Strixhaven: School of Mages: Difference between revisions

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{{Upcoming release}}{{SubTabs
{{SubTabs
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|sub1 = Mystical Archive
|sub1 = Mystical Archive
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   |symbol_description = A [[Wikipedia:Strix (mythology)|Strix]]
   |symbol_description = A [[Wikipedia:Strix (mythology)|Strix]]
   |design = [[Mark Rosewater]] (lead)<ref name="Haven 1">{{DailyRef|making-magic/strixhaven-part-1-2021-03-29|In the Strixhaven, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|March 29, 2021}}</ref><br>[[Andrew Veen]]<br>[[Ari Nieh]]<br>[[Daniel Holt]]<br>[[George Fan]]<br>[[Sydney Adams]]<br>[[Yoni Skolnik]]
   |design = [[Mark Rosewater]] (lead)<ref name="Haven 1">{{DailyRef|making-magic/strixhaven-part-1-2021-03-29|In the Strixhaven, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|March 29, 2021}}</ref><br>[[Andrew Veen]]<br>[[Ari Nieh]]<br>[[Daniel Holt]]<br>[[George Fan]]<br>[[Sydney Adams]]<br>[[Yoni Skolnik]]
   |development = Yoni Skolnik (lead)
   |development = Yoni Skolnik (lead)<br>[[Erik Lauer]]<br>[[Ian Duke]]<br>[[Mark Gottlieb]]<br>Daniel Holt<br>[[Ken Nagle]]<br>[[Michael Hinderaker]]<br>[[Andrew Brown]]<br>[[Ben Hayes]]<br>[[Kazu Negri]]<br>Ari Nieh<br>Andrew Veen<br>[[Chris Mooney]]<br>[[Reggie Valk]]
   |art = [[Taylor Ingvarsson]]
   |art = [[Taylor Ingvarsson]]
   |release = April 23, 2021
   |release = April 23, 2021
   |mechanics = [[Modal double-faced card]]s, [[Lesson]]s, "[[instant]]s and [[spell]]s matter", [[enemy color]]s
   |mechanics = [[Modal double-faced card]]s, [[Lesson]]s, "[[instant]]s and [[spell]]s matter", [[enemy color]]s, [[creature]] [[token]]s
   |keywords = [[Learn]], [[Magecraft]], [[Ward]]
   |keywords = [[Learn]], [[Magecraft]], [[Ward]]
   |size = 275 + 107
   |size = 275 + 107
   |code_expansion = STX
   |code_expansion = STX
   |code_expansion_ref = {{WebRef|url=https://www.magic.gg/standings|title=Standings 2020-21|author=[[Wizards of the Coast]]|publisher=[[Magic.gg]]}}
   |code_expansion_ref = {{WebRef|url=https://www.magic.gg/standings|title=Standings 2020-21|author=[[Wizards of the Coast]]|publisher=[[Magic.gg]]}}
  |plane=[[Arcavios]]
   |code_expansion_explain =  
   |code_expansion_explain =  
   |code_development = Fencing
   |code_development = Fencing
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   |standard3 = Strixhaven: School of Mages
   |standard3 = Strixhaven: School of Mages
   |previous = Challenger Decks 2021
   |previous = Challenger Decks 2021
   |next = Mystical Archive
   |next = {{noslash|Strixhaven: School of Mages/Mystical Archive}}
}}
}}
'''''Strixhaven: School of Mages''''', often shortened as '''''Strixhaven''''', is the 87th ''[[Magic: the Gathering|Magic]]'' expansion. It is set at the [[Strixhaven]] school on the plane of [[Arcavios]].<ref>{{DailyRef|news/zendikar-debut-and-announcement-day-recap-2020-09-01|Zendikar Debut and Announcement Day Recap|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{YouTubeRef|ObbMbC1v0H4|Strixhaven Sneak Peek|channel=Weekly MTG|date=February 19, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/first-lesson-introduction-strixhaven-2021-02-18|The First Lesson: Introduction to Strixhaven|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|February 18, 2021}}</ref> It is scheduled to be released on April 23, 2021.  
'''''Strixhaven: School of Mages''''', often shortened as '''''Strixhaven''''', is the 87th ''[[Magic: the Gathering|Magic]]'' expansion. It is set at the [[Strixhaven]] school on the plane of [[Arcavios]].<ref>{{DailyRef|news/zendikar-debut-and-announcement-day-recap-2020-09-01|Zendikar Debut and Announcement Day Recap|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{YouTubeRef|ObbMbC1v0H4|Strixhaven Sneak Peek|channel=Weekly MTG|date=February 19, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/first-lesson-introduction-strixhaven-2021-02-18|The First Lesson: Introduction to Strixhaven|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|February 18, 2021}}</ref> It was released on April 23, 2021.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/strixhaven-school-mages-and-commander-2021-edition-release-notes-2021-04-16|Strixhaven: School of Mages and Commander (2021 Edition) Release Notes|[[Jess Dunks]] and [[Matt Tabak]]|April 16, 2021}}</ref>


==Set details==
==Set details==
[[File:STX School Map.jpg|thumb|right|250px|School map]]
[[File:STX School Map.jpg|thumb|right|250px|School map]]{{Cquote|Choose Excellence}}
''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' is a [[bottom-up]] [[enemy color]] faction set based on “instants and spells matter”.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/646652659474087936/what-makes-strixhaven-a-bottom-up-set-seems|title=What makes Strixhaven a bottom up set?|March 25, 2021}}</ref> Creatively, the design of this set is ''[[Magic]]''’s take on the [https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/WizardingSchool magical school genre].<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/642497564431761408/not-sure-if-you-can-answer-but-this-shouldnt|title=Is Strixhaven based on anything?|February 7, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Haven 1"/> Each one of the featured colleges represents one of ''Magic''’s [[enemy color]] combinations, with their own character and mechanics.<ref name="Names"/> Cards associated with the different colleges feature separate [[watermark]]ed insignias. This set contains 275 regular cards {{curmb|||||}} and includes randomly inserted [[premium]] versions of all cards.
''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' is a [[bottom-up]] [[enemy color]] faction set based on “instants and spells matter”.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/646652659474087936/what-makes-strixhaven-a-bottom-up-set-seems|title=What makes Strixhaven a bottom up set?|March 25, 2021}}</ref> Creatively, the design of this set is ''[[Magic]]''’s take on the [https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/WizardingSchool magical school genre].<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/642497564431761408/not-sure-if-you-can-answer-but-this-shouldnt|title=Is Strixhaven based on anything?|February 7, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Haven 1"/> Each one of the featured colleges represents one of ''Magic''’s [[enemy color]] combinations, with their character and mechanics.<ref name="Names"/> Cards associated with the different colleges feature separate [[watermark]]ed insignias. This set contains 275 regular cards {{curmb|105|80|69|21|}} and includes randomly inserted [[premium]] versions of all cards. The [[basic land]]s are numbered outside the main set and therefore don't appear in the [[draft booster]]s.


Alternate card frames have another card number than the original version. [[Borderless]] planeswalkers are numbered #276-279, borderless elder dragons are #280-284, and [[extended artwork]] cards are numbered #285-365. [[Basic land]]s are #366-375. The [[Buy-a-Box]] card is #376 and the [[Bundle promo]] is #377. The FNM-treatment cards from the [[Universal promo pack]] are numbered #378-382. There are no [[showcase card]]s in this set, as the [[Mystical Archive]] fills that position.  
Alternate card frames have another card number than the original version. [[Borderless]] planeswalkers are numbered #276-279, borderless elder dragons are #280-284, and [[extended artwork]] cards are numbered #285-365. [[Basic land]]s are #366-375. The [[Buy-a-Box]] card is #376 and the [[Bundle promo]] is #377. The FNM-treatment cards from the [[Universal promo pack]] are numbered #378-382. There are no [[showcase card]]s in this set, as the [[Mystical Archive]] fills that position.  
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===Storyline===
===Storyline===
Strixhaven is the most elite University in the [[Multiverse]]. It features five colleges founded by the elder dragon whose name each college bears: [[Silverquill]] ({{W}}{{B}}), [[Prismari]] ({{U}}{{R}}), [[Witherbloom]] ({{B}}{{G}}), [[Lorehold]] ({{R}}{{W}}), and [[Quandrix]] {{nowrap|({{G}}{{U}})}}.<ref>{{YouTubeRef|wGUAB7ORw64|The Zendikar Adventuring Party|channel=[[Magic: The Gathering]]|date=September 1, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Names">{{WebRef|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/lkwe29/leak_strixhaven_house_names_apparently_leaked/|title=Strixhaven house names apparently leaked|date=February 16, 2021|publisher=Reddit}}</ref> The five colleges battle it out with their own takes on magic. Learn from the best professors and explore Strixhaven’s huge library!
Strixhaven is the most elite University in the [[Multiverse]]. It features five colleges founded by the elder dragon whose name each college bears: [[Silverquill]] ({{W}}{{B}}), [[Prismari]] ({{U}}{{R}}), [[Witherbloom]] ({{B}}{{G}}), [[Lorehold]] ({{R}}{{W}}), and [[Quandrix]] {{nowrap|({{G}}{{U}})}}.<ref>{{YouTubeRef|wGUAB7ORw64|The Zendikar Adventuring Party|channel=[[Magic: The Gathering]]|date=September 1, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Names">{{WebRef|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/lkwe29/leak_strixhaven_house_names_apparently_leaked/|title=Strixhaven house names apparently leaked|date=February 16, 2021|publisher=Reddit}}</ref> The five colleges battle it out with their takes on magic. Several [[planeswalker]]s, each with their motivations, have sought out [[Arcavios]] and [[Strixhaven]] as their refuge. They are confronted by the [[Oriq]].


