Dark Shade of Gold represents one side of the first step in the Branches Progression. It follows the Terravardn family, with particular focus on Lexandrik, the father, and a Lorduke of the city Grandport. He possesses a locust trinket which he covets jealously and it affords him an unnatural affinity with magix. A long-term rival strongly desires to purchase the talisman, and others are trying to kill him for it. The story also follows the viewpoint of his two eldest children, his daughter Elizabelle is set to take over the family's cult of assassins, and Edguard his son the heir to his family empire. There is strong focus on his youngest daughter, Violet, who seems to be leading an increasingly duplicitous life.
Terravardn is trying to revolutionise Grandport, and in turn the entire Kingdom Mother Vixen, and he needs his power and Violet's security to do it.