-		ss << '|' << itoa((!inst->GetMerchantSlot() ? slot_id_in : inst->GetMerchantSlot())); // inst slot/merchant slot
-		ss << '|' << itoa(inst->GetPrice()); // merchant price
-		ss << '|' << itoa((!inst->GetMerchantSlot() ? 1 : inst->GetMerchantCount())); // inst count/merchant count
-		ss << '|' << itoa((inst->IsScaling() ? (inst->GetExp() / 100) : 0)); // inst experience
-		ss << '|' << itoa((!inst->GetMerchantSlot() ? inst->GetSerialNumber() : inst->GetMerchantSlot())); // merchant serial number
-		ss << '|' << itoa(inst->GetRecastTimestamp()); // recast timestamp
-		ss << '|' << itoa(((inst->IsStackable() ? ((inst->GetItem()->ItemType == ItemTypePotion) ? 1 : 0) : inst->GetCharges()))); // charge count
-		ss << '|' << itoa((inst->IsAttuned() ? 1 : 0)); // inst attuned
-		ss << '|' << itoa(0); // unknown
-		ss << '|';
+		ob << itoa((inst->IsStackable() ? inst->GetCharges() : 0)); // stack count
+		ob << '|' << itoa(0); // unknown
+		ob << '|' << itoa((!inst->GetMerchantSlot() ? slot_id_in : inst->GetMerchantSlot())); // inst slot/merchant slot
+		ob << '|' << itoa(inst->GetPrice()); // merchant price
+		ob << '|' << itoa((!inst->GetMerchantSlot() ? 1 : inst->GetMerchantCount())); // inst count/merchant count
+		ob << '|' << itoa((inst->IsScaling() ? (inst->GetExp() / 100) : 0)); // inst experience
+		ob << '|' << itoa((!inst->GetMerchantSlot() ? inst->GetSerialNumber() : inst->GetMerchantSlot())); // merchant serial number
+		ob << '|' << itoa(inst->GetRecastTimestamp()); // recast timestamp
+		ob << '|' << itoa(((inst->IsStackable() ? ((inst->GetItem()->ItemType == ItemTypePotion) ? 1 : 0) : inst->GetCharges()))); // charge count
+		ob << '|' << itoa((inst->IsAttuned() ? 1 : 0)); // inst attuned
+		ob << '|' << itoa(0); // unknown
+		ob << '|';
 
-		ss << StringFormat("%.*s\"", depth, protection); // Quotes (and protection, if needed) around static data
+		ob << StringFormat("%.*s\"", depth, protection); // Quotes (and protection, if needed) around static data
 
 		// Item data
-		ss << itoa(item->ItemClass);
-		ss << '|' << item->Name;
-		ss << '|' << item->Lore;
-		ss << '|' << item->IDFile;
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->ID);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(((item->Weight > 255) ? 255 : item->Weight));
+		ob << itoa(item->ItemClass);
+		ob << '|' << item->Name;
+		ob << '|' << item->Lore;
+		ob << '|' << item->IDFile;
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->ID);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(((item->Weight > 255) ? 255 : item->Weight));
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->NoRent);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->NoDrop);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Size);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Slots);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Price);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Icon);
-		ss << '|' << "0";
-		ss << '|' << "0";
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->BenefitFlag);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Tradeskills);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->NoRent);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->NoDrop);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Size);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Slots);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Price);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Icon);
+		ob << '|' << "0";
+		ob << '|' << "0";
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->BenefitFlag);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Tradeskills);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->CR);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->DR);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->PR);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->MR);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->FR);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->CR);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->DR);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->PR);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->MR);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->FR);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AStr);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->ASta);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AAgi);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->ADex);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->ACha);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AInt);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AWis);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AStr);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->ASta);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AAgi);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->ADex);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->ACha);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AInt);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AWis);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->HP);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Mana);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AC);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Deity);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->HP);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Mana);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AC);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Deity);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->SkillModValue);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->SkillModMax);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->SkillModType);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->SkillModValue);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->SkillModMax);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->SkillModType);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->BaneDmgRace);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->BaneDmgAmt);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->BaneDmgBody);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->BaneDmgRace);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->BaneDmgAmt);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->BaneDmgBody);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Magic);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->CastTime_);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->ReqLevel);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->BardType);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->BardValue);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Light);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Delay);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Magic);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->CastTime_);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->ReqLevel);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->BardType);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->BardValue);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Light);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Delay);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->RecLevel);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->RecSkill);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->RecLevel);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->RecSkill);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->ElemDmgType);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->ElemDmgAmt);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->ElemDmgType);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->ElemDmgAmt);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Range);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Damage);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Range);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Damage);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Color);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Classes);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Races);
-		ss << '|' << "0";
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Color);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Classes);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Races);
+		ob << '|' << "0";
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->MaxCharges);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->ItemType);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Material);
-		ss << '|' << StringFormat("%f", item->SellRate);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->MaxCharges);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->ItemType);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Material);
+		ob << '|' << StringFormat("%f", item->SellRate);
 