The cards that represent the [[Story Spotlight]]s in ''Strixhaven'' are:
The cards that represent the [[Story Spotlight]]s in ''Strixhaven'' are:
* <c>Crackle with Power</c>
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
* <c>Culmination of Studies</c>
*<c>Crackle with Power</c>
* <c>Defend the Campus</c>
*<c>Culmination of Studies</c>
* <c>Dragonic Intervention</c>
*<c>Defend the Campus</c>
* <c>Explosive Welcome</c>
*<c>Draconic Intervention</c>
* <c>Extus, Oriq Overlord // Awaken the Blood Avatar</c>
*<c>Explosive Welcome</c>
* <c>Letter of Acceptance</c>
*<c>Extus, Oriq Overlord // Awaken the Blood Avatar</c>
* <c>Mage Hunters' Onslaught</c>
*<c>Letter of Acceptance</c>
* <c>Mascot Interception</c>
*<c>Mage Hunters' Onslaught</c>
* <c>Mentor's Guidance</c>
*<c>Mascot Interception</c>
* <c>Plumb the Forbidden</c>
*<c>Mentor's Guidance</c>
* <c>Practical Research</c>
*<c>Plumb the Forbidden</c>
* <c>Professor's Warning</c>
*<c>Practical Research</c>
* <c>Rise of Extus</c>
*<c>Professor's Warning</c>
* <c>Tempted by the Oriq</c>
*<c>Rise of Extus</c>
*<c>Tempted by the Oriq</c>
}}


====Magic Story====
====''Magic'' Story====
Several [[planeswalker]]s, each with their own motivations, have sought out [[Arcavios]] and [[Strixhaven]] as their refuge. They are confronted by the [[Oriq]].
{{main|Magic Story}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! Title !! Author !! Release Date !! Setting !! Featuring
! Title !! Author !! Release Date !! Setting !! Featuring
|-
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-1-class-session-2021-03-25|Episode 1: Class is in Session}} || [[Adana Washington]] || 2021-03-25 || [[Arcavios]], [[Kylem]] || [[Liliana Vess]], [[Will Kenrith]], [[Rowan Kenrith]], [[Lukka]], [[Kasmina]], [[Shaile]], [[Nassari]], [[Lisette]]
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-1-class-session-2021-03-25|Episode 1: Class is in Session}} || [[Adana Washington]] || 2021-03-25 || [[Arcavios]], [[Kylem]] || [[Liliana Vess|Liliana]], [[Codie]], [[Shaile Talonrook]], [[Nassari]], [[Lisette]], [[Will Kenrith|Will]], [[Rowan Kenrith|Rowan]], [[Kasmina]], [[Mavinda Sharpbeak]], [[Alibou]], [[Lukka]], [[Mila]], [[Extus Narr]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/cry-magic-2021-03-26|A Cry of Magic}} || [[Aysha U. Farah]] || 2021-03-26 || [[Arcavios]] || [[Rootha Squallheart]], [[Uvilda]], [[Nassari]], Samara Squallheart, [[Felisa Fang]], Tomlin Squallheart
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-2-lessons-2021-03-31|Episode 2: Lessons}} || [[Adana Washington]] || 2021-03-31 || [[Arcavios]] || [[Tavver]], [[Extus Narr]], [[Liliana Vess|Liliana]], [[Lukka]], [[Mila]], [[Beledros Witherbloom]], Tavia, Gladefell, [[Valentin]], [[Lisette]], [[Rowan Kenrith|Rowan]]
|-
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/cry-magic-2021-03-26|A Cry of Magic}} || [[Aysha U. Farah]] || 2021-03-26 || [[Arcavios]] || [[Rootha Squallheart]], [[Uvilda]], [[Nassari]]
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-3-extracurriculars-2021-04-07|Episode 3: Extracurriculars}} || [[Adana Washington]] || 2021-04-07 || [[Arcavios]] || [[Will Kenrith|Will]], [[Rowan Kenrith|Rowan]], [[Auvernine]], [[Plink]], [[Quintorius Kand]], Dinsley, [[Liliana Vess|Liliana]], [[Isabough]], [[Arlo Wickel]], [[Kasmina]], [[Lukka]], [[Mila]], [[Extus Narr]]
|-
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-2-lessons-2021-03-31|Episode 2: Lessons}} || [[Adana Washington]] || 2021-03-31 || [[Arcavios]] || [[Lukka]], [[Liliana Vess]], [[Beledros Witherbloom]], [[Extus Narr]], [[Rowan Kenrith]]
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/chains-bind-2021-04-09|The Chains That Bind}} || [[Reinhardt Suarez]] || 2021-03-31 || [[Arcavios]] || [[Dina]], Maraff, [[Tivash]], [[Willowdusk]], [[Lisette]], [[Valentin]], [[Embrose Lu]], [[Killian Lu]], [[Liliana Vess|Liliana]], [[Ana]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-4-put-test-2021-04-14|Episode 4: Put to the Test}} || [[Adana Washington]] || 2021-04-14 || [[Arcavios]] || [[Will Kenrith|Will]], [[Rowan Kenrith|Rowan]], [[Arlo Wickel]], [[Liliana Vess|Liliana]], [[Kianne]], [[Imbraham]], [[Plink]], [[Auvernine]], [[Extus Narr]], [[Tavver]], [[Blood Avatar|the Blood Avatar]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/mentor-2021-04-16|The Mentor}} || [[Reinhardt Suarez]] || 2021-04-16 || [[Arcavios]] || [[Quintorius Kand]], Golwanda, Xandril, [[Plargg]], Asterion, Teutamos, Crethea, Pasiphaë, Deianira, Achelous, Arboron, Vis Svokunol, [[Hofri Ghostforge]], Huerty Kostambul, Siulogma, Xyrun-Jed, Kollema
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-5-final-exam-2021-04-21|Episode 5: Final Exam}} || [[Adana Washington]] || 2021-04-21 || [[Arcavios]] || [[Will Kenrith|Will]], [[Rowan Kenrith|Rowan]], [[Blood Avatar|the Blood Avatar]], [[Extus Narr]], [[Uvilda]], [[Plink]], [[Auvernine]], [[Lukka]], [[Mila]], [[Nassari]], [[Lisette]], [[Kasmina]], [[Liliana Vess|Liliana]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/blue-green-ribbons-2021-04-23|Blue-Green Ribbons}} || [[Innocent Chizaram Ilo]] || 2021-04-23 || [[Arcavios]] || [[Zimone Wola]], Ellina, Amaka, Nnanyielugo, Wallader, Nimiroti Wola, [[Isabough]], [[Kianne]], [[Imbraham]], Zihir Wola, Dipo Wola, [[Codie]], [[Extus Narr]], Pita
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/silent-voice-calls-2021-04-30|A Silent Voice Calls}} || [[Marcus Terrell Smith]] || 2021-04-30 || [[Arcavios]] || [[Killian Lu]], Razineth, [[Embrose Lu]], Doco, Fannessa Fjyorne, [[Shaile Talonrook]], [[Quintorius Kand]], Dobarius Egolt, [[Dina]], Vickus
|}
|}


===Marketing===
===Marketing===
[[File:STX Bundle.png|thumb|right|250px|Bundle with [[Rowan Kenrith|Rowan]] and [[Will Kenrith]] [[key art]]]]
[[File:STX Bundle.png|thumb|right|250px|Bundle with [[Rowan Kenrith|Rowan]] and [[Will Kenrith]] [[key art]]]]
[[File:STX scarves.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Strixhaven'' promotional scarves]]
''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' is sold in regular 16-card [[Draft Booster]]s (one card being a [[marketing card]]). A ''[[Mystical Archive]]'' card appears as a bonus card in each Draft Booster. These ''Mystical Archive'' cards don't replace another card of the same rarity in a pack. So you can get multiple rare cards in a draft booster.
''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' is sold in regular 16-card [[Draft Booster]]s (one card being a [[marketing card]]). A ''[[Mystical Archive]]'' card appears as a bonus card in each Draft Booster. These ''Mystical Archive'' cards don't replace another card of the same rarity in a pack. So you can get multiple rare cards in a draft booster.


In addition, the product line includes five bi-colored [[Theme Booster]]s, [[Collector Booster]]s (including three ''Mystical Archive'' cards, one certified Japanese version), [[Set Booster]]s (with a ''Mystical Archive'' card and a [[Lesson]] card), the ''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' [[bundle]] and five [[Commander (format)|Commander]] decks.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://www.heo.com/de/en/show/P9c5_M489_Of/strixschoolmages|title=Strixhaven: School of Mages|publisher=Heo.com}}</ref><ref name="Product Overview"/>  
In addition, the product line includes five bi-colored [[Theme Booster]]s, [[Collector Booster]]s (including three ''Mystical Archive'' cards, one certified Japanese version), [[Set Booster]]s (with a ''Mystical Archive'' card and a [[Lesson]] card), the ''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' [[bundle]] and five [[Commander (format)|Commander]] decks.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://www.heo.com/de/en/show/P9c5_M489_Of/strixschoolmages|title=Strixhaven: School of Mages|publisher=Heo.com}}</ref><ref name="Product Overview"/>  


The packaging of ''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' features [[key art]] of [[Will Kenrith|Will]] and [[Rowan Kenrith]]. The Draft Boosters feature artwork of [[Killian Lu]], [[Rootha Squallheart]], [[Dina]], [[Quintorius Kand]] and [[Zimone Wola]]. The Theme Boosters feature art from <c>Clever Lumimancer</c> {{nowrap|({{W}}{{B}})}}, <c>Spectacle Mage</c> {{nowrap|({{U}}{{R}})}}, <c>Professor of Zoomancy</c> {{nowrap|({{B}}{{G}})}}, <c>Lorehold Apprentice</c> {{nowrap|({{R}}{{W}})}}, and <c>Quandrix Apprentice</c> {{nowrap|({{G}}{{U}})}}. The Collector Boosters feature art of the ''[[Mystical Archive]]'' {{card|Memory Lapse||STA}} and the Set Boosters feature art of TBA.
The packaging of ''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' features [[key art]] of [[Will Kenrith|Will]] and [[Rowan Kenrith]]. The Draft Boosters feature artwork of [[Killian Lu]], [[Rootha Squallheart]], [[Dina]], [[Quintorius Kand]] and [[Zimone Wola]]. The Theme Boosters feature art from <c>Clever Lumimancer</c> {{nowrap|({{W}}{{B}})}}, <c>Spectacle Mage</c> {{nowrap|({{U}}{{R}})}}, <c>Professor of Zoomancy</c> {{nowrap|({{B}}{{G}})}}, <c>Lorehold Apprentice</c> {{nowrap|({{R}}{{W}})}}, and <c>Quandrix Apprentice</c> {{nowrap|({{G}}{{U}})}}. The Collector Boosters feature the art of the ''[[Mystical Archive]]'' {{card|Memory Lapse||STA}} and the Set Boosters feature original art of the battle between the Strixhaven residents and the [[Oriq]].
 
With the release of ''Strixhaven'', 55 cards were rotated into [[The List]], many of which were thematically or mechanically linked to the set. In 5% of the Set Boosters, the [[marketing card]] is replaced by a [[minigame]] card.


====Mystical Archive====
====Mystical Archive====
{{Main|Strixhaven: School of Mages/Mystical Archive}}
{{Main|Strixhaven: School of Mages/Mystical Archive}}
''Mystical Archive'' is a separate set of cards associated with ''Strixhaven: School of Mages''. It is similar to the [[Masterpiece Series]] but the cards appear more frequently in the boosters of the main set. In ''Mystical Archive'', [[Wizards of the Coast]]s has [[reprint]]ed 63 of the most famous [[instant]]s and [[sorcery|sorceries]] of all time in specially designed [[showcase]] frames and at all [[rarity|rarities]]. ''Strixhaven'' Draft and Set Boosters contain one ''Mystical Archive'' card, and Collector Boosters have at least three. These will only be legal in [[format]]s that they are already legal in. They are not part of the [[Standard]] environment. However, the cards may be used in [[Limited]] events.
''Mystical Archive'' is a separate set of cards associated with ''Strixhaven: School of Mages''. It is similar to the [[Masterpiece Series]] but the cards appear more frequently in the boosters of the main set. In ''Mystical Archive'', [[Wizards of the Coast]]s has [[reprint]]ed 63 of the most famous [[instant]]s and [[sorcery|sorceries]] of all time in specially designed [[showcase]] frames and at all [[rarity|rarities]]. ''Strixhaven'' Draft and Set Boosters contain one ''Mystical Archive'' card, and Collector Boosters have at least three. These will only be legal in [[format]]s that they are already legal in. They are not part of the [[Standard]] environment. However, the cards may be used in [[Limited]] events.
 
