Is an Aura a Target Spell? Unveiling the Mysteries of Enchantments in Magic: The Gathering
The world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is filled with intricate rules and mechanics, and understanding them can be crucial to mastering the game. Among the most intriguing of these mechanics is the use of Auras, a subtype of Enchantments that add a layer of strategic depth. One of the most commonly debated aspects of Auras revolves around the question: Is an aura a target spell? The short answer is yes, an aura spell always targets a specific object or player while on the stack. However, the nuances of how this targeting works and when it does and doesn’t apply are vital for both new and seasoned players to grasp. Let’s dive into the details of aura spells and clear up the confusion.
Understanding Aura Spells and Their Targets
The Targeting Nature of Aura Spells
Aura spells are a special type of spell in MTG characterized by the “enchant” keyword ability. When you cast an Aura spell, you must choose the target for the enchant ability as the spell is placed on the stack. This is outlined in the rules, particularly rule 601.2c, which covers the steps of casting a spell, including target selection. The rules text for a typical aura spell has something along the lines of “Enchant creature” or “Enchant player” This keyword ability is essential as it dictates what the Aura can attach to and how it interacts with other game rules.
Importantly, Auras are the only type of permanent spells that target. This fact distinguishes them from all other types of permanent spells, like Creatures or Artifacts. Once the Aura spell resolves and becomes a permanent, it’s attached to the targeted object or player and no longer targets anything.
When Auras Don’t Target
A crucial distinction must be made: While casting an Aura spell always involves a target, a permanent Aura on the battlefield does not target. This is critical for interactions with abilities like Hexproof and Shroud. An Aura already attached to a permanent is not considered targeting that permanent. It’s only the initial casting of the spell that involves a target.
Consider the following scenario: a player has a creature with Hexproof. This prevents it from being targeted by spells or abilities your opponents control. You cannot cast an aura spell targeting the hexproof creature. However, if an aura somehow enters the battlefield attached to that creature without being cast as a spell, it would bypass the hexproof restriction. For example, some creatures may have abilities that may put an aura into play and attached to a creature that already exists on the battlefield. In that scenario, that aura is not targeting as it is not being cast and placed on the stack.
Aura Permanent vs. Aura Spell
This distinction highlights the difference between an Aura spell (which exists on the stack before resolving) and an Aura permanent (which is on the battlefield). Understanding this difference helps to correctly apply various MTG rules, like interactions with protection, shroud and hexproof. It is also important to note that the target must be legal as the spell resolves, or the spell will not resolve. If this happens, the aura is put into the graveyard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Aura Spells and Targeting
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help solidify your understanding of auras and their targeting mechanics in MTG:
1. Are Aura spells always targeted?
Yes. By definition, an Aura spell must target a legal object or player, as indicated by its enchant keyword ability on the card. Rule 114.1b explicitly states that Aura spells are always targeted, making them unique among permanent spells.
2. Do Auras target if they aren’t cast?
No. When Auras enter the battlefield through means other than being cast (such as through effects that put them directly onto the battlefield), they do not target. Instead, the game mechanics mandate that they attach to a legal object if possible. The attaching is “chosen,” not “targeted.” If no valid object is available, the aura goes to the graveyard.
3. What is an Aura spell, exactly?
In Magic: The Gathering, an Aura is a subtype of Enchantment. Aura cards are designed to attach or “enchant” other permanents or players, modifying or affecting them. They have been in the game since Alpha, initially called “Enchant” cards, before the “Aura” subtype was introduced.
4. Can an Aura enchant a creature with Shroud or Hexproof?
Shroud and Hexproof prevent permanents from being targeted by spells or abilities. Therefore, you cannot cast an Aura spell targeting a creature with Shroud or Hexproof. However, if an aura enters the battlefield attached to a creature that has Shroud or Hexproof via some ability without being cast, it can legally be attached. This is because the aura itself is not targeting the creature it is being attached to, it is following a directive.
5. If a creature has Shroud and an aura is already on it, will the aura fall off?
No. Shroud only prevents a creature from being targeted by new spells or abilities. It does not cause existing Auras to fall off the creature. The aura is not continually targetting the creature, but rather is just attached.
6. Do auras fall off when you regenerate a creature?
No. Regeneration replaces a creature’s destruction with its removal from combat (if applicable) and its tapping. The regenerated creature does not actually leave the battlefield, thus it does not cause auras or other attachments to fall off.
7. Are “Enchantment” and “Aura” synonyms?
No. Auras are always Enchantments, but not all Enchantments are Auras. An Aura has the subtype “Aura”, while an Enchantment can be a global effect or have a different subtype. For example, Rancor is an “Enchantment – Aura” but a card like Ghostly Prison is just an “Enchantment”.
8. Do I draw a card when I cast an Aura spell?
It depends on the card. Some card abilities state that when you cast an aura spell you may draw a card, but most do not include this ability. This ability is usually found in card text, so it would be wise to look there for that information.
9. What is a “Cursed Role” token and how does it relate to Auras?
A Cursed Role token is a colorless Aura Role enchantment token named “Cursed” with the specific ability to enchant a creature, giving that creature a base power and toughness of 1/1. Like other auras, Cursed targets a creature as it’s cast.
10. How do Aura “Curses” work in MTG?
Aura Curses target a player and function like other Aura spells. They are permanents on the battlefield that are attached to a player. If the enchanted player gains protection from the curse’s color or has other rules interactions, the curse will be removed and moved to the graveyard.
11. Can you tap an Aura in MTG?
No. Auras themselves cannot be tapped. They are attached to other permanents which can be tapped, but the aura itself does not tap with them. If you choose to tap the attached object for an effect, it will not affect the aura attached to it.
12. Do auras get copied if their enchanted creature is copied?
No. When a creature is copied, the copy does not include attached Auras, Equipment, or Counters. The copy is a brand new permanent, and the copied object’s enchantments and other modifiers are not copied.
13. Are Auras considered “good” or “bad” in MTG?
Auras aren’t inherently good or bad. Their value depends on the specific Aura card and how it interacts with the game state and your game plan. Auras can be incredibly powerful for buffing creatures or weakening opponents but have the inherent risk of being “two for oned” by removal.
14. Can you destroy an Aura directly?
Yes. While Auras don’t directly attack, they are still vulnerable to removal spells that can destroy enchantments. You can target the aura directly with destroy effects, or use bounce effects to put them in the graveyard.
15. Do auras grant abilities to enchanted creatures?
It depends on the card. Some auras grant static abilities to the creature, and some are only activated by the controller of the aura.
Conclusion
Understanding that Aura spells target when cast, but Aura permanents do not, is a key aspect of mastering the complex mechanics of Magic: The Gathering. By studying the specific rules and answering the commonly asked questions, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the strategic depth that Auras bring to the game. This understanding will enable players to make more informed decisions and gain an edge in their games.