Unlocking the Secrets of Token Copies and Abilities in Magic: The Gathering
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Yes, token copies of creatures absolutely inherit the abilities of the creature they are copying. This is because when a token is created as a copy, it acquires the values of the original object as defined by its rules text. This includes all abilities, characteristics, and even mana costs, if applicable. Think of it as a magical Xerox, imprinting all the essential information onto the new token.
Understanding Copy Effects and Tokens
The world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is filled with intricate rules and interactions, and the concept of copying creatures is one that frequently pops up. Whether through spells like Clone or abilities that create token copies, understanding how these effects work is crucial for strategic gameplay. Tokens, in particular, can add a layer of complexity. They are permanents that aren’t represented by cards, but rather by markers or indicators to signify their presence on the battlefield.
The Essence of Copying
When a card or ability instructs you to “copy” a permanent, such as a creature, it means you’re creating a new object that takes on the characteristics of the original. A key point to remember is that this copying process primarily focuses on the copiable values of the original permanent. These copiable values are generally those that are printed on the card itself (or, in the case of a transforming double-faced card, its front face) or defined by the effect that created the token. Crucially, these values include abilities.
Token Creation and Inherited Abilities
The moment a token copy enters the battlefield, it springs into existence with the abilities of the copied creature. It doesn’t need to “learn” or “acquire” them over time; they are inherent to its creation. This is incredibly important because the token can immediately trigger any enter-the-battlefield abilities or interact with other game mechanics based on its new abilities.
Example Scenario
Imagine you control a creature with flying and lifelink. If you create a token copy of that creature, the token copy will also possess flying and lifelink from the instant it arrives on the battlefield. It can immediately attack (assuming it doesn’t have summoning sickness) and gain you life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do tokens count as creatures without abilities if they lack explicit abilities in their creation?
No. A token has only the characteristics defined by the effect that created it. If the effect doesn’t specify any abilities, it won’t have any. However, if it copies a creature, it gains all of that creature’s abilities. Example: Jade Mage creates a 1/1 green Saproling creature token with no abilities if nothing further defines it.
2. Does a token copy of a creature have a converted mana cost (CMC)?
Generally, a basic token has a CMC of 0 because it has no mana cost to reference. However, if the token is a copy of a creature, and that creature does have a mana cost, the token copy will inherit that mana cost and, consequently, the same CMC.
3. Can token copies be legendary, and does the Legend Rule apply to them?
Yes, token copies can be legendary if the original creature they are copying is legendary, or if the effect creating the token specifically states that it’s legendary (like with some token-generating commanders). The Legend Rule does apply to tokens. If you control two legendary permanents (token or not) with the same name, you must choose one to keep, and the other is put into the graveyard.
4. Do token copies of commanders deal commander damage?
No. Being a commander is a property of the card itself, not the permanent on the battlefield. Thus, while a token copy might look identical to your commander, it doesn’t inherently possess the status of being your commander and cannot deal commander damage.
5. Do copies of creatures get counters placed on them?
No, counters are not a copiable characteristic. If the original creature had +1/+1 counters, those counters are not transferred to the token copy.
6. If I copy a creature with Hexproof, can the copy be targeted by spells or abilities?
Yes. Copying a creature with hexproof does not grant the copy hexproof from your spells or abilities. Hexproof only prevents your opponents from targeting the permanent.
7. Can you mutate a token creature?
Yes, tokens can be mutated just like non-token permanents. When you mutate onto a token, if the token is on top of the merged creature, the resulting creature is a token.
8. Can copies of creatures transform?
No, token copies themselves generally cannot transform if they were created as a single-faced copy of a transforming double-faced card. Because they lack the original card, they only have the characteristics of the face they initially copied. Some transforming double-faced tokens exist, however, if the spell used to create them defines it.
9. Do token copies count towards devotion?
Yes, copies do contribute to your devotion as long as they have a mana cost. Since they are a permanent on the battlefield with colored mana symbols in their mana cost, they will increase your devotion to those colors.
10. Does a token creature have summoning sickness?
Yes. Like all creatures entering the battlefield under your control, token creatures are subject to summoning sickness unless they have haste. This means they can’t attack or use activated abilities with the tap or untap symbol until your next turn.
11. Do creature tokens count as creature spells?
No. A spell exists only on the stack while it’s being cast. Once it resolves and enters the battlefield, it becomes a permanent. A token, which can be a creature, is a permanent and therefore not a spell.
12. How do token creatures work regarding combat?
Token creatures behave exactly like regular creatures in combat. They can attack, block, and be assigned damage. They can also be affected by status conditions like stun or enrage.
13. If the creature I am copying has its back face up (like a transforming card), will the token copy also have its back face up?
Yes, if the permanent being copied has its back face up, the token copy will also have its back face up.
14. Can you meld with a token copy?
No, you cannot meld a token copy with another card. Melding requires the specifically named cards to be exiled and then returned to the battlefield as a single, combined permanent. Token copies cannot be melded as they are not the specified cards.
15. Are copies of spells considered to be “cast”?
Copies of spells are generally not considered to be “cast”. This distinction is crucial because certain effects trigger specifically when a spell is cast. Since a copy is simply placed on the stack, it won’t trigger those abilities.
Mastering the Art of Copying
Understanding the nuances of token copies and their abilities can significantly enhance your gameplay in Magic: The Gathering. Knowing what is copied, what isn’t, and how tokens interact with other game mechanics can provide a competitive edge and open up new strategic possibilities.
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