====Events====
====Events====
* [[Magic Online]] and [[MTG Arena]] release: April 15, 2021<ref>{{DailyRef|/news/strixhaven-school-mages-previews-and-more-2021-magic-release-dates-2021-03-18|Strixhaven News + More|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|March 18, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Magic Online]] and [[MTG Arena]] release: April 15, 2021<ref>{{DailyRef|/news/strixhaven-school-mages-previews-and-more-2021-magic-release-dates-2021-03-18|Strixhaven News + More|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|March 18, 2021}}</ref>
* [[Tabletop]] [[Prerelease]]: April 16–April 22, 2021
*[[Tabletop]] [[Prerelease]]: April 16–April 22, 2021<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/strixhaven-school-mages-prerelease-primer-2021-04-12|''Strixhaven: School of Mages"' Prerelease Primer|[[Gavin Verhey]]|April 12, 2021}}</ref>
** Each [[prerelease pack]] contains one ''[[Prerelease#Strixhaven: School of Mages|College Booster]]''.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://wpn.wizards.com/en/products/strixhaven-school-mages|title=Strixhaven: School of Mages Prerelease Pack|author=[[WPN]]|date=March, 2021|publisher=[[Wizards Play Network]]}}</ref>
**Each [[prerelease pack]] contains one ''[[Prerelease#Strixhaven: School of Mages|College Booster]]''.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://wpn.wizards.com/en/products/strixhaven-school-mages|title=Strixhaven: School of Mages Prerelease Pack|author=[[WPN]]|date=March, 2021|publisher=[[Wizards Play Network]]}}</ref>
* [[Launch party]]: April 23–April 25, 2021
*[[Launch party]]: April 23–April 25, 2021
* [[Friday Night Magic]]: April 23–July 2, 2021
*[[Friday Night Magic]]: April 23–July 2, 2021
* [[Commander Nights]]: April 23–July 8, 2021
*[[Commander Nights]]: April 23–July 8, 2021


====Promotional cards====
====Promotional cards====
*[[Prerelease card|Prerelease]]: a stamped card that can be any rare or mythic rare related to the college of choice.
*[[Prerelease card|Prerelease]]: a stamped card that can be any rare or mythic rare related to the college of choice.
*Other events: cards from the ''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' [[universal promo pack]].
*Other events: cards from the ''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' [[universal promo pack]].
**The seasonal dark-frame promos are: {{card|Decisive Rejection||STA|#=377}}, {{card|Fracture||STA|#=378}}, {{card|Iterative Expression||STA|#=379}}, {{card|Rip Apart||STA|#=381}}, TBA.
**The seasonal dark-frame promos are: {{card|Fracture||STX|#=378}}, {{card|Expressive Iteration||STX|#=379}}, {{card|Mortality Spear||STX|#=380}}, {{card|Rip Apart||STX|#=381}} and {{card|Decisive Denial||STX|#=382}}.
*[[Buy-a-Box]]: [[foil]] [[alternate art|alternate]], [[extended art]] {{card|Dragonsguard Elite||STX|#=376}}<ref name="Product Overview">{{DailyRef|feature/strixhaven-school-mages-product-overview-2021-03-25|''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' Product Overview|[[Ari Zirulnik]]|March 25, 2021}}</ref>  
*[[Buy-a-Box]]: [[foil]] [[alternate art|alternate]], [[extended art]] {{card|Dragonsguard Elite||STX|#=376}}<ref name="Product Overview">{{DailyRef|feature/strixhaven-school-mages-product-overview-2021-03-25|''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' Product Overview|[[Ari Zirulnik]]|March 25, 2021}}</ref>  
*[[Bundle promo]]: foil alternate art {{card|Archmage Emiritus||STX|#=377}}<ref>{{YouTubeRef|b23oHHziMto|Strixhaven: School of Mages Campus Tour|channel=[[Magic: The Gathering]]|date=March 25, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Bundle promo]]: foil alternate art {{card|Archmage Emeritus||STX|#=377}}<ref>{{YouTubeRef|b23oHHziMto|Strixhaven: School of Mages Campus Tour|channel=[[Magic: The Gathering]]|date=March 25, 2021}}</ref>


====Tokens/emblems/markers====
====Tokens and emblems====
The sixteenth card in the boosters is a [[token]] creature card, an [[emblem]] or a [[marker]], with advertisements on the back side. It can also be a [[substitute card|helper card]] with a standard card back. There are a total of TBA tokens and emblems:
The sixteenth card in the boosters is a [[token]] creature card or an [[emblem]], with advertisements on the backside. It can also be a [[substitute card|helper card]] with a standard card back. There are a total of nine tokens and emblems:<ref>{{DailyRef|card-preview/tokens-stx-and-c21-2021-04-15|The Tokens of ''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' and ''Commander (2021 Edition)''|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|April 15, 2021}}</ref>
#{{B/R}} 3/6 [[Avatar]] creature with [[haste]] and "Whenever this creature attacks, it deals 3 damage to each opponent," for <c>Awaken the Blood Avatar</c>.
#{{B/R}} 3/6 [[Avatar]] creature with [[haste]] and "Whenever this creature attacks, it deals 3 damage to each opponent," for <c>Awaken the Blood Avatar</c>.
#{{U/R}} 4/4 [[Elemental]] creature, for <c>Elemental Expressionist</c>, <c>Elemental Masterpiece</c>, <c>Elemental Summoning</c>, <c>Magma Opus</c>, <c>Mascot Exhibition</c>, <c>Multiple Choice</c>, <c>Resculpt</c>, and <c>Will, Scholar of Frost</c>.
#{{G/U}} 0/0 [[Fractal]] creature, for <c>Emergent Sequence</c>, <c>Fractal Summoning</c>, <c>Kasmina, Enigma Sage</c>, <c>Kianne, Dean of Substance</c>, <c>Leyline Invocation</c>, <c>Manifestation Sage</c>, <c>Biomathematician</c>, <c>Body of Research</c>, and <c>Serpentine Curve</c>.
#{{W/B}} 2/1 [[Inkling]] creature with [[flying]], for <c>Blot Out the Sky</c>, <c>Dramatic Finale</c>, <c>Inkling Summoning</c>, <c>Mascot Exhibition</c>, <c>Shadrix Silverquill</c>, and <c>Umbral Juke</c>.
#{{W/B}} 2/1 [[Inkling]] creature with [[flying]], for <c>Blot Out the Sky</c>, <c>Dramatic Finale</c>, <c>Inkling Summoning</c>, <c>Mascot Exhibition</c>, <c>Shadrix Silverquill</c>, and <c>Umbral Juke</c>.
#{{U/R}} 4/4 [[Elemental]] creature, for <c>Elemental Expressionist</c>, <c>Elemental Masterpiece</c>, <c>Elemental Summoning</c>, <c>Expressive Artist</c>, <c>Magma Opus</c>, <c>Mascot Exhibition</c>, <c>Multiple Choice</c>, <c>Resculpt</c>, and <c>Will, Scholar of Frost</c>.
#{{B/G}} 1/1 [[Pest]] creature with "When this creature dies, you gain 1 life," for <c>Beledros Witherbloom</c>, <c>Callous Bloodmage</c>, <c>Containment Breach</c>, <c>Hunt for Specimens</c>, <c>Pest Summoning</c>, <c>Pestilent Cauldron</c>, <c>Professor of Zoomancy</c>, <c>Sedgemoor Witch</c>, <c>Tend the Pests</c>, and <c>Valentin, Dean of the Vein</c>.
#{{B/G}} 1/1 [[Pest]] creature with "When this creature dies, you gain 1 life," for <c>Beledros Witherbloom</c>, <c>Callous Bloodmage</c>, <c>Containment Breach</c>, <c>Hunt for Specimens</c>, <c>Pest Summoning</c>, <c>Pestilent Cauldron</c>, <c>Professor of Zoomancy</c>, <c>Sedgemoor Witch</c>, <c>Tend the Pests</c>, and <c>Valentin, Dean of the Vein</c>.
#{{R/W}} 3/2 [[Spirit]] creature, for <c>Illuminate History</c>, <c>Illustrious Historian</c>, <c>Lorehold Command</c>, <c>Lorehold Excavation</c>, <c>Make Your Mark</c>, <c>Mascot Exhibition</c>, <c>Quintorius, Field Historian</c>, <c>Reduce to Memory</c>, and <c>Spirit Summoning</c>.
#{{R/W}} 3/2 [[Spirit]] creature, for <c>Illuminate History</c>, <c>Illustrious Historian</c>, <c>Lorehold Command</c>, <c>Lorehold Excavation</c>, <c>Make Your Mark</c>, <c>Mascot Exhibition</c>, <c>Quintorius, Field Historian</c>, <c>Reduce to Memory</c>, and <c>Spirit Summoning</c>.
#{{G/U}} 0/0 [[Fractal]] creature, for <c>Emergent Sequence</c>, <c>Fractal Summoning</c>, <c>Kasmina, Enigma Sage</c>, <c>Kianne, Dean of Substance</c>, <c>Leyline Invocation</c>, <c>Manifestation Sage</c>, <c>Biomathematician</c>, <c>Research Body</c>, and <c>Serpentine Curve</c>.
#{{C}} [[Treasure]] artifact, for <c>Creative Outburst</c>, <c>Culmination of Studies</c>, <c>Elemental Masterpiece</c>, <c>Galazeth Prismari</c>, <c>Ingenious Mastery</c>, <c>Magma Opus</c>, <c>Prismari Command</c>, <c>Storm-Kiln Artist</c>, and <c>Sudden Breakthrough</c>.
#{{C}} [[Treasure]] artifact, for <c>Creative Outburst</c>, <c>Culmination of Studies</c>, <c>Elemental Masterpiece</c>, <c>Galazeth Prismari</c>, <c>Magma Opus</c>, <c>Prismari Command</c>, <c>Storm-Kiln Artist</c>, and <c>Sudden Breakthrough</c>.
#[[Emblem]] for <c>Lukka, Wayward Bonder</c>.
#[[Emblem]] for <c>Lukka, Wayward Bonder</c>.
#[[Emblem]] for <c>Rowan, Scholar of Sparks</c>.
#[[Emblem]] for <c>Rowan, Scholar of Sparks</c>.
The ''[[Prerelease#Strixhaven: School of Mages|College Booster]]s'' of the [[prerelease pack]]s contain the following s [[double-sided token]]s:
;Silverquill
*{{W/B}} 2/1 Inkling creature with flying — {{B/G}} 1/1 Pest creature with  "When this creature dies, you gain 1 life"
*{{W/B}} 2/1 Inkling creature with flying — {{R/W}} 3/2 Spirit creature
;Prismari
*{{U/R}} 4/4 Elemental creature — {{R/W}} 3/2 Spirit creature
*{{U/R}} 4/4 Elemental creature — {{C}} Treasure
;Witherbloom
*{{B/G}} 1/1 Pest creature with  "When this creature dies, you gain 1 life" — {{W/B}} 2/1 Inkling creature with flying
*{{B/G}} 1/1 Pest creature with  "When this creature dies, you gain 1 life" — {{G/U}} 0/0 Fractal creature
;Lorehold
*{{R/W}} 3/2 Spirit creature — {{U/R}} 4/4 Elemental creature
*{{R/W}} 3/2 Spirit creature — {{W/B}} 2/1 Inkling creature with flying
;Quandrix
*{{G/U}} 0/0 Fractal creature — {{B/G}} 1/1 Pest creature with  "When this creature dies, you gain 1 life"
*{{G/U}} 0/0 Fractal creature — {{U/R}} 4/4 Elemental creature


