The Texas Tech team mascots have played an important role in representing and promoting the university. The most recognizable and beloved mascot is Raider Red, a cowboy who symbolizes the school's Wild West heritage. He is known for his red hat, red mask, and vibrant personality. Raider Red is often seen at sporting events, parades, and other campus events, rallying the crowd and spreading school spirit. Another mascot that Texas Tech is known for is the Masked Rider. This tradition began in 1954, when Joe Kirk Fulton became the first Masked Rider.
As it stands, you’re better off with an owl as your familiar – at least they can fly.
It seems the intent here is that only players fully immersed in a Strixhaven campaign will benefit from these feats, but they should really be more accessible. The Strixhaven Mascot feat allows you to summon a school-specific familiar that s generally more impressive than most normal options for the Find Familiar spell.
This tradition began in 1954, when Joe Kirk Fulton became the first Masked Rider. The Masked Rider is a student who rides a horse onto the football field before each home game, carrying the Texas Tech flag. This iconic figure is a symbol of the university's fearless spirit and represents the pride and tradition of Texas Tech.
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
The intention is that these creatures reflect the spells you receive from the Strixhaven Initiate feat, further solidifying who you are as a student of this magical University.
In addition to Raider Red and the Masked Rider, Texas Tech also has other mascots that represent different sports teams. For example, the university's baseball team is represented by the Double T mascot, which is a large red T with a cowboy hat. The basketball team is represented by the Matador mascot, which is a stylized representation of a Spanish bullfighter. Overall, the Texas Tech team mascots are a vital part of the university's identity and help to foster a sense of community and pride among students, alumni, and fans. Whether it's Raider Red leading the crowd in cheers or the Masked Rider galloping onto the field, these mascots embody the spirit and tradition of Texas Tech..
Reviews for "The Role of Mascots in Collegiate Athletics: Texas Tech's Impact"
1. John - 2 stars - The Texas tech team mascots were disappointing and lacked creativity. The costumes were plain and unexciting, and there was no real enthusiasm or energy portrayed by the mascots. It felt like they were just going through the motions without really engaging with the crowd. Overall, I was not impressed and felt that the mascots did not enhance the game day experience.
2. Sarah - 1 star - The Texas tech team mascots were a complete letdown. They lacked any kind of charm or excitement and seemed disinterested in interacting with the fans. The costumes were outdated and unappealing, and the mascot performances were lackluster at best. I expected much more from a team like Texas tech, and I was extremely disappointed by what I witnessed. I hope they invest in better mascots in the future to truly engage and entertain fans.
3. Mark - 2.5 stars - The Texas tech team mascots didn't leave a lasting impression on me. The mascot costumes were mediocre at best, and the performances lacked the energy and excitement that I've come to expect from college mascots. While they did their job of hyping up the crowd to some extent, I felt like there was a lack of creativity and originality in their routines. Overall, the Texas tech team mascots fell short of my expectations and left me feeling underwhelmed.
4. Lisa - 1 star - The Texas tech team mascots were forgettable and boring. The costumes were unimpressive, and their performances lacked any kind of enthusiasm or spark. It almost seemed like they were just going through the motions rather than truly engaging with the crowd. I was expecting a fun and entertaining experience, but sadly, the mascots failed to deliver. I hope they make improvements to their mascot program in the future to provide a more exciting game day atmosphere.