Do Exiled Creatures Lose Enchantments?
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The short answer is: yes, exiled creatures do lose enchantments. When a creature is exiled in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), it undergoes a fundamental change in its game state, becoming a new game object. This transition has specific implications for any enchantments that were previously attached to it. Let’s delve into the details of why and how this happens, exploring the rules and nuances that govern the interaction between exiled creatures and enchantments.
The Exile Zone and Game Objects
When a creature is exiled, it’s moved from the battlefield to the exile zone. This zone represents a place outside the normal flow of the game. Importantly, when a card is moved to exile, it is treated as a new game object. This means the game loses track of its previous state on the battlefield. All counters, damage, enchantments, and other attachments are effectively left behind on the battlefield.
Why Enchantments Detach
The primary reason enchantments detach from exiled creatures lies in the nature of Auras, the most common type of enchantment that attaches to creatures. Auras are designed to target and remain attached to a specific game object. When that game object (in this case, the creature) is exiled, it becomes a completely different object in the eyes of the rules. This means the Aura’s connection to the original object is broken.
As a result, Auras go to the graveyard as a state-based action. This is because they are no longer legally attached to a valid target. An Aura must always be attached to something legal, and an object in exile is not the same object that the Aura was attached to on the battlefield. The same applies to Equipment, they do not go to the graveyard, as they stay on the battlefield.
The Implications of a New Object
The concept of a new object is crucial here. Think of it like this: the exiled creature is no longer the same entity the Aura was attached to. It’s been transformed, and the Aura’s targeting parameters are no longer met. This is why the Aura detaches and goes to the graveyard as a result.
Exceptions and Considerations
It’s important to note there are cases where the exiling effect will state “exile creature and all attached permanents.” In these instances, the enchantments are exiled as a secondary part of the exiling effect. They do not go to the graveyard, but instead go to exile with the creature. Another case would be an effect that exiles a permanent and has a rider to return those cards to the battlefield. In these scenarios, the enchantments will go to the battlefield attached to the creature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the rules and common scenarios, here are some frequently asked questions about exiled creatures and enchantments:
1. Do exiled creatures lose equipment?
Yes, exiled creatures lose equipment. However, the equipment remains on the battlefield, unattached. It does not go to the graveyard like Auras do. This equipment can then be equipped to a different creature. An effect that exiles a creature does not exile anything that is attached to it unless the effect specifically says so.
2. What happens to enchantments when a creature dies?
When an enchanted creature dies, the Aura that was enchanting it normally remains on the battlefield until it is put into its owner’s graveyard as a state-based action. However, bestowed Auras turn into creatures as soon as they become unattached, so they don’t hit the yard until they themselves are destroyed.
3. Can you exile an enchantment creature?
Yes, you can exile an enchantment creature. If you do not specify to exile attached Auras, they will go to the graveyard as a state-based action when the creature is exiled. If you use a card that specifies “Exile enchanted creature and all Auras attached to it.” Then yes, all Auras will also be exiled. Some cards can even return the exiled enchantment creature and Auras to the battlefield attached to it.
4. Are exiled creatures considered dead?
No, exiled creatures are not considered dead. They are moved to a different zone outside the battlefield. Effects that trigger when a creature dies do not trigger when a creature is exiled.
5. Does exile count as destroying?
No, exile does not count as destroying. Destroying is a specific action that moves a permanent from the battlefield to the graveyard. Exile is a distinct action that removes a permanent from the battlefield to the exile zone.
6. Do exiled creatures return with summoning sickness?
Yes, exiled creatures return with summoning sickness if they are returned to the battlefield on the same turn under your control. This is because they are treated as a new game object when they return and haven’t been continuously under your control since the beginning of your turn.
7. Do enchantment creatures count as enchantments?
Yes, enchantment creatures also count as enchantments. This means they can be targeted by spells or abilities that target enchantments.
8. Does blinking a creature remove enchantments?
Yes, blinking a creature removes enchantments. Blinking is effectively exiling the creature and returning it to the battlefield, creating a new game object. The enchantments will go to the graveyard, and the creature returns without any enchantments.
9. Can you regenerate an exiled creature?
No, you cannot regenerate an exiled creature. Regeneration only applies when a permanent on the battlefield would be destroyed. Cards in exile cannot be regenerated.
10. What happens to an enchantment when a creature returns to your hand?
When a creature returns to your hand, any enchantments that were attached to it will go to the graveyard as a state-based action. Since the creature is no longer on the battlefield, there’s no legal target for the enchantments.
11. Are enchantment creatures indestructible?
Some enchantment creatures may have indestructible abilities. Enchanted creature is an Insect artifact creature with base power and toughness 0/1 and has indestructible, and it loses all other abilities, card types, and creature types. Enchanted creature has deathtouch and indestructible.
12. Does regenerate get rid of enchantments?
No, regenerate does not get rid of enchantments. Regeneration prevents destruction. If a creature regenerates, it remains on the battlefield with its enchantments.
13. Does equipment get destroyed with a creature?
No, equipment does not get destroyed with a creature. It becomes unattached and remains on the battlefield. Equipment is removed when it’s target is exiled, but does not go to the graveyard.
14. Can you exile a blocking creature?
Yes, you can exile a blocking creature. Doing so will cause the attacking creature to be considered blocked but it won’t do any damage to you unless it has trample or is being blocked by another creature.
15. Do enchantments get destroyed?
Yes, enchantments can be destroyed. Just like creatures and artifacts, enchantments are permanents that can be targeted by spells and abilities that destroy or exile them.
Conclusion
In summary, when a creature is exiled, it loses all enchantments because it becomes a new game object. Auras will detach and go to the graveyard, while Equipment will remain on the battlefield unattached. Understanding these rules is essential for strategic play in MTG, ensuring you’re fully aware of the consequences of exiling creatures and utilizing your resources effectively. The interactions between exile, enchantments, and game objects can be complex, but by remembering the key principles, you can make informed decisions and control the battlefield with greater precision.