Foxes

Foxes, as their name translates to from the language, have a library with what I believe are some of the oldest texts to be found on Svene, and from what I can glean, they use a system of magic that has otherwise died out. Primarily, they use words to manipulate the things around them, and thus their magic is not focused in any one area.

Training

Starting at age twelve, Fox boys are allowed to start training at a magic school if they desire. There are nine levels of Fox magic, which they must master in order:

• Level 1: poison

• Level 2: scrying

• Level 3: wind

• Level 4: healing

• Level 5: light

• Level 6: metal

• Level 7: transportation

• Level 8: communicating with animals

• Level 9: shapeshifting

Fox students wear orange robes with white rings on the sleeves indicating their level. It is a major taboo for Fox boys to practice magic which is above their level. Such an infringement will lead to punishment, and in some cases, expulsion. Students alternate between attending one-on-one study and classes with other students at their level. Because not all Fox boys start magic training at age twelve and because they do not progress at the same rate, a class can have a wide-range of ages in it. When teachers feel satisfied that a student has mastered a given level of magic, he has a new ring sewn onto his robe and he begins instruction in the next level. Many Foxes do not complete all nine levels, and some leave school before doing so. They may continue to practice magic up to the level they have attained.

Structure

Foxes are highly patriarchal and therefore women are not allowed to practice magic. Foxes also take their rankings very seriously. Any Fox is considered subordinate to other Foxes who are higher in rank, even if they are from different areas. High ranking Foxes determine the promotion of those below them. The highest ranking Foxes are Fox Masters, who wear white robes with nine orange rings. The Fox Masters decide which level nine Foxes should be promoted to master status. Fox Masters from all over the world also meet periodically to ensure that Fox schools and Fox communities are being maintained under the same rules.
Fox communities, however, are not run only by the Fox Masters. Instead, the Fox Masters sit on a community council along with elected members from the community, who may or may not practice Fox magic. Furthermore, though women are not allowed to practice magic, they are allowed to vote, as well as to run for office, though men run much more frequently than women.

Location

The largest Fox community is located in Seratrene, with most other Fox communities located nearby, though they are found all over the world. Within these communities, Foxes live openly, but they also use magic to shield themselves from outsiders. When living or traveling outside these communities, Foxes are generally not meant to tell others about their magic.