-		ss << '|' << "0";
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->CastTime_);
-		ss << '|' << "0";
+		ob << '|' << "0";
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->CastTime_);
+		ob << '|' << "0";
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->ProcRate);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->CombatEffects);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Shielding);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->StunResist);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->StrikeThrough);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->ExtraDmgSkill);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->ExtraDmgAmt);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->SpellShield);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Avoidance);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Accuracy);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->ProcRate);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->CombatEffects);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Shielding);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->StunResist);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->StrikeThrough);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->ExtraDmgSkill);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->ExtraDmgAmt);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->SpellShield);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Avoidance);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Accuracy);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->CharmFileID);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->CharmFileID);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->FactionMod1);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->FactionMod2);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->FactionMod3);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->FactionMod4);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->FactionMod1);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->FactionMod2);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->FactionMod3);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->FactionMod4);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->FactionAmt1);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->FactionAmt2);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->FactionAmt3);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->FactionAmt4);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->FactionAmt1);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->FactionAmt2);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->FactionAmt3);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->FactionAmt4);
 
-		ss << '|' << item->CharmFile;
+		ob << '|' << item->CharmFile;
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AugType);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AugType);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotType[0]);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotVisible[0]);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotType[1]);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotVisible[1]);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotType[2]);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotVisible[2]);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotType[3]);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotVisible[3]);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotType[4]);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotVisible[4]);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotType[0]);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotVisible[0]);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotType[1]);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotVisible[1]);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotType[2]);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotVisible[2]);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotType[3]);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotVisible[3]);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotType[4]);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AugSlotVisible[4]);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->LDoNTheme);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->LDoNPrice);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->LDoNSold);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->LDoNTheme);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->LDoNPrice);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->LDoNSold);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->BagType);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->BagSlots);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->BagSize);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->BagWR);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->BagType);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->BagSlots);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->BagSize);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->BagWR);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Book);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->BookType);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Book);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->BookType);
 
-		ss << '|' << item->Filename;
+		ob << '|' << item->Filename;
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->BaneDmgRaceAmt);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AugRestrict);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->LoreGroup);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->PendingLoreFlag);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->ArtifactFlag);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->SummonedFlag);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->BaneDmgRaceAmt);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AugRestrict);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->LoreGroup);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->PendingLoreFlag);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->ArtifactFlag);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->SummonedFlag);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Favor);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->FVNoDrop);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Endur);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->DotShielding);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Attack);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Regen);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->ManaRegen);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->EnduranceRegen);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Haste);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->DamageShield);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->RecastDelay);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->RecastType);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->GuildFavor);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Favor);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->FVNoDrop);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Endur);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->DotShielding);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Attack);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Regen);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->ManaRegen);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->EnduranceRegen);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Haste);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->DamageShield);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->RecastDelay);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->RecastType);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->GuildFavor);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->AugDistiller);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->AugDistiller);
 
