Does a Copy of a Spell Count as Casting?

A copy of a spell does not count as casting a spell, as it is simply a replication of the original spell’s effects without the actual process of casting, which involves taking a card from its current location, putting it on the stack, and paying its costs. The distinction between casting and copying a spell is crucial, as it affects how various abilities and triggers interact with the copied spell, including storm, cascade, and prowess.

Understanding the Mechanics of Spell Copying

To delve deeper into the nuances of spell copying and its implications, let’s explore the following FAQs:

1. What counts as casting a spell? Casting a spell involves taking a card from where it is, usually the hand, putting it on the stack, and paying its costs, so that it will eventually resolve and have its effect.

2. Does copying a spell trigger storm? No, storm copies are put directly onto the stack—they aren’t cast, meaning the copies don’t generate storm copies themselves and aren’t counted by other storm spells cast later during the turn.

3. Does replicate count as casting? No, replicate doesn’t count as casting, as it involves paying a cost to create a copy of a spell that has already been cast.

4. Does copying a spell scroll destroy it? When a spell is copied from a spell scroll, the copier must succeed on an Intelligence (Arcana) check, and whether the check succeeds or fails, the spell scroll is destroyed.

5. Does casting a copy trigger prowess? No, prowess triggers when you cast a noncreature spell, and since copying a spell isn’t casting, it won’t trigger prowess.

6. Does copying a spell trigger cascade? No, cascade won’t trigger if you put a copy of a spell with cascade on the stack, as you didn’t cast the copy.

7. Can you kick a copy of a spell? If a kicked spell is copied, the copy is also kicked, as kicker costs are part of the spell’s initial casting and are retained in copies.

8. Can I cast a cantrip and a spell? You can’t cast another spell during the same turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action, after casting any spell as a bonus action.

9. What is the rule for spell casting in 5e? You must use a bonus action on your turn to cast the spell, provided that you haven’t already taken a bonus action this turn, and you can’t cast another spell, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.

10. Does tapping an artifact count as casting a spell? Anything you pay mana for to play is considered a spell, but once it’s resolved and it’s a permanent, it’s considered either a creature, artifact, or enchantment, not a spell.

11. Is putting a card onto the battlefield casting a spell? No, when a spell or ability tells you to put something onto the battlefield, you move that card into the battlefield zone without paying its costs, which is different from casting.

12. Do copies have summoning sickness? Yes, if you bring in a “copy” of a card that’s been under your control since your last turn, the copy will have summoning sickness.

13. What is the hardest spell to cast? The Patronus Charm is perhaps the most notorious difficult-to-cast spell, requiring the caster to hold on to a moment of pure happiness.

14. Can you copy a permanent spell? If a permanent spell is copied, it’s put onto the battlefield as a token as the spell resolves, rather than putting the copy of the spell onto the battlefield.

15. Do copied spells trigger Orvar? No, if a spell/ability says to copy a spell, it doesn’t interact with Orvar as the copies aren’t considered “cast” for the purpose of any triggers that care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding whether a copy of a spell counts as casting is fundamental to navigating the complex world of spell interactions, triggers, and abilities. By grasping the distinction between casting and copying, players can better strategize and anticipate the outcomes of their spellcasting actions, leveraging storm, cascade, prowess, and other mechanics to their advantage.