==Themes and mechanics==
==Themes and mechanics==
In lieu of the abandoned [[block]] model, [[R&D]] has found a new way to tie together the three non-core premier sets in a single ''Magic'' "year" (aka the fall, winter, and spring sets—using northern hemisphere seasons): they share a common mechanic. For ''[[Zendikar Rising]]'', ''[[Kaldheim]]'' and ''Strixhaven'' that is [[modal double-faced card]]s.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/zendikar-rising-challenge-part-2-2020-09-07|''Zendikar Rising'' to the Challenge, Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 7, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{WebRef|url=https://mashable.com/article/magic-the-gathering-zendikar-rising-reveal-shatterskull|title=New 'Magic: The Gathering' ''Zendikar Rising'' card makes rocks fall, everyone dies|author=Amanda Yeo|date=September 4, 2020|publisher=Mashable.com}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/628355870144741376/so-theres-an-article-around-on-mashable-that|title= Just want to confirm that this is accurate information?|September 4, 2020}}</ref>
In place of the abandoned [[block]] model, [[R&D]] has found a new way to tie together the three non-core premier sets in a single ''Magic'' "year" (aka the fall, winter, and spring sets—using northern hemisphere seasons): they share a common mechanic. For ''[[Zendikar Rising]]'', ''[[Kaldheim]]'' and ''Strixhaven'' that is [[modal double-faced card]]s.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/zendikar-rising-challenge-part-2-2020-09-07|''Zendikar Rising'' to the Challenge, Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 7, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{WebRef|url=https://mashable.com/article/magic-the-gathering-zendikar-rising-reveal-shatterskull|title=New 'Magic: The Gathering' ''Zendikar Rising'' card makes rocks fall, everyone dies|author=Amanda Yeo|date=September 4, 2020|publisher=Mashable.com}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/628355870144741376/so-theres-an-article-around-on-mashable-that|title= Just want to confirm that this is accurate information?|September 4, 2020}}</ref> Unlike the other two sets, there is no hard rule as to the nature of the MDFCs. This is the first time sorceries and instants were printed on the back face of a DFC.


''Strixhaven'' the first set centered on an "[[instant]]s and [[spell]]s matters" theme.<ref name="Haven 1"/> It is designed around five [[enemy color]] pairs, which despite the many years of ''Magic'' has not been done before as a large expansion - ''[[Apocalypse]]'', the other enemy color set, was drafted as a counterpart at the tail end of [[Invasion block]], and likewise with ''[[Eventide]]'' and the [[Shadowmoor block]]. Unlike the Ravnican guilds, the Strixhaven colleges aren’t built around the similarities of the two colors, but rather around their conflict.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/643839052451348480/im-very-excited-about-the-colleges-ive-been-big|title=I'm very excited about the Colleges.|February 22, 2021}}</ref>
''Strixhaven'' is the first set centered on an "[[instant]]s and [[spell]]s matters" theme.<ref name="Haven 1"/> It is designed around five [[enemy color]] pairs, which despite the many years of ''Magic'' has not been done before as a large expansion - ''[[Apocalypse]]'', the other enemy color set, was drafted as a counterpart at the tail end of [[Invasion block]], and likewise with ''[[Eventide]]'' and the [[Shadowmoor block]]. Unlike the Ravnican guilds, the Strixhaven colleges aren’t built around the similarities of the two colors, but rather around their conflict.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/643839052451348480/im-very-excited-about-the-colleges-ive-been-big|title=I'm very excited about the Colleges.|February 22, 2021}}</ref>


A new mechanic is '''[[Magecraft]]''', an [[ability word]] that causes an effect whenever you cast or copy an instant or sorcery spell.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/strixhaven-school-mages-mechanics-2021-03-25|''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|March 25, 2021}}</ref> Another new mechanic is '''[[Learn]]''' (You may reveal a [[Lesson]] card you own from [[outside the game]] and put it into your hand, or discard a card to draw a card.). Both of these tie into the higher "spells matter" gameplay, which was previously limited to blue and red.
A new mechanic is '''[[Magecraft]]''', an [[ability word]] that causes an effect whenever you cast or copy an instant or sorcery spell.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/strixhaven-school-mages-mechanics-2021-03-25|''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|March 25, 2021}}</ref> Another new mechanic is '''[[Learn]]''' (You may reveal a [[Lesson]] card you own from [[outside the game]] and put it into your hand, or discard a card to draw a card.). Both of these tie into the higher "spells matter" gameplay, which was previously limited to blue and red.


'''[[Ward]]''' is a new [[evergreen]] [[ability word]]. Whenever a [[permanent]] with ward becomes the [[target]] of a [[spell]] or [[ability]] an [[opponent]] [[control]]s, [[counter]] it unless that player pays an additional [[cost]].<ref>{{DailyRef|card-preview/introducing-ward-2021-03-25|Introducing Ward|[[Andrew Brown]] and [[Jules Robins]]|March 25, 2021}}</ref>
'''[[Ward]]''' is a new [[evergreen]] [[keyword]]. Whenever a [[permanent]] with ward becomes the [[target]] of a [[spell]] or [[ability]] an [[opponent]] [[control]]s, [[counter]] it unless that player pays an additional [[cost]].<ref>{{DailyRef|card-preview/introducing-ward-2021-03-25|Introducing Ward|[[Andrew Brown]] and [[Jules Robins]]|March 25, 2021}}</ref>
 
''Strixhaven'' also has a [[creature]] [[token]] theme in the form of [[mascot]]s for the colleges.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/strixhaven-part-2-2021-04-05|In the Strixhaven, Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|April 5, 2021}}</ref>  


===Card types===
===Card types===
'''[[Food]]''' tokens return. They are made by the Chef.<ref>{{YouTubeRef|iEXMlvhfx1w|Strixhaven Commander Sneak Peek: Legendaries, Hints, Art & More! Part 1|channel=[[Good Morning Magic]]|date=March 22, 2021}}</ref> The Set introduces the '''[[Inkling]]''' and '''[[Fractal]]''' creature types and the '''[[Lesson]]''' [[spell type]]. '''[[Pest]]s''' appear for the first time outside of [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]].
The Set introduces the '''[[Inkling]]''' and '''[[Fractal]]''' creature types and the '''[[Lesson]]''' [[spell type]]. '''[[Pest]]s''' appear for the first time outside of [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]. [[Spirit]]  and [[Elemental]] round out the token mascot quintet.
 
Compared to [[Kaldheim]] and [[Zendikar Rising]], there are fewer Rogues and Warriors for the [[Party]]. Instead, the three other major [[spellcaster]] classes (Shaman, Druid, Warlock) return, joining the Party's [[Wizard]] and [[Cleric]]. There are more than twice the amount of Warlocks in this set as there are in Magic's history. The specially-reserved subtype [[Elder]], last seen in ''[[Theros Beyond Death]]'', returns for the Founder Dragon cycle.
 
'''[[Food]]''' tokens return in the associated Commander product. They are made by Chef [[Gyome]].<ref>{{YouTubeRef|iEXMlvhfx1w|Strixhaven Commander Sneak Peek: Legendaries, Hints, Art & More! Part 1|channel=[[Good Morning Magic]]|date=March 22, 2021}}</ref>


===Draft Archetypes===
===Draft Archetypes===
The draft archetypes are designed to be significantly different to those on [[Ravnica]], due to the strong association with color pairs from the Guilds and their playstyle.
The draft archetypes are designed to be significantly different from those on [[Ravnica]], due to the strong association with color pairs from the Guilds and their play style.


*{{W}}{{B}}: Go-wide
*{{W}}{{B}}: +1/+1 Counters (<c>Spiteful Squad</c>)
*{{U}}{{R}}: Big-spell casting  
*{{U}}{{R}}: Big-spell casting (<c>Spectacle Mage</c>)
*{{B}}{{G}}: Life gain
*{{B}}{{G}}: Life gain (<c>Blood Researcher</c>)
*{{R}}{{W}}: Leaves-graveyard triggers
*{{R}}{{W}}: Leaves-graveyard triggers (<c>Stonebound Mentor</c>)
*{{G}}{{U}}: Counting various things
*{{G}}{{U}}: Eight-lands ramp (<c>Eureka Moment</c>)


==Cycles==
==Cycles==
''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' has at least fourteen [[cycle]]s.
''Strixhaven: School of Mages'' has twenty-five [[cycle]]s.


