Select Language:
The Secrets of Strixhaven marks the return of the five Mage Colleges, making it an ideal moment to revisit what each stands for and how they might influence the upcoming set.
Each college has a dual-color theme that shapes how they play. While some standalone cards can fit into the current Standard and Commander formats, if you want to maximize the set’s synergies, it’s best to build decks mainly with cards from the new release.
Lorehold
Represented by white and red, Lorehold is the college of Archaeomancy, founded by the dragon Velomachus Lorehold. Its focus is uncovering history through magic—finding artifacts, communicating with spirits, and exploring the past. Its students include archaeologists, linguists, and art historians, often overlapping with Prismari students. A core part of Lorehold’s identity involves military strength—its Dean Augusta believes in societal progress, while Plargg, the orc Dean, emphasizes individual strength. Many students use spirits, golems, and artifacts in combat. Careers include Archaeoscribes, Dustspeakers, and Ruin Shamans. The upcoming Spirit Commander pre-con deck features a white and red theme, centered on creating token spirits that grow stronger and deal damage.
Prismari
This college focuses on elemental magic and creativity, combining blue and red. Founded by the dragon Galazeth Prismari, it values artistic expression and explosive performances. Ulvilda, the Dean of Perfection, believes art should be skillful and detailed, while Nassari, Dean of Expression, champions raw emotion and spontaneity. Their magic involves working with elemental forces—water, fire, air, and lightning—used in paintings, dance, or music, with elementals as symbols. Students might specialize in Opusmancy, shaping earth and lava, or Aesthemancy, exploring beauty. The Prismari Artistry deck in Secrets of Strixhaven emphasizes spells that generate tokens and buff them based on spells cast earlier.
Quandrix
Green and blue magic define Quandrix, which studies the structure of the universe through math and physics. Founded by the dragon Tanazir Quandrix, the college explores geometry, fractals, and the nature of mana. Its debates revolve around whether math is discovered or invented, known as the Substance versus Theory debate, often with its two Deans disagreeing. Kianne, the Dean of Substance, applies math to practical magic, manipulating space and size, while Imbraham, Dean of Theory, focuses on questioning and creating illusions. The Quandrix Unlimited deck features counters and spells with variable effects, led by Zimone, Infinite Analyst.
Witherbloom
Centered in biology, Witherbloom studies life and decay, using magic from the swampy terrain of Arcavios. Its philosophy is dual—Lisette, Dean of the Root, values life’s sacredness and aims to preserve it, whereas Valentin, Dean of the Vein, sees death and decay as fueling nature’s cycle. Its students include potion makers, necromancers, and wildlife manipulators. Witherbloom’s mascots are unique, representing natural ecosystems. The upcoming Pestilence deck emphasizes sacrifice and life gain, led by Dina, Essence Brewer, who sacrifices creatures to gain life and empower others.
Silverquill
This college uses words, rhetoric, and oration, thriving on white and black magic. Its nickname is the College of Eloquence, with a mission to inspire and dominate through language. Its mascots, the Inklings, symbolize creative magic. Silverquill students focus on literature, poetry, and debate, casting spells that undermine opponents’ confidence or boost allies’ resolve. The debate between Radiance and Shadow reflects their approach: Shaile, Dean of Radiance, believes in uplifting through positive rhetoric, while Embrose, Dean of Shadow, advocates for the power of harsh words and realism. The Silverquill Influence deck features enchantments and a goad mechanic to encourage opponents to target others, setting the stage for a strategic and competitive gameplay style.
This overview highlights the core philosophies, themes, and upcoming card sets associated with each college, emphasizing their unique roles in the evolving world of Magic: The Gathering.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
