In the newest set of Magic: The Gathering, class is in session as we return to Strixhaven University in Secrets of Strixhaven. Located on the Orrithia continent of the plane Arcavios, Strixhaven University is structured where the mana of two planes overlap, and five powerful dragons were born. From these five dragons came five colleges, each associated with two colors. These colors embody the essential philosophies of their respective colleges. 

Released in 2021, Strixhaven: School of Mages can be viewed as the “general education” introduction into Strixhaven. Secrets of Strixhaven expands on the original foundation, offering players more avenues to explore. Now, delve into the five unique colleges, the founding elder dragons, and adventures beyond the campus.

Secrets of Strixhaven explores the dynamics and significance behind the colors of Magic. Additionally, original concepts, lore, and short stories enhance the upcoming release for this set. Whether you’re returning to the setting for 201 classes or a new student enrolling in the setting of Strixhaven, there is something for every player.

Without further ado, here is our syllabus on the mechanics, expressive illustrations, and colleges for Secrets of Strixhaven.

New Magic & Familiar Faces

Students, it is time to meet the new faces of Strixhaven University. Two new Planeswalkers have entered Strixhaven: Ral Zarek, Guest Lecturer, and Professor Dellian Fel. Additionally, cards from the original set make a comeback, featuring Killian and Rootha, who were sophomores in the original timeline and are now continuing their educational adventures.

The artwork throughout this set highlights the school’s strengths, challenges, and the distinct nature of its magic. Illustrations demonstrate the effect the cards have, such as Killian’s ink taking the shape of birds and Dellian’s magic taking the shape of branches reaching out to him.

Card collectors, be on the lookout for Emeritus of Ideation. This double rainbow foil is a serialized card featuring a retro full-art frame. This card appears only in Collector Boosters.

The Five Elder Dragons wield Flying and stunning borderless art.

To check out every card from this set, down to where you can find them, and their treatments, check out the Magic: The Gathering Card Gallery. 

Mechanics, Mystical Archive, and Special Guests

Mechanics of the set include:

Prepared: “While it’s prepared, you may cast a copy of its spell. Doing so unprepared it.”

Paradigm: “Then exile this spell. After you first resolve a spell with this name, you may cast a copy of it from exile without paying its mana cost at the beginning of each of your main phases.”

Converge: “This creature enters with a +1/+1 counter on it for each color of mana spent to cast it.”

Repartee (Silverquill): “Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell that targets a creature, exile up to one target creature. Return that card to the battlefield under its owner’s control at the beginning of the next end step.”

Opus (Prismari): “Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, this creature gets 1+/+1 until end of turn. If five or more mana was spent to cast that spell, create a token that’s a copy of this creature.”

Infusion (Witherbloom): “When this creature enters, put two +1/+1 counters on it if you gained life this turn.”

Flashback (Lorehold): “You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.”

Increment (Quandrix): “Whenever you cast a spell, if the amount of mana you spent is greater than this creature’s power or toughness, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.”

Every Secrets of Strixhaven Play Booster contains at least one Mystical Archive card, while every Collector Booster includes a minimum of three Mystical Archive cards.

There are 10 Secrets of Strixhaven Special Guest cards that illustrate engaging lectures within Strixhaven. Non-foil Special Guests cards are featured in Play Boosters, and traditional foil Special Guests cards are featured in Collector Boosters.

The Colleges

Discover which college you place in with the Magic: The Gathering quick test that places you in the proper college after seven questions. Additionally, there are five new field locations that explore beyond each college campus, such as Summitfest. 

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

I. Witherbloom (Black-Green): College of Essence Studies.

At Witherbloom, students concentrate on the themes of growth and decay. The college exemplifies a goth cottagecore aesthetic and celebrates the full cycle of life. There is a particular interest in the connection between life and death, as well as the thin veil that separates them. Major areas of study at Witherbloom include alchemy, medicine, biomancy, pathology, toxicology, mortuary science, and necromancy.

II. Prismari (Blue-Red): The College of Elemental Arts. 

Prismari is for the most creative and artistic students. Students have a strong artistic drive to create, refine, and push beyond limits. The card illustrations capture students in the middle of creation, bursting with colors and expression. The in-world festival, Summitfest, took inspiration from events that bring people together for a creative explosion, such as Burning Man. The festival extends beyond the campus, giving students a chance to display their work, collaborate with others, and flex their skills.

III: Silverquill (White-Black): The College of Eloquence.
Students who attend Silverquill are known for their competitive eloquence. They are sharp in style, quick wordsmiths, and promise to outwit.

IV: Lorehold (White-Red): College of Archaeomancy. 

Fighting meets archaeology in the halls of Lorehold. The college calls to those with strength and agility who seek adventure. Lorehold mages are passionate scholars captivated by history.

V: Quandrix (Green-Blue): College of Numeromancy.

Math equations scratch that itch? Quandrix mages are innovative mathematicians who explore the magic of nature through equations.

Woven With Lore

Those interested in the lives of the students and their adventures can enjoy the lore on a deeper scale. Side stories for Strixhaven have been released on The Magic Story Podcast, Magic, and on YouTube.

Secrets of Strixhaven Prerelease starts April 17-23 with the Magic: The Gathering Arena release on April 21. You can find the set at your local game store, on Amazon, on TCGplayer, and at any store that sells Magic starting April 24th.