Do Copied Spells Trigger Orvar, the All-Form? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is no. Copying a spell does not trigger Orvar, the All-Form’s ability. Orvar specifically states that its ability triggers “Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell.” Since copying a spell is distinct from casting it, Orvar’s ability will not trigger when a spell is copied. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this interaction and explore related scenarios.
Understanding Orvar, the All-Form and Copying Spells
Orvar, the All-Form is a powerful blue legendary creature from Kaldheim that allows you to create copies of your permanents whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell that targets them. This makes Orvar a potent commander or a valuable addition to any blue-based deck. The key word here is “cast.”
Copying a spell, on the other hand, is a distinct game action. It involves creating a duplicate of a spell on the stack, but without going through the process of casting it. This distinction is critical because many triggered abilities in Magic: The Gathering specifically look for the “cast” event.
Why the Distinction Matters
The rules of Magic are precise. Casting involves taking a card from your hand, putting it on the stack, paying its costs, and declaring targets. Copying bypasses this entire process. A copied spell simply appears on the stack as a result of another spell or ability. It does not interact with “cast” triggers.
Think of it like this: casting is like cooking a meal from scratch, gathering the ingredients, and following the recipe step-by-step. Copying is like ordering takeout; the meal arrives, but you didn’t do any of the cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Orvar and Copying Spells
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how copied spells interact with Orvar and other game mechanics:
Does Copying a Spell Trigger Cast Triggers?
No, copying a spell does not count as casting it. Many abilities in Magic specifically trigger when a spell is cast, such as Prowess, Storm, and, crucially, Orvar’s ability. Copying bypasses the casting process.
Will Copying a Spell Trigger Storm?
A copy of a spell with Storm will have the Storm ability, but copying the spell itself will not trigger Storm. The Storm ability only triggers when the spell is cast. Since a copy is not cast, Storm remains dormant on the copy.
Does Copying a Spell Trigger Prowess?
No, copying a spell does not trigger Prowess. Prowess triggers when you cast a noncreature spell. Since copying doesn’t involve casting, creatures with Prowess will not receive the +1/+1 boost.
Does Copying a Spell Trigger Cascade?
Cascade triggers when you cast a spell. Therefore, putting a copy of a spell with Cascade on the stack will not trigger the Cascade ability.
Will Copying a Spell Trigger Heroic?
Heroic abilities trigger when you cast a spell that targets a creature with Heroic. Copying a spell, or even changing the targets of a spell to include a creature with Heroic, will not trigger the Heroic ability.
Does Copying a Spell Count as Casting for Storm?
No, copying a spell, even a spell with Storm, does not count as “casting” for purposes of increasing the Storm count or triggering abilities that care about spells being cast.
Do Copies Trigger Rhystic Study?
Rhystic Study triggers when an opponent casts a spell. Copying a spell does not count as casting, so it won’t trigger Rhystic Study.
If I Copy a Kicked Spell, Is the Copy Kicked?
Yes, if a kicked spell is copied, the copy is also kicked. Kicker costs don’t change a spell’s mana cost or mana value, but the fact that it was kicked is a copiable characteristic.
Does Copying a Spell Destroy a Spell Scroll?
In settings where spell scrolls are physical objects, using the scroll to cast the spell might destroy it. However, copying the spell from the scroll may require a check (e.g., Intelligence (Arcana)), and success or failure typically results in the scroll’s destruction. This isn’t a Magic: The Gathering mechanic, but relevant to other fantasy contexts.
Do Copies Trigger Magecraft?
Magecraft abilities trigger when you cast or copy an instant or sorcery spell. Therefore, if an effect creates multiple copies of an instant or sorcery spell, Magecraft abilities will trigger once for each copy created.
Does Myriad Trigger Enter-the-Battlefield (ETB) Effects?
Yes, Myriad triggers any “enter the battlefield” abilities on the creature. Each copy created by Myriad enters the battlefield, triggering any relevant ETB effects.
Is Replicate a Triggered Ability?
Replicate is a keyword that represents both a static ability and a triggered ability. The static ability functions while the spell with Replicate is on the stack. The triggered ability also functions while the spell is on the stack, allowing you to pay the Replicate cost and create copies.
Does Using a Wand Count as Casting a Spell?
No, using a wand or scroll to activate a spell does not count as you casting the spell, even though you are the one activating it.
Does Mind’s Desire Count as Casting?
Copies created by Storm do not count as being cast, but cards you play off of Mind’s Desire do count as being cast. This is because Mind’s Desire instructs you to play those cards, and to play a spell is to cast it.
What are the Rules for Copying Spells in MTG?
When you copy a spell, the copy is created on the stack and will resolve before the original spell. You don’t pay any costs for the copy. The copy will have the same targets as the original, unless you choose new ones if the effect allows.
Mastering the Nuances of Magic
Understanding the difference between casting and copying is crucial for mastering Magic: The Gathering. While Orvar, the All-Form might not trigger from copied spells, its ability to create copies of permanents when you cast targeted instants and sorceries remains incredibly powerful. Use this knowledge to build better decks and outsmart your opponents.
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