Names for six levels of gem qualities?
For my latest project I'd like to use gems to modify items, much like Diablo II did. I'd asume that 5 or 6 level of gem qualities are enough, if they are scaled well.
Now the tricky part is, how to name them. I assume that "perfect gem" and "flawless gem" can hardly be a copyright issue, since those are quite common descriptions?
English isn't my mothers tongue, and I feel a bit uncertain about the lower ranks of gems. What do you think about these?
flawed [ruby], simple [ruby], average [ruby], fine [ruby], flawless [ruby], perfect [ruby]
Where the [ruby] is, the real name of the gem would go in the game.
I'm not sure I like "simple" or "perfect" (I feel like "flawless" should be the best).
Maybe: flawed -> inferior -> average -> fine -> superior -> flawless
Would 'rough' and 'polished' fit in the hierarchy anywhere?
Regarding copyright over those phrases, that'd be about as silly as someone being able to trademark the word 'candy'. :p
My project: Bits & Bots
Well, "Windows", "Doors" and "Explorer" are all trademarked. I wouldn't be surprised if a company tries the same with candy. But I agree, such words should not be tardemarked at all, they are no names.
@Bart: Thanks, I think I'll use that!
@Varkalandar: I was being ironic - it already happened, but that was a completely different situation (it's a trademark on part of the name of their game, not copyright over simple terms in the game). You're absolutely right that these gemstone descriptions are far too common/broad to be copyrightable, and should be completely safe to use.
I just couldn't pass up an opportunity to point out that King.com is the devil. :)
My project: Bits & Bots