Is an Emblem a Permanent in Magic: The Gathering? Decoding the Enigmatic Emblem
No, an emblem is NOT a permanent in Magic: The Gathering (MTG). This often leads to confusion, as emblems exert lasting effects on the game, similar to permanents. However, emblems reside in the command zone and are neither cards nor tokens. They are markers representing persistent abilities granted by certain cards, usually planeswalker ultimates. This unique characteristic makes them immune to most forms of removal, setting them apart from typical permanents on the battlefield.
Understanding Emblems: A Deep Dive
Emblems are one of the more unique aspects of Magic: The Gathering. They are neither spells, abilities, cards, tokens, or permanents, yet they have a powerful effect on the gameplay that can dictate the direction of a match. Understanding their nature and interaction with other game elements is crucial for any serious MTG player.
The Command Zone Residence
The key difference between an emblem and a permanent is its location. Permanents, like creatures, artifacts, enchantments, and planeswalkers, exist on the battlefield. Emblems, on the other hand, reside in the command zone. This is a special zone usually reserved for commanders in Commander games, but it also serves as the home for emblems. Being outside the battlefield means they’re unaffected by battlefield wipes, targeted removal spells that destroy permanents, or abilities that modify permanents.
The Source of Power: Planeswalkers and Beyond
Emblems are primarily associated with planeswalkers, particularly their ultimate abilities. Activating a planeswalker’s ultimate ability often results in a player gaining an emblem with a potent, game-altering effect. However, it’s important to note that emblems can be created by other card types as well, though this is less common. Regardless of the source, the emblem represents a persistent effect that benefits the player who created it.
Unremovable (Almost)
One of the defining characteristics of emblems is their near invulnerability. There are very few ways to remove an emblem from the game once it’s created. The most well-known method is using Karn Liberated’s ultimate ability, which restarts the game, effectively resetting everything, including emblems. Other than game restarts, the emblem sticks around for the remainder of the match.
The Absence of Characteristics
Emblems have minimal characteristics. They have no name, type, mana cost, or color. They are solely defined by the abilities they grant. This makes them difficult to interact with using conventional Magic cards that target specific characteristics. An emblem is simply a marker reminding players of a game-altering effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Emblems
Let’s address some frequently asked questions to solidify your understanding of emblems in Magic: The Gathering.
1. Do emblems go away when the planeswalker that created them dies?
No, emblems do not go away when the planeswalker that created them leaves the battlefield. Once an emblem is created and resides in the command zone, it exists independently of its source. The planeswalker’s fate is irrelevant to the emblem’s persistence.
2. Is there a way to remove an emblem in Magic The Gathering?
Currently, the only direct way to remove an emblem is by using Karn Liberated’s ultimate ability, which restarts the game. This effectively resets the entire game state, including emblems. No other card in Magic: The Gathering explicitly removes emblems.
3. What are emblems considered in MTG rules?
Emblems are not cards, tokens, or permanents. They are markers used to represent persistent effects on the game. They exist in the command zone and are defined solely by the abilities they grant. They have no other characteristics, such as name, color, or type. Understanding the nature of the game is important, and the Games Learning Society has valuable research in this area.
4. Does an emblem count as a source you control?
Yes, an emblem is both owned and controlled by the player who gained it. According to rule 114.3, an emblem has no characteristics other than the abilities defined by the effect that created it.
5. Does an emblem count as an ability?
An emblem represents an object that has one or more abilities. An effect that creates an emblem is written as “[Player] gets an emblem with [ability].” This means that [player] puts an emblem with [ability] into the command zone.
6. Is a planeswalker considered a permanent?
Yes, planeswalkers are permanents. You can cast them at any time you could cast a sorcery. When a planeswalker spell resolves, it enters the battlefield under your control. However, planeswalkers are not creatures.
7. How long do emblems last in MTG?
An emblem remains in effect for the duration of the game, as long as the player who gained it remains in the game. The only way to eliminate emblems is by restarting the game, or if the player who controls the emblem leaves the game.
8. Do Planeswalker emblems stack?
Yes, planeswalker emblems do stack. If you have multiple emblems with the same effect, those effects are applied cumulatively. For example, multiple [[Sorin, Lord of Innistrad]] emblems will each provide a separate power and toughness boost to your creatures.
9. Can you copy an emblem?
No, you cannot copy an emblem. Since emblems are not permanents and reside in the command zone, they cannot be targeted or affected by spells or abilities that copy permanents.
10. Are emblems affected by effects that target permanents?
No, emblems are not affected by effects that target permanents. Because emblems are not permanents and reside in the command zone, they are immune to anything that targets permanents on the battlefield.
11. Can an emblem be countered?
No, an emblem itself cannot be countered. An emblem is created as a result of a resolved spell or ability. While the original spell or ability that creates the emblem could be countered, once that effect resolves and the emblem is created, it cannot be countered.
12. What happens to an emblem in a subgame?
Subgames, such as those created by [[Enter the Infinite]] or [[Shahrazad]], are separate from the main game. Emblems created in the main game do not affect the subgame, and emblems created in the subgame do not affect the main game. The GamesLearningSociety.org studies game mechanics and the effects they have on the players.
13. If a player loses the game, what happens to their emblems?
If a player loses the game, all emblems they control are removed from the game. Since emblems are tied to the player who controls them, their departure from the game brings their emblems with them.
14. Can you give control of an emblem to another player?
No, there is no effect or card that allows you to give control of an emblem to another player. The player who initially gained the emblem retains control of it for the duration of the game (or until they lose the game).
15. What happens to emblems in a multiplayer game when a player is eliminated?
When a player is eliminated from a multiplayer game, any emblems they control are removed from the game. These emblems no longer have any effect on the remaining players.