The Schools of Magic - Black, Part 2: New Phyrexia

Historically, Black has been the only color that Phyrexian magic used. While New Phyrexia has magic of all colors, Black remains the central color, and its effects can be found among all colors.

Go here to follow along, and click the "Black and Red" link at the top to jump to the cards I'll be discussing. Then hit the jump, and learn some pointless things!

Black

Flesh: This is very similar to Necromancy, but broader and more focused in different ways.

Oil: This is the equivalent to Sangromancy, so named because true Phyrexians have oil instead of blood.

Mind: This is mostly a different name for Lethemancy. I chose the same name as the Blue school because Phyrexians seem like the type to ignore the differences between colors when grouping spells.

Normally I would be explaining what the Mirran schools are like here, but there are no Black Mirran spells in this set!

Blind Zealot: This is Flesh magic all the way - sacrificing her own body to destroy an enemy. For Phyrexians, Intimidate is a Flesh ability as often as it is Mind, while on other planes it tends to be Lethemancy.

Caress of Phyrexia: This spell sacrifices your Flesh to aid your Mind, so it is a mixed school spell.

Chancellor of the Dross: This is Oil magic all the way.

Dementia Bat: This creature exists for the sole purpose of destroying your enemy's sanity, making this a clear example of Mind magic.

Despise: Much like Duress from M11, this plucks a spell from an opponent's mind, making this Mind magic.

Dismember: Pure Flesh magic, ripping foes apart.

Enslave: This is an interesting spell in Phyrexia. In any other world, this would clearly be Mind magic. However, in Phyrexia the preferred method for controlling creatures is the oil. Having said that, the art still implies Mind magic.

Entomber Exarch: As a spell with multiple options, this is a mix of multiple schools. The first school is Flesh, the second is Mind.

Evil Presence: This will seem crazy, but this is Oil magic. On Mirrodin, the spread of the oil literally transformed the landscape into Phyrexia, which is what this card represents.

Geth's Verdict: Geth works with Flesh magic primarily, and this card is not an exception.

Glistening Oil: The oil gives away the fact that it is Oil magic, which is supported by the fact that it grants infect, which represents the pervasive corruption of the oil.

Grim Affliction: This is another Oil spell, as Proliferate represents the unstoppable spread of the oil.

Ichor Explosion: A Flesh spell, this disrupts the bodies of all creatures in the area.

Life's Finale: Primarily Flesh, with a small Mind effect attached to it.

Mortis Dogs: It makes itself stronger, then hurts something proportionate to it's strength when it dies, meaning it is Flesh magic.

Parasitic Implant: Another Flesh spell, which kills a creature and gives you a new one. It's important to note that the Phyrexians don't make any distinction between skin and metal when they are discussing flesh.

Phyrexian Obliterator: A big creature that punishes those who hurt by destroying their stuff, making this Flesh magic.

Pith Driller: Another Flesh spell, this one drills holes in your enemies.

Postmortem Lunge: This forces a dead body into a final attack, making this part of the Flesh school.

Praetor's Grasp: A fun example of Mind magic.

Reaper of Sheoldred: A nice example of Oil magic, spreading the poison very effectively.

Sheoldred, Whispering One: She uses some powerful Flesh magic, resurrecting your creatures and kill your opponent's.

Surgical Extraction: This is an extremely physical application of Mind magic.

Toxic Nim: While this spell is almost entirely in the Flesh school, there is a hint of Oil due to the infect ability.

Vault Skirge: Unlike normal Black magic, lifelink is Flesh magic on Phyrexia.

Whispering Specter: This is interesting - Oil magic being used to enhance Mind magic.

Questions? Comments? Death threats? Share your thoughts down below!