Is an Enchantment Creature a Creature? Decoding Magic’s Dual Nature
Yes, unequivocally, an enchantment creature is a creature. It simultaneously possesses the characteristics of both an enchantment and a creature, adhering to the rules governing both card types. This dual nature creates unique interactions and strategic opportunities within the game of Magic: The Gathering. Think of them as the best of both worlds, or perhaps sometimes, the most vulnerable to certain removal strategies. Understanding this duality is crucial for both new and experienced players to fully grasp the complexities and potential of these fascinating permanents.
Unpacking the Dual Nature
Enchantment creatures are not simply enchantments that affect creatures; they are creatures themselves. This means they can attack, block, be targeted by creature-specific spells, and be affected by anything that boosts or weakens creatures. Simultaneously, they are also enchantments, making them vulnerable to enchantment removal, and able to trigger abilities that care about enchantments entering or leaving the battlefield. This combination opens up unique deckbuilding and strategic possibilities, as well as potential vulnerabilities.
Consider a card like Siona, Captain of the Pyleas. She is an enchantment creature with the human soldier creature types, and she interacts with auras. These types of cards are not just a powerful presence on the battlefield, but can also enable complex combos and synergies within your deck.
Understanding Type Hierarchies
A key point to understand is how creature type and enchantment type interact. While an enchantment creature has both types, the “creature” designation usually takes precedence when determining what affects it. For instance, a spell that destroys target creature will destroy an enchantment creature, even though the card also possesses the enchantment type. This is why understanding the specific wording of spells and abilities is crucial in Magic.
The exception to this, as mentioned in the original source, is when a creature with the Bestow ability is cast for its Bestow cost. In this case, it is not a creature spell, but an enchantment spell, and thus acts as an enchantment aura that will give added bonuses to whatever you chose to bestow it upon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Enchantment Creatures
1. Is an Enchantment Creature a Creature Type?
No. “Enchantment Creature” is not a creature type. Creature types are specific classifications like “Elf,” “Goblin,” “Angel,” or “Human.” An enchantment creature simply is a creature, and will also have a specific creature type (or types) associated with it. For example, it might be an “Enchantment Creature — Human Soldier.”
2. Is an Enchant Creature a Permanent?
Yes, an enchantment is a permanent. This is a fundamental rule within Magic: The Gathering. Therefore, since enchantment creatures are also enchantments, they are permanents. They stay on the battlefield unless removed by a spell or ability, or by state-based actions.
3. What is an Enchanted Creature?
An enchanted creature is a creature that has an Aura attached to it. An Aura is a type of enchantment specifically designed to attach to a permanent, providing some type of buff or debuff, whether that be giving flying, additional strength, or something entirely new.
4. Is Enchanting a Creature Targeting a Creature?
Generally, yes. When you cast an Aura as a spell from your hand, you are targeting the creature you want to enchant. This is important because effects like hexproof or shroud, which prevent targeting, can stop you from enchanting that creature with an Aura you are casting. However, if the Aura enters the battlefield through other means (like an ability that puts it directly onto the battlefield), it typically doesn’t target.
5. Is an Enchantment Creature the Same as an Enchanted Creature?
Absolutely not. An enchantment creature is a creature that also has the enchantment type. An enchanted creature is a creature that has one or more Aura enchantments attached to it. These are distinct concepts.
6. Does Enchanting a Creature Count as Targeting in MTG?
As mentioned earlier, if you are casting an Aura spell from your hand, it does target the creature you are enchanting. This means that creatures with hexproof or shroud can’t be targeted by your Aura spells. This is a crucial distinction in Magic strategy.
7. How Do Enchantment Creatures Work?
Enchantment creatures function like both creatures and enchantments. They can attack, block, be targeted by creature spells, and be destroyed by creature removal. Simultaneously, they are also enchantments, and are affected by enchantment-based strategies and removal. Their dual nature makes them versatile but also potentially vulnerable. Many of the Theros gods, for instance, are enchantment creatures that only become creatures when you devotion to their color reaches a threshold.
