Last week I had the chance to send a few questions about the Izzet in to the Magic: The Gathering team. One of the greatest voices in the game, and self-proclaimed blue-red Johnny, Mark Rosewater answered the call. Whether you're not sure just what the Izzet are or you're curious how you can live the Izzet life these questions will give you a few answers.

What is it that makes an Izzet an Izzet?

A passion for knowledge. A member of the Izzet has an unbridled desire to learn, and what better way is there to learn than through experimentation? So many ideas, so little time.

Why would someone be an Izzet? What's in it for them?

The potential answer to all life's problems.

How does one go about becoming an Izzet?

One has to apply to the Izzet League. You have to be able to prove your ingenuity, but that won't be hard for anyone with a true Izzet spirit.

Who is Niv-Mizzet to the everyday Izzet member? What is the everyday member to him?

Niv-Mizzet is their wondrous leader. Few have met him, but all have heard of him. Niv-Mizzet cares greatly for his people and works hard to acquire as much as possible in the Izzet's name.

What services do the Izzet provide the people and other guilds of Ravnica?

The Izzet oversee the mechanical infrastructure of Ravnica. They build, and often repair, all of the gadgets and machines that are part of the Ravnican way of life. The Izzet are also the masters of magic that oversee all the spell manufacturing that provides much of the resources that help the city run.

The first Izzet mechanic was replicate, featured in Guildpact. The second is overload, featured in Return to Ravnica. Why do these mechanics represent the Izzet? How has the guild evolved since we met them last?

The Izzet guild is very focused on its instants and sorceries. It loves playing around with spells as much as it loves fiddling with its experiments. The Izzet haven't changed all that much since the original Ravnica. The biggest change is with Niv-Mizzet, who has learned new things about the world of Ravnica.

If an Izzet is playing at a Friday Night Magic what would the deck look like?

The Izzet like playing rogue combo decks. When you sit down against one, who knows what you're going up against? It may fizzle or it might explode.

If I want to draft Izzet in Return to Ravnica, what would I be looking for, and why?

In Draft, the Izzet have a very good aggro deck. Take cards that allow you to attack quick and fast, backing it up with spells that can enhance all your creatures.

When will we get to see more awesome Izzet cards?

When Dragon's Maze comes out this spring.

If the Izzet could be described in just one word, what would it be?

Awesofantaburrific!

Thanks again to Mark Rosewater and the entire Magic: The Gathering team for helping bring the Izzet into focus. If you liked this type of breakdown and you want to see it again please let us know!