CHANNELING: using the mind to send energy where it’s needed—whether it be to the legs, arms, core, etc.—to boost speed, strength, or concentration. The same energy can also be channeled outward, causing the ground to tremble—or much worse.

DARKNESS VISION: focusing on the small amount of light that exists (because there’s almost always some light) and letting the mind amplify it to provide illumination.

LEVITATION: concentrating on the force of gravity and pushing against it with the mind to achieve weightlessness. Movement takes practice, since there’s no traction.

BODY TEMPERATURE REGULATION: focusing on whatever small amount of heat or cold exists and allowing the mind to amplify the sensation, providing cooling or warmth.

TELEKINESIS: drawing on the energy stored in the core (and sometimes in the mind) and thrusting it out through the limbs as though it’s an extension of the body, allowing things to be moved and lifted without needing physical contact.

All wish to attend. Only the most talented are chosen.

FOXFIRE ACADEMY

FOXFIRE IS THE LOST CITIES’ most prestigious academy, as well as the only “noble school”—which means that graduation from Foxfire is one of the many qualifications for the nobility.

The academy is named after the rare bioluminescence found in otherwise dark, lonely places—and as such, Foxfire prodigies are expected to be a bright, welcome glow in an often-darkened world.

The campus is similarly a glittering oasis, tucked away in the midst of a barren desert and renowned for its unique architecture, including a main building that houses six wings and six towers (each built from a different color of crystal and gem), a central glass pyramid, and two separate twisted towers (one silver and one gold) to house the elite levels, as well as numerous fields, paths, gardens, and amphitheaters. And despite recent challenges in the Lost Cities, Foxfire remains a safe haven for its prodigies, with every possible security measure in place (including an assigned goblin regiment).

Schedules are customized to each prodigy’s needs, and sessions are taught by the most illustrious Mentors in the Lost Cities. In fact, teaching at Foxfire is a noble profession and comes with the title of “Sir” or “Lady.” Sessions are taught one-on-one (with the exception of physical education and ability detecting, which are held with the whole school and have Mentors assigned to each grade level). Subjects vary level by level (and day by day). Prodigies begin each morning with orientation (where attendance is taken and any necessary announcements are provided), followed by their assigned morning session. They then enjoy socialization during lunch (where a veritable feast is available), followed by their assigned afternoon session. They finish each day with study hall to give them a chance to work through their Mentors’ assignments without needing to carry any work home (beyond practice and studying, of course! The point is to inspire prodigies, not overwhelm them!). And while it is the goal of everyone at Foxfire for the environment to be both educational and enjoyable, rules are also in place to keep things safe and organized. The consequence for violators is generally lunch detention (with the specific punishment determined by whichever Mentor is supervising for the day). But in extreme cases, suspension or expulsion will be enforced (though it should be noted that such things are incredibly rare).

At the beginning of every school year, each prodigy receives multiple sets of the required uniform for their grade level (either a pleated skirt paired with leggings, a shirt, a vest, and a half cape pinned with their mascot; or slacks paired with a lace-up jerkin, a long-sleeve undershirt, and a half cape pinned with their mascot; all uniforms prominently feature each prodigy’s family crest), as well as an Opening Ceremonies costume based on their level’s mascot, their sessions schedule, a locker assignment (programmed to open with their DNA), and all other necessary supplies.

Foxfire has six “basic levels,” and prodigies must pass both their midterm and final exams in order to progress from one level to the next. Those who complete all six levels and manifest a special ability then qualify to apply for the two additional “elite levels”—which serve as an excellent stepping-stone into the nobility. The elite levels are separated from the main campus and held in the elite towers (where the elite prodigies also live, in order to remain better focused on their studies). Each grade level (basic and elite) has a mascot, a uniform, an associated color, a designated section of campus for their lockers and sessions, and key attributes that the curriculum is meant to foster. (See the chart below for further details.)

• BASIC LEVELS •

LEVEL

AVERAGE AGE

MASCOT

MAIN BUILDING LOCATION

UNIFORM COLOR

QUALITIES EMPHASIZED

One

11-12

Gremlin

Onyx Wing

Black

Curious and Capable

Two

12-13

Halcyon

Sapphire Wing

Bright Blue

Calm and Steadfast

Three

13-14

Mastodon

Amber Wing

Dark Orange

Clever and Cooperative

Four

14-15

Dragon

Emerald Wing

Green

Adaptable and Cunning

Five

15-16

Saber-Tooth Tiger

Ruby Wing

Red

Bold and Calculating

Six

16-17

Yeti

Diamond Wing

White

Earnest and Fearless

• ELITE LEVELS •

LEVEL

AVERAGE AGE

MASCOT

MAIN BUILDING LOCATION

UNIFORM COLOR

QUALITIES EMPHASIZED

Seven

17-18

Flareadon

Gold Tower

Gold

Resolute and Enduring

Eight

18-19

Unicorn

Silver Tower

Silver

Noble and Gentle

CURRICULUM

THE FOXFIRE CURRICULUM IS EXTENSIVE and varied (and has also been rigorously tested and refined) in order to provide each prodigy with maximum enlightenment. As a result, the list of available sessions is ever changing and extremely lengthy. Still, some of the more popular sessions (as well as the few that are required) include:

Ability detecting: A group session where Mentors test each prodigy’s senses in a variety of ways in the hope of triggering their special ability. All Foxfire prodigies who haven’t manifested are required to take this session on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons until they can be placed into their proper ability session. (Note: Pyrokinesis is not tested for—and Talentless prodigies remain in ability detecting until they complete the basic levels.)

Agriculture: A gnome-taught session held in the Foxfire gardens designed to teach prodigies to properly care for nature and understand the time, love, and energy it takes to keep plants healthy and thriving.

Alchemy: Prodigies learn the power of transmutation and purification through hands-on training in specially designed laboratories. Specific skills include elixir-making, poultice-crafting, and the careful conversion of matter into gold.

Elementalism: Through careful instruction and hands-on training, prodigies learn to harness the power of the elements and properly store and contain them. Specific skills taught include how to bottle wind, rain, lightning, thunder, fire, and so much more.