{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
! Cycle name
!Cycle name
! {{W}}
!{{W}}
! {{U}}
!{{U}}
! {{B}}
!{{B}}
! {{R}}
!{{R}}
! {{G}}
!{{G}}
|-
|-
|rowspan="2" style="width:10%;"|'''Rare lessons'''
|rowspan="2" style="width:10%;"|'''Rare lessons'''
Line 150: Line 193:
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Five [[rare]] [[monocolored]] [[Lesson]]s.
|colspan="5"|Five [[rare]] [[monocolored]] [[Lesson]]s.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Rare learners'''
|{{card|Sparring Regimen||STX}}
|{{card|Dream Strix||STX}}
|{{card|Poet's Quill||STX}}
|{{card|Retriever Phoenix||STX}}
|{{card|Gnarled Professor||STX}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five rare monocolored permanents with [[learn]].
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Masteries'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Masteries'''
|{{card|Devastating Mastery||STX}}
|{{card|Devastating Mastery||STX}}
|{{card|||STX}}
|{{card|Ingenious Mastery||STX}}
|{{card|Baleful Mastery||STX}}
|{{card|Baleful Mastery||STX}}
|{{card|Fervent Mastery||STX}}
|{{card|Fervent Mastery||STX}}
|{{card|Verdant Mastery||STX}}
|{{card|Verdant Mastery||STX}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Five [[rare]] monocolored spells, each with a lower alternate casting cost. If the alternate cost is paid, an opponent also gets an effect.
|colspan="5"|Five rare monocolored spells, each with a lower alternate casting cost that provides some kind of benefit to an opponent if the alternate cost is paid.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Uncommon lessons'''
|{{card|Reduce to Memory||STX}}
|{{card|Mercurial Transformation||STX}}
|{{card|Necrotic Fumes||STX}}
|{{card|Start from Scratch||STX}}
|{{card|Containment Breach||STX}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five [[uncommon]] monocolored lessons.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Uncommon learners'''
|{{card|Professor of Symbology||STX}}
|{{card|Divide By Zero||STX}}
|{{card|Eyetwitch||STX}}
|{{card|Academic Dispute||STX}} / {{card|Igneous Inspiration||STX}}
|{{card|Overgrown Arch||STX}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five uncommon monocolored spells with [[learn]]. (Loose cycle because it has two red cards)
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Uncommon Magecrafters'''
|{{card|Clever Lumimancer||STX}}
|{{card|Symmetry Sage||STX}}
|{{card|Mage Hunter||STX}}
|{{card|Storm-Kiln Artist||STX}}
|{{card|Karok Wrangler||STX}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five uncommon monocolored creatures with [[Magecraft]]. (Loose cycle because Mage Hunter acts as Magecraft for the opponent)
|-
|-
! Cycle name
!Cycle name
! {{W}}{{B}}
!{{W}}{{B}}
! {{U}}{{R}}
!{{U}}{{R}}
! {{B}}{{G}}
!{{B}}{{G}}
! {{R}}{{W}}
!{{R}}{{W}}
! {{G}}{{U}}
!{{G}}{{U}}
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Founders'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Founders'''
Line 174: Line 253:
|{{card|Tanazir Quandrix||STX}}
|{{card|Tanazir Quandrix||STX}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Five [[mythic rare]] [[Elder]] [[Dragon]] [[creatures]], each of whom is the founder of their college.
|colspan="5"|Five [[mythic rare]] [[Elder]] [[Dragon]] [[creatures]] as illustrated by [[Raymond Swanland]], each of whom is the founder of their college.
|-
|rowspan="2" |'''Mythic Rare spells'''
|{{Card|Blot Out the Sky||STX}}
|{{Card|Magma Opus||STX}}
|{{Card|Harness Infinity||STX}}
|{{Card|Hofri Ghostforge||STX}}
|{{Card|Body of Research||STX}}
|-
|colspan="5" |Five [[mythic rare]] spells with an expensive cost (or in one case, must be paid expensively) for a powerful, massive effect.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Hybrid Rares'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Hybrid Rares'''
Line 201: Line 289:
|{{card|Quandrix Apprentice||STX}}
|{{card|Quandrix Apprentice||STX}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Five uncommon multicolored [[Prototype creature/Bears|bears]] with [[magecraft]].
|colspan="5"|Five uncommon multicolored [[Human|humans]] with [[magecraft]].
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Gold hybrids'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Gold hybrids'''
Line 211: Line 299:
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Five powerful uncommon creatures with mana costs XMHN, where H is the hybrid of M and N.
|colspan="5"|Five powerful uncommon creatures with mana costs XMHN, where H is the hybrid of M and N.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Two-mana utility spells'''
|{{card|Fracture||STX}}
|{{card|Expressive Iteration||STX}}
|{{card|Deadly Brew||STX}}
|{{card|Rip Apart||STX}}
|{{card|Decisive Denial||STX}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five gold uncommon utility spells that cost two mana.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Summonings'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Summonings'''
Line 219: Line 316:
|{{card|Fractal Summoning||STX}}
|{{card|Fractal Summoning||STX}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Five [[common]] hybrid [[Lesson]]s that each create one or more creature tokens of the type characteristic of that college. Each have two hybrid symbols in their costs.
|colspan="5"|Five [[common]] hybrid [[Lesson]]s that each create one or more creature tokens of the type characteristic of that college. Each has two hybrid symbols in its costs.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Pledgemages'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Pledgemages'''
Line 228: Line 325:
|{{card|Quandrix Pledgemage||STX}}
|{{card|Quandrix Pledgemage||STX}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Five common hybrid creatures with magecraft. Each have two hybrid symbols in their mana costs.
|colspan="5"|Five common hybrid creatures with magecraft. Each has two hybrid symbols in its mana costs.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Gold common creatures'''
|{{card|Spiteful Squad||STX}}
|{{card|Spectacle Mage||STX}}
|{{card|Blood Researcher||STX}}
|{{card|Stonebound Mentor||STX}}
|{{card|Biomathematician||STX}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five common multicolored creatures, each supporting a draft archetype.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Gold common spells'''
|{{card|Exhilarating Elocution||STX}}
|{{card|Elemental Masterpiece||STX}}
|{{card|Infuse with Vitality||STX}}
|{{card|Thrilling Discovery||STX}}
|{{card|Eureka Moment||STX}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five common multicolored instants or sorceries, each supporting a draft archetype.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Hybrid common spells'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Hybrid common spells'''
|{{card|Rise of Extus||STX}}
|{{card|Rise of Extus||STX}}
|{{card|Teach By Example||STX}}
|{{card|Teach by Example||STX}}
|{{card| ||STX}}
|{{card|Cram Session||STX}}
|{{card|Make Your Mark||STX}}
|{{card|Make Your Mark||STX}}
|{{card|Square Up||STX}}
|{{card|Square Up||STX}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Five common hybrid instants of sorceries.
|colspan="5"|Five common hybrid instants or sorceries.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Double-evergreen creatures'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Double-evergreen creatures'''
Line 246: Line 361:
|{{card|Needlethorn Drake||STX}}
|{{card|Needlethorn Drake||STX}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Five common gold creatures, all with two abilities. Four of them have two evergreen keyword abilities (including the newly minted one in [[Ward]]), while the {{U}}{{R}} representative has one evergreen keyword and one evergreen keyword action.
|colspan="5"|Five common gold creatures, all with two abilities. Four of them have two [[evergreen]] keyword abilities, while one has one evergreen keyword and one evergreen keyword action.
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Campuses'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Campuses'''
Line 262: Line 377:
!Cycle name
!Cycle name
!Side
!Side
! {{W}}{{B}}
!{{W}}{{B}}
! {{U}}{{R}}
!{{U}}{{R}}
! {{B}}{{G}}
!{{B}}{{G}}
! {{R}}{{W}}
!{{R}}{{W}}
! {{G}}{{U}}
!{{G}}{{U}}
|-
|-
|rowspan="3" style="width:10%;"|'''Mythic Legends'''
|rowspan="3" style="width:10%;"|'''Mythic Legends'''
Line 277: Line 392:
|-
|-
|align="center"| {{dfc|back}}
|align="center"| {{dfc|back}}
|{{card|Awaken the Blood Avatar||STX}} {{nowrap|({{B}}{{R}})}}
|{{card|Awaken the Blood Avatar||STX}} {{nowrap|({{B/R}})}}
|{{card|Will, Scholar of Frost||STX}}
|{{card|Will, Scholar of Frost||STX}}
|{{card|Search for Blex||STX}}
|{{card|Search for Blex||STX}}
Line 283: Line 398:
|{{card|Journey to the Oracle||STX}}
|{{card|Journey to the Oracle||STX}}
|-
|-
|colspan="8"|Five mythic rare [[legendary]] [[MDFC]] [[creatures]].
|colspan="6" |Five mythic rare [[legendary]] [[MDFC]]s.
|-
|-
|rowspan="3" style="width:10%;"|'''Deans'''
|rowspan="3" style="width:10%;"|'''Deans'''
Line 300: Line 415:
|{{card|Imbraham, Dean of Theory||STX}}
|{{card|Imbraham, Dean of Theory||STX}}
|-
|-
|colspan="8"|Five rare legendary MDFC creatures. Each side represents a dean who is aligned with one color of a college.
|colspan="6" |Five rare legendary MDFC creatures. Each side represents a dean who is a [[Spellcaster]] aligned with one color of a college.
|-
|}
 
{|class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
!Cycle name
!Side
!{{W}}{{B}}
!{{U}}{{R}}
!{{B}}{{G}}
!{{R}}{{W}}
!{{G}}{{U}}
!{{C}}
|-
|-
|rowspan="3" style="width:10%;"|'''Spell Permanents'''
|rowspan="3" style="width:10%;"|'''Spell Permanents'''
Line 309: Line 436:
|{{card|Flamescroll Celebrant||STX}}
|{{card|Flamescroll Celebrant||STX}}
|{{card|Augmenter Pugilist||STX}}
|{{card|Augmenter Pugilist||STX}}
|{{card|Wandering Archaic||STX}}
|-
|-
|align="center"| {{dfc|back}}
|align="center"| {{dfc|back}}
Line 316: Line 444:
|{{card|Revel in Silence||STX}}
|{{card|Revel in Silence||STX}}
|{{card|Echoing Equation||STX}}
|{{card|Echoing Equation||STX}}
|{{card|Explore the Vastlands||STX}}
|-
|-
|colspan="8"|Five rare MDFC cards, the back of each being an [[instant]] or [[sorcery]]. {{card|Wandering Archaic||STX}} // {{card|Explore the Vastlands||STX}} is a 6th card in this cycle.
|colspan="7" |Six rare MDFC permanents, the back of each being an [[instant]] or [[sorcery]].
|-
|-
|}
|}
Line 323: Line 452:
===Vertical cycles===
===Vertical cycles===
{| class="wikitable" width="66%"
{| class="wikitable" width="66%"
! Cycle name
!Cycle name
! {{keyrune|STX|rarity=M|grad=1}}
!{{keyrune|STX|rarity=M|grad=1}}
! {{keyrune|STX|rarity=u|grad=1}}
!{{keyrune|STX|rarity=u|grad=1}}
! {{keyrune|STX}}
!{{keyrune|STX}}
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Treasure Spells'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Treasure Spells'''
|{{card|Magma Opus||ZNR}}
|{{card|Magma Opus||STX}}
|{{card|Creative Outburst||ZNR}}
|{{card|Creative Outburst||STX}}
|{{card|Elemental Masterpiece||ZNR}}
|{{card|Elemental Masterpiece||STX}}
|-
|-
|colspan="3"|Each of these three {{U}}{{R}} instant or sorcery spells has a mana value over 6, and can be discarded for {{U/R}}{{U/R}} to create a [[Treasure]].
|colspan="3"|Each of these three {{U}}{{R}} instant or sorcery spells has a mana value over 6, and can be discarded for {{U/R}}{{U/R}} to create a [[Treasure]].
|}
|}
===Pairs===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan="2" width="30%"|Pair
!Description
|-
|{{Card|Harness Infinity|3=STX}} ({{B/G}})
|{{Card|Body of Research|3=STX}} ({{G/U}})
|Two mythic rare multicolored green spells whose colored cost is NNNMMM, with effects that scale to the size of a large game zone (graveyard or library, respectively).
|-
|{{card|Dueling Coach||STX}} {{nowrap|({{W}})}}
|{{card|Tenured Inkcaster||STX}} {{nowrap|({{B}})}}
|Two [[uncommon]] 2/2 creatures that put a +1/+1 counter on a creature when they enter the battlefield. Each has a secondary ability that benefits creatures with a +1/+1 counter on them.
|}
===Mega cycles===
===Mega cycles===
{|class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;"
! Cycle name  
!Cycle name
! {{W}}{{B}}
!{{W}}{{B}}
! {{U}}{{R}}
!{{U}}{{R}}
! {{B}}{{G}}
!{{B}}{{G}}
! {{R}}{{W}}
!{{R}}{{W}}
! {{G}}{{U}}
!{{G}}{{U}}
|-
|-
|rowspan="2" style="width:10%;"|'''Snarls'''
|rowspan="2" style="width:10%;" |'''Snarls'''
|{{card|Shineshadow Snarl||STX}}
|{{card|Shineshadow Snarl||STX}}
|{{card|Frostboil Snarl||STX}}
|{{card|Frostboil Snarl||STX}}
Line 351: Line 496:
|{{card|Vineglimmer Snarl||STX}}
|{{card|Vineglimmer Snarl||STX}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Five rare [[reveal land]]s that enter the battlefield [[tap]]ped, except if you reveal a land with the corresponding [[basic land type]] from your hand. They complete a cycle started in ''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]''.
|colspan="5" |Five rare [[reveal land]]s that enter the battlefield [[tap]]ped, except if you reveal a land with the corresponding [[basic land type]] from your hand. They complete a cycle started in ''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]'', and are all illustrated by Sam Burley
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Commands'''
|rowspan="2" |'''Commands'''
|{{card|Silverquill Command||STX}}
|{{card|Silverquill Command||STX}}
|{{card|Prismari Command||STX}}
|{{card|Prismari Command||STX}}
Line 360: Line 505:
|{{card|Quandrix Command||STX}}
|{{card|Quandrix Command||STX}}
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|Each of these [[rare]] [[modal]] spells has four modes and allows you to choose two different modes rather than merely one. They complete a cycle of two-colored [[Elder Dragon]]-named spells started in ''[[Dragons of Tarkir]]''.
|colspan="5" |Each of these [[rare]] [[modal]] spells has four modes and allows you to choose two different modes rather than merely one. They complete a cycle of two-colored [[Elder Dragon]]-named spells started in ''[[Dragons of Tarkir]]''.
|}
|}


==Reprinted cards==
==Reprinted cards==
*<c>Grinning Ignus</c>, first printed in ''[[Future Sight]]'', last seen in ''[[Time Spiral Remastered]]''.
Besides one futureshifted card, there are no reprints in the base set. R&D decided to use the Mystic Archive for reprints.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/647470776968216576/was-there-a-decision-to-avoid-reprints-for|April 3, 2021|title=Was there a decision to avoid reprints for Strixhaven?}}</ref>
 
*<c>Grinning Ignus</c>, first printed in ''[[Future Sight]]'', last seen in ''[[Time Spiral Remastered]]'' (Common to Uncommon).


