Strixhaven Lore y Razas

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HE MISSION OF STRIXHAVEN UNIVERSITY IS TO As a Strixhaven student, you start with a well-

discover and preserve magical knowledge, to rounded education in a rigorous first-year program.
disseminate that knowledge from one generation In your second year, you choose your preferred
to the next, to promote free and open study of
specialty at one of the five colleges. You can also
partake in a vibrant campus life, with plenty of clubs
magic in all its forms, and to enhance the lives of people and other activities. You might even play on one of
throughout the world through the use of magic. Strixhaven’s prestigious Mage Tower teams and
—Strixhaven mission statement bask in the adoration of cheering crowds!

A magical world boasts many places where students Co l l e g e s o f St r ix h a v e n


can study magic and many sages who take eager College Description
learners under their wings. But being accepted to Lorehold Explores the past and preserves its lessons
Strixhaven University is a special honor, the dream for future generations. Also called the Col-
of many young students. Strixhaven is a place of lege of Archaeomancy.
enlightenment and learning, and both its graduates
Prismari Uses the elements to practice the arts.
and its delegates are typically welcomed and re-
Also called the College of Elemental Arts.
spected wherever they go.
Founded seven centuries ago by five ancient drag- Quandrix Focuses on the mathematics of nature.

ons, Strixhaven is the premier institution of magical Also called the College of Numeromancy.
learning, drawing promising young mages from all Silverquill Teaches the magic of rhetoric, poetry, ora-
over. Each equipped with its own campus and fac- tion, and writing. Also called the College of
ulty, Strixhaven’s five colleges—summarized in the Eloquence.
Colleges of Strixhaven table-cover a vast array of !
Witherbloom Harnesses the forces of life and death.
academic and magical specialties. Also called the College of Essence Studies.

i
WELCOME TO STRIXHAVEN
4
Ab o u t Th is Bo o k Finally, student characters are part of a school
community. They live in university housing, eat in
This book is your guide to life at Strixhaven in Du n - dining halls, and spend the majority of their time on
g e o n s & Dr a g o n s —an introduction to the univer-
campus. They eat, sleep, study, socialize, and adven-
sity, a guide to creating student characters there, a ture as part of a community of students, faculty, and
campaign, and a collection of friends and foes. staff. The school is like a town, where a relatively
Chapter 1 gives an overview of life and study at small cast of characters can play significant roles
Strixhaven. It introduces the main features of the over the course of the campaign.
central campus and each of the five colleges.
Chapter 2 is your guide to creating a student It ’s a n Ac a d e m y of Ma g e s
character. It introduces the owlin race and five back-
Study at Strixhaven isn’t about learning to be a wiz-
grounds—one for each college—as well as a collec-
ard but about learning to be a historian, an artist, an
tion of feats, spells, and magic items.
orator, a scientist, or some other profession—while
Chapters 3-6 provide a campaign meant to ad-
using magic to enhance one’s studies. The univer-
vance characters from 1st to 10th level as they prog-
sity’s understanding of magic is expansive. Charac-
ress through their magical studies. Each chapter
ters of any class can study at Strixhaven, whether
covers a year’s worth of adventure, so characters
they’re full-fledged spellcasters like wizards, clerics,
begin chapter 3 as Ist-level characters and first-year
and druids; they manage a spell or two thanks to a
students and begin chapter 6 at the start of their
subclass or feat; or they manifest magical abilities
fourth year of studies (at around 8th level). Chapter
that aren’t even spells. (For example, a barbarian
3 includes an overview of the adventures and the
who follows the Path of the Ancestral Guardian, de-
overall campaign arc as well as special rules for
scribed in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, can excel
aspects of campus life: exams, relationships, extra- in studying history at Lorehold College by virtue of
curriculars, and jobs. their connection to an ancestral spirit.)
Chapter 7 is a collection of stat blocks for stu-
Magic is everywhere on campus. The campus
dents, faculty, and various creatures on and around
culture encourages finding magical solutions to the
the Strixhaven campus. Whether student adventur-
most mundane problems, and if characters need
ers get caught up in a duel with their rivals or face a
access to a spell they can’t cast, they have a strong
dreaded mage hunter, the stat blocks in this chapter chance of finding someone who can cast it.
give you the information you need to resolve the
situation. It ’s Co s m o po l it a n
Strixhaven draws students and faculty from across
Or ie n t a t io n the world and from other realms in the multiverse.
The following subsections present three important The university’s students and faculty are united by a
facts to keep in mind as you explore these pages and desire to learn and include humans, elves, dwarves,
prepare to play or run the book’s campaign. owlin (described in chapter 2), orcs, trolls, vampires,
and studious folk of many other origins.
St r ix h a v e n Is a Un iv e r s it y
In practical terms, for player characters, you can
This book’s campaign assumes that the player use the rules found in any D&D book to select a
characters are students at Strixhaven University. character’s race, if the DM approves. For nonplayer
Even as they get caught up in the adventures, the characters, you’re as likely to meet a pixie, a dryad,
characters have to continue going to class, doing a giant, a treant, or another fantastical creature on
homework, and studying for exams. Optional rules campus as you are to meet a Humanoid. The faculty
in chapter 3 reinforce the importance of study in the members mentioned in chapter 1 include genasi, tri-
adventures. tons, and even a bipedal brown bear.
The characters are also subject to the authority To the faculty and students of Strixhaven, it is un-
of the university’s faculty and staff members. Cir- remarkable to meet someone who hails from a far-
cumstances will at times cause player characters off land, since almost everyone on campus is from
to defy faculty authority—and even deans—during somewhere else. Strixhaven has a place for anyone
their adventures, and the threat of detention or even who is dedicated to magic-enhanced study.
expulsion might hang over their head.

WELCOME TO STRIXHAVEN 5
St r ix h a v e n ’s Wo r l d a place of great magic, such as the site of a great
mage’s birth or the location of a time-lost spell.
Strixhaven bills itself as "the premier institution of Other folk believe these arches are connected with
magical learning in the world,” but the question that the archaics in some way (see "Archaics and the Or-
raises for your campaign is this—which world? acle” below). Some students have even seen an arch
In the multiverse of the Ma g ic : Th e Ga t h e r in g come to life with magic in an archaic’s presence.
Trading Card Game, Strixhaven is located on a Both snarls and star arches are subjects of magi-
world called Arcavios, which (according to legend) cal research for students and faculty at Strixhaven,
formed from the collision or merging of two other who also study wild and dead magic zones, floating
worlds. It is situated in the northeastern portion of earth motes, and other weird locales.
a continent called Orrithia, also known as the Vast-
lands, which is populated by a tremendous variety Fo u n d e r Dr a g o n s ___
of peoples.
Strixhaven University was founded by five ancient
For the purposes of D&D, though, you can place
dragons who, according to legend, hatched from the
Strixhaven wherever it best fits the needs of your
magical energy of the newborn world of Arcavios.
campaign. It could be in a world of your own cre-
These Founder Dragons were among the first to
ation, in a published D&D setting (such as the For-
master magic, and they realized that only through
gotten Realms or Eberron), in the planar Cosmopo-
disciplined study would magic be safe in the hands
lis of Sigil, or in an interplanar nexus that allows it
of other peoples. They founded Strixhaven to fa-
to draw students from across the Material Plane or
cilitate that study and established the five colleges
the entire multiverse.
based on the magic that each dragon mastered, as
Whatever world you decide to place Strixhaven in,
summarized in the Founder Dragons table.
three elements of the wider world of Arcavios might
To this day, the Founder Dragons roam the world.
have some impact on adventures in the school.
They no longer associate directly with Strixhaven.
Sn a r l s a n d St a r Ar c h e s preferring to let the deans of the colleges speak in
their stead. The dragons’ knowledge is vast, but
As described in the Player’s Handbook, magic their tempers can prove short. Mages seek them out
suffuses all existence in the worlds of D&D. In the only to learn the most elusive secrets. The dragons’
Forgotten Realms, scholars describe the fabric of stat blocks are presented in chapter 7.
magic as a Weave that allows spellcasters to inter-
act with the world’s underlying magical reality. In Fo u n d e r Dr a g o n s
Arcavios, that fabric is knotted and tangled in some
College Founder
locations, creating a phenomenon called snarls. At
these places, spells can be amplified or distorted Lorehold Velomachus Lorehold

in unpredictable ways. This phenomenon matters Prismari Galazeth Prismari


for Strixhaven because a luminous snarl is situated Quandrix Tanazir Quandrix
at the very heart of campus, located in the Hall of Silverquill Shadrix Silverquill
Oracles in the university’s monumental library, the Witherbloom Beledros Witherbloom
Biblioplex.
Similarly, gravity-defying arch shapes appear
throughout the world of Arcavios and, in particular, Ar c h a ic s a n d t h e Or a c l e
tower over the Biblioplex. These star arches are The Oracle of Strixhaven is the wisest and most ac-
made from spokes of natural materials that float complished mage in the world of Arcavios, selected
in an arch shape, with a precise inner curve and by the Founder Dragons. The Oracle’s lifelong task
a rough and irregular outer arch. They can stand is to ensure that magic is used to help people and
straight or lie at an angle, and they can be small or not twisted to evil ends. To be the Oracle, one must
enormous, whole or broken, grown over or mysteri- understand fundamental truths about the nature of
ously clean. Their irregular spokes evoke the radiat- magic, know and wield hundreds of spells, and pos-
ing lines of a shining star. sess impeccable judgment and virtue.
The star arches are a mystery left over from the Mysteriously linked to the Oracle, archaics are
birth of the world. In most cases, the arches simply wise, giant, long-lived beings with an innate talent
float inexplicably—silent, immovable, and inert. But for magic. They can be seen striding through the
many people report seeing an arch appear to them wilds, exploring sources of magic with their many
at a critical juncture in their lives, helping them un- arms or contemplating existence through their
derstand a lesson or answer a burning question in “eye,” which functions as a magical focus of some
their mind. Some scholars believe each arch marks

6 WELCOME TO STRIXHAVEN
St r ix h a v e n Un iv e r s it y , w it h t h e (Ce n t er ) Bib l io p l e x Su r r o u n d ed by (To p )
SlLVERQUILL ANO (GOING Cl OCKWISE) Qu ANDRIX, WlTHERBLOOM, PRISMARI, ANO LOREHOLO

kind. Scholars seek out archaics for their vast soul and its fragmented memories coalesce into a
knowledge of history and magic, but archaics tend creature—a newborn archaic. Every archaic alive
to communicate in obscure allusions and cryptic today was born at the dawn of time from the mind
metaphors. of someone who has lived and died (or who will
Few know that archaics’ existence is linked to a one day live and die) as an Oracle. Archaics speak
time-warping phenomenon involving the Oracle. in cryptic allegories not only to tease and test the
When an Oracle dies, their mind and spirit is swept eager minds of young mages, but also to cleverly
off to the distant past, drawn backward through sidestep time paradoxes.
£ time toward the intense magical power that brought Stat blocks for archaics appear in chapter 7, along-
the world into being. Splinters of that Oracle’s side that of the current Oracle, whose name isjadzi.
5

WELCOME TO STRIXHAVEN 7
Du r in g a d u e l in t he Ha l l of Or a c l e s ,
STUDENT TRANSFORMS HER OPPONENT INTO A
GOAT, WHO IS HELD BACK BY A FRIEND
CHAPTER I

