Wizards of the Coast has given us a sneak peak at Strixhaven: School of Mages, Magic: the Gathering’s next expansion set. Think Harry Potter—but in the Magic multiverse.
The Colleges
The school of Stixhaven is made of up of five houses colleges, each representing one of Magic’s five enemy color combinations, and each of which was founded by (and named after) an elder dragon. Apparently Rowan Kenrith and Will Kenrith, who we first met in Battlebond and then later in Throne of Eldraine, are (or were?) students at Strixhaven!
Lorehold: “Leave no stone unturned.”
“Loreholds are diligent researchers and daring adventurers. Passionate scholars obsessed with history, they explore the past by pouring over archaeological artifacts and summoning long-dead spirits. For some students, the past is a rich tapestry worthy of disciplined study. While others wear that tapestry like a cape as they jump down into a forgotten tomb.”
Prismari: “Express yourself with the elements.”
“Prismari are the theatre kids of Strixhaven, and magic is how they express themselves. Their spells can be spectacles of raw creativity or meticulous artistic expressions. All the world’s a stage, and whether their art is informed by mind or emotion, Prismari always leave a lasting impression.”
Quandrix: “Math is magic.”
“Quandrix mages are ingenious math magicians. They study patterns, fractals, and symmetries to command power over the fundamental forces of nature. They’ll solve a Rubik’s Cube while contemplating the metaphysical properties of the universe and can recite every number of Pi backwards.”
Silverquill: “Sharp style. Sharper wit.”
“Silverquills wield the magic of words, from inspiring battle poetry to biting arcane insults. Stylish, intimidating, and tirelessly competitive, these mages are born leaders with a razor-sharp wit and natural charisma that can be used for good or for ill.”
Witherbloom: “Get your hands dirty.”
“Witherblooms are goth bio majors. They draw power from the essence of living beings, whether that means enhancing nature or exploiting it. Witherbloom mages are most at home riding zombie crocs, picking herbs for potions, and hanging out in their swamp making grim jokes.”
A New Cycle of Commands
Each college of Strixhaven is also represented by its own command. (Commands are a recurring theme in Magic, ranging from Cryptic Command to Atarka’s Command, and always give you four options from which you can choose two.)
Commander 2021
The colleges will also be represented in Commander 2021 with each house getting their own deck. There will be 81 brand new cards across the five decks and each deck will “focus on the colors and themes of its associated college.”
The decks are named: Lorehold Legacies, Prismari Performance, Quantum Quandrix, Silverquill Statement, and Witherbloom Witchcraft.
The Mystical Archive
Finally, the school of Strixhaven has its own vast library named the Biblioplex, which houses a special section called the Restricted Section Mystical Archive. Spells from the Archive will use Strixhaven’s unique showcase frame, a spell the Archive will be included in every booster pack—they will be additions to boosters and won’t take the place of any cards—and are pulled from across Magic’s history.
Just because a card is in the Mystical Archive doesn’t make it Standard or Historic legal. They will be available in all languages.
Japanese Draft, Set, and Collector Boosters will also have an equal chance to include a card from the Mystical Archive with another unique, alternate art and frame. Here are these secondary versions of Demonic Tutor, Opt, and Swords to Plowshares:
