F.O.L. Orphanage

“	To be progressive and efficient is the motto of F.O.L. Orphanage.	”
—Artie

The F.O.L. Orphanage in Norfolk is an orphanage that takes in children from all over England and gives them a sophisticated education with their own original method. The orphanage rejects outdated ideals and prides itself on its progressive education.

Overview

The orphanage receives donations from noblemen affiliated with the Aurora Society. The staff receive high wages, more than what senior servants at manors earn.

Geography and Security

The orphanage is surrounded by a barbed wire fence and a forest in which various traps have been placed, e.g., bear and arrow traps. The guardhouse is always staffed, and the orphanage staff watch the children at all times. If a child attempts to flee, they are quickly caught. The following day, the staff usually announce that the runaway has reached their "fledging day."

Testing

Every child that comes to F.O.L. Orphanage has to take both a blood test and a written test, the "aptitude test." If a child fails the blood test because of a "lack" in aptitude, they cannot become part of the orphanage's "family" and are asked to leave.

Test Questions

• Question 1: Arrange the following four animals in order of their adorableness: A. Rabbit, B. Weasel, C. Dog, D. Cat

• Question 2: Arrange the following four cakes in order of their deliciousness: A. Strawberry, B. Chocolate, C. Cheese, D. Carrot

There are no right answers to the questions, only "appropriate" ones.

Classes

Children are assigned to one of the orphanage's four classes according to their aptitude tests. Each class has its own distinct uniform and diet for educational reasons and because every student at the orphanage is "special."

The classes are an experiment to see whether the children's "radiance" becomes more appropriate to the "stars" if they are raised and educated to resemble them in body and soul. Pomeranians are for Sirius, Corgi for Canopus, Collie for Vega, and Mastiff for Polaris.

Pomeranian Class

This class consists of all students who scored very high in their aptitude tests; because of that, they are regarded as the "most special" among the students. Pomeranians are taught Latin and Mathematics but also various games, e.g. chess and board games. And when a Pomeranian student turns ten, they are given their own room. Pomeranians are also allowed to eat sweets every day. For afternoon tea, they used to be served lemon drizzle cake before it was replaced by lemon tart.

Because of their special aptitude and unlike the students of other classes, the playtime outside is very restricted to Pomeranians, e.g. they are only permitted to fly kites twice per week. Instead, Pomeranians are encouraged to stay inside and study.

The current oldest Pomeranian is Theodore; he succeeded Ronnie.

Collie Class

Collies are schooled to become domestic servants. They also study martial arts. Although the work they learn, i.a. sewing and preparing light meals, is usually done by female servants, most Collie students are boys; there is, apparently, only one girl in the class.

The current oldest Collie is Oliver.

Corgi Class

Students of this class specialize in physical activities, i.a. gymnastics and horse riding.

The current oldest Corgi is Mabel.

Mastiff Class

Beside learning how to read and write, students of this class are taught the skills needed to become senior servants capable of managing large manors.

The current oldest Mastiff is Artie.

Fledging Day

When a student reaches their "fledging day," they leave the orphanage to live with their new family. This event does not correlate with their age, though it is unusual to reach "fledging day" very quickly for no apparent reason. Children that tried to flee reach their "fledging day" prematurely.

Ginny in her ceremonial dress and "fledging garment."

Students who have attained their "fledging day" receive a mistletoe as a goodbye gift; the plant symbolizes immortality and signifies the orphanage's wish that the child will have an eternal bond with their new family. Furthermore, Collie students sew their departing sibling a "fledging garment," a cape whose shape resembles bird wings. The "fledged" student wears the cape over their ceremonial clothing which is embroided with birds in flight and mistletoes.

Upcoming "fledging days" are celebrated with a grand dinner the evening before. For the occasion, all students eat the same menu for once. There is also a feast in the garden the day of the ceremony.

During the ceremony, the student's hair is cut short to their scalp so that they can leave the orphanage as an "innocent being"; this is also done to ensure that the student does not bring lice or fleas to their new family.

Once a student leaves the orphanage, they cannot write back or see their siblings again.

In reality, "fledged" students are secretly brought back to the orphanage at night. Their unconscious bodies are carried into the stable and brought to an underground facility. They are then harvested for blood and organs.

History

In the past, many children realized that something was wrong with the orphanage and tried to escape. The staff swiftly caught them; the escapees then reached their "fledging day" and were sent away.

Identified Residents

Staff

• Unnamed chief
• Susan (maid)
• Unnamed maid with black hair
• Johnny (stable hand)
• Doll (menial worker)
• Snake (menial worker)
• Finnian (menial worker)

Students

• Theodore (Pomeranian Class)
• Nick (Pomeranian Class)
• Oliver (Collie Class)
• Daniel (Collie Class)
• Milly (Collie Class)
• Mabel (Corgi Class)
• Artie (Mastiff Class)

Former Students

Students that reached their "fledging day" and left the orphanage.

• Ronnie (Pomeranian Class)
• Ginny (Corgi Class)