-		ss << '|' << "0"; // unknown
-		ss << '|' << "0"; // unknown
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Attuneable);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->NoPet);
-		ss << '|' << "0"; // unknown
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->PointType);
+		ob << '|' << "0"; // unknown
+		ob << '|' << "0"; // unknown
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Attuneable);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->NoPet);
+		ob << '|' << "0"; // unknown
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->PointType);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->PotionBelt);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->PotionBeltSlots);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->StackSize);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->NoTransfer);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Stackable);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->PotionBelt);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->PotionBeltSlots);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->StackSize);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->NoTransfer);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Stackable);
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Click.Effect);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Click.Type);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Click.Level2);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Click.Level);
-		ss << '|' << "0"; // Click name
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Click.Effect);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Click.Type);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Click.Level2);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Click.Level);
+		ob << '|' << "0"; // Click name
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Proc.Effect);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Proc.Type);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Proc.Level2);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Proc.Level);
-		ss << '|' << "0"; // Proc name
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Proc.Effect);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Proc.Type);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Proc.Level2);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Proc.Level);
+		ob << '|' << "0"; // Proc name
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Worn.Effect);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Worn.Type);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Worn.Level2);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Worn.Level);
-		ss << '|' << "0"; // Worn name
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Worn.Effect);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Worn.Type);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Worn.Level2);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Worn.Level);
+		ob << '|' << "0"; // Worn name
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Focus.Effect);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Focus.Type);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Focus.Level2);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Focus.Level);
-		ss << '|' << "0"; // Focus name
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Focus.Effect);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Focus.Type);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Focus.Level2);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Focus.Level);
+		ob << '|' << "0"; // Focus name
 
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Scroll.Effect);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Scroll.Type);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Scroll.Level2);
-		ss << '|' << itoa(item->Scroll.Level);
-		ss << '|' << "0"; // Scroll name
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Scroll.Effect);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Scroll.Type);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Scroll.Level2);
+		ob << '|' << itoa(item->Scroll.Level);
+		ob << '|' << "0"; // Scroll name
 
-		ss << StringFormat("%.*s\"", depth, protection); // Quotes (and protection, if needed) around static data
+		ob << StringFormat("%.*s\"", depth, protection); // Quotes (and protection, if needed) around static data
 
 		// Sub data
 		for (int index = SUB_INDEX_BEGIN; index < consts::ITEM_CONTAINER_SIZE; ++index) {
-			ss << '|';
+			ob << '|';
 
 			ItemInst* sub = inst->GetItem(index);
 			if (!sub)
 				continue;
 			
-			SerializeItem(ss, sub, 0, (depth + 1));
+			SerializeItem(ob, sub, 0, (depth + 1));
 		}
 
-		ss << StringFormat("%.*s%s", (depth ? (depth - 1) : 0), protection, (depth ? "\"" : "")); // For trailing quotes (and protection) if a subitem;
+		ob << StringFormat("%.*s%s", (depth ? (depth - 1) : 0), protection, (depth ? "\"" : "")); // For trailing quotes (and protection) if a subitem;
 
 		if (!depth)
-			ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write("\0", 1);
 	}
 
 	static inline int16 ServerToTitaniumSlot(uint32 serverSlot)
diff --git a/common/patches/uf.cpp b/common/patches/uf.cpp
index f864172bd..24b4b6cba 100644
--- a/common/patches/uf.cpp
+++ b/common/patches/uf.cpp
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ namespace UF
 	static OpcodeManager *opcodes = nullptr;
 	static Strategy struct_strategy;
 
-	void SerializeItem(std::stringstream& ss, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id, uint8 depth);
+	void SerializeItem(EQEmu::OutBuffer& ob, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id, uint8 depth);
 
 	// server to client inventory location converters
 	static inline uint32 ServerToUFSlot(uint32 serverSlot);
@@ -499,25 +499,22 @@ namespace UF
 
 		InternalSerializedItem_Struct* eq = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)in->pBuffer;
 
-		std::stringstream ss(std::stringstream::in | std::stringstream::out);
-		std::stringstream::pos_type last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer ob;
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type last_pos = ob.tellp();
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&item_count, sizeof(uint32));
+		ob.write((const char*)&item_count, sizeof(uint32));
 
 		for (int index = 0; index < item_count; ++index, ++eq) {
-			SerializeItem(ss, (const ItemInst*)eq->inst, eq->slot_id, 0);
-			if (ss.tellp() == last_pos)
+			SerializeItem(ob, (const ItemInst*)eq->inst, eq->slot_id, 0);
+			if (ob.tellp() == last_pos)
 				Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Netcode, "[STRUCTS] Serialization failed on item slot %d during OP_CharInventory.  Item skipped.", eq->slot_id);
 