Lif e a t St r ix h a v e n
< £ Un iv e r s it y s pa r k l e s w it h
t r ix h a v e n Fa c u l ty
the enthusiasm of its students and faculty,
The faculty members of Strixhaven are mages and
p* j as they study, debate about, and experi-
scholars—experts in their various fields and in the
menl with magic in its varied forms. This
use of magic to enhance their studies. They are
chapter offers an overview of life and studies on the
dedicated to their research and to educating genera-
university’s campus, as well as a look at each of the
tions of mage-students who follow in their footsteps.
five colleges where students explore different modes
Some faculty members value research more than
of magical study.
teaching, while others make education their highest
priority. But all find some balance between the two.
Ma g ic a l St u d y
The fundamental work of Strixhaven University In s t r u c t o r s
is the application of magic to academic study. Stu- Strixhaven’s faculty begin their careers as instruc-
dents and faculty aren’t limited to magical topics tors, focusing primarily on teaching classes and
alone: they pursue studies in every facet of exis- crafting curriculum, while the school administration
tence-magical or otherwise—applying magic to evaluates their performance. At the end of a provi-
whatever they study. At Strixhaven, historians call sional period, which can last from one to several
the spirits of the dead to aid their lessons about the years, an instructor is elevated to the rank of profes-
past, and arcano-biologists use necromancy to pull sor or let go.
at life and coax out death when teaching about the
natural world. Simultaneously, mage-artists sculpt
Pr o f e s s o r s
elemental energy to create animate art, and arcane Professors who have distinguished themselves
symbologists teach students how to recognize and over the course of a long career—typically at least
understand the magical glyphs they encounter. twenty years—hope to be recognized with the title
of esteemed professor. This honor is bestowed in
PRin c ipl e s a n d Po l a r it ie s ________ recognition of groundbreaking research as well as
exceptional teaching. -
The colleges and curriculum at Strixhaven are or-
Upon retiring, a professor receives the title of
ganized around the idea of philosophical principles
mage emeritus. Mages emeriti are held in high es-
joined in concordant opposition. Each school em-
teem and welcomed to campus as guest lecturers.
braces the paradoxical unity of two polar principles:
life and death, order and chaos, reason and emotion, St u d en t s
and so on. The five Founder Dragons are thought to
embody the coexistence of these principles, while Students at Strixhaven spend their first year in a
the ten deans of the colleges stand for the individual course of general studies, which lays the foundation
principles distinguished from their opposites. for the more specialized work to follow. During this
A student’s course of learning at Strixhaven in- year, they wear a uniform of black, white, and gray.
volves exploring the tension between these oppos- They’re encouraged to study broadly so that they be-
ing principles, which typically involves late-night come acquainted with a wide range of disciplines.
arguments in residence halls and study rooms. The First-year students live in dormitories located on
university’s teaching philosophy is built on the idea the central campus and often form close friendships
that exploring opposites leads to an understanding there that last throughout their educational careers,
of a greater whole. Most people believe that only a even when members of tight-knit groups of friends
being with the wisdom (and long life) of the Founder join different colleges in their second year. A few
Dragons or the archaics can truly master both students continue to live on central campus after
halves of a school’s dichotomy, but a mage must choosing a college, particularly if they pursue exten-
learn at least the rudiments of those halves. A Strix- sive studies in multiple colleges or work as resident
haven graduate is expected to leave the university advisers to first-year students. But most students
prepared to argue the fundamental issues of their move to dormitories located on their chosen col-
! lege’s campus in their second year.
school's philosophies.

i
CHAPTER 1 | LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN
9
Ch o o s in g a Co l l e g e Ad m in is t r a t io n
Before starting their second year of studies, stu-
The day-to-day functioning of Strixhaven relies on
dents choose one of the five colleges—Lorehold,
hundreds of laborers, clerks, coaches, administra-
Prismari, Quandrix, Silverquill, or Witherbloom—to
tors, and others. These personnel include folk like
be their academic home for the remainder of their
Mavinda Sharpbeak, the kindly owlin guidance
education. From this point, students wear uniforms
counselor who takes first-year students under her
featuring the colors of their college, though these
wing, and Gyome, the troll chef of Witherbloom
outfits aren’t as unvarying as the first-year garb.
College. In addition to legions of people who devote
Two Counselors. Upon choosing a college, a
their lives to the university’s operations, numerous
student is assigned two professors to serve as coun-
automatons and artificial life-forms—various kinds
selors to help the student plan a course of studies.
of Constructs—serve in various roles, including
The two deans of the college assign these two coun-
campus guides and library assistants.
selors, who represent the poles of the college’s phil-
All these operations are managed by an admin-
osophical opposition. By design, the two counselors
istration overseen by the ten deans, two in each
tend to offer conflicting advice, forcing the student
college. Each dean is an esteemed professor who
to navigate opposing principles. For example, a
embraces one side of their school’s philosophical
student pursuing historical studies in Lorehold Col-
dichotomy. The deans, like the professors who serve
lege might have one counselor who focuses on the
as counselors to students, view it as their role to dis-
unpredictable, war-filled chaos of historical reality
agree with each other and guide the college by way
and another who dwells on the idea of an orderly
progression toward an ideal. The former might
the deans only exacerbate this combative attitude.
encourage the student to choose courses based on
When the argumentative deans fail to chart a co-
gut feeling, to delve into the military aspects of an
herent course for Strixhaven, the Founder Dragons
issue, and to supplement their academic studies
are occasionally forced to intervene. They don't
with some practical martial training. The other
step in directly, but a director known as the Voice of
counselor, meanwhile, might offer several ordered,
the Founders—currently an imposing man named
rational proposals for course selection, focus on the
Taiva—speaks on the dragons’ behalf.
political and human aspects of historical issues, and
place less emphasis on martial prowess. The stu- Ma s c o t s
dent must then navigate this conflicting advice and
chart their own course. Each of Strixhaven’s five colleges has a mascot—a
Course ofStudy. Some students, having chosen small creature associated with the magic of the
a college, spend virtually all their remaining school school and often found wandering their respec-
years on that campus and study with those profes- tive campuses. Witherbloom’s mascots, pests, are
sors, diving into their preferred area of study and naturally found in the world around the campus.
related fields. Other students take as many as a The other colleges’ mascots are brought into being
third of their classes in other colleges, continuing through magic. The Strixhaven Mascots table lists
the breadth of their first-year education and looking the mascots by college. Each of these mascots is de-
for places where the perspectives of other disci- tailed in chapter 7.
plines can bring new insight to their studies. Both STRIXHAVEN MASCOTS
approaches are encouraged at the university.
College Mascot
Af t e r St r ix h a v e n Lorehold Spirit Statue Mascot
A student’s course of study at Strixhaven lasts at Prismari Art Elemental Mascot
least four years but allows for advanced study for Quandrix Fractal Mascot
several years beyond that time frame. Most stu-
Silverquill Inkling Mascot
dents eventually graduate, though, and they walk a
variety of paths after leaving the university. Many Witherbloom Pest Mascot

return to whatever home they came from, putting The five kinds of mascots act as companions for
what they have learned to use in their communities. students and faculty, sometimes serving as willing
Some mages travel the multiverse in search of ev- subjects for experiments or demonstrations, and
er-greater magic, continuing their research in some occasionally even helping out in a duel or a more
form beyond the confines of an academic program. serious combat situation. Most notably, mascots
A few alumni return to Strixhaven, sooner or later, are also playing pieces of sorts in the Strixhaven
as instructors themselves, and a small, select num- sport of Mage Tower, described in more detail in
berjoin the Dragonsguard, an elite force of mages chapter 4.
who work with the Founder Dragons.

IO CHAPTER ] | LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN


<(7 dictable: they aren’t necessarily open all the time,
they don’t always lead to the same places, and some
require complicated conditions or keys to open.

Ce n t r al Ca m pu s __________________
Ca m pu s Ov e r v ie w The central campus—shown on map 1.1—is the
Strixhaven occupies hundreds of acres, spread out heart of Strixhaven. Its extensive grounds include
over six campuses. Each of the university’s five col- residence halls for first-year students, dining halls,
leges has its own campus, and the central campus, administration buildings, classrooms and laborato-
home to the Biblioplex and Strixhaven Stadium, ries (mostly used for first-year classes and interdisci-
serves as a hub for university life. See the appendix plinary studies), and space for social gatherings.
or the poster map for a view of the entire university. Two of the sites on map 1.1 are described else-
Well-maintained roads connect the six campuses, where in the book: Aerojaunt Field (see chapter 4)
and walking from one to another can take a half- and Captain Dapplewing’s Manor (see chapter 3).
hour or more. Regular shuttles—large carriages
drawn by horselike automata—run on an hourly Th e Bib l io pl e x
schedule between a station near the Biblioplex and The center of Strixhaven is the Biblioplex, the uni-
each of the satellite campuses, making the journey versity’s main library. At the heart of the library is
in about 15 minutes. In addition, each campus has a snarl, a tangle in the fabric of magic, that glows
multiple permanent teleportation circles, which fac- like a miniature sun in the grand Hall of Oracles. A
ulty and more advanced students can use when they star arch called the Dawnbow curves across the sky
require instantaneous travel, and several magical above the library, marking its location as a center of
portals exist as well. These portals can be unpre- mystic learning.

Ar c h w ay Co mmo n s is a f a v o r it e s po t

FOR STUDENTS TO GATHER.


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Ma p 1.1: Ce n t r a l Ca mp u s

Arches welcome inquisitive minds into the library. Fir e j o l t Ca f e


Inside, almost every surface from the floor to the At the edge of Archway Commons and just outside
high ceiling is jammed with stacks of books. The the Biblioplex stands the cozy Firejolt Cafe, where
interior of the Biblioplex is vast, with long hall- students cram both information and caffeine into
ways, archive chambers tall enough to have their themselves before exams. The cafe’s name comes
own weather, and even pools and moat-passages from its trademark beverage, which the manager, an
crossable only by boat. elf mage named Ellina, brews with her fire magic.
Five lines of beacon-towers radiate from the Bib- The Firejolt has a reputation as a hangout for first-
lioplex like enormous spokes. These Torches of year students, but older students from all five col-
Enlightenment stretch out to the five college cam- leges can be seen inside at all hours.
puses and beyond, more than a hundred miles into
the surrounding countryside. They burn perpetually Bow’s En d Ta v e r n
with magical flame, symbolizing the path toward At the western end of the Dawnbow, where it meets
learning and an escape from ignorance. the ground, stands a smaller university landmark:
Bow’s End Tavern, which serves as a hangout for
Ar c h w a y Co m m o n s older students. Most patrons come for the live mu-
Just south of the Biblioplex, a star arch curves over- sic, deliciously greasy food, and various potions and
head like a smaller echo of the Dawnbow, and a beverages. Others come to settle their differences in
lush park, Archway Commons, marks the site. More wild duels in the lot behind the tavern. The tavern’s e
5
familiarly called the Commons, the park is a favorite manager is a kind but strict orc named Tulk “the B
spot for students—especially first-years—to gather in Bulk” Tusktooth. 3
fair weather or to wander through on dates. Some of -j.
the university’s clubs also use the park to host social St r ix h a v e n St a d iu m

