Magic has always been one of the key cornerstones of bothDungeons & Dragonsand its sister propertyMagic: The Gathering. Many players create characters that are capable of delving into the arcane secrets present in many campaign worlds, and magic’s power is often a driving force behind manyDungeons & Dragons(D&D) narratives. The two games, both published by tabletop titan Wizards of the Coast (WotC), have crossed over in the past, but this year is set for two of the biggest crossover events in their collective history.
Magic: The Gathering(MTG)is nearing the end of itsAdventures in the Forgotten Realmsevent. New cards inspired by both heroicD&Dcharacters like Drizz’t Do’Urden and more generic creatures like owlbears and goblins were introduced to the long-running card game. Many new players were brought into the game based on the still-rising popularity ofD&D, and the set introduced some new mechanics toMTGlike “Venturing,” which allowed certain cards to enter one of three dungeons inspired by classic modules likeTomb of Annihilation.Overall, the event was well-received except for a relatively low power level for many of its new cards. Now it’sD&D’sturn to venture into the multiverse ofMTG.
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Adding More Magic: The Gathering to Dungeons and Dragons
Set to release this November, a new campagin setting is coming toD&DcalledStrixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos. The new setting is based on the same multiversal academy of magic that was explored inMTG’s Strixhavenexpansion earlier this year. The academy is a sort of interdimensional Hogwarts where young mages can come to study at the feet of wizened arcanists that utilize the college’s resources to further their research.
In a big push by WotC to expand the landscape of 5E,Strixhavenis a complete campaign setting designed to be used on its own or as a supplement for an ongoing campaign. The book will feature four adventures tailor-made to be played together or as short asides for characters already on an adventure. The book is also helping to caterto newer DMs inD&Das its adventures are set to take players from level one up to level ten. This is a bit of a double-edged sword for longtime fans, as many modules are geared toward lower-level adventures, but the book will still likely have a lot to offer any table.
WotC has been fairly tight-lipped about the specifics of the adventures themselves, but has clarified they are constructed as a multiyear (in-game) campaign that will have players assuming the role of students throughout their careers at Strixhaven College. A key facet of theStixhavenbook will be players choosing which of its five colleges to join. This is different from the college subclasses for Bards or thevarious Wizard schools inD&Din that they would be replacing those subclasses entirely for a spellcasting character. Players can choose from the Lorehold, Prismari, Quandrix, Silverquill, and Witherbloom Colleges.
Each of these subclasses were introduced earlier this year in anUnearthed Arcanaplaytest module. Interestingly though, there was considerable backlash from some fans that felt the mixing of subclasses between different spellcaster classes muddied the waters. Those fans also felt like having a Warlock being able to choose the same subclass as a Wizard made the individuality of each class weaker. Many veteran fans felt it turned officialD&Dcontent into something closer to homebrew. It will be interesting to see what changes WotC has made to theStrixhavensubclasses ahead of the new crossover’s release later this year.
On top of new adventures and character options,Strixhavenis also bringing all the new toys a DM would hope for in a new setting. It will feature new andpowerful magical monsters forD&D5E, NPCs, spells and magic items, and a character race called the Owlin. The Owlin are owl-like humanoids long featured inMTGwho are joining otherMTGraces like the Leonin and Luxodon as official race options inD&D. Fans looking to add a bit moreMagicto theirD&Dgames should keep a close eye onStixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos.
Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaosis set to release on November 16 in both physical and digital formats.
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