-			last_pos = ss.tellp();
+			last_pos = ob.tellp();
 		}
 
-		std::string serialized = ss.str();
-
-		in->size = serialized.size();
-		in->pBuffer = new uchar[in->size];
-		memcpy(in->pBuffer, serialized.c_str(), serialized.size());
-
+		in->size = ob.size();
+		in->pBuffer = ob.detach();
+		
 		delete[] __emu_buffer;
 
 		dest->FastQueuePacket(&in, ack_req);
@@ -1249,30 +1246,24 @@ namespace UF
 
 		//store away the emu struct
 		uchar* __emu_buffer = in->pBuffer;
-		//ItemPacket_Struct* old_item_pkt = (ItemPacket_Struct*)__emu_buffer;
-		//InternalSerializedItem_Struct* int_struct = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)(old_item_pkt->SerializedItem);
+
 		InternalSerializedItem_Struct* int_struct = (InternalSerializedItem_Struct*)(&__emu_buffer[4]);
 
-		std::stringstream ss(std::stringstream::in | std::stringstream::out);
-		std::stringstream::pos_type last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer ob;
+		EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type last_pos = ob.tellp();
 
-		ss.write((const char*)__emu_buffer, 4);
+		ob.write((const char*)__emu_buffer, 4);
 
-		SerializeItem(ss, (const ItemInst*)int_struct->inst, int_struct->slot_id, 0);
-		if (ss.tellp() == last_pos) {
+		SerializeItem(ob, (const ItemInst*)int_struct->inst, int_struct->slot_id, 0);
+		if (ob.tellp() == last_pos) {
 			Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Netcode, "[STRUCTS] Serialization failed on item slot %d.", int_struct->slot_id);
 			delete in;
 			return;
 		}
 
-		std::string serialized = ss.str();
-
-		in->size = serialized.size();
-		in->pBuffer = new uchar[in->size];
-		//ItemPacket_Struct* new_item_pkt = (ItemPacket_Struct*)in->pBuffer;
-		//new_item_pkt->PacketType = old_item_pkt->PacketType;
-		memcpy(in->pBuffer, serialized.c_str(), serialized.size());
-
+		in->size = ob.size();
+		in->pBuffer = ob.detach();
+		
 		delete[] __emu_buffer;
 
 		dest->FastQueuePacket(&in, ack_req);
@@ -3815,7 +3806,7 @@ namespace UF
 		return NextItemInstSerialNumber;
 	}
 
-	void SerializeItem(std::stringstream& ss, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth)
+	void SerializeItem(EQEmu::OutBuffer& ob, const ItemInst *inst, int16 slot_id_in, uint8 depth)
 	{
 		const Item_Struct *item = inst->GetUnscaledItem();
 		
@@ -3840,7 +3831,7 @@ namespace UF
 		hdr.unknown052 = 0;
 		hdr.isEvolving = item->EvolvingItem;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&hdr, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemSerializationHeader));
+		ob.write((const char*)&hdr, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemSerializationHeader));
 
 		if (item->EvolvingItem > 0) {
 			UF::structs::EvolvingItem evotop;
@@ -3854,7 +3845,7 @@ namespace UF
 			evotop.Activated = 1;
 			evotop.evomaxlevel = item->EvolvingMax;
 
-			ss.write((const char*)&evotop, sizeof(UF::structs::EvolvingItem));
+			ob.write((const char*)&evotop, sizeof(UF::structs::EvolvingItem));
 		}
 
 		//ORNAMENT IDFILE / ICON -
@@ -3864,15 +3855,15 @@ namespace UF
 			const Item_Struct *aug_weap = inst->GetOrnamentationAug(ornamentationAugtype)->GetItem();
 			ornaIcon = aug_weap->Icon;
 
-			ss.write(aug_weap->IDFile, strlen(aug_weap->IDFile));
+			ob.write(aug_weap->IDFile, strlen(aug_weap->IDFile));
 		}
 		else if (inst->GetOrnamentationIDFile() && inst->GetOrnamentationIcon()) {
 			ornaIcon = inst->GetOrnamentationIcon();
 			char tmp[30]; memset(tmp, 0x0, 30); sprintf(tmp, "IT%d", inst->GetOrnamentationIDFile());
 
-			ss.write(tmp, strlen(tmp));
+			ob.write(tmp, strlen(tmp));
 		}
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		UF::structs::ItemSerializationHeaderFinish hdrf;
 
