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FoxfireSymbol This article is part of a series about Foxfire

Basic Information
FoxfireFoxfire Entrance Exam

Courses
Ability DetectingAgricultureAlchemyElementalismElvin HistoryLinguisticsMetaphysicsMultispeciesial StudiesPhysical EducationSpecial Ability Focus SessionThe Universe
Level Mascots
Basic Levels
GremlinsHalcyonsMastodonsDragonsSaber-Toothed TigersYetis
Elite Levels
FlareadonUnicorns
Traditions
Opening CeremoniesMidtermsThe Ultimate Splotching ChampionshipFinalsThe Ethics Lecture
Mentors
Mentor
Lady AlexineLady AnwenSir AstinSir BubuSir CatonSir ConleyLady DaraLady DelmiraSir DonwellSir FaxonLady GalvinSir JarvinLady NissaSir TierganBarth the ReaperSir BeckettCouncillor BronteMaster CadenceLady EveraSir HardingLady IskraSir LeanderSir RosingsLady VedaLady BelvaLady ZillahLady Sanja
Known Principals
Foxfire Principal
Dame (now Councillor) AlinaMagnate Leto Kerlof
Current Prodigies
Prodigies
Sophie FosterBiana VackerFitz VackerKeefe SencenDex DizzneeJensi BabblosMarella RedekStina HeksMarucaTam SongLinh SongValinLex DizzneeBex DizzneeRex DizzneeTrellaDempseyShayda AdelDedraHuxleyAudric

Foxfire is the Lost Cities’ most prestigious academy for young elves, as well as the only "noble school" - which means that graduation from Foxfire is one of the many qualifications for the Nobility.

GoldT

The Gold Tower on the cover of Book 8.5: Unlocked by Jason Chan.

When Foxfire was evacuated after Sophie unknowingly brought bottled quintessence into the school, it was stated that the evacuation was a first in the school’s 3000-year history. That implies that the school was most likely founded as late as 1000 BC.

It is located in North Africa, seemingly near modern-day Egypt. It is somewhat a jeweled oasis in the middle of the desert, with its colorful towers and glass pyramid.

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. When Fitz told Sophie that the school was called Foxfire, she thought it was a fungus and it made her and Alden crack up. However, Fitz looked a little insulted.

The teachers in Foxfire are called mentors and wear orange capes. The students are called prodigies and wear colors corresponding to their level. They also wear a waist-length half cape, which they have a pin for their own year mascot that they use to tie the cape on. All classes are taught one-on-one so that lessons can be modified to fit each prodigy. The Telepathy session between Fitz and Sophie with Tiergan as a mentor is an exception to this rule. This also excludes physical education and agriculture, which are done with all prodigies on certain days. Along with teaching, Mentors are also in charge of taking turns teaching detention. Mentors also have the ability to give prodigies detention. The Foxfire staff takes turns choosing flavors for the locker DNA strips that students lick to gain access to their locker, as mentioned in Keeper of the Lost Cities. Dex told Sophie to watch out for the days when Elwin picks the flavors, and Sophie definitely understood why when he picked 'fart flavor'. However, on Sophie's first day, the flavor was Mallowmelt. Sophie hated the fact that the silver strip had to be licked to open your locker, and she didn't like how it was so unhygienic.

Every day starts with an orientation where the principal reads announcements while other mentors take attendance of all the students using their registry pendants. Magnate Leto, also known as Mr. Forkle, is the current Foxfire Principal. Dame Alina was the previous principal, before she became a Councillor.

Campus[]

The campus consists of a wide stone courtyard with a five-story glass pyramid. The main building wraps around the pyramid in a sharply angled U and is made entirely of stained glass. There are six towers - each a different color--which separate the wings, and a seventh tower, a Leapmaster, stands in the center. On the left, there is a domed amphitheater and two smaller buildings. To the right, there is a gold tower and a silver tower, which are twisted around one another. There are many fields of purple grass.

FoxfireGlassPyramid

Every level’s building has an atrium with lockers. The atrium has decorations based on its corresponding level. Some of the decorations are crystal trees and statues of the level’s mascot. The lockers open by using a person's DNA. There is a strip to lick which tastes different every day; the flavors are chosen by the mentors. If the strip tastes unusually bad, then all students know that Elwin (for example, once time he chose pepper) is the one to blame.