IJ
o

gatherings and games, including live-action roleplay- The stadium where thousands gather to watch
ing games and casual sports. students play Mage Tower (and sometimes other
sports) is located near Bow’s End Tavern. Chapter 4
offers more information about Mage Tower. I
12 CHAPTER 1 | LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN
4C V Or d e r a n d Ch a o s
Lorehold’s two deans carry the titles Dean of Order
and Dean of Chaos, as order versus chaos encapsu-
GA.
lates the fundamental conflict at the heart of Lore-
hold’s philosophy. This conflict revolves around the
Lo r e h o l d Co l l eg e forces that underlie and drive history. Is the course
Lorehold is the College of Archaeomancy—a term of time driving toward a well-ordered ideal state
that describes the exploration of ancient things or slowly devolving into chaos? Are deep patterns
through magic. Its mages explore the past by poring hidden in historical texts, or is time a series of coin-
over archaeological sites, calling forth magical en- cidence and happenstance?
ergy from old tomes, and summoning the spirits of The perspective of order emphasizes the struc-
long-dead historical figures. Lorehold mages travel tures that pull people together—-law, religion, eco-
far and wide across the world, gathering relics of nomics, education, social class, and so on—and how
bygone ages and learning dead languages to unpack those structures drive historical events. Order fo-
the secrets of history. cuses on systemic changes and the actions of people
collectively.
St u d ie s a n d Ph il o s o ph y The perspective of chaos, by contrast, emphasizes
Lorehold College is devoted to the study of history, individual actions, personal bonds of families and
broadly understood to include the various aspects friends, and the disruptive force of lone, passionate
of culture, behavior, and social relationships that people in history. Scholars of chaos gravitate toward
shape historical events. Its studies include various reckless discovery and the spirit of adventure in
subdivisions of history (military history, social his- their research of the past—the essence and emotion
tory, cultural history), archaeology, anthropology, of history over precision or procedure.
psychology, sociology, religion, and economics. It
Sc h o l a r s of Lo r e h o l d
overlaps with Prismari College in the field of art
The Lorehold Scholars table offers examples of
history, with some students splitting their studies
the scholars in Lorehold College. You may use the
between the two colleges. Lorehold mages use their
table to randomly determine the scholarly focus of a
magic to unearth secrets and share illumination.
Lorehold student or faculty member. The Principle
column notes which side of the order-chaos conflict
Lo r e h o l d Sc h o l a r s Plargg believes that history is full of unpredict-
dlO Scholar Principle
able, war-filled chaos and that his students must
be ready for anything. He teaches that no rewards
1 Archaeoscribe, chronicling historical Order
come without risk, and his excursions typically end
truths for posterity
with students heading to the infirmary. He pays lit-
2 Battle medium, strengthening sum- Order tle attention to Dean Tullus's work, usually dismiss-
moned spirits for use in battles ing her attempts to find order in chaos as foolhardy.
3 Chaos scholar, chasing down historical Chaos
Ho f r i Gh o s t f o r g e
anecdotes as a litany of happenstance
When Hofri (neutral good dwarf Lorehold pro-
4 Conservator, preserving ancient spell Order
fessor of order) first enrolled in Strixhaven. he
knowledge and other relics of the past believed his future lay with Prismari. A diligent
5 Dustspeaker, conversing with spirits Chaos student, he quickly mastered the technical skills of
of the past to learn their storiess art, but his magic left something to be desired. After
6 Pastraiser, binding spirits into the Order talking with the school’s counselor, Mavinda, Hofri
monuments that bear their likeness to decided to try his luck with Lorehold. It turned out
learn about their inspiring deeds
he had a natural talent for Lorehold’s spirit magic.
His time at Prismari was hardly wasted, however.
7 Relic reader, divining wisdom from the Order
Combining his artistic skill with his keen spiritu. I
past from the context of ruin sites
sense, Hofri could visualize a spirit's mortal app<
8 Ruin shaman, wielding magic that Chaos ance and construct a viable statue form for them
helps delve into ancient sites inhabit. No one in Lorehold's history had previous:
9 Tomewielder, summoning fiery magic Chaos created a spirit statue from scratch, and Hofri w;
from the words in old writings offered a professorial position after graduation,
which he happily accepted.
10 Warsinger, studying the magic used in Chaos
ancient wars Os g ir , t h e Re c o n s t r u c t o r
Even by Lorehold standards, Osgir (neutral stone
Lo r e h o l d Fa c u l t y giant) is obsessed with relics of the past. A profes-
sor of order, he treasures every connection to old
This section describes noteworthy members of the civilizations, whether it’s a magnificent jeweled
Lorehold faculty. Some of them use a Lorehold-
crown or an old shovel. As a student, he constantly-
specific stat block from chapter 7.
spent time in detention for hoarding the best finds
Au g u s t a Tu l l u s , De a n o f Or d e r from Lorehold dig sites in his room; he lost count
Augusta Tullus (lawful neutral human Lorehold of how many times he was sternly told. "History be-
professor of order) is the current Dean of Order. A longs to us all!’’
professor of spirit studies, she has been called the So, naturally, he mastered the magical art of dupli-
college’s most talented pastraiser. She can conjure cative restoration. Not only can he perfectly recreate
entire legions of ghostly apparitions to reenact his- an ancient object or device from the smallest scrap,
torical events for her lectures. but he can also produce a second, identical version
Augusta believes that history repeats itself as an for his personal collection. He displays something
orderly progression toward an ideal. In her view, the different every week in his Lorehold office, from a
mistakes of the past can inform the choices of the mighty sword of demon-slaying to a delicate elven
present, creating a world of peace and order. She music box.
plays things by the book and frowns on students
who embark on Dean Plargg’s dangerous field trips. Go l w a n d a t h e Bl o o d s p il l e r
Characters have ample opportunity to meet Dean “Have you met Golwanda yet?” is a question that older
Lorehold students love to ask second-year students,
Tullus in the adventure presented in chapter 5.
new to the college. Sooner or later, one professor or
another summons this spirit of a notorious stone giant
Pl a r g g , De a n o f Ch a o s
warmonger, ostensibly as a cautionary tale about the
Plargg (chaotic good orc Lorehold professor of dire fate that befalls a society that loses control of its
chaos) is the current Dean of Chaos. Specializing in aggressive impulses. Golwanda plays her role with
military history, Plargg is known for his perfect re- relish, doing her best to strike terror into the students
call of historical stories, as well as his potent scroll with her bloodcurdling screams and howls of rage.
magic. Blind himself, he invented a form of magical
embossing called heat lettering, which provides a
tactile way to read texts.

14 CHAPTER 1 | LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN


Lo s h e e l , Cl o c k w o r k Sc h o l a r to another, often directly passing the enormous
Losheel (chaotic good loxodon Lorehold profes- stone faces of old statues. Every Lorehold class has
sor of chaos) is a Humanoid resembling a bipedal a story of some careless student making a misstep
elephant. She proudly admits that she is willing to on one of these bridges or in some particularly
work hard to be as lazy as possible. She turns her crumbling section of the ruins, sometimes with
brilliant mind to constructing increasingly efficient disastrous consequences—and sometimes finding
mechanical helpers, with the goal of one day being deliverance when a spirit statue appears from no-
able to do anything she wants without standing up. where to catch the hapless student before they suffer
serious harm.
Lo r eh ol d Ca m pu s
Ef f ig y Ro w
The Lorehold campus—shown on map 1.2—is situ-
The heart of the Lorehold campus surrounds a
ated northwest of the central campus in a region of
soaring bridge that crosses the chasm of Pillardrop.
stark vertical relief. Rugged mesas and steep hills
The bridge and surrounding pathways are lined
rise from a wide plain, and a great chasm holds the
with monuments depicting historic figures, includ-
excavated ruins of an ancient settlement. Several
ing past professors and prominent mage-students,
star arches encircle rocky peaks and outcroppings,
as well as war heroes and heads of state from
testifying to the powerful magical energy in the vi-
ages past.
cinity-energy once harnessed by the ancients who
used to inhabit this area. Ko l l e m a Ha l l
Kollema Hall is a grand, multitiered gallery built
Pil l a r d r o p
into a large outcrop at the end of Effigy Row. Here,
Part natural chasm, part archaeological excavation,
Lorehold mages gather for large lectures. At the
and part new construction, Pillardrop is a series
center of the hall towers a magnificent statue of
of buildings excavated out of cliffs on the Lorehold
Kollema, a wise monastic who was one of the first
campus. Ruins and upgraded halls together are now
Lorehold professors.
used for research, classwork, and housing. Precar-
Chapter 5 includes a partial map of Kollema Hall.
ious bridges link one neighborhood of Pillardrop

Ma p i ,2: Lo r e h o l d Ca mp u s

m
<
u

CHAPTER I | LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN


15
The perspective of perfection focuses on tech-
nique, analysis, theory, aesthetics, and universal
principles. It embraces intellect over emotion,
strives to be thought-provoking and reflective, and
aspires to mastery. Its mages tend to use elemental
Pr is m a r i Co l l e g e forces of cold, water, and wind.
Prismari. the College of Elemental Arts, is devoted The perspective of expression instead empha-
to the study and practice of art intertwined with sizes the portrayal of personal emotional truths.
magic. The mage-students of Prismari wield magic Its mages value improvisation, innovation, and
in spectacles of creativity: masterpieces of showy, rule-breaking, and they often favor elemental magic
over-the-top magic. They use elemental magic to using fire, lightning, and earth.
express who they are and how they see the world,
Sc h o l a r s o f Pr is m a r i
often combining different types of energy—fire,
The Prismari Scholars table offers examples of the
water, air, earth, lightning, heat, cold—in powerful
scholars in Prismari College. You may use the table
expressions of conflict and harmony.
to randomly determine the scholarly focus of a Pris
St u d ie s and Ph il o s o ph y mari student or faculty member. The Principle col
umn notes which side of the perfection-expressk>:i
Prismari College is dedicated to the arts. Its schol- conflict a scholar more likely aligns with.
ars view art as the fundamental form of self-ex-
pression and magic as a tool, a medium, and an Pr is ma r i Sc h o l a r s
inspiration. Prismari studies focus on visual arts
d!2 Scholar Principle
(including architecture, painting, and sculpture) and
performing arts (such as dance, music, and theater). 1 Aesthemancer, studying abstract prin- Perfecti’ :

The curriculum overlaps with Lorehold in the field ciples of beauty for insight into the
of art history and with Silverquill in the literary arts, workings of the multiverse
and some students divide their time between Pris- 2 Electrovisionary, wielding the forms of Expression
mari and one of those other schools to pursue these lightning as a paintbrush
interdisciplinary fields. Prismari mages use magic 3 Flamesinger, combining fire and music Expression
to weave the elements into their creations; they
4 Geosculptor, using earth and lava in Expression
might juxtapose fire alongside paint, ceramics, or
volatile emotional displays
fabric, or they might choreograph elaborate works
that unite a dancer's movements with gusts and ed- 5 Heartrager, turning inner creative fire Expression
dies of air. into personal strength
6 Ice sculptor, crafting ice and cold into Perfection
Pe r f e c t io n a n d Ex pr e s s io n
immersive experiences
Prismari's two deans carry the titles Dean of Per-
fection and Dean of Expression, and they often 7 Mistmage, shaping cloud, fog, and Perfection

express the fundamental conflict of their philosophy mist into lasting sculptures
as perfection versus expression—or, sometimes, as 8 Muse channeler, projecting blasts of Expression
intellect versus emotion. What is the purpose of art? inspiration toward others
Is it to make people think things or make people feel 9 Opusmancer, creating magical effects Perfection
things? Is it supposed to be carefully thought out or on a monumental scale
raw and spontaneous? Is mastery of art a matter of
10 Spectacle mage, hurling stormy dis- Expression
honing precise techniques to a point of perfection or
plays into the sky
of perfectly expressing a raw emotional state? Does
art aspire to express universal truths or intensely 11 Waterbinder, shaping water into ani- Perfection
personal ones? mated elemental forms
12 Zephyrist, weaving wind with dance Perfection
Oc t a v ia , t h e Liv in g Th e s is
Crafted as a graduate's final project many years ago,
Octavia (a water elemental that looks like an enormous
Pr is m a r i Fa c u l t y
octopus) took up residence on campus and never left. This section describes noteworthy members of the
After all, in its humble opinion, every student deserves Prismari faculty. Some of them use a Prismari-spe-
cific stat block from chapter 7. Several of them are
incoherent, but really, Octavia is just a very concep-
tual thinker.
genasi, who are Humanoids touched by the Elemen-
w-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- tal Planes.

i6 CHAPTER 1 | LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN


Uv il d a Mis t c o il e r , De a n o f Pe r f e c t io n Nassari believes that true expression comes from
Uvilda Mistcoiler (neutral good genasi Prismari the heart. They encourage their students to treat the
professor of perfection) is the current Dean of Per- entire world as a canvas on which to spread emotion
fection. A master of artistic technique, Uvilda trains and excitement. Nassari takes little heed of Dean
with a range of elements whenever she isn’t focused Mistcoiler's quiet masterpieces and often feigns for-
on her teaching. She is known for giving students getfulness about Dean Mistcoiler’s very existence.
profoundly insightful feedback, which she tailors
to each individual. After a review, she often offers a Ve y r a n , Vo ic e of Du a l it y
small piece of advice that alters the student’s point In addition to being an accomplished elementalist,
of view and work forever—for the better. Veyran (chaotic good genasi Prismari professor of
Uvilda believes that good art comes from the perfection) serves as a mentor to many Prismari
head. To her, carefully measured strokes and delib- pledgemages. She advocates enthusiastically for
erate object placement make the difference between the importance of both passion and disciplined
fully realized art and a total mess. If Dean Nassari technique in any artistic pursuit. If a new student
interrupts her careful work with bombastic expres- is upset or overwhelmed, she eagerly calls forth
sions one more time, Uvilda is prepared to enroll in playful, beautiful elemental creatures to cheer up
Quandrix to learn how to shrink Nassari. the student.