@@ -3882,19 +3873,19 @@ namespace UF
 		hdrf.isCopied = 0; //Flag for item to be 'Copied'
 		hdrf.ItemClass = item->ItemClass;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&hdrf, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemSerializationHeaderFinish));
+		ob.write((const char*)&hdrf, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemSerializationHeaderFinish));
 
 		if (strlen(item->Name) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->Name, strlen(item->Name));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->Name, strlen(item->Name));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		if (strlen(item->Lore) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->Lore, strlen(item->Lore));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->Lore, strlen(item->Lore));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		if (strlen(item->IDFile) > 0)
-			ss.write(item->IDFile, strlen(item->IDFile));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write(item->IDFile, strlen(item->IDFile));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		UF::structs::ItemBodyStruct ibs;
 		memset(&ibs, 0, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
@@ -3983,12 +3974,12 @@ namespace UF
 		ibs.FactionAmt4 = item->FactionAmt4;
 		ibs.FactionMod4 = item->FactionMod4;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ibs, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ibs, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemBodyStruct));
 
 		//charm text
 		if (strlen(item->CharmFile) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->CharmFile, strlen(item->CharmFile));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->CharmFile, strlen(item->CharmFile));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		UF::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct isbs;
 		memset(&isbs, 0, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
@@ -4016,11 +4007,11 @@ namespace UF
 		isbs.book = item->Book;
 		isbs.booktype = item->BookType;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&isbs, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&isbs, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemSecondaryBodyStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->Filename) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->Filename, strlen(item->Filename));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->Filename, strlen(item->Filename));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
 		UF::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct itbs;
 		memset(&itbs, 0, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
@@ -4044,7 +4035,7 @@ namespace UF
 		itbs.no_transfer = item->NoTransfer;
 		itbs.expendablearrow = item->ExpendableArrow;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&itbs, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&itbs, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemTertiaryBodyStruct));
 
 		// Effect Structures Broken down to allow variable length strings for effect names
 		int32 effect_unknown = 0;
@@ -4061,13 +4052,13 @@ namespace UF
 		ices.recast = item->RecastDelay;
 		ices.recast_type = item->RecastType;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ices, sizeof(UF::structs::ClickEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ices, sizeof(UF::structs::ClickEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ClickName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ClickName, strlen(item->ClickName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ClickName, strlen(item->ClickName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// clickunk7
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// clickunk7
 
 		UF::structs::ProcEffectStruct ipes;
 		memset(&ipes, 0, sizeof(UF::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
@@ -4078,13 +4069,13 @@ namespace UF
 		ipes.level = item->Proc.Level;
 		ipes.procrate = item->ProcRate;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ipes, sizeof(UF::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ipes, sizeof(UF::structs::ProcEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ProcName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ProcName, strlen(item->ProcName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ProcName, strlen(item->ProcName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown5
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown5
 
 		UF::structs::WornEffectStruct iwes;
 		memset(&iwes, 0, sizeof(UF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -4094,13 +4085,13 @@ namespace UF
 		iwes.type = item->Worn.Type;
 		iwes.level = item->Worn.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&iwes, sizeof(UF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&iwes, sizeof(UF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->WornName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->WornName, strlen(item->WornName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->WornName, strlen(item->WornName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 
 		UF::structs::WornEffectStruct ifes;
 		memset(&ifes, 0, sizeof(UF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -4110,13 +4101,13 @@ namespace UF
 		ifes.type = item->Focus.Type;
 		ifes.level = item->Focus.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ifes, sizeof(UF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ifes, sizeof(UF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->FocusName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->FocusName, strlen(item->FocusName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->FocusName, strlen(item->FocusName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 
 		UF::structs::WornEffectStruct ises;
 		memset(&ises, 0, sizeof(UF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
@@ -4126,13 +4117,13 @@ namespace UF
 		ises.type = item->Scroll.Type;
 		ises.level = item->Scroll.Level;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ises, sizeof(UF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ises, sizeof(UF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		if (strlen(item->ScrollName) > 0)
-			ss.write((const char*)item->ScrollName, strlen(item->ScrollName));
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+			ob.write((const char*)item->ScrollName, strlen(item->ScrollName));
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 
 		// Bard Effect?
 		UF::structs::WornEffectStruct ibes;
@@ -4144,18 +4135,18 @@ namespace UF
 		ibes.level = item->Bard.Level;
 		//ibes.unknown6 = 0xffffffff;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&ibes, sizeof(UF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&ibes, sizeof(UF::structs::WornEffectStruct));
 
