Strixhaven

For the set, see Strixhaven: School of Mages. For the D&D book, see D&D Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos.

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Strixhaven
Information
Plane	Arcavios
Part of	Orrithia
Scryfall Statistics
artworks

Strixhaven is a school of magic located on the Orrithia continent of the plane Arcavios.

Description

Map of Strixhaven

Archway Commons with the Dawnbow

The University

At the birth of the plane, as the mana of two planes overlapped in conflicting ways, many forms of life adapted to the new structure, and many new forms of life were spawned. Five particularly powerful snarls of overlapping mana became luminous spheres, from which were hatched five dragons. The five elder dragons of Arcavios were born from these snarls, and millennia later, they founded Strixhaven University at the epicenter of the snarls. These dragons have become emblems of the magic of the plane, living symbols of the clashing forces of the five dichotomies.

The Founder Dragons were the first to master the magic of the five enemy color combinations. When the humanoid races arose, at first the dragons were angered that mortals would try to harness the wild forces of magic, but they came to realize that only through disciplined study would magic be in safe hands. So, centuries ago, the dragons founded an institution devoted to the study of the five mana dichotomies, and that institution is what we now know as Strixhaven. The five colleges were based around the magic mastered by each of those dragons. To this day, the Founder Dragons roam the plane, the five deadly sages of the skies. They no longer associate directly with Strixhaven, preferring to let the deans of the college speak in their stead. The dragons' wisdom is vast, but their tempers can be short. Mages seek them out only to learn the most elusive of secrets.

Founded seven centuries before 4561 AR by five spellcasting dragons, Strixhaven University is Arcavios's premier institution of magical learning, drawing promising young mages from all around the plane to study in its halls. Strixhaven is divided into five colleges, each with its own campus, faculty, and magical specialties. The mission of Strixhaven University is to discover and preserve magical knowledge, disseminate that knowledge from one generation to the next, promote the free and open study of magic in all its forms, and enhance the lives of people throughout the plane through the use of magic.

The Colleges

The school is the most elite university in the Multiverse. Because of this, there are several planeswalkers who secretly have enrolled as students. Strixhaven features five Colleges, which battle it out with their takes on magic. Each college is named after an elder dragon who founded it and is associated with two enemy colors. The Five Colleges are:

• Lorehold () - Passionate scholars and explorers who dedicate their studies to adventure and discovery. Their motto is "Leave no stone unturned."
• Prismari () - Mages who focus on the artistic side, using the elements to express themselves and their emotions. Their motto is "Express yourself with the elements."
• Quandrix () - They are mathematician wizards, seeing math and magic as the same concept. Their motto is "Math is magic."
• Silverquill () - They specialize in verbal magic, ranging from empowering poetry to biting arcane insults. Their motto is "Sharp style. Sharper wit."
• Witherbloom () - They are nature mages, on both sides of the spectrum, either empowering nature or exploiting it. Their motto is "Get your hands dirty."

Each College features its faculty, campus, magical specialties, identity, logo, and mascots.

Scholarships are available to eligible students, as well as the option to pay off any remaining tuition fees by working with research teams. Students pick their preferred College in their second year.

Students and Faculty

Mage-Students

Strixhaven students.

The attendees of Strixhaven are known generally as mage-students. New students are called first-years until they choose one of Strixhaven's five colleges of study. All first-years wear a standardized university uniform that is distinct from the look of any of the colleges. Generally, after a student's first year of basic curriculum (hence the name), they choose one of the five mystic colleges. Thereafter, they dress according to their chosen college.

Two Mentors

Once a mage has chosen a college, they are assigned two counselors, one from each of the two mana colors of the college. The two counselors often give conflicting advice about the student's best path through the university. Eventually, the mage chooses their concentration (represented by their color identity). The mage's concentration is usually one of their college's two mana colors, but sometimes, it's a blend of both.

Professors

Professors of Strixhaven are mages advanced in their chosen magical field who have devoted their lives to teaching other mages. There are several ranks of professors according to seniority, the distinction of magical research, and knowledge of spells.

Instructor – A mage who teaches classes and their curriculum but who has not yet passed a provisionary period of observation and evaluation to become a full professor.

Professor – An established, accredited educator devoted to a field of magical study. Most of the educators at Strixhaven have the professor rank.

Esteemed Professor – A professor who has distinguished themselves in their career, usually through published and peer-reviewed magical research or other specialized studies. Most esteemed professors have taught at Strixhaven for over twenty years.

Dean – Each college has two deans who each head up one half of that college. Each dean is a powerful mage and distinguished professor who's aligned with one of the two mana colors of that college. The ten deans are like contradictory advisors to the entirety of their college; they have deep professional rivalries with each other and always disagree with each other about the best path for studying magic.