There is also a Healing Center, where a physician (Elwin) works, taking care of any injuries, bruises, or cuts that prodigies get. Sophie Foster and Keefe Sencen are two of the Healing Center's most frequent visitors. Sophie even has a specific bed she goes to every time she goes to the Healing Center

The Elite Levels are entered by licking a small DNA strip. However, if one such as Sophie Foster, is too short to reach, the Beacon can let them in. The current Beacon of the Silver Tower is Master Cadence Talle. Only elves are allowed in the towers, to make sure every prodigy’s studies are not disturbed. When Sophie must part from her bodyguard, Sandor, he is irritated by having to leave his charge. It is noted that the Elite Levels towers are almost impossible to enter, as Blur, a Phaser has mentioned. A secret way to enter is by using the Lodestar map hidden in a mirror. This mirror leads to a small, cramped room with one of the lodestar gadgets inside. The mirror was once smashed by Sandor, and it is unknown whether it was fixed or not. The roof of the Silver Tower of the Elite Levels contains a bubble-shaped greenhouse where Prodigies grow Splendors for the Opening Ceremonies, as well as a small shed where Magnate Leto grows ruckleberries.

Schedules[]

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”, “Lady" or even "Beacon". 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/Students 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!). 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 lockers and sessions, and key attributes that the curriculum is meant to foster.

Unlocked Description[]

The Lost Cities' most prestigious academy is more like a small city than a school. Foxfire's main building contains six wings and six towers (each in the same color as the grade level that attends sessions there) and wraps around a five-story glass pyramid (which houses the Foxfire's principal office at the apex, as well as the cafeteria, the orientation room, and the rooms where detention is held). The campus also has elite towers (comprised of the Silver Tower and the Gold Tower, which twist around each other), as well as a domed amphitheater and numerous other buildings and fields - plus a well-equipped Healing Center, which has been put to use quite extensively since Sophie Elizabeth Foster arrived in the Lost Cities.

School Uniform[]

Girls wear a plaid, pleated skirt with black leggings, a shirt, a vest, and a waist-length half cape.

Boys wear a lace-up jerkin over a black long-sleeved shirt and blue slacks with pockets at the ankles, along with a waist-length half cape.

Students in the elite levels are required to wear special silver or gold capes to indicate they are entering the nobility.

Keeper book pic

Sophie and Dex in their Level Two Foxfire uniforms.

The uniform colors depends on the level of the student.

  • Level One: Black or Onyx
  • Level Two: Blue or Sapphire
  • Level Three: Brown or Amber
  • Level Four: Green or Emerald
  • Level Five: Red or Ruby
  • Level Six: White or Diamond
  • Level Seven (Elite Level): Gold
  • Level Eight (Elite Level): Silver


Levels[]

Foxfire's Levels are like grades from Grade 6 to Grade 12. There are eight levels altogether, but only the first six are available to all elves. The Elite Levels, levels Seven and Eight, only allow elves with abilities to study and learn there. Normally you have to have been in the Elite levels to join the nobility.

Foxfire-Levels

Each level has its own mascot and corresponding traits. Notably, the mascot's color matches the cape for that level. Only certain ages can attend certain levels.

  • Level One: Ages 11-12, Mascot is an Onyx Gremlin, and qualities are being Curious and Capable. Their wing is the Onyx wing.
  • Level Two: Ages 12-13, Mascot is a Sapphire Halcyon, and qualities are being Calm and Steadfast. Their wing is the Sapphire wing.
  • Level Three: Ages 13-14, Mascot is an Amber Mastodon, and qualities are being Clever and Cooperative. Their wing is the Amber wing.
  • Level Four: Ages 14-15, Mascot is an Emerald Dragon, and qualities are being Adaptable and Cunning. Their wing is the Emerald wing.
  • Level Five: Ages 15-16, Mascot is a Ruby Saber-Toothed Tiger, and qualities are being Bold and Calculating. Their wing is the Ruby wing.
  • Level Six: Ages 16-17, Mascot is a Diamond Yeti, and qualities are being Earnest and Fearless. Their wing is the Diamond wing.
  • Elite: Level Seven: Ages 17-18, Mascot is a Golden Flareadon, and qualities are being Resolute and Enduring. Lessons are held in the Gold Tower.
  • Elite: Level Eight: Ages 18-19, Mascot is a Silver Unicorn, and qualities are being Noble and Gentle. Lessons are held in the Silver Tower.

Every level has corresponding lessons.

Classes[]

Foxfire-Mentoring-Subjects

All students who haven't manifested their special ability take this course. It puts them through a series of tests aimed at triggering an ability. If they don't trigger an ability after level 5 they are considered Talentless. During Book 1: Keeper of the Lost Cities, Dex, Marella, and Jensi go through testing to see if they are Frosters. The test involved going into an oven and baking them for 2 hours.

Agriculture is for level three prodigies. It is a gnome-taught session help 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.

In 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.

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.

Our past defines who we are today, so all prodigies are required to learn the history of the Lost Cities, from Ancient Days up to the present. Topics include the establishment of the intelligent species' treaties, the human betrayal, the sinking of Atlantis, and the development of the Matchmaking system, as well as numerous others.