 		/*
 		if(strlen(item->BardName) > 0)
 		{
-		ss.write((const char*)item->BardName, strlen(item->BardName));
-		ss.write((const char*)&null_term, sizeof(uint8));
+		ob.write((const char*)item->BardName, strlen(item->BardName));
+		ob.write((const char*)&null_term, sizeof(uint8));
 		}
 		else */
-		ss.write("\0", 1);
+		ob.write("\0", 1);
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
+		ob.write((const char*)&effect_unknown, sizeof(int32));	// unknown6
 		// End of Effects
 
 		UF::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct iqbs;
@@ -4185,12 +4176,12 @@ namespace UF
 		iqbs.SpellDmg = item->SpellDmg;
 		iqbs.Clairvoyance = item->Clairvoyance;
 		
-		ss.write((const char*)&iqbs, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct));
+		ob.write((const char*)&iqbs, sizeof(UF::structs::ItemQuaternaryBodyStruct));
 
-		std::stringstream::pos_type count_pos = ss.tellp();
+		std::stringstream::pos_type count_pos = ob.tellp();
 		uint32 subitem_count = 0;
 
-		ss.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
+		ob.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
 
 		for (uint32 index = SUB_INDEX_BEGIN; index < EQEmu::legacy::ITEM_CONTAINER_SIZE; ++index) {
 			ItemInst* sub = inst->GetItem(index);
@@ -4207,20 +4198,14 @@ namespace UF
 			else
 				SubSlotNumber = slot_id_in;
 
-			ss.write((const char*)&index, sizeof(uint32));
+			ob.write((const char*)&index, sizeof(uint32));
 
-			SerializeItem(ss, sub, SubSlotNumber, (depth + 1));
+			SerializeItem(ob, sub, SubSlotNumber, (depth + 1));
 			++subitem_count;
 		}
 
-		if (subitem_count) {
-			std::stringstream::pos_type cur_pos = ss.tellp();
-			ss.seekp(count_pos);
-
-			ss.write((const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
-
-			ss.seekp(cur_pos);
-		}
+		if (subitem_count)
+			ob.overwrite(count_pos, (const char*)&subitem_count, sizeof(uint32));
 	}
 
 	static inline uint32 ServerToUFSlot(uint32 serverSlot)
diff --git a/common/string_util.cpp b/common/string_util.cpp
index e791eb7f6..96cfce310 100644
--- a/common/string_util.cpp
+++ b/common/string_util.cpp
@@ -415,3 +415,46 @@ void find_replace(std::string& string_subject, const std::string& search_string,
 		index = string_subject.find_first_of(search_string);
 	}
 }
+
+
+
+/*	EQEMu:  Everquest Server Emulator
+	
+	Copyright (C) 2001-2016 EQEMu Development Team (http://eqemulator.net)
+
+	This program 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; version 2 of the License.
+
+	This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+	but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY except by those people which sell it, which
+	are required to give you total support for your newly bought product;
+	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 this program; if not, write to the Free Software
+	Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307  USA
+*/
+
+
+void EQEmu::OutBuffer::overwrite(OutBuffer::pos_type position, const char *_Str, std::streamsize _Count)
+{
+	auto last_pos = tellp();
+	seekp(position);
+	write(_Str, _Count);
+	seekp(last_pos);
+}
+
+uchar* EQEmu::OutBuffer::detach()
+{
+	size_t buffer_size = tellp();
+	if (buffer_size == 0)
+		return nullptr;
+
+	uchar* out_buffer = new uchar[buffer_size];
+	memcpy(out_buffer, str().c_str(), buffer_size);
+	flush();
+
+	return out_buffer;
+}
diff --git a/common/string_util.h b/common/string_util.h
index c69f01456..5b373a41b 100644
--- a/common/string_util.h
+++ b/common/string_util.h
@@ -53,4 +53,36 @@ void MakeLowerString(const char *source, char *target);
 void RemoveApostrophes(std::string &s);
 void find_replace(std::string& string_subject, const std::string& search_string, const std::string& replace_string);
 
