If you enjoy playing a Magic: The Gathering deck that continuously engages with the graveyard, then Lorehold could be the Strixhaven College that suits your style perfectly. With the Flashback mechanic making a comeback, there are numerous ways to allow cards to resurface and create an impact during gameplay once again.
We’ve highlighted some standout Lorehold cards from Secrets of Strixhaven that we believe will make a significant impact in either Standard or Commander formats.
Noteworthy Mentions
Here are several cards that may not make the top tier but still have the potential to influence the game as the set is officially released and the meta shifts.
- Flashback
- Borrowed Knowledge
- Colossus of the Blood Age
- Kirol, History Buff
- Ark of Hunger
Aziza, Mage Tower Captain
Standard & Commander
This legendary Djinn sorcerer demands only one white and one red mana, and while it appears to be a straightforward 2/2 creature, its ability is where the real value lies. Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, you have the option to tap three untapped creatures you control to select new targets for that spell.
This clever interaction essentially introduces an expensive version of Storm, allowing for potentially powerful plays in critical moments, even if you might sacrifice the use of some creatures.
Restoration Seminar
Standard & Commander
At first glance, the seven mana cost may seem steep, but its true value becomes evident upon closer inspection. Restoration Seminar enables you to return a targeted nonland permanent from your graveyard to the battlefield—be it a creature, artifact, or enchantment.
What elevates this spell is the innovative Paradigm mechanic, allowing you to cast a free copy of it at the start of each of your main phases for the rest of the game, provided the initial casting goes through. Although the original cost is a drawback, if you manage to resolve it, this card can vastly improve your strategic options.
Emeritus of Conflict
Standard & Commander
While some may argue this card fits well within Prismari as well, Emeritus of Conflict boasts first strike, a hallmark of Lorehold/Boros creatures. This 2/2 creature costs just two mana and can use the prepare mechanic to effectively cast Lightning Bolt for a single mana, dealing three damage to any target.
To prepare it, you’ll need to cast three spells in a single turn, but it doesn’t enter play prepared, which balances its power level. This card has the potential to shine across both Prismari and Lorehold decks given the nature of the Strixhaven College alliances.
Antiquities On The Loose
Standard & Commander
This three-mana sorcery encapsulates the essence of Lorehold. Whether cast normally or via Flashback, it can certainly cause headaches for your opponents. It creates two 2/2 spirit tokens, and if cast from your graveyard, you can place a +1/+1 counter on all spirits you control.
The Flashback cost is ramped up to six mana, but with the advantage of boosting spirit tokens, it may be a worthwhile investment if you have a solid board presence. Finding avenues to reduce its cost or trigger additional copies could drastically enhance your strategy—just hope for no board wipes from your opponent!
Lorehold, The Historian
Standard & Commander
The signature dragon of the Lorehold College is none other than Lorehold, the Historian, a legendary 5/5 flying creature with haste. For a casting cost of five mana, its powerful presence is justifiable; if you can keep it in play, it pays off immensely.
This dragon also grants all instants and sorceries in your hand “Miracle 2,” allowing you to cast one for two mana upon drawing it, provided it’s the first card drawn that turn. Additionally, during each opponent’s upkeep, you can discard a card to draw another, leading to the potential for repeated Miracle effects throughout the game.
Although this card may find more traction in Standard at first due to its cost, it can significantly turn the tides during the mid to late game.