Prodigies master the languages of all five other Intelligent Species (as well as Humans) and learn to mimic accents and pronunciation. Please note: This is an Elite Level session and is only available to Level Eight prodigies (unless special permission be granted by the Council.)

A truly unique session where prodigies examine the potential of our existence, including the true power of mind over matter, the hope of endless possibility, and the necessity and challenges created by allowing all intelligent species to maintain their own free will.

Prodigies discover the fascinating culture and histories behind the intelligent creatures that share our planet, including Ogres, Trolls, Dwarves, Gnomes, and Goblins. (Note: Discussion of Humans is excluded from this session.)

All Foxfire Prodigies must take physical education on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in order to train their minds to enhance their physical abilities. Skills such as Channeling, Telekinesis, Levitation, and numerous others are practiced through sports, games, and exercise.

Any Foxfire prodigy who has manifested an ability is required to train in that ability every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon (while the rest of the school takes ability detecting). Possible sessions include Telepathy, Vanishing, Empathy, Flashing, Gusting, Phasing, Frosting, Technopathy, Conjuring, Beguiling, Inflicting, Descrying, Mesmerizing, and many more. (Note: Training in Pyrokinesis is strictly forbidden.)

Prodigies study the many wonders that lie beyond the boundaries of our planet, including countless stars and galaxies, which they learn to map and name. Provides an important perspective, reminding us that no matter how powerful we may be, we are still small in the grand scheme of things, and must respect the larger natural forces surrounding us.

Tests[]

In order to attend Foxfire, all elves must take an entrance exam. This is mentioned by Mr. Forkle in Book 4: Neverseen when he tells Tam that he scored "off the charts" on the test, but his sister scored even higher.

Midterms occur during the middle of the year (hence the name); all prodigies are required to score a seventy-five or higher in order to continue their Foxfire education. Thinking caps are issued to each prodigy to prevent cheating from occurring, but some powerful Telepaths can evade its restriction like Sophie Foster. Tutoring is offered to students who need help to score the required seventy-five preceding Midterms — they are typically followed by a six-week break.

Final exams take place at the end of the year (see parenthetical in the paragraph above); all prodigies are required to score an eighty-five or higher to continue their Foxfire education, notably higher than the requirements for Midterms. Their procedures are very similar.

In order to take the Elite Levels, all Level Six prodigies are required to take an exam at the end of the year to see if they qualify. This is first mentioned in Flashback by Magnate Leto when he tells Keefe that he needs to take his studies more seriously.

Highlights of the school year in Foxfire[]

The Foxfire Opening Ceremonies: Before the new school year begins, the prodigies gather to perform for their families in a musical extravaganza, including a light show, costumed dances for each grade level, showers of edible confetti, and a very special presentation from the elite towers that include the blooming of the splendors and the flight of the flickerwings. The campus is decorated in a variety of bioluminescence for the festivities, and the Council attends—and speaks to the audience—wishing the prodigies a successful year of study.

Midterm celebrations: Hard work should be celebrated—even before the results are in. As such, prodigies are directed to hang their thinking caps from their lockers as soon as they complete their exams. The next day, they fill them with gifts and treats for their friends, which they then open while their parents meet with their Mentors to receive their grades. The whole campus is decorated for the occasion and treats float through the halls for prodigies to catch and enjoy.

The Ultimate Splotching Championship: Most of the activities in physical education are more casually organized, but the Ultimate Splotching Championship is an exciting exception. Prodigies battle each other using telekinesis, with the losers being eliminated and the winners sparring against each other until the Ultimate Champion is found—and rewarded with a pardon, which can be used to skip one assigned punishment.

Final exam celebrations: These festivities are similar to the midterm celebrations—though the gifts exchanged tend to be more extravagant. The principal closes out the school year with an inspiring speech, followed by another shower of edible confetti and a coordinated cape toss between all the prodigies.

Known Prodigies[]

Known Prodigies
Name Current, Graduated, Banished Abilities
Sophie Elizabeth Foster Current Polyglot, Inflictor, Teleporter, Telepath, Enhancer
Fitzroy Avery Vacker Current Telepath
Keefe Sencen Current Empath
Biana Vacker Current Vanisher
Dex Dizznee Current Technopath
Tam Song Current Shade
Linh Song Current Hydrokinetic
Marella Redek Current Pyrokinetic
Stina Heks Current Empath
Maruca Chebota Current Psionipath
Jensi Babblos Current Not Manifested
Lex Dizznee Current Froster
Bex Dizznee Current Phaser
Rex Dizznee Current Talentless
Shayda Adel Current Unknown
Valin Current Unknown
Audric Current Unknown
Dedra Current Unknown
Dempsey Current Unknown
Huxley Current Unknown
Trella Current Unknown
Wylie Endal Graduated Flasher
Damel Kafuta Graduated Telepath
Alvar Vacker Graduated Vanisher
Jolie Ruewen Graduated Conjurer
Brant Graduated (not from Elite Levels) Talentless - (Secretly a Pyrokinetic)
Ruy Ignis Banished Psionipath

All members of the Nobility have finished their Foxfire education except for Team Valiant, consisting of Sophie Foster, Dex Dizznee, Wylie Endal, Biana Vacker, and Stina Heks.