Na s s a r i , De a n o f Ex pr e s s io n Za f f a i , Th u n d e r Co n d u c t or
Nassari (chaotic good genasi Prismari professor As soon as Zaffai (chaotic neutral human Prismari
of expression) is the current Dean of Expression. professor of expression) came of age, his parents
Nazzari always want to see art that is bigger, more sent him to Strixhaven, assuring him his budding
radical in concept, and more emotionally powerful. musical genius deserved the finest instruction in the
For their final project as a mage-student, Nassari world. (In truth, though he did possess prodigious
famously “turned in” an earthquake, which almost talent, they were also growing tired of their house
t
destroyed three campus buildings. The piece re- being randomly struck by lightning or engulfed in
o ceived a standing ovation from the mage-student cyclones whenever he practiced.) Even as he flour-
a.
body—and a grumpy thumbs down from the campus ished as both mage and musician, he discovered a
Q
construction golems. new aptitude: conducting.

CHAPTER 1 | LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN


17
In addition to teaching, he serves as Grand Co n j u r o t Ha l l
Maestro of Strixhaven's Orchestra of the Arcane, The center of the Prismari campus is Conjurot Hall,
an elite extracurricular activity for top Prismari a towering structure with a glassed-in observation
students. They practice only outdoors, and their area at the top. Constantly changing strands of ele-
concerts fill the sky with beautiful explosions of ele- mental energy encircle the structure. Artist-mages
mental magic. can see for miles from Conjurot’s main turret, and
the view has inspired many artistic creations.
Ar k in Min e x e s , Pe ppy In s t r u c t o r
Arkin (lawful good human Prismari professor of Opu s Wa l k
expression) is a newly hired instructor teaching a Hundreds of Prismari creations arc displayed along
few courses in choreography and dance ensembles. a path that winds through the central campus build-
He recently graduated from Strixhaven himself, ings, giving the path its name: Opus Walk. Some
and he bubbles with excitement at the prospect of famous pieces of magical art have been displayed
guiding a new generation of students on the course along Opus Walk for centuries, while other transit nt
of study he so greatly enjoyed. He particularly de- bursts of creativity last only a few moments.
lights in finding new ways to help students work
collaboratively to unlock the heights of their creative Fu r y g a l e
potential. At the outskirts of the Prismari campus, the ab
Characters might encounter Instructor Minexes in doned creations of thousands of past artist-ma*
chapter 6. have coalesced over the years into the notoriou
region of Furygale. Roped off by magical wards
Pr is m a r i Ca m pu s and warning signs. Furygale is several acres <>l
Southwest of the central campus, the Prismari ever-changing magical energy, gales of ice and v
campus—shown on map 1.3—is situated in a region and fire, and elementals gone rogue. While dan
of jagged rocks, rugged spires, and intense geother- ous, it also provides a source of wild inspiration,
mal activity. and it remains a popular spot for students who w
to duel without being interrupted by faculty.

Ma p 1.3: Pr is ma r i Ca mp u s

18 CHAPTER 1 I LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN


Sc h o l a r s of Qu a n d r ix
The Quandrix Scholars table offers examples of
the scholars in Quandrix College. You may use the
table to randomly determine the scholarly focus of a
Quandrix student or faculty member. The Principle
Qu a n d r ix Co l l e g e column notes which side of the substance-theory
Quandrix is the College of Numeromancy—a term conflict a scholar more likely aligns with.
that encompasses the study of patterns, fractals,
and symmetries to wield power over the funda- Qu a n d r ix Sc h o l a r s
mental mathematics of nature. Quandrix mages d8 Scholar Principle
can summon creatures made of fractals or turn 1 Abstractor, using magic to stretch the Theory
abstract theories into towering, spiraling patterns. possibilities of space
They love to expand and multiply; they can increase
2 Augmenter, making creatures and Substance
their knowledge or size by bending numbers. They
things larger
dwell in the overlap between the theoretical and the
natural—from the fabric of their robes to the nature 3 Fractalologist, creating beautiful illu- Theory
of their spells, they make use of repeated elements, sory patterns
clever symmetries, and surprising geometry to ex- 4 Mana scholar, studying snarls, ley- Substance
press the complex truths they study. lines, and star arches
5 Metamancer, studying metaphysics to Theory
St u d ie s a n d Ph il o s o ph y
alter reality
The studies undertaken within Quandrix College
6 Scale druid, manipulating the size of Substance
include mathematics, physics, logic, statistics, meta-
plants and animals
physics, and various fields of theoretical magic. Stu-
dents from the other colleges occasionally delve into 7 Sequence prophet, studying repeating Theory
Quandrix courses to bolster the theoretical under- patterns that bend the mind
pinnings of their studies, and Quandrix’s studies of 8 Vivifier, conjuring fractal creatures Substance
nature and Witherbloom’s explorations of practical based on biological life
biology have some significant overlap.
Su b s t a n c e and Th e o r y Qu a n d r ix Fa c u l t y __________ __
Quandrix’s two deans carry the titles Dean of Sub- This section describes noteworthy members of
stance and Dean of Theory, reflecting the philosoph- the Quandrix faculty. Some of them use a Quan-
ical division within the college. Is mathematics a drix-specific stat block from chapter 7.
natural force that exists in the universe independent
of the constructs of intelligent minds, or is it a the- Kia n n e , De a n of Su b s t a n c e
oretical framework created by those who study it? Brilliant and eccentric, Dean Kianne (neutral elf
Is the work of the scholar to discover what is or to Quandrix professor of substance) is one of the pre-
define what could be? eminent mana scholars of the world. She has visited
The perspective of substance emphasizes physical and studied countless bizarre magical phenomena,
reality. In this view, math is embodied in the natural from snarls to star arches to ancient shrines. She
forces of the multiverse, waiting to be discovered loves to share her wild theories with anyone who
by those with the intellectual fortitude to delve into will listen.
those secrets. Quandrix mages who embrace this Kianne believes in using mathematics to better
view use magic to bring numerical concepts to life, understand nature. She places an emphasis on prac-
creating or altering physical reality out of mathe- tical magic that improves daily life through applied
matical possibility. calculations. She rolls her eyes at Dean Imbraham’s
The perspective of theory focuses on the abstract theories, dismissing them as evidence that her fel-
realms of conjecture and possibility. Its scholars low dean lives in an imaginary world.
view math as a lens through which a mind can un-
derstand the cosmos, not something that exists in-
dependently in the world. Mages who embrace this
perspective use their spells to weave illusions and
manipulate the fabric of magic itself.

CHAPTER 1 | LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN 19


Im b r a h a m, De a n of Th e o r y Adrix and Nev now teach as a duo, blending mas-
Dean Imbraham (neutral owlin Quandrix profes- tery of both of Quandrix’s philosophical perspec-
sor of theory) is stern and shrewd, with a mind as tives. They constantly debate the merits of various
piercing as his curved beak. He is known for the esoteric mathematical principles, but if one of their
unnerving habit of fully rotating his head around to students is in danger, they leap into action in per-
address his students, while still rapidly chalking up fect harmony.
complex theorems and equations on a chalkboard.
De e k a h , Fr a c t a l Th e o r is t
Imbraham loves numbers more than people or the
Deekah (lawful neutral human Quandrix professor
out-of-doors; some say he hasn’t gone outside cer-
of theory) sees the world as an endless sequence
tain chambers of the Quandrix campus in years.
of interconnected equations, which to her is the
Imbraham wants nothing more than to crack the
most beautiful thing imaginable. She explores new
mysteries of the world through dauntingly complex
theorems by giving them physical form, and her
theories. He offers his students standing bounties
exquisite geometric creations are thrilling sights
on any of his unsolved equations.
on campus.
Ad r ix a n d Ne v , Tw in c a s t e r s
Ru x a , Pa t ie n t Pr o f e s s o r
The twins Adrix (neutral good triton Quandrix
Ruxa (neutral good Quandrix professor of sub-
professor of substance) and Nev (neutral good
stance) looks like a bipedal brown bear and knows
triton Quandrix professor of theory) grew up
that wild new theories, though exciting, are worth-
literally swimming in magic, in an ocean region
less without a deep understanding of the basics.
near a powerful magical snarl. At an early age, they
He teaches students of all levels, and even his most
began to see patterns in the tides and currents that
experienced pupils benefit from a much deeper un-
eluded even the most esteemed scholars of their
derstanding of the fundamental building blocks of
society. Once, they saved a hundred lives by pre-
the world.
dicting the sudden arrival of a tsunami, despite the
deceptively calm seas—washing away any doubts in
their prowess.

20 CHAPTER 1 I LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN


Qu a n d r ix Ca m pu s Esix, Fr ac t al Bl o o m
The Quandrix campus—shown on map 1.4—is situ- Tasked with devising an infinite equation, a group
ated in a coastal area to the northeast of the central of Quandrix students accidentally created Esix, a liv-
campus, surrounded by lush woodland and abun- ing theorem obsessed with infinity. Over the years,
a few professors have tried to deactivate it, but all
dant rivers and streams.
their formulas somehow end up dividing by zero
and fizzling out. Esix never seems to register these
To r u s Ha l l
would-be threats, as it remains consumed by its own
The central hall of Quandrix campus lies at the calculations.
end of a geometric series of walkways, terminat-
ing at ascending ramps to the towering building.
inner expanse called the Arithmodrome. From the
Inside. Torus Hall’s architecture is mapped to an
outside, the Arithmodrome looks like a large cube
ever-changing three-dimensional grid, which slowly
of water, ten feet on each side. The inside is an ap-
evolves. Some Quandrix faculty members insist that
parently boundless theory-space that suspends the
mage-students shouldn’t linger too long inside the
rules of reality. Mages use this space to explore the-
hall, lest its geometry eventually turn itself inside
oretical numerical possibilities.
out while students are still within it.
Th e Cu l t iv a r iu m
Th e Ar it h m o d r o m e
The Cultivarium is an eye-popping, sun-drenched
The Quandrix campus is alive with dynamic
garden of spiraling, cyclical plants and fractalized
sculptures made of water behaving in odd ways:
animals. Quandrix faculty members have repeatedly
cube-shaped fountains, arching aqueducts that taught growth spells in this part of campus, and
flow through the air, towers of solid-seeming water.
over the centuries, the area has come to intensify
One water structure holds a secret: a mysterious
any growth magic cast within it.

Ma p i .4: Qu a n d r ix Ca mp u s

a
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rn
s
VI
UJ
U

CHAPTER I | LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN 21


Sc h o l a r s of Sil v e r q u il l
The Silverquill Scholars table offers examples of
the scholars in Silverquill College. You may use the
table to randomly determine the scholarly focus of a
Silverquill student or faculty member. The Principle
Sil v e r q u il l Co l l e g e column notes which side of the radiance-shadow
Silverquill is the College of Eloquence, and its conflict a scholar more likely aligns with.
mages—stylish, intimidating, and driven—are
masters of the magic of words. They create spells Sil v e r q u il l Sc h o l a r s
from spoken-word battle poetry or magical mani- d8 Scholar Principle
festations of the written word, scribing patterns of 1 Bantermage, using incisive observa- Shadow
runic ink in the air. These mages make for natural tion to pierce rivals' confidence
leaders, fiercely competitive, with a piercing wit and
2 Duskmage, conjuring inky voids of Shadow
a never-second-place attitude.
shadow magic
St u d ie s and Ph il o s o ph y 3 Inkcaster, summoning living inklings Shadow

The curriculum of Silverquill College revolves to service


around words, encompassing literature (including 4 Lumimancer, bringing light to bear on Radiance
fiction, essays, drama, and poetry), languages, shameful situations and holding cor-
linguistics, oratory, rhetoric, and dramatic perfor- rupt institutions to account
mance. Students from other colleges often take 5 Shadewing, forming weapons from Shadow
Silverquill courses to improve their communication darkness to slice and stab at foes
skills, learning to speak and write more effectively
about their primary field of study. Silverquill and 6 Silvertongue, bathing others in the Radiance
light of inspiring words
Prismari see overlap in the area of performing arts,
with Silverquill emphasizing verbal performance 7 Vainglory, wielding the power of a per- Radiance
and Prismari focusing more on dance and other fectly crafted compliment to enhance
forms of movement. a person’s best qualities

Ra d ia n c e and Sh a d o w 8 Warsinger, stirring hearts through po- Radiance


etic performance and song
The two deans of Silverquill are called the Dean
of Radiance and the Dean of Shadow, highlighting
the college’s use of metaphor in describing its philo- Sil v e r q u il l Fa c u l t y
sophical differences. The metaphor of radiance and This section describes noteworthy members of the
shadow takes concrete form in Silverquill magic, Silverquill faculty. Some of them use a Silverquill-
as students learn to manifest brilliant light or inky specific stat block from chapter 7.
darkness with their spells. The fundamental argu-
ment among Silverquill’s scholars centers on the Sh a il e Ta l o n r o o k , De a n o f Ra d ia n c e
purpose of communication. Is it to help others or Dean Shaile Talonrook (lawful good owlin Silver-
further a personal agenda? Does literature selflessly quill professor of radiance) is a perennially op-
better society or selfishly advance one’s own goals? timistic orator. A master of literature, she often
The college’s perspective of radiance envisions quotes obscure passages from famous texts. Her
language as sunlight emanating from the speaker soul-filling advice and educated references have
or writer to illuminate others and make the world been known to make people literally glow.
a brighter place. Mages who embrace this view use Shaile believes that all people have the potential
their language skills—and their magic—to uplift and for good and wishes to teach her students how to
empower others, to shine light on the evils of soci- make the world a better place. She and Dean Lu
ety, and to inspire the best in those around them. often clash over Silverquill’s curriculum, but the bal-
The college’s perspective of shadow focuses on ance found between them is far more eloquent than
the power of language to stab, to expose stinging even their words can describe.
truths, and to obfuscate secrets. The magic of
shadow mages often manifests as bolts or blades of
darkness or blotches of flowing ink, and its effects
range from a sting of shame to an assault on the tar-
get’s 1’fe energy.