===Functional reprints===
===Functional reprints===
Line 370: Line 517:
*<c>Leech Fanatic</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Blood Burglar</c>, except for creature types.
*<c>Leech Fanatic</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Blood Burglar</c>, except for creature types.
*<c>Soothsayer Adept</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Erratic Visionary</c>, except for creature types.
*<c>Soothsayer Adept</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Erratic Visionary</c>, except for creature types.
*<c>Spined Karok</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Colossodon Yearling</c>, except for creature types.
*<c>Springmane Cervin</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Sylvan Brushstrider</c>, except for creature types.
*<c>Twinscroll Shaman</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Raging Redcap</c>, except for creature types.
*<c>Twinscroll Shaman</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Raging Redcap</c>, except for creature types.


==Preconstructed decks==
==Preconstructed decks==
At the same date five [[Commander (format)|Commander decks]] are released, which are flavorfully connected to the main set. This is '''''[[Commander 2021]]''''' aligning with ''Strixhaven: School of Mages''.
On the same date, five [[Commander (format)|Commander decks]] are released, which are flavorfully connected to the main set. This is '''''[[Commander 2021]]''''' aligning with ''Strixhaven: School of Mages''.
{{Decks|commander
{{Decks|commander
   |page name=Commander 2021
   |page name=Commander 2021
Line 384: Line 533:


==Notable cards==
==Notable cards==
* The art of {{card|Crux of Fate|Mystical Archive|STA}} came under investigation, after the artist was accused of plagiarism.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://articles.starcitygames.com/2021/03/29/mystical-archive-crux-of-fate-allegedly-uses-stolen-art/|title=Mystical Archive Crux Of Fate Allegedly Uses Stolen Art|author=Nick Miller|date=March 29, 2021|publisher=[[StarCityGames]]}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|news/statement-crux-fate-2021-03-30|Statement of Crux of Fate|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|March 30, 2021}}</ref>
*The art of {{card|Crux of Fate|Mystical Archive|STA}} came under investigation after the artist was accused of plagiarism.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://articles.starcitygames.com/2021/03/29/mystical-archive-crux-of-fate-allegedly-uses-stolen-art/|title=Mystical Archive Crux Of Fate Allegedly Uses Stolen Art|author=Nick Miller|date=March 29, 2021|publisher=[[StarCityGames]]}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|news/statement-crux-fate-2021-03-30|Statement of Crux of Fate|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|March 30, 2021}}</ref>
*<c>Elite Spellbinder</c> depicts [[2019 World Championship]] winner [[Paulo Vitor Damo da Rosa]], the second [[Player Spotlight]] printed.
*<c>The Biblioplex</c> is a "fixed" version of <c>Library of Alexandria</c> with an appropriate power level for non-eternal formats.
*<c>Body of Research</c> is a mechanically condensed version of <c>Animate Library</c>.
*<c>Dragon's Approach</c> is the first "[[relentless]]" non-creature card.
*<c>Dragon's Approach</c> is the first "[[relentless]]" non-creature card.
*<c>Strixhaven Stadium</c> is an [[alternate-win card]].
*<c>Strixhaven Stadium</c> is an [[alternate-win card]].
* <c>Wandering Archaic</c> {{-}} a non-Eldrazi, non-artifact colorless creature.
*<c>Wandering Archaic</c> continues a trend of colorless non-artifact, non-Eldrazi creatures, last seen in [[Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths]].<ref>{{YouTubeRef|M4ErpTmJCN0|What's the Secret Behind Colorless Spells in Strixhaven?|channel=[[Good Morning Magic]]|date=March 31, 2021}}</ref>
**There is also a "cycle" of five [[colorless]] [[sorceries]], flavored as first year [[lesson]]s (<c>Environmental Sciences</c>, <c>Expanded Anatomy</c>, <c>Introduction to Annihilation</c>, <c>Introduction to Prophecy</c> and <c>Mascot Exhibition</c>). Colorless instants and sorceries were last seen in [[Battle for Zendikar block]], devoid or otherwise.
 
===Banned and restricted Cards===
*<c>Divide by Zero</c>, a combined counter and bounce spell at no cost to card advantage, was banned in Standard in January 2022. <c>Lier, Disciple of the Drowned</c>, which allowed graveyard recursion of spells at the cost of countermagic, was made into a monster by a spell that countered without "countering". The ban occurred at the same time as <c>Alrund's Epiphany</c>, a card that had drawn far more player outcry for its oppression of diversity in Standard, but Wizards stated that Divide by Zero would still have bolstered blue control decks on its own.
*<c>Expressive Iteration</c> combines card selection of blue with the impulsive draw of red, creating an efficient draw spell that tends to be "draw two of three top cards". It powered blue-red decks across all formats, but as Pioneer uniquely also has <c>Treasure Cruise</c> and <c>Dig Through Time</c>, it was deemed that the Delve spells could stay and Iteration was the Izzet draw spell to be banned for Pioneer and Explorer in June 2022. Legacy also banned it in March 2023 to weaken Izzet Delver's card advantage.
*<c>Grinning Ignus</c>, a reprint from ''[[Future Sight]]'', forms an infinite loop with <c>Birgi, God of Storytelling</c> from the previous ''[[Kaldheim]]'' set. In Standard, this combo appeared infrequently for lack of available payoffs, while non-rotating formats with access to [[storm]] had similarly powerful combos and sufficient means to interact with them. [[Alchemy]] had the first and lacked the second, leading to a deck that "fell outside [Wizards'] format goals." Despite the power to rebalance cards in Alchemy, Wizards found that every rebalancing option would eliminate the combo as if it were banned, so it was simpler to ban Grinning Ignus on July 5, 2022 — the first-ever ban in Alchemy.


===Misprints===
===Misprints===
* <c>Zaffai, Thunder Conductor</c> is referred to as Zaffai, Thunder Collector in its [[text box]].<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/646669873777459200/fyi-zaffai-thunder-conductor-text-box-says|title=Fyi, Zaffai, Thunder Conductor text box says Zaffai, Thunder collector|March 25, 2021}}</ref>
*<c>Zaffai, Thunder Conductor</c> is referred to as Zaffai, Thunder Collector in its [[text box]].<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/646669873777459200/fyi-zaffai-thunder-conductor-text-box-says|title=Fyi, Zaffai, Thunder Conductor text box says Zaffai, Thunder collector|March 25, 2021}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{Arcavios}}
 
==External links==
*{{YouTubeRef|si8G0pR7zSI|Welcome to Strixhaven! trailer|channel=[[Magic: The Gathering]]|date=March 26, 2021}}
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/schools-session-2021-04-12|School 's in Session|[[Mark Rosewater]]|April 12, 2021}}
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/strixhaven-vision-design-handoff-document-part-1-2021-04-19|Strixhaven Vision Design Handoff Document, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|April 19, 2021}}
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/strixhaven-vision-design-handoff-document-part-2-2021-04-26|Strixhaven Vision Design Handoff Document, Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|April 26, 2021}}
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/odds-ends-strixhaven-part-1-2021-05-03|Odds and Ends: Strixhaven, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|May 3, 2021}}
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/odds-ends-strixhaven-part-2-2021-05-10|Odds and Ends: Strixhaven, Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|May 10, 2021}}
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/lessons-learned-part-6|Lessons Learned, Part 6|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 9, 2023}}
 
{{Sets|state=collapsed}}
{{Sets|state=collapsed}}
{{Arcavios|sets}}

Latest revision as of 21:39, 27 June 2024

Strixhaven: School of Mages
 
 
 
 
 
Strixhaven: School of Mages
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Strixhaven logo.png}}|250px]]
Set Information
Set symbol
Symbol description A Strix
Design Mark Rosewater (lead)[1]
Andrew Veen
Ari Nieh
Daniel Holt
George Fan
Sydney Adams
Yoni Skolnik
Development Yoni Skolnik (lead)
Erik Lauer
Ian Duke
Mark Gottlieb
Daniel Holt
Ken Nagle
Michael Hinderaker
Andrew Brown
Ben Hayes
Kazu Negri
Ari Nieh
Andrew Veen
Chris Mooney
Reggie Valk
Art direction Taylor Ingvarsson
Release date April 23, 2021
Plane Arcavios
Themes and mechanics Modal double-faced cards, Lessons, "instants and spells matter", enemy colors, creature tokens
Keywords/​ability words Learn, Magecraft, Ward
Set size 275 + 107
Expansion code STX[2]
Development codename Fencing
Forgotten Realms Standard
Zendikar Rising Kaldheim Strixhaven: School of Mages
Magic: The Gathering Chronology
Challenger Decks 2021 Strixhaven: School of Mages Strixhaven: School of Mages
Mystical Archive

Strixhaven: School of Mages, often shortened as Strixhaven, is the 87th Magic expansion. It is set at the Strixhaven school on the plane of Arcavios.[3][4][5] It was released on April 23, 2021.[6]

Set details

School map
“  Choose Excellence  ”

Strixhaven: School of Mages is a bottom-up enemy color faction set based on “instants and spells matter”.[7] Creatively, the design of this set is Magic’s take on the magical school genre.[8][1] Each one of the featured colleges represents one of Magic’s enemy color combinations, with their character and mechanics.[9] Cards associated with the different colleges feature separate watermarked insignias. This set contains 275 regular cards (105 commons, 80 uncommons, 69 rares, 21 mythic rares) and includes randomly inserted premium versions of all cards. The basic lands are numbered outside the main set and therefore don't appear in the draft boosters.

Alternate card frames have another card number than the original version. Borderless planeswalkers are numbered #276-279, borderless elder dragons are #280-284, and extended artwork cards are numbered #285-365. Basic lands are #366-375. The Buy-a-Box card is #376 and the Bundle promo is #377. The FNM-treatment cards from the Universal promo pack are numbered #378-382. There are no showcase cards in this set, as the Mystical Archive fills that position.

This set introduces the term mana value as a wording change for converted mana cost. Also, "shuffle your library" is shortened to shuffle, and "activate this ability only any time you could cast a sorcery" is shortened to "activate only as a sorcery."

Storyline

Strixhaven is the most elite University in the Multiverse. It features five colleges founded by the elder dragon whose name each college bears: Silverquill ({W}{B}), Prismari ({U}{R}), Witherbloom ({B}{G}), Lorehold ({R}{W}), and Quandrix ({G}{U}).[10][9] The five colleges battle it out with their takes on magic. Several planeswalkers, each with their motivations, have sought out Arcavios and Strixhaven as their refuge. They are confronted by the Oriq.