Known Mentors[]

Known Mentors
Name Session/Job Level Mentor to:
Magnate Leto Kerlof Principal of Foxfire None No one
Councillor Alina Former Principal of Foxfire None No one
Master Cadence Talle Beacon of Silver Tower

Linguistics

Level Three Sophie Foster
Sir Elwin Heslege Physician Everyone Everyone
Lady Alexine Physical Education Level Two Every prodigy
Lady Anwen Multispeciesial Studies Level Two Sophie Foster
Sir Astin The Universe Level Two Sophie Foster
Sir Bubu Multispeciesial Studies Level Two Keefe Sencen
Sir Caton Physical Education Level Two All Prodigies
Sir Conley Elementalism Level Two Sophie Foster
Lady Dara Elvin History Level Two Sophie Foster
Lady Delmira Alchemy Level Two Keefe Sencen
Sir Donwell Multispeciesial Studies Level Two Biana Vacker
Sir Faxon Metaphysics Level Two Sophie Foster
Lady Galvin Alchemy Level Two

Level Three

Sophie Foster

Keefe Sencen

Sir Jarvin The Universe Level Two Keefe Sencen
Lady Nissa Tutoring Center Level Two Any Prodigy
Sir Tiergan Adrin Alenefar Telepathy (Level Two, Level Three, Level Four)

(Level Five, Level Six)

Sophie Foster

Fitz Vacker

Barth the Reaper Agriculture Level Three Sophie Foster
Sir Beckett Elvin History Level Three Sophie Foster
Councillor Bronte Inflicting Training (Level Three, Level Four) Sophie Foster
Lady Evera Multispeciesial Studies Level Three Sophie Foster
Sir Harding Physical Education Level Three All
Lady Iskra Technopathy Training Level Three Dex Dizznee
Sir Leander Multispeciesial Studies Level Three Keefe Sencen
Sir Rosings Elvin History Level Three Stina Heks
Lady Veda Elementalism Level Three Sophie Foster
Lady Ceah Elvin History Unknown Unknown
Lady Belva The Universe Level Four Keefe Sencen
Lady Zillah Shade Training Level Four Tam Song
Lady Sanja Elvin History Level Six Keefe Sencen


Quotes[]

“'That's a school?' Sophie asked, trying to make sense of the bizarre structure spread before them.”

Sophie and narration, in Keeper of the Lost Cities, page(s) 160, paperback


Places
Lost Cities
Cities

AtlantisEternaliaGildinghamLumenariaMarintryllaMysteriumRavagogSerenvale

Residences

CandleshadeChoralmereDawnheathEverglenFluttermontHavenfieldMistmeadRimeshireRiverdriftShores of SolaceSolreefSplendor PlainsSterling GablesWidgetmoor

Hideouts

Black Swan Hideouts

AlluveterreBrumevaleStone House

Neverseen Hideouts

The Sixteen Former HideoutsPallidroseGwynauraValkonianLady Gisela's NightfallVespera's Nightfall

Exile Places

Entrance to ExileGateway to ExileExileThe Room Where Chances Are LostThe Somnatorium

Foxfire

FoxfireThe Gold TowerThe Hall of IlluminationThe Healing CenterThe Silver TowerThe Tutoring Center

Rivers

The Alenon RiverThe Eventide RiverSpateswale

Other

Blackwater BayClaws, Wings, Horns and ThingsCrooked ForestDawnheath Troll HiveInktide IslandMoongladeOblivymereHall of HeroesPoint of PurityPrism PeaksSiren RockSlurps and BurpsThe Gloaming ValleyThe King's PathThe Matchmaking OfficeThe SanctuaryThe VoidTribunal HallThe Unity FountainWanderling Woods

Neutral Territories

Bosk GorgeBrackendaleMerrowmarshThe Lake of BloodThe Starkrial ValleyThe Strixian PlainsThe Wildwood Colony

Exillium

ExilliumThe Arch of Dividing

References[]

  1. [[Book 1: Keeper of the Lost Cities |Book 1: Keeper of the Lost Cities]], narration, page 160, Google Books
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