22
22 CHAPTER 1 | LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN

41*1 <
Dean Embrose Lu (lawful neutral human Silver- cruit her, threatening her students’ lives if she didn’t
quill professor of shadow) is a master poet whose comply. Within an hour, she convinced him to free
ink magic is merciless. Scant with praise and quick her, abandon his wicked ways, and seek wisdom
with a cutting remark, Dean Lu has seen many from the archaics.
mage-students scrub out of Strixhaven and has
nothing good to say about those who can’t hack it.
Nil s , Dis c ipl in e En f o r c e r
A cynic, Embrose believes that most people are Nils (lawful neutral human Silverquill professor of
in it for themselves. He demands his students learn radiance) is an optimist, as he believes in every stu-
how to use language-based magic to “get what they dent’s potential for greatness. However, this outlook
deserve.” While he often argues with Dean Talon- also means he’s constantly disappointed by their
rook, he holds a deep (if begrudging) respect for suboptimal choices, and he is well known for his
the owlin. strictness and abrupt scoldings.

Br e e n a , t h e De m a g o g u e Br e n n e t h Bl a c k s t o n e , Sc r ipt o l o g y St a r
Breena (neutral good owlin Silverquill profes- Brenneth Blackstone (neutral good dhampir Silver-
sor of shadow) has a talent for getting her way. If quill professor of shadow) is a rising star in the
she wants you to do something, you won’t just do study of magical writing and symbols. With a
it—you’ll be sure it was your idea all along. Her dynamic lecturing style, this dhampir—a partial
students and colleagues alike hang on her every vampire—attracts students from across Strixhaven
word, and in front of a crowd, she’s a powerhouse purely for his lessons’ value as performance art. He
of charisma, enhancing her speeches with elegant teaches a course in scrivening and scriptology that
swirls of ink magic. Though she’s an elite mage who characters take over the course of chapter 4.
a:
can easily hold her own in a fight, Breena prefers to
I defeat her foes with words alone.
2
s

CHAPTER 1 | LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN


23
Fa in , t h e Br o k e r Th e Ro s e St a g e
Lost an important textbook? Craving some rare del- The Rose Stage is a rotating circular platform on
icacy from home? Need something inconveniently the Silverquill campus. It has a backdrop of roses
forbidden? Enter Fain (neutral human Silverquill made of magical ink (tributes left by spectators of
professor of shadow). He has an extensive network past performances), which creates excellent acous-
of connections on and off campus, and he can pro- tics. Mage-students meet at the Rose Stage to prac-
cure just about anything—so long as you can afford tice performances, spar, or engage in honor duels.
his price. Faculty members often observe performances at the
Rose Stage, coaching the students in their magical
Sil v e r q u il l Ca m pu s ______________ and rhetorical displays.
The Silverquill campus—shown on map 1.5—is
Th e Dr a m a r iu m
located due north of the central Strixhaven campus
The Dramarium is a facility where Silverquill stu-
and looks much like an extension of it. Silverquill is
dents train in fitness, dance, martial arts, and other
the most urban of the five colleges, with a campus
acts of physical performance. Students can avail
that features buildings of stately elegance.
themselves of the preparation space called the Gray
Gr a n d l o f t Ha l l Room (actually a chain of rooms), which has hair
The main Silverquill building is Grandloft Hall, a and makeup salons, voice rehearsal booths, mir-
vast space with shafts of light streaking in from rored rehearsal spaces, and spa facilities. The back
the enchanted windowpanes far above. Grandloft of the Dramarium has a special sensory deprivation
teems with balconies, loges, booths, daises, and chamber for mage-students who want complete si-
other spaces where orators can perform their craft. lence in which to meditate.
Inklings, the college’s mascots, flit around the high
ceiling, and enchanted spotlights automatically fo-
cus on any mage who uses powerful magic.

Ma p 1.5: Sil v e r q u il l Ca mp u s

1 XSC

1
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I
CHAPTER 1 I LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN
24
Sc h o l a r s o f Wit h e r b l o o m
The Witherbloom Scholars table offers examples of
the scholars in Witherbloom College. You may use
the table to randomly determine the scholarly focus
of a Witherbloom student or faculty member. The
Wit h e r b l o o m Co l l e g e Principle column notes which side of the growth-de-
At Witherbloom, the College of Essence Studies, cay conflict a scholar more likely aligns with.
mages draw power from the opposing forces of
life and death. These mages brew their spells from Wit h e r b l o o m Sc h o l a r s
natural components and the essence of living crea- d8 Scholar Principle
tures, using that power to heal or harm the living or 1 Banelock, using concoctions of nox- Decay
to raise or entreat the dead. They can cause entire ious ingredients for withering magic
forests to blossom out of nowhere or call down
2 Bleed doctor, drain the essence of liv- Decay
old curses that scourge flesh from bone. Some
ing creatures to fuel sinister spells
Witherbloom mages defend ecosystems from pollu-
tion. while others revel in the power of corruption. 3 Boon witch, brewing drafts to em- Growth
They’re at home riding zombie crocodiles down a power the living
languid river, picking herbs for a potion to treat a 4 Boughcaller, summoning creatures Growth
disease, brooding over a chorus of swamp frogs, or from bogs
summoning fearsome avatars of nature. 5 Dreadbones, infusing dead tissue with Decay
St u d ie s a n d Ph il o s o ph y _ ____ magic to create Undead servants
6 Earthcroucher, connecting directly Growth
The curriculum of Witherbloom College focuses on
with the land to power nature magic
various sciences, revolving around the life sciences.
Biology, ecology, botany, chemistry, and related 7 Leafbinder, using medicinal herbs to Growth
sciences combine with the study and manipulation soothe wounds
of the magical energy of the Positive Plane and the 8 Pestcatcher, harvesting life energy Decay
Negative Plane, the primal forces of life and death. from the pests of the bayou
Witherbloom’s curriculum shares some overlap with
Quandrix’s analysis of the mathematical patterns
in nature.
Wit h er bl o o m Fa c u l t y
This section describes noteworthy members of
Gr o w t h a n d De c a y the Witherbloom faculty. Some of them use a
The two deans of Witherbloom are traditionally Witherbloom-specific stat block from chapter 7.
called the Dean of the Root and the Dean of the
Vein. These titles are a somewhat abstract way of Lis e t t e , De a n o f t h e Ro o t
framing the core division in the college’s philoso- Dean Lissette (neutral good human Witherbloom
phy: is growth or decay the driving force in nature? professor of growth) is a world-class healer and
The philosophy of the root (growth) focuses on herbalist; it’s even said she once cured the Lorehold
life and its irrepressible drive to thrive. This view founder dragon of a secret illness. Lisette’s classes
celebrates the diversity and adaptability of life- lean more toward demonstration and hands-on ex-
forms, from the tiniest cells to the most complex perience than lectures. When Lisette speaks, her
networks of living things. The growth philosophy words are soft and full of colorful metaphors.
asserts that the urge to survive and reproduce is the Lisette believes in preserving nature and life, and
most essential principle in the cosmos. Mages who she instills in her students a respect for all living
adopt this view wield positive energy and practice things. While Dean Valentin’s exploitation of living
healing magic. creatures disgusts her, she also knows she can use
The philosophy of the vein (decay) focuses on the the results of his cruelty to help future lives.
inevitability of death and decay. Its traditional name
comes from the prominence of vampires within the Va l e n t in , De a n of t he Ve in
college, whose conceptions of draining life through Dean Valentin (neutral vampire) is ancient and
the vein have long proven an important counter- drinks the blood of living creatures throughout the
weight to the growth philosophy of Witherbloom. bayou. Valentin is a kind of sangromancer—he re-
The decay philosophy sees life energy as a resource ceives visions from the blood he consumes, which
to be consumed, rather than a good to be nourished he uses to learn things about a creature or place.
for its own sake. Mages who adopt this view wield He has no qualms about exploiting the bayou’s crea-
negative energy and practice necromancy. tures for personal gain.

CHAPTER 1 | LIFE AT STR1XHAVEN 25


He and Dean Lisette often clash over his cavalier It’s tough to study the secrets of life and death with-
treatment of animals, but that hasn’t stopped her out getting your hands dirty—which is the first thing
from using his discoveries for her research. Tivash (neutral human Witherbloom professor of
decay) teaches Witherbloom students. Some call
Wil l o w d u s k , Es s e n c e Se e r the forces he manipulates evil, but he asserts that
No one knows how old Willowdusk (neutral good power is only as good or evil as how you use it.
treant) really is. This professor of growth claims to
be older than Strixhaven itself, and although many Ve r e l d a La n g , Ar c a n o -Bio l o g is t
suspect that she exaggerates, no one else who has Verelda Lang (chaotic neutral dryad) is a respected
lived long enough to refute her cares to do so. Many Witherbloom professor of growth who teaches in-
years ago, a group of rebellious students got lost in troductory courses in magical physiologies, helping
Detention Bog and took shelter in what turned out students in every college learn about the many un-
to be Willowdusk’s roots. She protected them from usual creatures they’re likely to encounter, whatever
a pack of hungry groffs and shepherded them back the students’ field of study. Her research extends
to Widdershins Hall, offering a lecture on proper to the vital functions of fractal creatures and other
herb-gathering practices during the journey. artificial life-forms, leading her to teach courses at
Her lessons proved so effective that she was asked Quandrix College as well.
to stay as a professor. She loves passing on her Characters have multiple opportunities to study
knowledge of medicinal herbs, pest mascot culti- with Professor Lang in chapters 3 and 6.
vation, and dissection techniques to generations of
new students, and she almost always has a pot of
tea brewing.
i
5

CHAPTER 1 I LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN


26
Ye d o r a , Gr a v e Ga r d e n e r swamp creatures: bats, crocodilian monsters, zom-
Ycdora (neutral treant) is the head groundskeeper bified animals, lumbering beasts called brackish
and unofficial undertaker of Strixhaven. Students trudges, and canine creatures called groffs (brack-
and graduates often wish to spend their afterlife at ish trudges and groffs are described in chapter 7).
their beloved university, and she honors that wish. Sedgemoor is an excellent place to find pest mas-
Each tree she plants represents the essence of a cots, herbs, spider silk, fungi, and other ingredients
fallen mage, and she remembers them all by name. for potions and spells.
Characters have the opportunity to explore
Gy o m e , Ma s t e r Ch e f Sedgemoor in chapter 3.
Anyone who thinks a troll can't be a great chef has
never met Gyome (neutral troll). He combines local WlDDERSHINS HALL
ingredients with flavors from his homeland into an The center of the Witherbloom campus is Widdersh-
ever-changing menu of delicacies. Students from ins Hall, a bog mansion that looks like it grew out of
every college trek through Sedgemoor in droves for Sedgemoor itself. Widdershins is a network of inter-
his food. The only complaint he ever receives is that connected wooden pods, with planked walkways
he gives out unreasonably large portions. leading out of it like tendrils. The hall has a cozy
inner chamber where students gather for classwork.
Wit h e r b l o o m Ca m pu s
De t e n t io n Bo g
Withcrbloom’s campus—shown on map 1.6—is
A stinking, thoroughly unpleasant marshland lies
tucked away in a wide bayou to the southeast of
adjacent to Sedgemoor: the Detention Bog. Wither-
Strixhaven’s central campus. Wiltroot Hall is de-
bloom faculty members send misbehaving students
scribed in chapter 4.
to this bog as punishment, but it’s also an excellent
Se d g e m o o r place to gather herbs for certain cures and curses.
Sedgemoor, the bayou area that encompasses The adventure presented in chapter 6 offers char-
the Withcrbloom campus, is known for a range of acters the opportunity to enter this bog.