The cards that represent the Story Spotlights in Strixhaven are:

Magic Story

Main article: Magic Story
Title Author Release Date Setting Featuring
Episode 1: Class is in Session Adana Washington 2021-03-25 Arcavios, Kylem Liliana, Codie, Shaile Talonrook, Nassari, Lisette, Will, Rowan, Kasmina, Mavinda Sharpbeak, Alibou, Lukka, Mila, Extus Narr
A Cry of Magic Aysha U. Farah 2021-03-26 Arcavios Rootha Squallheart, Uvilda, Nassari, Samara Squallheart, Felisa Fang, Tomlin Squallheart
Episode 2: Lessons Adana Washington 2021-03-31 Arcavios Tavver, Extus Narr, Liliana, Lukka, Mila, Beledros Witherbloom, Tavia, Gladefell, Valentin, Lisette, Rowan
Episode 3: Extracurriculars Adana Washington 2021-04-07 Arcavios Will, Rowan, Auvernine, Plink, Quintorius Kand, Dinsley, Liliana, Isabough, Arlo Wickel, Kasmina, Lukka, Mila, Extus Narr
The Chains That Bind Reinhardt Suarez 2021-03-31 Arcavios Dina, Maraff, Tivash, Willowdusk, Lisette, Valentin, Embrose Lu, Killian Lu, Liliana, Ana
Episode 4: Put to the Test Adana Washington 2021-04-14 Arcavios Will, Rowan, Arlo Wickel, Liliana, Kianne, Imbraham, Plink, Auvernine, Extus Narr, Tavver, the Blood Avatar
The Mentor Reinhardt Suarez 2021-04-16 Arcavios Quintorius Kand, Golwanda, Xandril, Plargg, Asterion, Teutamos, Crethea, Pasiphaë, Deianira, Achelous, Arboron, Vis Svokunol, Hofri Ghostforge, Huerty Kostambul, Siulogma, Xyrun-Jed, Kollema
Episode 5: Final Exam Adana Washington 2021-04-21 Arcavios Will, Rowan, the Blood Avatar, Extus Narr, Uvilda, Plink, Auvernine, Lukka, Mila, Nassari, Lisette, Kasmina, Liliana
Blue-Green Ribbons Innocent Chizaram Ilo 2021-04-23 Arcavios Zimone Wola, Ellina, Amaka, Nnanyielugo, Wallader, Nimiroti Wola, Isabough, Kianne, Imbraham, Zihir Wola, Dipo Wola, Codie, Extus Narr, Pita
A Silent Voice Calls Marcus Terrell Smith 2021-04-30 Arcavios Killian Lu, Razineth, Embrose Lu, Doco, Fannessa Fjyorne, Shaile Talonrook, Quintorius Kand, Dobarius Egolt, Dina, Vickus

Marketing

Bundle with Rowan and Will Kenrith key art
Strixhaven promotional scarves

Strixhaven: School of Mages is sold in regular 16-card Draft Boosters (one card being a marketing card). A Mystical Archive card appears as a bonus card in each Draft Booster. These Mystical Archive cards don't replace another card of the same rarity in a pack. So you can get multiple rare cards in a draft booster.

In addition, the product line includes five bi-colored Theme Boosters, Collector Boosters (including three Mystical Archive cards, one certified Japanese version), Set Boosters (with a Mystical Archive card and a Lesson card), the Strixhaven: School of Mages bundle and five Commander decks.[11][12]

The packaging of Strixhaven: School of Mages features key art of Will and Rowan Kenrith. The Draft Boosters feature artwork of Killian Lu, Rootha Squallheart, Dina, Quintorius Kand and Zimone Wola. The Theme Boosters feature art from Clever Lumimancer ({W}{B}), Spectacle Mage ({U}{R}), Professor of Zoomancy ({B}{G}), Lorehold Apprentice ({R}{W}), and Quandrix Apprentice ({G}{U}). The Collector Boosters feature the art of the Mystical Archive Memory Lapse and the Set Boosters feature original art of the battle between the Strixhaven residents and the Oriq.

With the release of Strixhaven, 55 cards were rotated into The List, many of which were thematically or mechanically linked to the set. In 5% of the Set Boosters, the marketing card is replaced by a minigame card.

Mystical Archive

Mystical Archive is a separate set of cards associated with Strixhaven: School of Mages. It is similar to the Masterpiece Series but the cards appear more frequently in the boosters of the main set. In Mystical Archive, Wizards of the Coasts has reprinted 63 of the most famous instants and sorceries of all time in specially designed showcase frames and at all rarities. Strixhaven Draft and Set Boosters contain one Mystical Archive card, and Collector Boosters have at least three. These will only be legal in formats that they are already legal in. They are not part of the Standard environment. However, the cards may be used in Limited events.

Events

Promotional cards

Tokens and emblems

The sixteenth card in the boosters is a token creature card or an emblem, with advertisements on the backside. It can also be a helper card with a standard card back. There are a total of nine tokens and emblems:[17]

  1. {B/R} 3/6 Avatar creature with haste and "Whenever this creature attacks, it deals 3 damage to each opponent," for Awaken the Blood Avatar.
  2. {U/R} 4/4 Elemental creature, for Elemental Expressionist, Elemental Masterpiece, Elemental Summoning, Magma Opus, Mascot Exhibition, Multiple Choice, Resculpt, and Will, Scholar of Frost.
  3. {G/U} 0/0 Fractal creature, for Emergent Sequence, Fractal Summoning, Kasmina, Enigma Sage, Kianne, Dean of Substance, Leyline Invocation, Manifestation Sage, Biomathematician, Body of Research, and Serpentine Curve.
  4. {W/B} 2/1 Inkling creature with flying, for Blot Out the Sky, Dramatic Finale, Inkling Summoning, Mascot Exhibition, Shadrix Silverquill, and Umbral Juke.
  5. {B/G} 1/1 Pest creature with "When this creature dies, you gain 1 life," for Beledros Witherbloom, Callous Bloodmage, Containment Breach, Hunt for Specimens, Pest Summoning, Pestilent Cauldron, Professor of Zoomancy, Sedgemoor Witch, Tend the Pests, and Valentin, Dean of the Vein.
  6. {R/W} 3/2 Spirit creature, for Illuminate History, Illustrious Historian, Lorehold Command, Lorehold Excavation, Make Your Mark, Mascot Exhibition, Quintorius, Field Historian, Reduce to Memory, and Spirit Summoning.
  7. {C} Treasure artifact, for Creative Outburst, Culmination of Studies, Elemental Masterpiece, Galazeth Prismari, Ingenious Mastery, Magma Opus, Prismari Command, Storm-Kiln Artist, and Sudden Breakthrough.
  8. Emblem for Lukka, Wayward Bonder.
  9. Emblem for Rowan, Scholar of Sparks.

The College Boosters of the prerelease packs contain the following s double-sided tokens:

Silverquill
  • {W/B} 2/1 Inkling creature with flying — {B/G} 1/1 Pest creature with "When this creature dies, you gain 1 life"
  • {W/B} 2/1 Inkling creature with flying — {R/W} 3/2 Spirit creature
Prismari
  • {U/R} 4/4 Elemental creature — {R/W} 3/2 Spirit creature
  • {U/R} 4/4 Elemental creature — {C} Treasure
Witherbloom
  • {B/G} 1/1 Pest creature with "When this creature dies, you gain 1 life" — {W/B} 2/1 Inkling creature with flying
  • {B/G} 1/1 Pest creature with "When this creature dies, you gain 1 life" — {G/U} 0/0 Fractal creature
Lorehold
  • {R/W} 3/2 Spirit creature — {U/R} 4/4 Elemental creature
  • {R/W} 3/2 Spirit creature — {W/B} 2/1 Inkling creature with flying
Quandrix
  • {G/U} 0/0 Fractal creature — {B/G} 1/1 Pest creature with "When this creature dies, you gain 1 life"
  • {G/U} 0/0 Fractal creature — {U/R} 4/4 Elemental creature

Themes and mechanics

In place of the abandoned block model, R&D has found a new way to tie together the three non-core premier sets in a single Magic "year" (aka the fall, winter, and spring sets—using northern hemisphere seasons): they share a common mechanic. For Zendikar Rising, Kaldheim and Strixhaven that is modal double-faced cards.[18][19][20] Unlike the other two sets, there is no hard rule as to the nature of the MDFCs. This is the first time sorceries and instants were printed on the back face of a DFC.

Strixhaven is the first set centered on an "instants and spells matters" theme.[1] It is designed around five enemy color pairs, which despite the many years of Magic has not been done before as a large expansion - Apocalypse, the other enemy color set, was drafted as a counterpart at the tail end of Invasion block, and likewise with Eventide and the Shadowmoor block. Unlike the Ravnican guilds, the Strixhaven colleges aren’t built around the similarities of the two colors, but rather around their conflict.[21]

A new mechanic is Magecraft, an ability word that causes an effect whenever you cast or copy an instant or sorcery spell.[22] Another new mechanic is Learn (You may reveal a Lesson card you own from outside the game and put it into your hand, or discard a card to draw a card.). Both of these tie into the higher "spells matter" gameplay, which was previously limited to blue and red.

Ward is a new evergreen keyword. Whenever a permanent with ward becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter it unless that player pays an additional cost.[23]

Strixhaven also has a creature token theme in the form of mascots for the colleges.[24]

Card types

The Set introduces the Inkling and Fractal creature types and the Lesson spell type. Pests appear for the first time outside of Mirrodin. Spirit and Elemental round out the token mascot quintet.

Compared to Kaldheim and Zendikar Rising, there are fewer Rogues and Warriors for the Party. Instead, the three other major spellcaster classes (Shaman, Druid, Warlock) return, joining the Party's Wizard and Cleric. There are more than twice the amount of Warlocks in this set as there are in Magic's history. The specially-reserved subtype Elder, last seen in Theros Beyond Death, returns for the Founder Dragon cycle.

Food tokens return in the associated Commander product. They are made by Chef Gyome.[25]

Draft Archetypes

The draft archetypes are designed to be significantly different from those on Ravnica, due to the strong association with color pairs from the Guilds and their play style.

Cycles

Strixhaven: School of Mages has twenty-five cycles.

