by A F Kay
Item Quality/Inventory Color
Common/White
Uncommon/Brown
Fine/Green
Rare/Yellow
Special/Orange
Epic/Blue
Legendary/Purple
Metals
Bronze
Iron
Steel
Titanium
Obsidian
Terium
Class/Symbol/Color
Worker/Hands/Brown
Mage/Brain/Black
Observer/Eyes/Green
Order/Heart/White
Fighter/Body/Blue
Merchant/Mouth/Red
Money
Copper
Silver (100 Copper)
Gold (100 Silver)
Platinum (100 Gold)
Terium (100 Platinum)
Rank/Level
Novice/1-9
Initiate/10-19
Apprentice/20-29
Journeyman/30-39
Acolyte/40-49
Disciple/50-59
Expert/60-69
Adept/70-84
Master/85-99
Grand Master/100
Level Start/Experience/Level End
1/1000/2
2/3,000/3
3/6,000/4
4/10,000/5
5/15,000/6
6/21,000/7
7/28,000/8
8/36,000/9
9/45,000/10
10/55,000/11
11/66,000/12
12/78,000/13
13/91,000/14
14/105,000/15
15/120,000/16
16/136,000/17
17/153,000/18
18/171,000/19
19/190,000/20
20/210,000/21
.
.
.
97/4,753,000/98
98/4,851,000/99
99/4,950,000/100
100/5,050,000/101
Acknowledgments
First, and most importantly, I want to thank you. Without someone to enjoy the story, much of the fun disappears. I understand some of the demands life places on your time, and I’m so thankful that you chose to spend some of it with this story. Truly and sincerely, thank you.
To follow my dreams, others made sacrifices, and my family bore the brunt of them. Thank you, Megan, for answering all my grammar questions and for sharing your own creative works, which inspire me. Zachary, my reluctant reader, thank you for spending hours talking through ideas with me. Our conversations always resulted in a better story. Nicole, my first and best reader. Your support has been unwavering and allowed me to push through hard times. I don’t know where I’d be today if not for your steadfast belief in me. Thank you. Now all three of you, go clean your rooms!
Erika, time together can sometimes be hard to find, and it means the world to me that you never made me feel guilty for wanting to write. Some of my favorite writing memories are sitting with you in a coffee shop as you read a book, making my writing process a little less lonely. Thank you.
Jason, you have been with me since the start. You have always encouraged me and listened patiently to my problems (about writing and life!). You are my best friend and make me want to be a better person. Your instinct for story is always spot on. As a friend and a writer, I am truly blessed to know you. Thank you.
Coral and Samantha, I am so thankful to have you in my life. You both act as touchstones and enrich my life with your amazing writing and personalities. Thank you both so much for all the extra drafts you’ve read and advice you’ve given. I am a better writer and person for knowing you both. Go, Trinity!
My critique group has made a huge difference in my writing. I resisted joining one for too long. Kellye, Lisa, and Oz, you are all such fantastic writers and provide me each month with insightful feedback. Joining your group was one of the best decisions I made. Thank you for all your help.
Bret, I wish I could see you more. Your productivity and eclectic creativity is an inspiration to me. Your students are so blessed to have you in their lives. You are genuinely terrific, and people like you are so rare. Thank you for being part of my life and being a great example to me.
Samuel, you were a surprise addition to the beta team. But your enthusiasm and insightful comments made this project better. Thank you for your help.
Mom, my first clear memory of positive feedback about my writing came from you. I might not remember what I had for breakfast, but that moment is scorched into my brain. It was the beginning of a dream that didn’t come into focus for decades, but like so much in my life, none of it would have been possible without you. Thank you.
Dad, thanks for being an example, good and bad. You helped shape me into what I am today. I am a better Father and Husband because of you. You wouldn’t have understood this book, but you would have supported me. I miss you.
Author’s Note
Four years ago, I signed with a literary agent, and I thought my dreams had come true. Instead, I learned new ways to hate my writing and smother my creativity. Calling those years a mistake would be untrue, but they clearly halted my progress as an author. Earlier this year, we parted ways, and this book is the result. A work of pure love. As much happiness as this book brings me, it makes me sad that it took so long to be born. I can hear Kysandra in my head right now, Shade’s First Rule: dreams should be chased, never caught.
In a sense, I feel like I’ve finally Ascended, crawling my way out of Hamma’s temple vat. I’ve taken a hit to my stats, but I’ve been given a second chance. I hope you like what I’ve done with it. This story is epic, but it’s only worth telling if others join me on the journey.
Sincerely and truly, I appreciate you taking the time to read this story.
Shade’s First Rule: move fast alone, travel far together.
Let’s go far.