+
+
+/*	EQEMu:  Everquest Server Emulator
+	
+	Copyright (C) 2001-2016 EQEMu Development Team (http://eqemulator.net)
+
+	This program 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; version 2 of the License.
+
+	This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+	but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY except by those people which sell it, which
+	are required to give you total support for your newly bought product;
+	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 this program; if not, write to the Free Software
+	Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307  USA
+*/
+
+
+namespace EQEmu
+{
+	class OutBuffer : public std::stringstream {
+	public:
+		inline size_t size() { return tellp(); }
+		void overwrite(OutBuffer::pos_type position, const char *_Str, std::streamsize _Count);
+		uchar* detach();
+	};
+}
+
 #endif
diff --git a/zone/client_process.cpp b/zone/client_process.cpp
index 8c58049ab..6dcca861e 100644
--- a/zone/client_process.cpp
+++ b/zone/client_process.cpp
@@ -759,8 +759,8 @@ void Client::BulkSendInventoryItems()
 	RemoveDuplicateLore(false);
 	MoveSlotNotAllowed(false);
 
-	std::stringstream ss(std::stringstream::in | std::stringstream::out);
-	std::stringstream::pos_type last_pos = ss.tellp();
+	EQEmu::OutBuffer ob;
+	EQEmu::OutBuffer::pos_type last_pos = ob.tellp();
 
 	// Possessions items
 	for (int16 slot_id = SLOT_BEGIN; slot_id < EQEmu::legacy::TYPE_POSSESSIONS_SIZE; slot_id++) {
@@ -768,24 +768,24 @@ void Client::BulkSendInventoryItems()
 		if (!inst)
 			continue;
 
-		inst->Serialize(ss, slot_id);
+		inst->Serialize(ob, slot_id);
 
-		if (ss.tellp() == last_pos)
+		if (ob.tellp() == last_pos)
 			Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Inventory, "Serialization failed on item slot %d during BulkSendInventoryItems.  Item skipped.", slot_id);
 		
-		last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		last_pos = ob.tellp();
 	}
 
 	// PowerSource item
 	if (ClientVersion() >= EQEmu::versions::ClientVersion::SoF) {
 		const ItemInst* inst = m_inv[EQEmu::legacy::SlotPowerSource];
 		if (inst) {
-			inst->Serialize(ss, EQEmu::legacy::SlotPowerSource);
+			inst->Serialize(ob, EQEmu::legacy::SlotPowerSource);
 
-			if (ss.tellp() == last_pos)
+			if (ob.tellp() == last_pos)
 				Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Inventory, "Serialization failed on item slot %d during BulkSendInventoryItems.  Item skipped.", EQEmu::legacy::SlotPowerSource);
 
-			last_pos = ss.tellp();
+			last_pos = ob.tellp();
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -795,12 +795,12 @@ void Client::BulkSendInventoryItems()
 		if (!inst)
 			continue;
 
-		inst->Serialize(ss, slot_id);
+		inst->Serialize(ob, slot_id);
 
-		if (ss.tellp() == last_pos)
+		if (ob.tellp() == last_pos)
 			Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Inventory, "Serialization failed on item slot %d during BulkSendInventoryItems.  Item skipped.", slot_id);
 
-		last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		last_pos = ob.tellp();
 	}
 
 	// SharedBank items
@@ -809,19 +809,17 @@ void Client::BulkSendInventoryItems()
 		if (!inst)
 			continue;
 
-		inst->Serialize(ss, slot_id);
+		inst->Serialize(ob, slot_id);
 
-		if (ss.tellp() == last_pos)
+		if (ob.tellp() == last_pos)
 			Log.Out(Logs::General, Logs::Inventory, "Serialization failed on item slot %d during BulkSendInventoryItems.  Item skipped.", slot_id);
 
-		last_pos = ss.tellp();
+		last_pos = ob.tellp();
 	}
 
-	std::string serialized = ss.str();
-
-	EQApplicationPacket* outapp = new EQApplicationPacket(OP_CharInventory, serialized.size());
-	memcpy(outapp->pBuffer, serialized.c_str(), serialized.size());
-
+	EQApplicationPacket* outapp = new EQApplicationPacket(OP_CharInventory);
+	outapp->size = ob.size();
+	outapp->pBuffer = ob.detach();
 	QueuePacket(outapp);
 	safe_delete(outapp);
 }