Unlocked 8.5 (Keeper of the Lost Cities) Read online

  PYROKINETIC: An elf who can sense and control the heat in the air and use it to spark anything from a tongue of flame to a raging inferno. Like with other elemental abilities, a Pyrokinetic’s hunger for fire can be insatiable, and that craving eventually led one of them to call down Everblaze. When he attempted to teach others, the lesson tragically resulted in five deaths (which is what caused the Council to ban pyrokinesis). Since the ability is now illegal, Pyrokinetics are forced to live as Talentless. Reported Pyrokinetics: Fintan Pyren, Brant, Marella Redek

  SHADE: An elf with the ability to sense and control darkness, either by focusing on shadowvapor, or (in the case of the strongest Shades) by focusing on shadowflux. Shades can also use their shadow to carry their voice into someone’s mind (shadow-whispering) and can read a person’s potential for darkness. Given the focus on light in the Lost Cities, Shades are often mistrusted and ill-spoken-of. Reported Shades: Tam Song, Lady Zillah, Umber

  TECHNOPATH: An elf who can communicate with technology through its inherent “language” and can use that knowledge to create new inventions or manipulate gadgets to their will. Reported Technopaths: Dex Dizznee, Tinker, Lady Iskra

  TELEPATH: An elf who can sense the thoughts of others and shield their own mind. Telepaths have a code of rules to follow (to prevent them from abusing their power) and are extremely important to the Council, serving as Keepers, Washers, and Probes. If they find another Telepath they trust, they can even become Cognates (which gives the pair a greater level of power). Reported Telepaths: Sophie Foster, Fitz Vacker, Alden Vacker, Mr. Forkle/Magnate Leto, Sir Tiergan Alenefar, Councillor Emery, Councillor Kenric, Prentice Endal, Quinlin Sonden, Gethen Ondsinn, Damel Kafuta, Lady Pemberley

  TELEPORTER: An elf who can use momentum to build a unique type of energy that can create a crack in the void for them to slip through. Once inside the void, they can travel to any location they visualize (so long as it’s not underground). Reported Telepaths: Sophie Foster (though alicorns can teleport as well)

  VANISHER: An elf who can sense the light making contact with their skin (or clothing) and allow it to pass through their cells (instead of bouncing off), rendering themselves invisible—even when they’re moving (though the length and quality of their vanish is dependent on their training). Reported Vanishers: Councillor Ramira, Biana Vacker, Della Vacker, Alvar Vacker, Wraith

  VOCIFERATOR: An elf who can manipulate the volume of their voice to an extreme degree, making earsplitting screams that force everyone to pay attention to them and that can even be incapacitating. Reported Vociferators: Councillor Noland

  AN ABUNDANCE OF SKILL:

  The elves are so focused on special abilities that they often overlook (or completely forget) that they also possess a number of useful skills. Practice is needed to fully utilize each skill—which is sorely lacking in the Lost Cities. (Foxfire’s physical education session touches on a few, but the real skill training happens at Exillium—which is part of the problem. Until recently, Exillium was seen as an unfavorable institution.) Efforts are currently being made to place more emphasis on skill training, particularly since the Neverseen brought down the castle in Lumenaria with nothing more than skill, focus, and patience—and Alvar Vacker used skills to survive and escape an otherwise deadly situation.

  Known elvin skills include:

  APPETITE SUPPRESSION: controlling hunger by focusing on something else as a distraction. Can even slow digestion and allow longer survival without food.

  BLINKING: similar to vanishing—but blinking lasts a maximum of a few seconds, and requires far greater concentration and absolute stillness.

  BREATH CONTROL: controlling the distance between breaths by distracting the mind, slowing the body’s systems, and focusing on the air remaining in the lungs.

  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 (wh
ere 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.

  Elvin history: 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.

  Linguistics: 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 is granted by the Council).

  Metaphysics: 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 creatures to maintain their free will.

  Multispeciesial studies: Prodigies discover the fascinating cultures and histories behind the intelligent creatures that share our planet, including ogres, gnomes, trolls, dwarves, and goblins. (Note: Discussion of humans is excluded from this session.)

  Physical education: 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.

  Special ability focus session: 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, empathy, vanishing, flashing, gusting, phasing, frosting, technopathy, conjuring, inflicting, descrying, mesmerizing, and many more. (Please note: Training in pyrokinesis is strictly forbidden.)