Mage Emeritus – A professor who no longer holds a position at Strixhaven is often called a mage emeritus. Mages emeriti are frequently held in high esteem as guest lecturers and speakers.

Mage Tower

Strixhaven Stadium.

There is an intense rivalry between the Colleges, and they battle that out in magical duels. It is part of Strixhaven's special sport called Mage Tower. The rules are simple: two opposing teams meet in the school's large stadium alongside their mascots. There are three phases of play. Each mascot sits on a tower, and the goal is to steal the opposing team's mascot and transport it over to their side. The use of all magic is legal, except that which would physically harm opponents, mascots, or somebody in the stands, or damage the stadium. Each phase lasts twenty minutes, and then a winner is declared.

After Strixhaven

Graduates from Strixhaven travel many different paths after leaving the university. Many simply return to their communities, using their magic to help at home. Some mages travel the plane in search of ever-greater magic, engaging in mage duels when they encounter others along their path. Some find a new home with a loved one or with their mystical pastimes. Some create sanctums or laboratories to continue their study, perhaps even hoping to one day return to Strixhaven as professors themselves. A select few join the Dragonsguard, an elite force of mages who work with the honored Founder Dragons.

Notable locations

The campus stretches across the horizon, an intricate tangle of gleaming towers and flattened rooftops.

Map of the central campus

• The Central Campus is the bustling academic and administrative core of Strixhaven, where students from all five colleges gather for shared learning and social life. Anchored by the massive Biblioplex and crowned by the Dawnbow, this sprawling nexus of magical towers, open plazas, and interwoven pathways embodies the university’s mission to unite diverse disciplines through scholarship and discovery. See Central Campus for more specific locations.
• Lorehold Campus - a dramatic blend of ancient architecture and magical reconstruction, featuring grand lecture halls, towering effigies, and cliffside structures carved directly into sheer rock faces. Streets are lined with monuments to historical figures, and a precarious network of historical buildings is connected by narrow bridges suspended over dizzying heights. See Lorehold for specific campus locations.
• Prismari Campus – a dazzling and kinetic environment where natural elements and magical constructs swirl together in vibrant, ever-shifting displays. Towering spires of crystallized energy, molten sculptures, and floating platforms form a landscape shaped by creative impulse and elemental power. See Prismari for specific campus locations.
• Quandrix Campus – an impossibly ordered yet organic setting where spiraling streams, fractal gardens, and gravity-defying structures echo the mathematical beauty of nature. The campus is alive with motion and symmetry, blending theoretical abstraction with verdant growth and geomantic precision. See Quandrix for specific campus locations.
• Silverquill Campus – a refined and imposing domain of marble halls, vaulted lecture theaters, and shadow-laced courtyards etched with glowing script. The interplay of light and darkness saturates the space with rhetorical energy, where every word spoken feels like a performance etched into the air itself. See Silverquill for specific campus locations.
• Witherbloom Campus - a shadowy expanse of tangled swamp and living bog, where thick mist clings to vine-choked walkways and the air hums with the essence of decay and growth. Twisting wooden structures rise organically from the marsh, blurring the line between architecture and nature, as students study life and death amid the bubbling pools and bioluminescent undergrowth. See Witherbloom for specific campus locations.

• 
  Map of the Lorehold campus
• 
  Map of the Prismari campus
• 
  Map of the Quandrix campus
• 
  Map of the Silverquill campus
• 
  Map of the Witherbloom campus

Campus community

The Strixhaven Campus community

Extracurriculars

Dead Languages Society
Members: Drazhomir Yarnask, Quentillius A. Melentor III
Devotees of ancient tongues, these scholars take full advantage of Strixhaven University's vast collection of tomes in long-forgotten or nearly extinct languages. They teach themselves these dialects and often translate their favorite works for fellow members.

Distinguished Society of Fine Artists
Members: Cadoras Damellawar, Nora Ann Wu
A collective of painters, sculptors, printmakers, and mosaicists who gather to create art and discuss the latest trends, techniques, and theories in the fine arts.

Dragonchess Club
Members: Bhedum Sooviij, Tilana Kapule
Enthusiasts of the strategic game of dragonchess, these players debate tactics, test one another’s skills, and experiment with homebrew variations of the game’s rules.

Dragonsguard Historical Society
Member: Bhedum Sooviij
Historians fascinated by every era meet to discuss, debate, and explore in detail their favorite historical topics, often drawing on the traditions of the Dragonsguard.

Fantastical Floriculture Club
Member: Urzmaktok Grojsh
Green-thumbed magicians blend botanical skill with arcane talent to create new plant varieties, many of which are grown in special plots on the Strixhaven University campus.