Cycle name {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Rare lessons Academic Probation Teachings of the Archaics Confront the Past Illuminate History Basic Conjuration
Five rare monocolored Lessons.
Rare learners Sparring Regimen Dream Strix Poet's Quill Retriever Phoenix Gnarled Professor
Five rare monocolored permanents with learn.
Masteries Devastating Mastery Ingenious Mastery Baleful Mastery Fervent Mastery Verdant Mastery
Five rare monocolored spells, each with a lower alternate casting cost that provides some kind of benefit to an opponent if the alternate cost is paid.
Uncommon lessons Reduce to Memory Mercurial Transformation Necrotic Fumes Start from Scratch Containment Breach
Five uncommon monocolored lessons.
Uncommon learners Professor of Symbology Divide By Zero Eyetwitch Academic Dispute / Igneous Inspiration Overgrown Arch
Five uncommon monocolored spells with learn. (Loose cycle because it has two red cards)
Uncommon Magecrafters Clever Lumimancer Symmetry Sage Mage Hunter Storm-Kiln Artist Karok Wrangler
Five uncommon monocolored creatures with Magecraft. (Loose cycle because Mage Hunter acts as Magecraft for the opponent)
Cycle name {W}{B} {U}{R} {B}{G} {R}{W} {G}{U}
Founders Shadrix Silverquill Galazeth Prismari Beledros Witherbloom Velomachus Lorehold Tanazir Quandrix
Five mythic rare Elder Dragon creatures as illustrated by Raymond Swanland, each of whom is the founder of their college.
Mythic Rare spells Blot Out the Sky Magma Opus Harness Infinity Hofri Ghostforge Body of Research
Five mythic rare spells with an expensive cost (or in one case, must be paid expensively) for a powerful, massive effect.
Hybrid Rares Dramatic Finale Elemental Expressionist Daemogoth Titan Blade Historian Manifestation Sage
Five rare spells with mana cost HHHH, where H is the corresponding hybrid mana.
Legendary students Killian, Ink Duelist Rootha, Mercurial Artist Dina, Soul Steeper Quintorius, Field Historian Zimone, Quandrix Prodigy
Five uncommon legendary creatures, each supporting a draft archetype.
Apprentices Silverquill Apprentice Prismari Apprentice Witherbloom Apprentice Lorehold Apprentice Quandrix Apprentice
Five uncommon multicolored humans with magecraft.
Gold hybrids Shadewing Laureate Maelstrom Muse Daemogoth Woe-Eater Returned Pastcaller Quandrix Cultivator
Five powerful uncommon creatures with mana costs XMHN, where H is the hybrid of M and N.
Two-mana utility spells Fracture Expressive Iteration Deadly Brew Rip Apart Decisive Denial
Five gold uncommon utility spells that cost two mana.
Summonings Inkling Summoning Elemental Summoning Pest Summoning Spirit Summoning Fractal Summoning
Five common hybrid Lessons that each create one or more creature tokens of the type characteristic of that college. Each has two hybrid symbols in its costs.
Pledgemages Silverquill Pledgemage Prismari Pledgemage Witherbloom Pledgemage Lorehold Pledgemage Quandrix Pledgemage
Five common hybrid creatures with magecraft. Each has two hybrid symbols in its mana costs.
Gold common creatures Spiteful Squad Spectacle Mage Blood Researcher Stonebound Mentor Biomathematician
Five common multicolored creatures, each supporting a draft archetype.
Gold common spells Exhilarating Elocution Elemental Masterpiece Infuse with Vitality Thrilling Discovery Eureka Moment
Five common multicolored instants or sorceries, each supporting a draft archetype.
Hybrid common spells Rise of Extus Teach by Example Cram Session Make Your Mark Square Up
Five common hybrid instants or sorceries.
Double-evergreen creatures Owlin Shieldmage Oggyar Battle-Seer Moldering Karok Relic Sloth Needlethorn Drake
Five common gold creatures, all with two abilities. Four of them have two evergreen keyword abilities, while one has one evergreen keyword and one evergreen keyword action.
Campuses Silverquill Campus Prismari Campus Witherbloom Campus Lorehold Campus Quandrix Campus
Five common dual taplands with "{4}, {T}: Scry 1."

Modal double-faced cycles

Cycle name Side {W}{B} {U}{R} {B}{G} {R}{W} {G}{U}
Mythic Legends {dfc-front} Extus, Oriq Overlord Rowan, Scholar of Sparks Blex, Vexing Pest Mila, Crafty Companion Jadzi, Oracle of Arcavios
{dfc-back} Awaken the Blood Avatar ({B/R}) Will, Scholar of Frost Search for Blex Lukka, Wayward Bonder Journey to the Oracle
Five mythic rare legendary MDFCs.
Deans {dfc-front} Shaile, Dean of Radiance Uvilda, Dean of Perfection Valentin, Dean of the Vein Plargg, Dean of Chaos Kianne, Dean of Substance
{dfc-back} Embrose, Dean of Shadow Nassari, Dean of Expression Lisette, Dean of the Root Augusta, Dean of Order Imbraham, Dean of Theory
Five rare legendary MDFC creatures. Each side represents a dean who is a Spellcaster aligned with one color of a college.
Cycle name Side {W}{B} {U}{R} {B}{G} {R}{W} {G}{U} {C}
Spell Permanents {dfc-front} Selfless Glyphweaver Torrent Sculptor Pestilent Cauldron Flamescroll Celebrant Augmenter Pugilist Wandering Archaic
{dfc-back} Deadly Vanity Flamethrower Sonata Restorative Burst Revel in Silence Echoing Equation Explore the Vastlands
Six rare MDFC permanents, the back of each being an instant or sorcery.

Vertical cycles

Cycle name
Treasure Spells Magma Opus Creative Outburst Elemental Masterpiece
Each of these three {U}{R} instant or sorcery spells has a mana value over 6, and can be discarded for {U/R}{U/R} to create a Treasure.

Pairs

Pair Description
Harness Infinity (Strixhaven: School of Mages) ({B/G}) Body of Research (Strixhaven: School of Mages) ({G/U}) Two mythic rare multicolored green spells whose colored cost is NNNMMM, with effects that scale to the size of a large game zone (graveyard or library, respectively).
Dueling Coach ({W}) Tenured Inkcaster ({B}) Two uncommon 2/2 creatures that put a +1/+1 counter on a creature when they enter the battlefield. Each has a secondary ability that benefits creatures with a +1/+1 counter on them.

Mega cycles

Cycle name {W}{B} {U}{R} {B}{G} {R}{W} {G}{U}
Snarls Shineshadow Snarl Frostboil Snarl Necroblossom Snarl Furycalm Snarl Vineglimmer Snarl
Five rare reveal lands that enter the battlefield tapped, except if you reveal a land with the corresponding basic land type from your hand. They complete a cycle started in Shadows over Innistrad, and are all illustrated by Sam Burley
Commands Silverquill Command Prismari Command Witherbloom Command Lorehold Command Quandrix Command
Each of these rare modal spells has four modes and allows you to choose two different modes rather than merely one. They complete a cycle of two-colored Elder Dragon-named spells started in Dragons of Tarkir.

Reprinted cards

Besides one futureshifted card, there are no reprints in the base set. R&D decided to use the Mystic Archive for reprints.[26]

Functional reprints

Preconstructed decks

On the same date, five Commander decks are released, which are flavorfully connected to the main set. This is Commander 2021 aligning with Strixhaven: School of Mages.

Theme
deck name
Color Identity Commander
{W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Silverquill Statement W B Breena, the Demagogue
Prismari Performance U R Zaffai, Thunder Conductor
Witherbloom Witchcraft B G Willowdusk, Essence Seer
Lorehold Legacies W R Osgir, the Reconstructor
Quantum Quandrix U G Adrix and Nev, Twincasters

Notable cards

Banned and restricted Cards

  • Divide by Zero, a combined counter and bounce spell at no cost to card advantage, was banned in Standard in January 2022. Lier, Disciple of the Drowned, which allowed graveyard recursion of spells at the cost of countermagic, was made into a monster by a spell that countered without "countering". The ban occurred at the same time as Alrund's Epiphany, a card that had drawn far more player outcry for its oppression of diversity in Standard, but Wizards stated that Divide by Zero would still have bolstered blue control decks on its own.
  • Expressive Iteration combines card selection of blue with the impulsive draw of red, creating an efficient draw spell that tends to be "draw two of three top cards". It powered blue-red decks across all formats, but as Pioneer uniquely also has Treasure Cruise and Dig Through Time, it was deemed that the Delve spells could stay and Iteration was the Izzet draw spell to be banned for Pioneer and Explorer in June 2022. Legacy also banned it in March 2023 to weaken Izzet Delver's card advantage.
  • Grinning Ignus, a reprint from Future Sight, forms an infinite loop with Birgi, God of Storytelling from the previous Kaldheim set. In Standard, this combo appeared infrequently for lack of available payoffs, while non-rotating formats with access to storm had similarly powerful combos and sufficient means to interact with them. Alchemy had the first and lacked the second, leading to a deck that "fell outside [Wizards'] format goals." Despite the power to rebalance cards in Alchemy, Wizards found that every rebalancing option would eliminate the combo as if it were banned, so it was simpler to ban Grinning Ignus on July 5, 2022 — the first-ever ban in Alchemy.

Misprints

References

  1. a b c Mark Rosewater (March 29, 2021). "In the Strixhaven, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. Wizards of the Coast. "Standings 2020-21". Magic.gg.
  3. Blake Rasmussen (September 1, 2020). "Zendikar Debut and Announcement Day Recap". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. Strixhaven Sneak Peek (Video). Weekly MTG. YouTube (February 19, 2021).
  5. Blake Rasmussen (February 18, 2021). "The First Lesson: Introduction to Strixhaven". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. Jess Dunks and Matt Tabak (April 16, 2021). "Strixhaven: School of Mages and Commander (2021 Edition) Release Notes". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. Mark Rosewater (March 25, 2021). "What makes Strixhaven a bottom up set?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  8. Mark Rosewater (February 7, 2021). "Is Strixhaven based on anything?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  9. a b Strixhaven house names apparently leaked. Reddit (February 16, 2021).
  10. The Zendikar Adventuring Party (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (September 1, 2020).
  11. Strixhaven: School of Mages. Heo.com.
  12. a b Ari Zirulnik (March 25, 2021). "Strixhaven: School of Mages Product Overview". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. Wizards of the Coast (March 18, 2021). "Strixhaven News + More". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. Gavin Verhey (April 12, 2021). "Strixhaven: School of Mages"' Prerelease Primer". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. WPN (March, 2021). "Strixhaven: School of Mages Prerelease Pack". Wizards Play Network.
  16. Strixhaven: School of Mages Campus Tour (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (March 25, 2021).
  17. Wizards of the Coast (April 15, 2021). "The Tokens of Strixhaven: School of Mages and Commander (2021 Edition)". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  18. Mark Rosewater (September 7, 2020). "Zendikar Rising to the Challenge, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  19. Amanda Yeo (September 4, 2020). "New 'Magic: The Gathering' Zendikar Rising card makes rocks fall, everyone dies". Mashable.com.
  20. Mark Rosewater (September 4, 2020). "Just want to confirm that this is accurate information?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  21. Mark Rosewater (February 22, 2021). "I'm very excited about the Colleges.". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  22. Matt Tabak (March 25, 2021). "Strixhaven: School of Mages Mechanics". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  23. Andrew Brown and Jules Robins (March 25, 2021). "Introducing Ward". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  24. Mark Rosewater (April 5, 2021). "In the Strixhaven, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  25. Strixhaven Commander Sneak Peek: Legendaries, Hints, Art & More! Part 1 (Video). Good Morning Magic. YouTube (March 22, 2021).
  26. Mark Rosewater (April 3, 2021). "Was there a decision to avoid reprints for Strixhaven?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  27. Nick Miller (March 29, 2021). "Mystical Archive Crux Of Fate Allegedly Uses Stolen Art". StarCityGames.
  28. Wizards of the Coast (March 30, 2021). "Statement of Crux of Fate". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  29. What's the Secret Behind Colorless Spells in Strixhaven? (Video). Good Morning Magic. YouTube (March 31, 2021).
  30. Mark Rosewater (March 25, 2021). "Fyi, Zaffai, Thunder Conductor text box says Zaffai, Thunder collector". Blogatog. Tumblr.

External links