Srixhaven, the newest set in the Magic: The Gathering card game, introduces a unique concept called mascot feats. These feats revolve around a deck's mascot, which is a legendary artifact creature that embodies the theme and mechanics of the deck. Mascot feats are special abilities that a player can activate by fulfilling certain conditions. Each mascot feat has a specific cost and effect, aimed at providing strategic advantages on the battlefield. These feats add an additional layer of depth and decision-making to gameplay, as players must carefully manage their resources to make the most of their mascot's abilities. To activate a mascot feat, a player must pay the cost indicated on the card.
The prerequisite makes a lot of sense though, as this feat brings a lot to the table for both spellcaster and martial combatants alike.
While large or huge, the fractal can easily serve as a mount, and if you have Investment of the Chain Master, it can be a flying mount capable of carrying the whole party. Were the spiny-hide feature attached to a more common occurrence, like say, being attacked by a melee weapon, then we might have a good creature on our side.
To activate a mascot feat, a player must pay the cost indicated on the card. This cost can include mana, sacrificing creatures, or other specific requirements. Once paid, the player can then use the feat's effect to impact the game.
the new Fractal Mascot familiar from Strixhaven looks like a riot on a chainlock
For those who haven't seen the leaks, Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos added two new feats. One is basically just magic initiate, and the other (which requires the first feat) grants you one of five special familiars that you can summon with find familiar. The actual options aren't exactly worth two feats, but I immediately took a shining to the Living Fractal, both because I like fractals and it has some abilities just begging for shenanigans
- you can swap places with it with a 2nd level spell slot (1 free use per long rest)
- it can phase through objects and creatures
- it can resize itself as a bonus action, though it maxes out at huge
Being a familiar rather than something more generic, the fractal can do everything a familiar can do, and is also compatible with other options like Investment of the Chain Master or Flock of Familiars. So, what can you do with it? Here's what I've thought of so far
- The phasing makes the familiar an expert scout for behind locked doors
- Combined with the teleportation, it can also be an easy way in and out
- Need to get into a locked chest? Just have it slip in, grab the contents and then dismiss it back to its pocket universe, then resummon it with the loot on the other side
- Want to make a killer Jojo reference that only people who've read the manga will get? Have this familiar from another universe phase through a creature's body and expand, making them explode in a gory shower of fractals (Back in 3.5 this used to be called Arseplomancy)
- While large or huge, the fractal can easily serve as a mount, and if you have Investment of the Chain Master, it can be a flying mount capable of carrying the whole party
- Of course, if you have a melee heavy party there's still a combat use. The ginormous flying fractal can just as easily go prone in mid air and land on creatures, doing falling damage. (Note: ask your DM if Investment applies to the DC 15 Dex save to avoid a falling creature, you might be able to bump that with the save DC)
- Does your DM allow Flock of Familiars? Now you can drop 3 at a time from 200 feet up for up to 30d6 bludgeoning damage. Your DM will beat your ass to death, but you will go down dying like a legend
This is a mascot for someone looking to be very creative and strategic with their familiar. Get it into small places, move it through objects and creatures, and maybe even deal a little bit of damage while you’re at it.
These effects can range from buffing the player's creatures, destroying opponents' permanents, or even providing card draw or life gain. Mascot feats not only serve as powerful tools for players, but they also contribute to the overall flavor and narrative of the deck. Each mascot feat is thematically tied to the characteristics and abilities of the deck's mascot creature. This adds a sense of immersion and storytelling to the gameplay experience, as players can imagine their mascot creature coming to life and unleashing its unique abilities. Additionally, mascot feats encourage players to build decks around a specific theme or strategy. By centering their gameplay around a particular mascot, players can optimize their deck to synergize with its abilities. This promotes diversity in deck-building and encourages players to explore different strategies and playstyles. Overall, Srixhaven's mascot feats are an exciting addition to the Magic: The Gathering card game. They provide players with powerful abilities that can turn the tide of a game, while also adding depth, strategy, and flavor to gameplay. By involving a deck's mascot creature in the mechanics, players are given even more reasons to explore different themes and strategies, making for a rich and rewarding gameplay experience..
Reviews for "Animating the Strixhaven Mascots: The Magic Behind the Movement"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really excited about "Srixhaven mascot feat" as I love mascots and thought it would be a fun and entertaining show. However, I was completely disappointed. The mascots seemed tired and disinterested, and the performances were lackluster at best. The show lacked energy and creativity, and it felt like the performers were just going through the motions. Overall, it was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I attended "Srixhaven mascot feat" with high expectations, but it turned out to be a complete waste of time and money. The mascots were unengaging and didn't interact with the audience at all. The whole show felt disorganized and poorly planned. Furthermore, the costumes looked cheap and outdated. I left feeling extremely disappointed and would not recommend this event to anyone looking for a fun and exciting mascot show.
3. Mike - 2 stars - I have always enjoyed mascot performances, but "Srixhaven mascot feat" fell short of my expectations. The show lacked cohesion and felt like a random collection of acts put together. The performers seemed unenthusiastic and the atmosphere was flat. Overall, it was a forgettable experience and I wouldn't attend again.