Future Entrepreneurs of Strixhaven
Member: Grayson Wildemere
Aspiring business minds meet to exchange theories, develop ventures, and launch student-run enterprises. Proceeds from these projects support the club’s ongoing activities.

Intramural Gymnastics Club
Member: Zanther Bowen
Athletes in this club refine their gymnastic abilities and compete against each other in elaborate, high-energy floor routines.

Intramural Silkball Club
Members: Javenesh Stoutclaw, Melwythorne, Tilana Kapule
This team trains for and competes in the rough, muddy sport of silkball, a campus favorite played with spider-silk balls on slippery fields.

Intramural Water-Dancing Club
Member: Larine Arneza
Merging swimming with artistry, members choreograph water dances set to popular music, performing intricate routines with synchronized grace.

Live-Action Roleplaying Guild
Members: Cadoras Damellawar, Rosimyffenbip Wuzfeddlims
Combining storytelling, strategy, and playacting—often with the inclusion of mascots—this guild stages elaborate fantasy scenarios resolved through special rule systems.

Mage Tower Cheer Squad
Member: Zanther Bowen
With coordinated cheers, outfits, and school spirit, these cheerleaders rally the crowd and inspire the Strixhaven University Mage Tower teams to victory.

Playactors Drama Guild
Members: Quentillius A. Melentor III, Rubina Larkingdale
This theatrical troupe produces innovative performances that reimagine classic plays, often incorporating magic, music, and dazzling special effects.

Strixhaven Iron-Lifters Society
Member: Greta Gorunn
A community of student bodybuilders who train together, supporting one another in building both physical strength and lasting camaraderie.

Strixhaven Show Band Association
Members: Aurora Luna Wynterstarr, Rubina Larkingdale
Musicians in this association perform with instruments from hurdy-gurdies to bagpipes, staging lively concerts for the Strixhaven University community.

Strixhaven Star
Members: Grayson Wildemere, Mina Lee
The student reporters and editors behind the Strixhaven Star interview prominent campus figures, investigate events, and publish the university’s monthly newspaper.

Student-Mages of Faith
Members: Melwythorne, Shuvadri Glintmantle
Students from diverse religious backgrounds come together to share prayers, debate theology, and celebrate each other’s holy days.

Course list

First-year courses

• Arcano-botany for Beginners, offered by Witherbloom College.
• Basic Magical Auras, offered as General Studies.
• Beginning Computational Magic, offered by Quandrix College.
• Beginning Inkomancy, offered by Silverquill College.
• History of Magic and Art, offered by Prismari College.
• Introduction to Archaeomancy, offered by Lorehold College.
• Magical Physiologies, offered by Witherbloom College. Mandatory for all first-years.

Second-year courses

• Applied Computational Magic, offered by Quandrix College.
• Basic Arcane Artifacts, offered by Lorehold College.
• Electro-choreography, offered by Prismari College.
• Historical Figures in Magic, offered by Lorehold College
• Introduction to Reanimatin, offered by Witherbloom College.
• Life Auras and Necrosis', offered by Witherbloom College.
• Linguistics and Spellcasting, offered by Silverquill College.
• Pyromancy and the Arts, offered by Prismari College.
• Quantitative Arcano-physicas, offered by Quandrix College.
• Scrivening and Symbology, offered by Silverquill College. Mandatory for all second-year students.
• Verbal Components and the Law, offered by Silverquill College.

Third-year courses

• Advanced Abstraction, offered by Quandrix College.
• Advanced Arcane History, offered by Lorehold College. Mandatory for all third-year students.
• Aquatic Cryptozoology, offered by Witherbloom College.
• Ethics in Enchantment, offered by Silverquill College.
• Extradimensional Architecture, offered by Quandrix College.
• History of Magic Rings, offered by Lorehold College.
• Introductory Aesthemancy, offered by Prismari College.
• Overview of Magical Notation, offerd by Silverquill College.
• Advanced Arcano-mycology, offered by Witherbloom College.
• Principles of Warsinging, offered by Lorehold College.
• Turning Inner Fire into Outer Flames, offered by Prismari College.

Fourth-year courses

• Advanced Applied Magic, offered as General Studies.
• Advanced Lumimancy, offered by Silverquill College.
• Applied Illusory Arts, offered by Quandrix College.
• Arcane Herbology, offered by Witherbloom College. Mandatory for all fourth-year students.
• Arcane Macroeconomics, offered by Lorehold College.
• Eldritch and Arcane Performances, offered by Prismari College.
• Extraplanar Cryptozoology, offered by Witherbloom College.

