Demystifying Necromancy: Aura, Enchantment, or Something Else Entirely?
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No, Necromancy is not inherently an Aura. In Magic: The Gathering (MTG), it enters the battlefield as an Enchantment with the ability to become an Enchant Creature Aura through a triggered ability. This transformation only happens when the enchantment successfully targets a creature card in a graveyard. If that target becomes illegal or the triggered ability is countered, Necromancy remains an enchantment, not an Aura, rendering it mostly useless on the battlefield.
Understanding Necromancy in MTG: Beyond the Basics
Necromancy is a fascinating card in MTG, steeped in complexity and historical significance. Its unique mechanics have led to numerous rulings and strategic plays over the years. Let’s delve into the nuances of this card to fully understand its aura-like qualities.
Necromancy’s Entry and Transformation
The key to understanding Necromancy lies in its triggered ability. It enters the battlefield as a standard enchantment, but then it triggers, targeting a creature card in a graveyard. If the ability resolves successfully and the creature card remains a legal target, Necromancy becomes an Aura attached to that creature. This is a crucial distinction: it’s not born an Aura, but rather achieves Aura status.
The Consequences of Interruption
The triggered ability’s vulnerability is a significant weakness. If the ability is countered (using a card like Stifle), the creature card remains in the graveyard, and Necromancy stays on the battlefield as a regular enchantment. Since it targets in the graveyard, the game state treats the original creature card as the target, instead of the zone where the card is located. Without a valid target, the aura will not attach, and Necromancy will remain on the battlefield without doing anything.
Aura-Like Behavior
Once Necromancy successfully becomes an Aura, it adheres to all the standard Aura rules. It enchants the targeted creature, granting you control of it. If the enchanted creature leaves the battlefield, Necromancy goes to the graveyard as well. This aura-like behavior after successful attachment is what leads to some confusion. The game state treats Necromancy as an aura once it has become an aura.
Why This Matters Strategically
Understanding Necromancy’s mechanics is crucial for effective gameplay. Knowing you can counter its triggered ability to prevent it from becoming an Aura can swing the game in your favor. Conversely, if you’re playing Necromancy, protecting that triggered ability is paramount. The Games Learning Society could even study this card to understand how complex rules impact strategic thinking! You can find more information about the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Necromancy
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify the intricacies of Necromancy even further:
1. Can Necromancy target a creature in my own graveyard?
Yes, Necromancy can target a creature card in any graveyard, including your own. This opens up strategic options for reanimating your own powerful creatures.
2. What happens if the targeted creature card becomes an illegal target after the ability is triggered but before it resolves?
If the targeted creature card leaves the graveyard or becomes an illegal target for any other reason before the triggered ability resolves, the ability will fail to resolve. Necromancy will remain on the battlefield as an enchantment and won’t become an Aura.
3. If I cast Necromancy with Flash, does it still have to target a creature in a graveyard?
Yes, even when cast with flash, Necromancy’s triggered ability still targets a creature card in a graveyard upon entering the battlefield. The flash ability simply allows you to cast it at a time you normally couldn’t, like during an opponent’s turn.
4. What happens if Necromancy is attached to a creature and that creature becomes an illegal target for Auras?
If the enchanted creature somehow becomes an illegal target for Auras (for example, if it gains protection from enchantments), Necromancy will be put into its owner’s graveyard as a state-based action.
5. Can I use Necromancy to reanimate a creature with shroud or hexproof?
You can target a creature with shroud or hexproof in the graveyard. However, once Necromancy becomes an Aura and attempts to attach to the creature on the battlefield, the shroud or hexproof will prevent the attachment, and Necromancy will go to the graveyard.
6. Does Necromancy trigger enter the battlefield effects of the reanimated creature?
Yes, when Necromancy reanimates a creature, that creature enters the battlefield under your control, triggering any “enter the battlefield” abilities it may have.
7. Can I attach Necromancy to a token creature in the graveyard?
No, you cannot target a token in the graveyard with Necromancy. Tokens cease to exist when they leave the battlefield, so they cannot be targeted in the graveyard.
8. If Necromancy is destroyed while attached to a creature, what happens to the creature?
When Necromancy is destroyed, the creature it’s enchanting remains on the battlefield under your control. It’s only when the creature leaves the battlefield that Necromancy is also put into the graveyard.
9. Is there a way to make Necromancy stick around as an enchantment if I don’t want to target a creature?
No, Necromancy must target a creature card in a graveyard upon entering the battlefield. There’s no way to bypass this triggered ability and keep it as a standalone enchantment.
10. How does Necromancy interact with sacrifice effects?
If you are forced to sacrifice a creature enchanted by Necromancy, you must do so. Both the creature and Necromancy will then be put into their respective graveyards.
11. Can I enchant an opponent’s creature with Necromancy if it’s put into their graveyard during my turn?
Yes, provided you cast Necromancy at a time when you could cast a sorcery. Necromancy is able to target any creature card in any graveyard, so you can target your opponent’s creature as long as it is in the graveyard.
12. What is the difference between casting Necromancy at sorcery speed vs. with flash?
Casting Necromancy at sorcery speed means that it follows normal sorcery casting restrictions, such as during your main phase when the stack is empty. Casting it with Flash means you can cast it at almost any time, similar to an instant. However, if you cast it with flash at a time you couldn’t cast a sorcery (for example, during combat), you must sacrifice Necromancy at the beginning of the next cleanup step if it’s still on the battlefield.
13. If I control Necromancy and my opponent gains control of the enchanted creature, who controls Necromancy?
You still control Necromancy. The Aura remains under your control even if the enchanted creature is controlled by another player. The enchanted creature remains under your control until that creature leaves the battlefield.
14. Can I move Necromancy from one creature to another using other Aura-moving effects?
Generally, no. Moving Auras to different creatures typically requires the Aura to be attached upon resolution of the card or effect that moves it. Necromancy’s effect only occurs when it enters the battlefield, and the resolution of an Aura-moving effect on a Necromancy that is already attached wouldn’t trigger that effect.
15. What are some cards that work well with or against Necromancy?
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Works well with: Cards that fill graveyards quickly (e.g., Entomb, Buried Alive), counterspell support (e.g., Counterspell) to protect the initial trigger.
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Works against: Cards that exile graveyards (e.g., Rest in Peace), cards that counter triggered abilities (e.g., Stifle), and cards that prevent enchantment attachment (e.g., protection from enchantments).
Understanding Necromancy’s conditional aura status adds a layer of depth to your MTG gameplay. Whether you’re wielding it or countering it, knowing the rules and interactions is the key to mastery.