Do Auras Target Creatures in Magic: The Gathering? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, Aura spells target a creature (or other permanent or player) as they are being cast. This targeting is a crucial aspect of how Auras function in Magic: The Gathering, and understanding it is essential for mastering the game’s intricacies. Once an Aura is on the battlefield, it no longer targets, but the initial targeting is what dictates whether the Aura can legally attach in the first place.
Understanding Aura Targeting: A Deep Dive
Auras are a specific type of enchantment that directly modify or enhance a permanent or player. They are defined by the “enchant” keyword, which specifies what they can legally attach to. This could be a creature, land, artifact, or even a player. The crucial distinction lies in the timing: the targeting occurs during the casting of the Aura spell. Once the Aura has resolved and is attached to its target on the battlefield, it ceases to target that permanent or player.
This distinction is significant because it interacts with abilities like shroud and hexproof. If a creature has shroud, you can’t target it with an Aura spell (or any spell or ability, for that matter). Similarly, if a creature has hexproof, your opponents can’t target it with Aura spells. However, once an Aura is attached, granting shroud or hexproof to the enchanted permanent will not cause the Aura to fall off. The Aura simply remains attached, even though it couldn’t be targeted again.
The specific rule governing Aura targeting is found within the comprehensive rules of Magic: The Gathering.
- 303.4a An Aura spell requires a target, which is defined by its enchant ability. The act of casting an Aura spell requires a target.
This rule underscores the importance of the initial target selection. Without a legal target to enchant, the Aura spell cannot be cast. If the target becomes illegal while the Aura spell is on the stack (for instance, if the target gains shroud in response), the Aura spell will fail to resolve and be put into its owner’s graveyard.
It’s also worth noting that the interaction between Auras and copy effects is unique. When you copy a creature, any Auras attached to the original creature are not copied along with it. This is because Auras are considered objects attached to the permanent, and copy effects only duplicate the inherent characteristics of the card itself.
The implications of Aura targeting extend to various card interactions and strategic considerations within Magic: The Gathering. Understanding these nuances can significantly improve your gameplay and decision-making.
Aura Targeting and Gargos, Vicious Watcher
The interaction between Aura spells and cards like Gargos, Vicious Watcher highlights the importance of knowing that Auras only target upon casting. Gargos has the ability that reduces the cost of creature spells you cast for each creature an opponent controls that’s the target of a spell. Casting an Aura spell that targets a creature an opponent controls would reduce the cost to cast creature spells that turn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Aura Targeting
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Aura targeting:
1. Do all Auras require a target?
Yes, all Aura spells require a target. This is mandated by the rules text associated with the “enchant” keyword. Without a legal target, the Aura spell cannot be cast.
2. What happens if an Aura’s target becomes illegal after it’s cast, but before it resolves?
If the Aura’s target becomes illegal while the Aura spell is on the stack (i.e., before it resolves), the Aura spell will fail to resolve. It will be put into its owner’s graveyard and will not enter the battlefield.
3. Can I cast an Aura on a creature with protection from enchantments?
No. Protection prevents targeting, damage, enchanting/equipping, and blocking by sources of the specified quality (e.g., “protection from enchantments”). Since you can’t target the creature with the Aura spell, you cannot cast the Aura on that creature.
4. Can an Aura be attached to a creature with shroud?
No. Shroud makes the permanent an illegal target for spells and abilities. Auras, as spells, cannot target a permanent with shroud.
5. What’s the difference between shroud and hexproof in relation to Aura targeting?
Shroud prevents a permanent from being targeted by any spell or ability, regardless of who controls it. Hexproof only prevents a permanent from being targeted by spells or abilities your opponents control. You can target your own creature with hexproof.
6. Once an Aura is attached, does it still target the enchanted permanent?
No. Once the Aura is on the battlefield and attached to its target, it no longer targets that permanent. This is a crucial distinction to remember.
7. If a creature with an Aura attached gains hexproof, what happens to the Aura?
Nothing. The Aura remains attached. Hexproof only prevents future targeting by opponents. It does not cause existing Auras to become unattached.
8. If I control an Aura that gives a creature +2/+2, and the creature dies, what happens to the Aura?
The Aura will be put into its owner’s graveyard. When the enchanted creature dies, it is no longer a legal target for the Aura. State-based actions will then cause the Aura to be placed in the graveyard.
9. Can I use an Aura to target a land?
Yes, certain Auras can target lands. These Auras will have an “enchant land” clause in their text.
10. Can I move an Aura from one creature to another?
Not directly. You can’t simply move an Aura. However, some cards or abilities allow you to unattach an Aura and reattach it to a new target.
11. Do Auras trigger enters-the-battlefield abilities?
Yes, Auras entering the battlefield can trigger enters-the-battlefield abilities on other permanents you control. For instance, if you control a creature that says “Whenever an enchantment enters the battlefield under your control, draw a card,” casting an Aura spell will trigger that ability upon resolution.
12. What happens if I try to cast an Aura without a legal target?
You cannot cast the Aura spell in the first place. The game rules require you to choose a legal target as part of the casting process.
13. Are there any Auras that don’t target?
No. All Aura spells target as they are cast. However, there are some exceptions: an Aura with Bestow can be cast as a creature, which does not require a target.
14. Can I copy an Aura?
You can copy an Aura, but the copy will be a new Aura spell that requires a legal target. The original Aura remains unaffected.
15. Where can I learn more about the rules of Magic: The Gathering and the use of Auras?
You can consult the official Magic: The Gathering comprehensive rules, which are available online. You can also explore resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which promotes learning through games and can provide valuable insights into strategic gameplay. Additionally, many online communities and forums dedicated to Magic: The Gathering offer detailed discussions and explanations of complex rules interactions.
Understanding the nuanced interactions surrounding Auras and targeting is crucial for becoming a proficient Magic: The Gathering player. By mastering these rules, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions and craft effective strategies.