Do Tokens Come Back from Undying?
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The short, definitive answer is no, tokens do not return to the battlefield after being affected by the Undying ability. While a token with Undying will trigger the ability upon being put into a graveyard, the token will cease to exist as a state-based action before the triggered ability can resolve. This means that the token will never return to the battlefield. The complex interplay between Undying, tokens, and Magic: The Gathering’s state-based actions makes this a common point of confusion, so let’s dive into the specifics of why this occurs and explore related scenarios.
Understanding Undying and Tokens
The Undying Mechanic
Undying is a triggered ability that activates when a creature with this ability dies (is put into a graveyard). Upon triggering, the ability returns the creature card to the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it. This is a powerful mechanic, allowing creatures to come back stronger after being defeated. However, this mechanic has a specific interaction with tokens that results in a completely different outcome.
Tokens: Ephemeral Entities
Tokens are permanents that are not represented by physical cards. They are created by various spells and abilities and are represented by physical objects, often cards. Unlike traditional cards, tokens have a unique rule – they cease to exist as soon as they leave the battlefield for any zone, including the graveyard or exile. This is a state-based action that occurs immediately after a token leaves the battlefield, meaning it happens before anything else can occur, preventing the ability of Undying from bringing a token back.
The Interaction
When a token with Undying dies, it is placed in the graveyard. This triggers the Undying ability. However, the state-based action of ceasing to exist happens immediately. This action happens before the Undying ability can resolve, effectively removing the token from the game permanently. The token can’t return to the battlefield as it no longer exists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To clarify the interaction further, here are 15 FAQs that delve into the intricacies of tokens, Undying, and related game mechanics:
1. Do Tokens Go to the Graveyard?
Yes, tokens do go to the graveyard briefly before they cease to exist. This is a crucial detail as it allows them to trigger abilities that look for cards or permanents entering the graveyard. However, they are not in the graveyard long enough to be returned to the battlefield via abilities like Undying.
2. Can Tokens Return to the Battlefield by Any Means?
No, once a token leaves the battlefield, it cannot return by any means. This is a fundamental rule of tokens – they are ephemeral and once gone, they are gone for good.
3. Do Tokens Get Returned to Hand?
Tokens cannot be returned to hand. Attempting to return a token to hand will cause it to be destroyed as a state based action. This does not count as it dying but can still set off triggered effects like “when a creature leaves the field”
4. What Happens When a Token Is Exiled?
A token that is exiled ceases to exist immediately after being exiled. Similar to entering a graveyard, the token simply disappears. It does not stay in exile.
5. Does Exiling a Token Count as Dying?
No, exiling a token does not count as dying. Dying specifically refers to a creature being put into the graveyard, and as we have mentioned, tokens ceasing to exist after leaving the battlefield isn’t death, even if it triggers effects related to it going into the graveyard.
6. Do Tokens Trigger Death-Related Abilities?
Yes, tokens do trigger death-related abilities. This is because they do enter the graveyard before ceasing to exist. For example, a token dying can trigger abilities that read “when a creature is put into the graveyard” or similar.
7. Can Tokens Be Affected by “Return From Graveyard” Effects?
No, tokens cannot be affected by “return from graveyard” effects. Because they cease to exist immediately after going to the graveyard, they are no longer present in the graveyard to be targeted by these types of effects.
8. Do Tokens Trigger Grave Pact Effects?
Yes, tokens will trigger abilities like Grave Pact. They hit the graveyard and can cause you to sacrifice a creature upon it happening.
9. Do Tokens Have Summoning Sickness?
Yes, tokens do have summoning sickness if they are creatures. Like any other creature, if a token has not been under your control since the beginning of your most recent turn, it cannot attack or use any abilities with the tap symbol.
10. Can Tokens Be Sacrificed?
Yes, tokens can be sacrificed, just like any other permanent. Sacrificing a token will cause it to be placed into the graveyard, which can trigger graveyard effects, before it ceases to exist.
11. Can You Send Tokens Back to Your Hand?
No, you cannot send tokens back to your hand. Tokens only exist on the battlefield, and once they leave that zone, they are destroyed.
12. Can Tokens Be Targeted by Effects that Target a Specific Card?
No, tokens cannot be targeted by effects that target a specific card. This is because tokens are not actually cards and don’t have a physical card back, just being represented by a card.
13. Do Tokens Trigger Purphoros?
Yes, tokens entering the battlefield trigger Purphoros’s abilities. This ability will trigger for each token entering, causing damage to an opponent. If there are additional effects that trigger when the creature enters, they will cause Purphoros to trigger a second time.
14. Do Tokens Trigger Athreos?
Yes, tokens do trigger Athreos upon being exiled or going to the graveyard. However, they won’t be returned to the battlefield, because they cease to exist once they leave the battlefield.
15. Can Tokens Have Counters on Them?
Yes, tokens can have counters on them. This includes +1/+1 counters, -1/-1 counters, or any other type of counter. However, if the token ceases to exist and is brought back to the battlefield by an effect, they will not keep counters on them.
Conclusion
While the Undying mechanic might seem like it could bring a token back to the battlefield, the unique state-based action of tokens ceasing to exist after leaving the battlefield prevents this from happening. Tokens briefly trigger death effects, but disappear immediately after entering a non-battlefield zone. By understanding these key interactions, players can navigate the complexities of Magic: The Gathering more effectively, and hopefully avoid confusion when using their token-generating cards.