You have studied some magical theory and have learned a few spells associated with Strixhaven University.
Choose one of Strixhaven's colleges: Lorehold, Prismari. Quandrix, Silverquill, or Witherbloom. You learn two cantrips and one 1st-level spell based on the college you choose, as specified in the Strixhaven Spells table.
You can cast the chosen 1st-level spell without a spell slot, and you must finish a long rest before you can cast it in this way again. You can also cast the spell using any spell slots you have.
Your spellcasting ability for this feat's spells is Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma (choose when you select this feat).
Strixhaven Spells
| College | Cantrips | 1st-Level Spell |
|---|---|---|
| Lorehold | Choose two from Light, Sacred Flame, and Thaumaturgy. | Choose one 1st-level Cleric or Wizard spell. |
| Prismari | Choose two from Fire Bolt, Prestidigitation, and Ray of Frost. | Choose one 1st-level Bard or Sorcerer spell. |
| Quandrix | Choose two from Druidcraft, Guidance, and Mage Hand. | Choose one 1st-level Druid or Wizard spell. |
| Silverquill | Choose two from Sacred Flame, Thaumaturgy, and Vicious Mockery. | Choose one 1st-level Bard or Cleric spell. |
| Witherbloom | Choose two from Chill Touch, Druidcraft, and Spare the Dying. | Choose one 1st-level Druid or Wizard spell. |
Strixhaven Initiate: Top of Your Class
Review by Sam West, Twitter:@CrierKobold
If you’re considering taking Strixhaven Initiate, first ask yourself two questions:
1. Am I playing in the world of Strixhaven?
2: Is this better for me than Magic Initiate?
Chances are, the answer to each is no. Foundationally, Strixhaven Initiatie is two cantrips from between a pair of classes, and a 1st level spell and 1st level spell slot from one of those two classes. The only instances where this is better than Magic Initiate is when you want a cantrip from one class (specifically, a cantrip listed in the school), and a 1st level spell from the other, or your playing a full or half-caster and want access to a different classes 1st level spell castable with your existing spell slots. That’s the only time this is better than Magic Initiate, should you not really care about the lore element here.
Of the options presented, I can see only one or two standout cantrips I’d want to take if I wanted a spell specifically from another class's spell list. These to me are Guidance + Wizard 1st level spell (Quandrix), Vicious Mockery + Cleric 1st level spell (Silverquill). That’s really it, and the latter I’d take really only if I NEED Vicious Mockery on some kind of preacher or eloquence based cleric, somebody devoted to spoken word. That’s a pretty niche concept, and one Magic Initiate probably also can deliver on enough I don’t need to worry about it.
If you do find yourself wanting to cast Shield using your eldritch knight spell slots, though, it's costing you a cantrip choice to get access to it this way. At that point, I’d recommend working with your DM instead to opening up Magic Initiate to work like the 1st level spell gained here (can be cast with other spell slots) as to not introduce colleges that don’t exist in a specific world to get access to the mechanics. It's a bit messy, and reflects a change Magic Initiate probably should undergo. If your DM wants to leave everything as an option open, and wants to play it all rules as written, Strixhaven Initiate gives you a way to use any classes spell slots with any 1st level spell obtained with it, which can be a valued perk over Magic Initiate. If that’s what you’re looking for, this will deliver.
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