8. Is an Enchanted Creature Modified?
Yes, an enchanted creature is considered a modified creature. In Magic: The Gathering, a modified creature is defined as a creature that has a counter on it, is equipped with an Equipment, or is enchanted by an Aura the controller of the creature also controls.
9. What Happens if You Blink an Enchanted Creature?
If you blink an enchanted creature (exile it and immediately return it to the battlefield), the Aura attached to it will usually become unattached and go to the graveyard. The Aura is attached to the specific instance of the creature that existed before it was exiled. When the creature returns, it’s considered a new object, and the Aura no longer has anything to enchant.
10. Is “Enchant Creature” the Same as “Aura”?
“Enchant creature” is one type of Aura, but it is not the only type. Auras can also enchant artifacts, lands, players, and other permanents. “Enchant creature” Auras are specifically designed to attach to creatures, granting them abilities or modifying their stats.
11. Can You Enchant a Creature Twice (with the Same Aura)?
While you can attempt to enchant a creature multiple times, the limiting factor is usually the wording of the Auras themselves. You generally can’t have two Auras with the same name attached to the same permanent due to the Legendary Rule applying to permanents with the same name, but you can certainly enchant a creature with multiple different types of Auras without any issue.
12. What Happens if an Enchantment Creature Dies?
When an enchantment creature dies, it goes to the graveyard like any other creature. However, because it’s also an enchantment, its death can trigger abilities that care about enchantments leaving the battlefield. If an enchanted creature (a creature with an Aura attached) dies, the Aura will also typically go to the graveyard, unless it has Bestow, in which case it will become a creature on the battlefield.
13. Who Controls an Enchant Creature?
The player who cast the enchantment creature spell or otherwise put the card onto the battlefield is its controller. This is independent of who controls the object the enchantment creature might be affecting. For example, if you play an enchantment creature that gives all creatures +1/+1, you control the enchantment creature, but your opponent controls their own creatures.
14. Can You Cast an Enchantment Without a Creature?
This depends on the type of enchantment. Some enchantments have global effects and don’t need to target anything. However, Auras require a legal target to be cast. You can’t cast an “enchant creature” Aura without a creature to attach it to.
15. Can You Destroy an Enchantment Creature with “Destroy Target Enchantment”?
Yes. Because it’s an enchantment. In the same way that a creature can be destroyed by a destroy target creature card, an enchantment creature can be destroyed by a destroy target enchantment card.
Why This Matters: Strategy and Deckbuilding
Understanding the nuances of enchantment creatures opens up a wide range of strategic possibilities. You can build decks focused on:
- Enchantment synergies: Using cards that reward you for playing enchantments, like those with Constellation abilities.
- Creature synergies: Taking advantage of the creature aspect for aggressive strategies, creature-based removal, or tribal synergies.
- Resilience: Combining the strengths of both types to create hard-to-remove threats.
However, it also makes you aware of the vulnerabilities. Over-reliance on enchantment creatures can make you susceptible to both creature and enchantment removal.
Connecting Magic to Learning
The complex rules and interactions within Magic: The Gathering, like those surrounding enchantment creatures, offer valuable learning opportunities. The game promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. It also fosters social skills and collaboration. Organizations like the Games Learning Society recognize the educational potential of games and advocate for their use in various learning contexts. You can find more information about their work at GamesLearningSociety.org. They promote how complex games can be used to solve different learning objectives, and can improve critical thinking in students who are learning to play and enjoy complex games.
Conclusion
Enchantment creatures are a fascinating and strategically rich part of Magic: The Gathering. Understanding their dual nature is essential for mastering the game and building successful decks. By understanding the answers to these FAQs, you’ll have a much deeper insight into how these unique permanents function, and how to use them to your advantage. So go forth, enchant your creatures (or become one!), and conquer the battlefield!