Founder dragons

• Galazeth Prismari
• Beledros Witherbloom
• Shadrix Silverquill
• Tanazir Quandrix
• Velomachus Lorehold

Faculty

• Taiva, University Director

Lorehold College of Archaeomancy

Principle of Order

• Augusta Tullus, Dean
• Osgir, Professor
• Hofri Ghostforge, Professor
• Zertha DeSantos, Professor

Principle of Chaos

• Plargg, Dean
• Keevan, Professor
• Losheel, Professor

Principle not specified

• Yold, Lorehold Professor

Prismari College of Elemental Arts

Principle of Perfection

• Uvilda Mistcoiler, Dean
• Veyran, Professor

Principle of Expression

• Nassari, Dean
• Zaffai, Professor & Grand Maestro
• Arkin Minexes, Instructor

Quandrix College of Numeromancy

Principle of Substance

• Kianne, Dean
• Adrix, Professor
• Ruxa, Professor

Principle of Theory

• Imbraham, Dean
• Deekah, Professor
• Nev, Professor

Principle not specified

• Tondo

Silverquill College of Eloquence

Principle of Radiance

• Mavinda Sharpbeak, Professor
• Shaile Talonrook, Dean
• Nils, Professor

Principle of Shadow

• Embrose Lu, Dean
• Breena, Professor
• Brenneth Blackstone, Professor
• Fain, Professor
• Johenne Totsky, Professor
• Razineth, Professor

Principle not specified

• Pitnik, Professor

Witherbloom College of Essence Studies

Principle of the Root

• Lisette, Dean
• Willowdusk, Professor
• Verelda Lang, Professor

Principle of the Vein

• Valentin, Dean
• Liliana Vess, Professor
• Tivash, Professor

Principle Unspecified

• Zhaer, Witherbloom Professor

College unspecified

• Gladefell, Professor
• Hostram, Professor
• Kasmina

Staff

• The Dragonsguard
• The Mage Tower Referee Council
• Aisla Fitzbottom, Biblioplex Cafe manager
• Cremik, Mage Tower commentator
• Diriga, demon bursar
• Ellina Tanglewood, Firejolt Cafe manager
• Groff Lundquist, student store manager
• Gyome, Witherbloom Chef
• Isabough, Biblioplex Librarian
• Laelia, dueling club teacher
• Mavinda Sharpbeak, Students' Advocate
• Moriana, Mage Tower coach
• Pavil, Admissions Officer
• Tulk "the Bulk" Tusktooth, Bow's End Tavern manager
• Wallader, mail carrier
• Yedora, Head Groundskeeper

Students

• Amaka
• Arlo Wickel
• Aspen Van Gnoot
• Aurora Luna Wynterstarr
• Auvernine
• Bhedum "Rampart" Sooviij
• Bim
• Cadoras Damellawar
• Cairu
• Dina
• Dinsley
• Dradiel
• Drazhomir Yarnask
• Felisa Fang
• Frena
• Grayson Wildemere
• Greta Gorunn
• Javenesh Stoutclaw
• Killian Lu
• Larine Arneza
• Lomelda
• Maraff
• Melwythorne
• Merrow
• Mina Lee
• Needledeep
• Nnanyielugo
• Nora Ann Wu
• Plink
• Quentillius Antiphiun Melentor III
• Rinne
• Rionya
• Rootha Squallheart
• Rosimyffenbip "Rosie" Wuzfeddlims
• Rowan Kenrith
• Rubina Larkingdale
• Shuvadri Glintmantle
• Spyracus
• Tilana Kapule
• Urzmaktok Grojsh
• Vickus
• Will Kenrith
• Zanther Bowen
• Zimone Wola

Alumni

• Extus Narr
• Jadzi
• Murgaxor Grenshel
• Nimiroti Wola
• Quintorius Kand
• Samara Squallheart

In-game references

Represented in:

• Strixhaven

Associated cards:

• Strixhaven Stadium
• The Biblioplex

Depicted in:

• Eager First-Year
• First Day of Class

Referred to:

• Ageless Guardian
• Brainstorm (Mystical Archive)
• Bury in Books
• Campus Guide
• Campus Renovation
• Change the Equation
• Charge Through
• Crackle with Power
• Defend the Campus
• Disrupt Decorum (Commander Masters, #1067)
• Final Flourish
• Frost Trickster
• Honor Troll
• Letter of Acceptance
• Mascot Exhibition
• Mascot Interception
• Mentor's Guidance
• Plumb the Forbidden
• Raise the Past (Foundations, #22)
• Secret Rendezvous
• Team Pennant
• Thrill of Possibility (Mystical Archive)
• Umbral Juke
• Veinwitch Coven

Trivia

• The name Strixhaven is a combination of "Strix" and "haven." Strixes are magical birds from the mythology of classical antiquity, closely associated with witches. Strix is also a genus of owls. The association is reinforced by Strixhaven's symbol, an owl, and the Aven race of Arcavios, the owlin.