diff --git a/src/java/com/threerings/util/MessageManager.java b/src/java/com/threerings/util/MessageManager.java
index 464308a8a..0434f5c47 100644
--- a/src/java/com/threerings/util/MessageManager.java
+++ b/src/java/com/threerings/util/MessageManager.java
@@ -105,6 +105,15 @@ public class MessageManager
         _cache.clear();
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Sets the appropriate resource prefix for where to find subsequent
+     *  message bundles.
+     */
+    public void setPrefix (String resourcePrefix)
+    {
+        _prefix = resourcePrefix;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Allows a custom classloader to be configured for locating
      * translation resources.