Ma p i .6- Wit h er bl o o m Ca mp u s

I
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i
s
s
I
CHAPTER 1 | LIFE AT STRIXHAVEN 27
A GROUP of St r ix h a v e n s t u d e n t s —e a c h f r om

a d if f e r e n t c o l l eg e —d e s c e n d INTO THE
DEPTHS BELOW AN ANCIENT RUIN.
G n A P IE 1< 2

Ch a r a c t e r Opt io n s
^-^=3=* HE CAMPUS OF STRIXHAVEN DRAWS A Cr e a t u r e Ty pe
2 I student body from across the world—or Every creature in D&D, including every player char-
many worlds. With your DM’s permission, acter, has a special tag in the rules that identifies the
you can create just about any Strixhaven type of creature they are. Most player characters,
character you can imagine, drawing on player char- including owlin, are of the Humanoid type. Creature
acter rules from the Player's Handbook and other types don’t have rules themselves, but some rules in
D&D books. This chapter adds to that wealth of op- the game affect creatures of certain types in differ-
tions with the material in the following sections: ent ways. For example, the text of the cure wounds
“Race Option” presents the owlin, a character race spell specifies that the spell doesn’t work on a crea-
option perfect for playing an owl-like student. ture that has the Construct type.
“Choosing a College” gives advice on building a Lif e Spa n
character for adventuring in Strixhaven. The typical life span of a player character in D&D
“Strixhaven Backgrounds ” presents a background is about a century, assuming the character doesn’t
option for each Strixhaven college, linking a char- meet a violent end on an adventure.
acter to one of the five colleges.
“Feats” offers Strixhaven-thcmed feats for use with He ig h t a n d We ig h t
A Curriculum of Chaos and other adventures. Player characters, including owlin, typically fall into
“Spells” reveals some spells that were developed at the same ranges of height and weight that humans
the university. have in our world. If you’d like to determine your
“Magic Items” collects magic items that Strixhaven character's height or weight randomly, consult the
students might acquire on their adventures. Random Height and Weight table in the Player's
Handbook, and choose the row in the table that best
Ra c e Opt io n represents the build you imagine for your character.
The owlin is a race option for player characters in
OWLIN______________________________
Strixhaven and other D&D settings.
Distant kin of giant owls from the Feywild, owlin
Cr e a t in g Yo u r Ch a r a c t e r come in many shapes and sizes, from petite and
If you create an owlin character, follow these addi- fluffy to wide-winged and majestic. Owlin have arms
tional rules during character creation. and legs like other Humanoids, as well as wings
that extend from their back and shoulders.
Ab il it y Sc o r e In c r e a s e s Like owls, owlin are graced with feathers that
When determining your character’s ability scores, make no sound when they move or fly, making it
increase one of those scores by 2 and increase a dif- easy for them to sneak up on you in the library.
ferent score by 1, or increase three different scores Your owlin character might be nocturnal. Or per-
by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method haps your character is simply prone to rise later,
you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or embodying the common nickname of night owl.
point buy.
The “Quick Build” section for your character’s Ow l in Tr a it s
class offers suggestions on which scores to in- You have the following racial traits.
crease. You’re free to follow those suggestions or Creature Type. You are a Humanoid.
to ignore them. Whichever scores you decide to in- Size. You are Medium or Small. You choose the
crease, none of the scores can be raised above 20. size when you select this race.
Speed. Your walking speed is 30 feet.
La n g u a g e s Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 120
Your character can speak, read, and write Common feet of yourself as if it were bright light and in dark-
and one other language that you and your DM agree ness as if it were dim light. You discern colors in
is appropriate for the character. The Player's Hand- that darkness only as shades of gray.
o
g book offers a list of widespread languages to choose
from. The DM is free to add or remove languages
CD

5
5
s from that list for a particular campaign.

CHAPTER 2 | CHARACTER OPTIONS


29
Flight. Thanks to your wings, you have a flying A St r ix h a v e n Pa r t y
speed equal to your walking speed. You can't use
If you’re starting a Strixhaven campaign with the intro-
this flying speed if you’re wearing medium or ductory adventure in chapter 3, that adventure gives all
heavy armor. the advice you need to bring a party of characters to-
Silent Feathers. You have proficiency in the gether. The adventure assumes that the characters are
Stealth skill. first-year students who are participating in orientation
activities together.

Ch o o s in g a Co l l e g e If you start the campaign at higher level, using one of


the adventures in later chapters of this book (or an ad-
At Strixhaven, students choose their colleges at the venture of your DM’s creation), give some thought to
start of their second year. But even during a charac- what has brought your characters together as a group.
ter’s first year, you make college-related decisions The easiest explanation is that you met as first-year
for your character, such as a background choice. students, perhaps living in the same residence hall or
taking the same classes, or united by a common extra-
From the start, your character is making decisions curricular interest.
that will lead to their eventual college choice. It’s also possible that your characters are just meet-
Chapter 1 describes each of the colleges. How do ing for the first time. The events of the adventure
you decide which of these colleges is right for your might throw you together more or less at random. You
character? Consider these approaches: could all be taking the same class, you might be work-
ing the same campus job, or you could be introduced
• Read the college descriptions in chapter 1, and by mutual friends.
choose the college that appeals to you.
• Read the descriptions of backgrounds and feats
in this chapter. If one of them catches your eye,
choose that college.
. If you have access to Ma g ic : Th e Ga t h e r in g
cards from the Strixhaven set, find a card that ap- I
peals to you and build that character.
I
30 CHAPTER 2 | CHARACTER OPTIONS

V ■’U % .■ t Mai
St r ix h a v e n Ba c k g r o u n d s Bu il d in g a Lo r e h o l d Ch a r a c t e r
Any class or subclass that deals with knowledge of
This section presents five backgrounds that you can
the past can be a good fit in Lorehold. Bards thrive
choose to reflect your character’s studies preparing
in Lorehold, and wizards (particularly those of the
to enter one of Strixhaven’s colleges. You aren’t
School of Divination) are numerous among its stu-
limited to these backgrounds in a Strixhaven cam-
dents. Clerics (often with the Knowledge or Light
paign; they’re just one way you can choose to dive
domains) are also quite common.
deeply into your character’s college affiliation.
For a more unusual take on a Lorehold student,
If you do choose one of these backgrounds, you
you could consider playing a barbarian with a pri-
can assume that your life to this point has been con-
mal connection to the past (perhaps adopting the
sumed by the education that has made enrolling at
Path of the Ancestral Guardian from Xanathar’s
Strixhaven possible for you, and you might not have
Guide to Everything) or a paladin whose Oath of the
much experience of the world beyond that prepara-
Ancients gives a concrete link to history.
tory work. You’re ready to excel as a student—and
Suggested Characteristics. Methodical histo-
that, in turn, will prepare you to excel at whatever
rians and daring adventurers alike can be found
path comes after graduation.
among the ranks of Lorehold college. The Lorehold
Lo r e h o l d St u d e n t Personality Traits table suggests a variety of traits
you might adopt for your character.
You have spent your youth preparing to be a student
of Lorehold College, reading every book on the col- Lo r eh o l d Pe r s o n a l it y Tr a it s
lege's recommended reading list for prospective stu-
d6 Personality Trait
dents. Your academic passions are in the broad field
1 I thrive on esoteric lore. The more obscure the his-
of history. You might dream of using magic to con-
torical references I can include in everyday conver-
tact great historical figures or your own ancestors or
of recreating the mighty magic of a distant age. sation, the better.
2 By searching for these lost artifacts, I hope to find
Skill Proficiencies: History, Religion
who I really am along the way.
Languages: Two of your choice
Equipment: A bottle of black ink, an ink pen, a 3 I can barely go a minute without talking about my

hammer, a hooded lantern, a tinderbox, a tome research. I have so much knowledge in my head,
of history, a school uniform, and a pouch con- and it needs to be let out somewhere!
taining 15 gp 4 The spirits of the dead are so much more interest-
ing to talk with than living classmates.
Fe a t u r e: Lo r e h o l d In it ia t e
5 I can speak eloquently about the historical ramifica-
You gain the Strixhaven Initiate feat (presented later
tions of an ancient war. But ask me to add two-digit
in the chapter) and must choose Lorehold within it.
numbers together, and I’m a mess.
In addition, if you have the Spellcasting or Pact
Magic feature, the spells on the Lorehold Spells 6 In the end, it’s all just entropy. Everything falls
table are added to the spell list of your spellcasting apart someday.
class. (If you are a multiclass character with multi-
Lorehold Trinkets. When you make your char-
ple spell lists, these spells are added to all of them.)
acter, you may roll once on the Lorehold Trinkets
Lo r eh o l d Sp e l l s table, instead of on the Trinkets table in the Player’s
Handbook, for your starting trinket.
Spell Level Spells
1st Comprehend Languages, Identify Lo r eh o l d Tr in k e t s
2nd Borrowed Knowledge (in this book), d6 Trinket
Locate Object 1 A map made of concentric circles that can be ro-
3rd Speak with Dead, Spirit Guardians tated around the page
4th Arcane Eye, Stone Shape 2 A puzzle box bedecked with amber
5th Flame Strike, Legend Lore 3 A dented brass compass with a red needle
4 The head of a broken statue that houses the con-
Consider customizing how your spells look when
sciousness of a snarky sage
you cast them. Your Lorehold spells might create
displays of golden light. You might use a tome or a 5 A sheet of parchment embossed with tactile letter-
scroll as a spellcasting focus, and your spell effects ing, glowing red
might reflect the appearance of the reference books 6 A broken dagger with a wavy blade and a serpen-
you study. tine hilt

CHAPTER 2 | CHARACTER OPTIONS 31


Pr ism a r i St u d e n t Pr is ma r i Spe l l s
You are an artist, and you have been preparing to Spell Level Spells
hone your craft according to the traditions of Pris- 1st Chromatic Orb, Thunderwave
mari College. Whatever your medium—sculpture, 2nd Flaming Sphere, Kinetic Jaunt (in this book)
dance, paint, music, drama, architecture, or any
3rd Haste, Water Walk
other field—you have grand visions of bringing your
4th Freedom of Movement, Wall of Fire
art to life in a fusion of magic and creativity.
5th Cone of Cold, Conjure Elemental
Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Performance
Tool Proficiencies: One type of musical instrument Consider customizing how your spells look when
or artisan’s tools you cast them. You might wield your Prismari spells
Languages: One of your choice with dynamic, gestural movement—as much dance
Equipment: A bottle of black ink, an ink pen, a set as somatic component. Even a blast of fire in your
of artisan’s tools or a musical instrument (one of hands is a sculpted work of art; elemental forces
your choice), a school uniform, and a pouch con- make grand designs as you hurl spells. These forces
taining 10 gp might linger on your body or in your clothes as dec-
orative elements after your spells are dissipated,
Fe a t u r e : Pr is m a r i In it ia t e as sparks dance in your hair and your touch leaves
You gain the Strixhaven Initiate feat (presented later tracings of frost on whatever you touch.
in the chapter) and must choose Prismari within it.
In addition, if you have the Spellcasting or Pact Bu il d in g a Pr is m a r i Ch a r a c t e r
Magic feature, the spells on the Prismari Spells Any class or subclass that wields elemental forces
table are added to the spell list of your spellcasting of cold, fire, lightning, and wind can be a good fit in MJ

class. (If you are a multiclass character with multi- Prismari. Druids and sorcerers are common in Pris-
X
K

ple spell lists, these spells are added to all of them.) mari, and wizards who study the Schools of Evo- IM
iz>
-z

cation or Transmutation are also well represented. IM


U’