  The Universe: Prodigies study the many wonders that lie beyond the boundaries of our planet, including the 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.

  FOXFIRE ACADEMY STAFF

  THE CURRENT PRINCIPAL IS MAGNATE Leto Kerlof (formerly the Beacon of the Silver Tower), who was appointed after Dame Alina (the former principal) was elected to the Council.

  The Beacon of the Silver Tower is now Master Cadence Talle (formerly Lady Cadence).

  For any medical needs that arise, Sir Elwin Heslege keeps an office in Foxfire’s Healing Center (though he rarely uses the title “Sir”).

  Mentors vary year by year, depending on their availability (and the needs of the prodigies). With such a large prodigy population (and most sessions taught one-on-one), the number of Mentors on staff is rather daunting. Still, for those who would like a sampling of the faculty, see the featured Mentors listed below.

  NAME: Lady Alexine

  SESSION: Physical Education

  MENTOR TO: Co-Mentor to All Level Two Prodigies

  NAME: Lady Anwen

  SESSION: Multispeciesial Studies

  MENTOR TO: Sophie Foster (Level Two)

  NAME: Sir Astin

  SESSION: The Universe

  MENTOR TO: Sophie Foster (Level Two)

  NAME: Sir Bubu

  SESSION: Multispeciesial Studies

  MENTOR TO: Keefe Sencen (Level Two)

  NAME: Sir Caton

  SESSION: Physical Education

  MENTOR TO: Co-Mentor to All Level Two Prodigies

  NAME: Sir Conley

  SESSION: Elementalism

  MENTOR TO: Sophie Foster (Level Two)

  NAME: Lady Dara

  SESSION: Elvin History

  MENTOR TO: Sophie Foster (Level Two)

  NAME: Lady Delmira

  SESSION: Alchemy

  MENTOR TO: Keefe Sencen (Level Two)

  NAME: Sir Donwell

  SESSION: Multispeciesial Studies

  MENTOR TO: Biana Vacker (Level Two)

  NAME: Sir Faxon

  SESSION: Metaphysics

  MENTOR TO: Sophie Foster (Level Two)

  NAME: Lady Galvin

  SESSION: Alchemy

  MENTOR TO: Sophie Foster (Level Two), Keefe Sencen (Level Three)

  NAME: Sir Jarvin

  SESSION: The Universe

  MENTOR TO: Keefe Sencen (Level Two)

  NAME: Lady Nissa

  SESSION: Tutoring Center

  MENTOR TO: Any Level Two Prodigies Requesting Additional Practice

  NAME: Sir Tiergan

  SESSION: Telepathy Training


  MENTOR TO: Sophie Foster (Level Two, Level Three, Level Four) and Fitz Vacker (Level Five, Level Six)

  NAME: Barth the Reaper

  SESSION: Agriculture

  MENTOR TO: Sophie Foster (Level Three)

  NAME: Sir Beckett

  SESSION: Elvin History

  MENTOR TO: Sophie Foster (Level Three)

  NAME: Councillor Bronte

  SESSION: Inflicting Training

  MENTOR TO: Sophie Foster (Level Three, Level Four)

  NAME: Master Cadence

  SESSION: Linguistics

  MENTOR TO: Sophie Foster (Level Three)

  NAME: Lady Evera

  SESSION: Multispeciesial Studies

  MENTOR TO: Sophie Foster (Level Three)

  NAME: Sir Harding

  SESSION: Physical Education

  MENTOR TO: Co-Mentor to All Level Three Prodigies

  NAME: Lady Iskra

  SESSION: Technopathy Training

  MENTOR TO: Dex Dizznee (Level Three)

  NAME: Sir Leander

  SESSION: Multispeciesial Studies

  MENTOR TO: Keefe Sencen (Level Three)

  NAME: Sir Rosings

  SESSION: Elvin History

  MENTOR TO: Stina Heks (Level Three)

  NAME: Lady Veda

  SESSION: Elementalism

  MENTOR TO: Sophie Foster (Level Three)

  NAME: Lady Belva

  SESSION: The Universe

  MENTOR TO: Keefe Sencen (Level Four)

  NAME: Lady Zillah

  SESSION: Shade Training

  MENTOR TO: Tam Song (Level Four)

  NAME: Lady Sanja

  SESSION: Elvin History

  MENTOR TO: Keefe Sencen (Level Six)