Enchantment Creatures: Spells or Not? Untangling the Magic
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Enchantment creatures represent a fascinating intersection of two fundamental card types in Magic: The Gathering (MTG). This unique duality often leads to confusion regarding their interactions with various game mechanics. So, to cut right to the chase: Enchantment creatures do not count as non-creature spells. While they possess the “enchantment” type, their “creature” type takes precedence when determining whether something is considered a creature spell or a non-creature spell. If the card on the stack has the Creature card type then it is a creature spell, regardless of any other types it may have.
Understanding the Nuances of Card Types and Spells
To fully grasp this concept, it’s crucial to understand how MTG defines card types and spells. A card type is a fundamental characteristic of a card, like creature, enchantment, artifact, planeswalker, instant, sorcery, or land. These types dictate the card’s basic behavior and how it interacts with other game elements.
A spell, on the other hand, is a card on the stack. The stack is the zone where spells and abilities wait to resolve. When you cast a card (generally from your hand), it becomes a spell on the stack. Land cards are never cast as spells. The type of card is a key feature of the spell. If you cast a creature card from your hand, it becomes a creature spell.
The distinction between card types and spells is essential for determining how certain effects interact with enchantment creatures. For instance, a card that counters “non-creature spells” cannot counter an enchantment creature spell because it is fundamentally a creature spell.
The Bestow Exception
There’s an important exception to note concerning enchantment creatures with the bestow ability. When you cast an enchantment creature for its bestow cost, it’s no longer a creature spell. Instead, it’s treated solely as an enchantment spell. This is because the bestow mechanic allows the card to enter the battlefield as an aura enchanting a creature. This means that while on the stack as an aura, it is considered a non-creature spell.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Enchantment Creatures and Spells
To further clarify the intricacies of enchantment creatures, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions:
1. What exactly *is* an enchantment creature in MTG?
An enchantment creature is a card that possesses both the “enchantment” card type and the “creature” card type. This means it’s affected by anything that affects either creatures or enchantments. It can attack and block like a creature, but it’s also susceptible to enchantment removal spells.
2. Does an enchantment creature trigger effects that say, “Whenever you cast a creature spell”?
Yes, absolutely! Because an enchantment creature is a creature spell while you’re casting it from your hand, it will trigger any abilities that trigger when you cast a creature spell.
3. Does an enchantment creature trigger effects that say, “Whenever you cast an enchantment spell”?
Yes, also absolutely! Again, since an enchantment creature is an enchantment spell while you are casting it, it will trigger any abilities that trigger when you cast an enchantment spell.
4. Can I use a “counter target non-creature spell” effect on an enchantment creature?
No. Effects that counter “non-creature spells” specifically target spells that aren’t creatures. An enchantment creature on the stack is fundamentally a creature spell (unless cast using the bestow ability).
5. If I control an effect that gives my creatures hexproof, does that protect my enchantment creatures?
Yes. Hexproof prevents your creatures from being targeted by spells or abilities your opponents control. This includes your enchantment creatures.
6. If I control an effect that gives my enchantments hexproof, does that protect my enchantment creatures?
Yes. Hexproof prevents your enchantments from being targeted by spells or abilities your opponents control. This includes your enchantment creatures.
7. Are enchantment creatures affected by summoning sickness?
Yes. All creatures, including enchantment creatures, are affected by summoning sickness. This means they can’t attack or use abilities with the tap symbol on the turn they enter the battlefield unless they have haste.
8. Can I enchant an enchantment creature with another enchantment?
Yes. Unless a specific effect prevents it (like shroud), you can enchant an enchantment creature with other enchantments. This is a common and powerful strategy.
9. Are there cards that specifically target enchantment creatures?
Yes, there are cards that target either enchantments or creatures. Since an enchantment creature is both types, it is a valid target for either category of effect.
10. How does protection from enchantments or protection from creatures affect enchantment creatures?
If a creature has protection from enchantments, it can’t be enchanted by enchantments and can’t be targeted by enchantment spells or abilities from sources with that quality. If a creature has protection from creatures, it can’t be blocked by creatures, can’t be targeted by creature spells or abilities from sources with that quality, and all damage dealt to it by creatures is prevented. An enchantment creature can have protection from one or both of these card types.
11. Do enchantment creatures count as modified creatures?
Yes. If an enchantment creature has one or more counters on it, is equipped, or is enchanted by an Aura that’s controlled by that creature’s controller, then it counts as a modified creature. This is relevant for effects that care about modified creatures.
12. Can I flicker an enchantment creature?
Yes. “Flickering” a permanent (exiling it and then immediately returning it to the battlefield) works on enchantment creatures just like any other permanent. It can be a useful way to reset counters or evade removal.
13. If I have an effect that cares about the number of enchantments I control, does an enchantment creature count towards that total?
Yes. Since an enchantment creature is an enchantment, it will contribute to any effects that count the number of enchantments you control.
14. How do gods from Theros work as enchantment creatures?
The Gods of Theros are a special category of legendary enchantment creatures. They are unique in that they aren’t creatures unless you have enough devotion to their color. This means they can phase in and out of being creatures depending on your board state, adding an extra layer of complexity to their use.
15. How can I learn more about complex MTG rules and card interactions?
One excellent way to learn more about MTG and its complex rules is by exploring resources provided by the Games Learning Society. You can find a wealth of information and community support to deepen your understanding of the game. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more!
Conclusion: Mastering the Enchantment Creature Paradox
Enchantment creatures, with their dual nature, require a thorough understanding of MTG’s rules and interactions. While they are creature spells, their “enchantment” card type opens up a wide range of strategic possibilities. By mastering these nuances, you can harness the full power of enchantment creatures in your decks and gain a competitive edge on the battlefield. Always remember to consult the official MTG rules and community resources for the most up-to-date information.