CHAPTER 2 I CHARACTER OPTIONS


32
Clerics aren't very common in this school, but some Qu a n d r ix St u d en t _ _______
with the Tempest domain end up here.
In preparation to become a student of Quandrix Col-
Beyond the ranks of traditional spellcasters, Lo-
lege, you have spent years working through the col-
rehold students also include monks who follow the
lege’s math problems for prospective students. Your
Way of the Four Elements. Some acrobatic rogues
interests concentrate on the mathematical princi-
and fighters (including those who emulate the ar-
ples and patterns found in the natural world. You
chetype of the Eldritch Knight) also delight in the
might lean more toward mathematics or physics, or
athleticism of Prismari performance.
you delve into more abstract studies of metaphysics,
Suggested Characteristics. Though the curric-
arcana, or logic.
ulum of Prismari College attracts many outgoing
and driven artists, the school has no shortage of Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Nature
shy scholars and lackadaisical blowhards among Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools
its ranks. The Prismari Personality Traits table Languages: One of your choice
suggests a variety of traits you might adopt for your Equipment: A bottle of black ink, an ink pen, an
character. abacus, a book of arcane theory, a school uniform,
and a pouch containing 15 gp
Pr is ma r i Pe r s o n a l it y Tr a it s
d6 Personality Trait
Fe a t u r e : Qu a n d r ix In it ia t e
You gain the Strixhaven Initiate feat (presented later
1 I'm the life of the party, and I expect everyone's at-
in the chapter) and must choose Quandrix within it.
tention when I walk into a room.
In addition, if you have the Spellcasting or Pact
2 Two weeks ago, I was enthralled with my latest Magic feature, the spells on the Quandrix Spells
project. Now, I think it’s garbage and deserves to table are added to the spell list of your spellcasting
be destroyed. class. (If you are a multiclass character with multi-
3 I believe everyone has the ability to express their ple spell lists, these spells are added to all of them.)
truest selves through art, and I’m happy to quietly
Qu a n d r ix Sp e l ls
push them in the right direction.
4 Everyone is a critic, and I work to win them all over.
Spell Level Spells
5 I’m beset with such an overwhelming sense of 1st Entangle, Cuiding Bolt

ennui regarding my art. Nothing quite captures my 2nd Enlarge/Reduce, Vortex Warp (in this book)
attention anymore. 3rd Aura of Vitality, Haste
6 Instead of confronting my negative emotions, I 4th Control Water, Freedom of Movement
channel them into explosive artistic displays. 5th Circle of Power, Passwall

Prismari Trinkets. When you make your char- Consider customizing how your spells look when
acter, you may roll once on the Prismari Trinkets you cast them. Your Quandrix spells might manifest
table, instead of on the Trinkets table in the Player’s amid kaleidoscopic swirls of fractal patterns, ampli-
Handbook, for your starting trinket. fying the tiniest movements of your somatic compo-
nents. When your magic creates or alters creatures,
Pr is ma r i Tr in k e t s it might briefly surround the targets with shimmer-
d6 Trinket ing fractal designs or tessellated patterns.
1 A pair of rose-tinted glasses with glittery frames
Bu il d in g a Qu a n d r ix Ch a r a c t e r
2 A stoppered glass bottle that, when opened, plays
Any spellcasting class or subclass can work well
a brassy orchestral piece
for a Quandrix character. Both the scholarly focus
3 A quartet of hovering water motes in a vial
of wizards (especially those who study the Schools
4 A bandolier of watercolor paints of Abjuration, Illusion, or Transmutation) and the
5 A tiara capped with a crystal that crackles with metamagic manipulations of sorcerers are welcome
harmless lightning in Quandrix, and many druids explore the patterns
6 An iridescent quill of nature in Quandrix as well. A few clerics, particu-
larly those with the Knowledge or Nature domains,
study in Quandrix as well.
Aside from traditional spellcasters, a few charac-
ters of other classes find homes in Quandrix. Some
fighters, monks, rangers, and rogues study here,
using Quandrix principles to train their minds.

CHAPTER 2 | CHARACTER OPTIONS


33
Suggested Characteristics. With subjects rang- Quandrix Trinkets. When you make your char-
ing from the physical and tangible to the paradox- acter, you may roll once on the Quandrix Trinkets
ical and strange, the student body of Quandrix table, instead of on the Trinkets table in the Player’s
College includes an eclectic mix of individuals. The Handbook, for your starting trinket.
Quandrix Personality Traits table suggests a variety
of traits you might adopt for your character. Qu a n d r ix Tr in k e t s
d6 Trinket
Qu a n d r ix Pe r s o n a l it y Tr a it s 1 A small succulent in a dodecahedral clay pot
d6 Personality Trait 2 A blue knit hat that looks a bit like a bottle folding
1 When I find a subject I’m interested in, I won’t stop in on itself
studying until I know everything about it. It keeps
3 A model hypercube carved from green crystal,
me up at night. showcasing the fourth dimension
2 I hope this all makes sense to me one day. Until 4 A crumpled test on the theory of gravity manipula-
then, I'm going to keep faking it. tion, with a failing grade on the front and the name
3 Equations and patterns come naturally to my mind. of a famous Quandrix professor
I wish friendship came just as easily. 5 A blue tetrahedron that, when tapped twice, proj-
4 I believe I’m always the smartest person in the ects a recording of an old mathematics lecture
room. And I’ll prove it, even if no one asks me to. 6 A round bread roll cut so that someone could
5 If these classes have taught me anything, it’s that spread butter on both halves without ever lifting
reality is a lie, and nothing matters. So why bother? 3
the knife
6 Before I graduate, I want to achieve something I
mathematically impossible. I must leave a legacy!
I

CHAPTER 2 I CHARACTER OPTIONS


34
SlLVERQUILL STUDENT_________________ A number of both paladins and rogues attend Sil-
You have spent years practicing your writing and
verquill College as well, highlighting the diversity of
the student body.
oration in the hope of becoming a student of Sil-
Suggested Characteristics. With the college’s
verquill College. Your studies focus on language,
intense standards looming over them, Silverquill
literature, and the power of words, both magical and
students range from cocky and cutthroat to over-
otherwise. The metaphorical power of words to illu-
whelmed perfectionists. The Silverquill Personality
minate or conceal is joined with the literal ability of
Traits table suggests a variety of traits you might
magic to do the same in your academic pursuits.
adopt for your character.
Skill Proficiencies: Intimidation, Persuasion
Languages: Two of your choice
Equipment: A bottle of black ink, an ink pen, a Personality Trait
book of poetry, a school uniform, and a pouch con-
taining 15 gp
high social status.
Fe a t u r e : Sil v e r q u il l In it ia t e 2 I prefer saying the blunt truth over a pretty lie, and
You gain the Strixhaven Initiate feat (presented later I don’t particularly care whose feelings I hurt.
3 I believe that uplifting my peers is the best way to
In addition, if you have the Spellcasting or Pact succeed.
Magic feature, the spells on the Silverquill Spells 4 I’ve mastered the art of using humor as a defense,
table are added to the spell list of your spellcasting and I always have a charming joke ready.
class. (If you are a multiclass character with multi-
5 I always wait before speaking, analyzing the situa-
ple spell lists, these spells are added to all of them.)
tion for whichever angle is most advantageous to
Sil v e r q u il lSpe l l s my goals.

Spell Level Spells 6 No one knows about the all-nighters I've pulled to
keep my magic looking effortless, and I’m going to
1st Dissonant Whispers,
keep it that way.
Silvery Barbs (in this book)
2nd Calm Emotions, Darkness Silverquill Trinkets. When you make your char-
3rd Beacon of Hope, Daylight acter, you may roll once on the Silverquill Trinkets
4th Compulsion, Confusion
table, instead of on the Trinkets table in the Player’s
Handbook, for your starting trinket.
5th Dominate Person, Rary's Telepathic Bond

Consider customizing how your spells look when


you cast them. Your Silverquill spells might be ac- Trinket
companied by visual effects resembling splotches of A black leather notebook filled with half-finished
ink or radiating ripples of golden light. Any auditory poems
effects of your spells often sound like amplified 2 A set of flashcards detailing different colloquial-
echoes of your own voice speaking the spells’ verbal isms and their meanings
components—even amid the crash of lightning or a
3 A canteen that makes any liquid drunk from it taste
fiery eruption.
sweet
Bu il d in g a Sil v e r q u il l Ch a r a c t er 4 A forged permission slip granting access to the
Many bards find a home in Silverquill, putting the special archives of Strixhaven’s libraries
power of their voices to use with Silverquill magic. 5 A stylish silver pin that references a famous series
Wizards (especially those who study the Schools of of novels about warlocks
Illusion and Enchantment) are common in Silver-
6 A stack of small pieces of parchment, each en-
quill, as are warlocks. Clerics with the Divine Do-
chanted to stick to whatever surface it's pressed
mains of Light and Trickery also fit in well among
the mages of Silverquill. against and peel off easily

CHAPTER 2 | CHARACTER OPTIONS


35
Wit h er bl o o m St u d en t Suggested Characteristics. Students of Wither-
bloom College are equally likely to be found picking
You filled your childhood with rudimentary alchem- herbs for a healing tincture or riding zombified
ical experiments, all in the hope of becoming a stu- swamp beasts through the bayou. The Witherbloom
dent of Witherbloom College. The life sciences are Personality Traits table suggests a variety of traits
the focus of your reading, which include biology and you might adopt for your character.
necromancy. Brewing strange concoctions with me-
dicinal properties, exploring the anatomies of mon- Wit h er bl o o m Pe r s o n a l it y Tr a it s
sters, and cataloging swamp flora are the kinds of
d6 Personality Trait
studies you might pursue at Witherbloom College.
1 I love brewing up a new recipe, even if some might
Skill Proficiencies: Nature, Survival be repulsed by my choice of ingredients. Or the
Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism kit final product. Or both.
Languages: One of your choice
2 My fashion sense is like my garden: withered,
Equipment: A bottle of black ink, an ink pen, a
black, and weird.
book about plant identification, an iron pot, an
herbalism kit. a school uniform, and a pouch con- 3 I’m going to befriend every single monster in this

taining 15 gp swamp if it's the last thing I do.


4 Everything in this world dies eventually. The ques-
Fe a t u r e : Wit h e r b l o o m In it ia t e tion is, what will you do with the time you have left?
You gain the Strixhaven Initiate feat (presented
5 I know we just met, but when you die, may I have
later in the chapter) and must choose Witherbloom
your bones? For research.
within it.
In addition, if you have the Spellcasting or Pact 6 Don’t interrupt me; I’m brooding.

Magic feature, the spells on the Witherbloom Spells Witherbloom Trinkets. When you make your
table are added to the spell list of your spellcasting character, you may roll once on the Witherbloom
class. (If you are a multiclass character with multi- Trinkets table, instead of on the Trinkets table in the
ple spell lists, these spells are added to all of them.) Player's Handbook, for your starting trinket.
Wit h er bl o o m Sp e l l s Wit h er bl o o m Tr in k e t s
Spell Level Spells d6 Trinket
1st Cure Wounds, Inflict Wounds 1 A black bird-shaped mask, trimmed with glowing
2nd Lesser Restoration, green thread
Wither and Bloom (in this book) 2 A set of rabbit bones
3rd Revivify, Vampiric Touch 3 A pair of thick knee-high waders, stained with muck
4th Blight, Death Ward and moss
5th Antilife Shell, Greater Restoration 4 A slimy green tentacle, which occasionally wriggles
5 A notebook containing waterproof paper
Consider customizing how your spells look when
you cast them. Your Witherbloom spells might rely 6 A necklace of five small vials, each filled with lumi-

on material components or a spellcasting focus nescent white liquid


drawn from the swamp environment of Wither-
bloom, and your spells might take on an appearance
suggesting those natural elements. Spectral shapes
Fe a t s
of swamp animals or plants might form amid your This section introduces feats that give your char-
spell effects. acter benefits associated with the colleges of Strix-
haven. These feats are available to you whenever
Bu il d in g a Wit h e r b l o o m Ch a r a c t e r you normally choose a feat, and they follow the feat
Druids and warlocks make up most of Wither- rules in the Player’s Handbook.
bloom’s student body. A few wizards (mostly those
who study the School of Necromancy) and clerics Fe a t De s c r ipt io n s
(including those with the Divine Domains of Life or These feats are presented in alphabetical order.
Nature) also find their home in Witherbloom.
A number of rangers and barbarians study at St r ix h a v e n In it ia t e
Witherbloom as well, and some rogues learn how You have studied some magical theory and have
to create and use poisons during their studies at learned a few spells associated with Strixhaven
this college. University.

