Sneering Shadewriter

Secrets of Strixhaven #101

Type: Creature — Vampire Warlock

Mana cost: {4}{B}

Card text: Flying When this creature enters, each opponent loses 2 life and you gain 2 life.

P/T: 3/3

Rarity: common

Artist: Mila Pesic

""The whole display was uninspired and derivative, and left me wondering: what was the point?" — *Strixhaven Star* gallery show review"

Released: April 24, 2026

Prices

$0.18 USD · $0.18 USD (Foil) · €0.06 EUR

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Format Legality

Format	Legality
Standard	✓ Legal
Pioneer	✓ Legal
Modern	✓ Legal
Legacy	✓ Legal
Commander	✓ Legal
Vintage	✓ Legal
Pauper	✓ Legal
Oathbreaker	✓ Legal

Draft & Sealed Synergies

Best cards to pair with Sneering Shadewriter in Secrets of Strixhaven limited

common

Adventurous Eater // Have a Bite

Creature — Human Warlock // Sorcery

Have a Bite gains you 1 life, triggering Infusion for Sneering Shadewriter's synergies. The lifegain also helps offset the life loss from Shadewriter's ETB effect.

Pull from the Grave

Sorcery

Returns creatures to hand while gaining 2 life, enabling Infusion triggers. The lifegain helps stabilize after Shadewriter's life drain effect.

Cost of Brilliance

Sorcery

Draws cards and drains life symmetrically, working well with Shadewriter's drain-based strategy. The +1/+1 counter can go on Shadewriter itself for added value.

uncommon

Leech Collector // Bloodletting

Creature — Human Warlock // Sorcery

Bloodletting drains life from opponents, and Leech Collector becomes prepared when you gain life, creating a lifegain/drain engine with Shadewriter.

rare

Tragedy Feaster

Creature — Demon

Both cards care about gaining life, with Tragedy Feaster requiring lifegain to avoid sacrificing permanents. Shadewriter's ETB provides immediate lifegain to enable Infusion strategies.

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