CHAPTER 2 I CHARACTER OPTIONS


36
Choose one of Strixhaven’s colleges: Lorehold,
Prismari, Quandrix, Silverquill, or Witherbloom.
Spe l l s
You learn two cantrips and one lst-level spell based Created at Strixhaven, the spells presented in this
on the college you choose, as specified in the Strix- section are available to the backgrounds offered in
haven Spells table. this chapter. The spells also appear on the class
You can cast the chosen lst-level spell without a spell lists indicated in the Spells table below.
spell slot, and you must finish a long rest before you
Sp e l l s
can cast it in this way again. You can also cast the
spell using any spell slots you have. Level Spell School Class
Your spellcasting ability for this feat’s spells is In- 1st Silvery Barbs Enchantment Bard, Sorcerer,
telligence, Wisdom, or Charisma (choose when you Wizard
select this feat). 2nd Borrowed Divination Bard, Cleric,
Knowledge Warlock, Wizard
St r ix h a v e n Sp e l l s
2nd Kinetic Jaunt Transmutation Artificer* Bard,
College Cantrips Ist-Level Spell
Sorcerer, Wizard
Lorehold Choose two from Choose one 1st-
2nd Vortex Warp Conjuration Artificer*
light, sacred fame, and level cleric or wizard
Sorcerer, Wizard
thaumaturgy. spell.
2nd Wither and Necromancy Druid, Sorcerer,
Prismari Choose two from fre Choose one 1st-
Bloom Wizard
bolt, prestidigitation, level bard or sor-
and ray offrost. *The artificer class appears in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
cerer spell.
and Eberron: Risingfrom the Last War.
Quandrix Choose two from druid- Choose one 1st-
craft, guidance, and level druid or wizard
mage hand. spell.
Spe l l De s c r ipt io n s
Silverquill Choose two from sacred Choose one 1st- These spells are presented in alphabetical order.
fame, thaumaturgy, level bard or cleric Bo r r o w e d Kn o w l e d g e
and vicious mockery. spell. 2nd-Level Divination
Wither- Choose two from chill Choose one 1st-
Casting Time: 1 action
bloom touch, druidcraft, and level druid or wizard
Range: Self
spare the dying. spell. Components: V, S, M (a book worth at least 25 gp)
Duration: 1 hour
St r ix h a v e n Ma s c o t You draw on knowledge from spirits of the past.
Prerequisite: 4th Level, Strixhaven Initiate Feat
Choose one skill in which you lack proficiency. For
You have learned how to summon a Strixhaven the spell’s duration, you have proficiency in the cho-
mascot to assist you, granting you these benefits: sen skill. The spell ends early if you cast it again.
• You can cast the find familiar spell as a ritual. Kin e t ic Ja u n t
Your familiar can take the form of the mascot 2nd-Level Transmutation
associated with the college you chose for the
Strixhaven Initiate feat: a spirit statue mascot Casting Time: 1 bonus action
(Lorehold), an art elemental mascot (Prismari), Range: Self
a fractal mascot (Quandrix), an inkling mascot Components: S
(Silverquill), or a pest mascot (Witherbloom). Stat Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
blocks for these creatures appear in chapter 7. You magically empower your movement with dance-
• When you take the Attack action on your turn, you like steps, giving yourself the following benefits for
can forgo one attack to allow your mascot familiar the duration:
to make one attack of its own with its reaction.
• If your mascot familiar is within 60 feet of you, • Your walking speed increases by 10 feet.
you can teleport as an action, swapping places • You don’t provoke opportunity attacks.
with the familiar. If your destination space is too • You can move through the space of another crea-
small for you to occupy, the teleportation fails and ture, and it doesn’t count as difficult terrain. If you
is wasted. Once you teleport in this way, you can’t end your turn in another creature’s space, you are
do so again until you finish a long rest, unless shunted to the last unoccupied space you occu-
you expend a spell slot of 2nd level or higher to pied, and you take ld8 force damage.
do it again.

CHAPTER 2 | CHARACTER OPTIONS 37


Sil v e r y Ba r b s and regain a number of hit points equal to the roll
Ist-Level Enchantment plus your spellcasting ability modifier.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell us-
Casting Time: 1 reaction, which you take when a
ing a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage
creature you can see within 60 feet of yourself
increases by 1 d6 for each slot above 2nd, and the
succeeds on an attack roll, an ability check, or a
number of Hit Dice that can be spent and added
saving throw
to the healing roll increases by one for each slot
Range: 60 feet
above 2nd.
Components: V
Duration: Instantaneous
Ma g ic It e m s
You magically distract the triggering creature and This section presents some magic items that are
turn its momentary uncertainty into encouragement created at Strixhaven. These items, along with a few
for another creature. The triggering creature must from the Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG), can be
reroll the d20 and use the lower roll. purchased on campus using the prices in the Magic
You can then choose a different creature you can
Items for Sale table.
see within range (you can choose yourself). The
chosen creature has advantage on the next attack Ma g ic It e ms f or Sa l e
roll, ability check, or saving throw it makes within 1
Item Rarity Cost
minute. A creature can be empowered by only one
Bottle of Boundless Coffee Common 100 gp
use of this spell at a time.
Cuddly Strixhaven Mascot Common 100 gp
Vo r t ex Wa r p Lorehold Primer Uncommon 300 gp
2nd-Level Conjuration
Prismari Primer Uncommon 300 gp
Casting Time: 1 action Quandrix Primer Uncommon 300 gp
Range: 90 feet Silverquill Primer Uncommon 300 gp
Components: V, S
Spell Scroll (Ist-Level Spell; DMG) Common 50 gp
Duration: Instantaneous
Strixhaven Pennant Common 100 gp
You magically twist space around another creature 300 gp
Weapon, +1 (DMC) Uncommon
you can see within range. The target must succeed
Witherbloom Primer Uncommon 300 gp
on a Constitution saving throw (the target can
choose to fail), or the target is teleported to an unoc-
cupied space of your choice that you can see within Ma g ic It em De s c r ipt io n s
range. The chosen space must be on a surface or in These items are presented in alphabetical order.
a liquid that can support the target without the tar-
get having to squeeze. Bo t t l e of Bo u n d l ess Co f f e e
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell us- Wondrous Item, Common
ing a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the range of This metal bottle carries delicious, warm coffee.
the spell increases by 30 feet for each slot level The bottle comes with a stopper, which is attached
above 2nd. to the bottle by a little chain. Even when open, the
Wit h er a nd Bl o o m bottle won’t accept any liquid other than the coffee
2nd-Level Necromancy
it produces. The coffee inside is always comfortably
warm, and none of the heat can be felt through
Casting Time: 1 action the bottle.
Range: 60 feet Each time you drink the coffee, roll a d20. On a
Components: V, S, M (a withered vine twisted 1, the bottle refuses to dispense coffee for the next
into a loop) hour. If you pour coffee from the bottle, rather than
Duration: Instantaneous drinking from it, the coffee vanishes the moment it
You invoke both death and life upon a 10-foot-radius leaves the bottle.
sphere centered on a point within range. Each crea-
Cu d d l y St
r ix h a v e n Ma s c o t
ture of your choice in that area must make a Consti-
Wondrous Item, Common
tution saving throw, taking 2d6 necrotic damage on
a failed save, or half as much damage on a success- Representing one of the mascots of Strixhaven, this
ful one. Nonmagical vegetation in that area withers. soft, Tiny, magic toy is perfect for cuddling. If you
In addition, one creature of your choice in that press it to your arm, shoulder, or leg as an action,
area can spend and roll one of its unspent Hit Dice the toy stays attached there for 1 hour or until you
use an action to remove it.

CHAPTER 2 I CHARACTER OPTIONS


38
This toy can also be used to fight off fear. When In addition, if you study the primer at the end of
you make a saving throw to avoid or end the fright- a long rest, you can choose one lst-level spell from
ened condition on yourself, you can give yourself the druid or wizard spell list. Before you finish your
advantage on the roll if the toy is on your person. next long rest, you can cast the chosen spell once
You must decide to do so before rolling the d20. If without a spell slot if you are holding the primer.
the save succeeds, you can’t use the toy in this way Your spellcasting ability for this spell is your choice
again until you finish a long rest. of Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma.
Lo r e h o l d Pr im e r SILVERQUILL PRIMER
Wondrous Item, Uncommon (Requires Attunement Wondrous Item, Uncommon (Requires Attunement
by a Spellcaster) by a Spellcaster)
The Lorehold Primer is a magic textbook created The Silverquill Primer is a magic textbook created
at Strixhaven’s Lorehold College. The primer has 3 at Strixhaven’s Silverquill College. The primer has
charges, and it regains 1 d3 expended charges daily 3 charges, and it regains ld3 expended charges
at dawn. If you make an Intelligence (History) or daily at dawn. If you make a Charisma (Intimi-
an Intelligence (Religion) check while holding the dation) or a Charisma (Persuasion) check while
primer, you can expend 1 charge to give yourself holding the primer, you can expend 1 charge to give
a ld4 bonus to the check, immediately after you yourself a ld4 bonus to the check, immediately after
roll the d20. you roll the d20.
In addition, if you study the primer at the end of In addition, if you study the primer at the end of
a long rest, you can choose one lst-level spell from a long rest, you can choose one lst-level spell from
the cleric or wizard spell list. Before you finish your the bard or cleric spell list. Before you finish your
next long rest, you can cast the chosen spell once next long rest, you can cast the chosen spell once
without a spell slot if you are holding the primer. without a spell slot if you are holding the primer.
Your spellcasting ability for this spell is your choice Your spellcasting ability for this spell is your choice
of Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma. of Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma.
Pr is m a r i Pr im e r St r ix h a v e n Pe n n a n t
Wondrous Item, Uncommon (Requires Attunement Wondrous Item, Common
by a Spellcaster) This magic pennant bears the symbol of Strixhaven
The Prismari Primer is a magic textbook created or one of its colleges: Lorehold, Prismari, Quandrix,
at Strixhaven’s Prismari College. The primer has 3 Silverquill, or Witherbloom. While you wave the
charges, and it regains ld3 expended charges daily pennant, the symbol on it glitters, and the pennant
at dawn. If you make a Dexterity (Acrobatics) or a sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light
Charisma (Performance) check while holding the for an additional 10 feet.
primer, you can expend 1 charge to give yourself
a ld4 bonus to the check, immediately after you Wit h e r b l o o m Pr im e r
roll the d20. Wondrous Item, Uncommon (Requires Attunement
In addition, if you study the primer at the end of by a Spellcaster)
a long rest, you can choose one lst-level spell from The Witherbloom Primer is a magic textbook cre-
the bard or sorcerer spell list. Before you finish your ated at Strixhaven’s Witherbloom College. The
next long rest, you can cast the chosen spell once primer has 3 charges, and it regains ld3 expended
without a spell slot if you are holding the primer. charges daily at dawn. If you make an Intelligence
Your spellcasting ability for this spell is your choice (Nature) or Wisdom (Survival) check while holding
of Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma. the primer, you can expend 1 charge to give yourself
a ld4 bonus to the check, immediately after you
Qu a n d r ix Pr im e r
roll the d20.
Wondrous Item, Uncommon (Requires Attunement In addition, if you study the primer at the end of
by a Spellcaster)
a long rest, you can choose one lst-level spell from
The Quandrix Primer is a magic textbook created the druid or wizard spell list. Before you finish your
at Strixhaven’s Quandrix College. The primer has next long rest, you can cast the chosen spell once
3 charges, and it regains ld3 expended charges without a spell slot if you are holding the primer.
daily at dawn. If you make an Intelligence (Arcana) Your spellcasting ability for this spell is your choice
or an Intelligence (Nature) check while holding the of Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma.
primer, you can expend 1 charge to give yourself
a ld4 bonus to the check, immediately after you
roll the d20.

CHAPTER 2 | CHARACTER OPTIONS


39

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