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What Target Creature Becomes Black?

The answer to the question “What target creature becomes black?” depends entirely on the effect being used. There isn’t a single universal rule that governs this transformation. Several cards and abilities in the game (we’ll assume this is Magic: The Gathering for context) can change a creature’s color to black, either as a primary effect or as a rider effect alongside something else. The defining factor is the specific spell, ability, or effect being employed. It is always defined in the card text itself and the way the transformation is defined within that effect.

Understanding Color Changing Effects

Color changing effects in the game are diverse. They can be permanent or temporary, target a single creature or multiple creatures, and may or may not come with additional benefits or drawbacks. To fully understand how a creature becomes black, we need to examine the different types of effects that can cause this transformation. Let’s dive deeper into the mechanics and examples of cards that can cause this change.

Common Types of Color Manipulation

Several methods exist for turning creatures black. These can be broadly categorized as follows:

Direct Color Changing Spells/Abilities: These directly state that a creature becomes a specific color. For example, a theoretical card might say “Target creature becomes black until end of turn.”
Equipment or Auras: Some enchantments or equipment attach to a creature and grant it the color black (and potentially other abilities). These usually have a longer-lasting effect than instants or sorceries.
Triggered Abilities: Certain creatures possess abilities that trigger under specific conditions, resulting in a creature becoming black, typically temporarily.
Activated Abilities: Creatures with activated abilities can sometimes grant other creatures (or themselves) the color black upon activation.
Replacement Effects: Though rarer for color changing, some replacement effects might alter how a creature enters the battlefield, causing it to enter as a black creature.

Examples of Cards with Color Changing Effects

Although a specific card might not exist with the exact text “Target creature becomes black,” several cards have similar effects or contribute to a similar outcome. Consider these concepts:

Hypothetical Card: Midnight Embrace: “Target creature becomes black and gains +1/+1 until end of turn.” This is a direct color-changing spell.
Hypothetical Equipment: Ebony Armor: “Equipped creature is black and gets +2/+0.” This equipment permanently changes the color.
Hypothetical Creature: Shadowtouched Imp: “Whenever a creature deals combat damage to Shadowtouched Imp, that creature becomes black until end of turn.” This uses a triggered ability.
Hypothetical Creature: Corrupting Touch: “{T}: Target creature becomes black until end of turn.” This uses an activated ability.

It is important to note that these examples provide a framework for understanding the mechanics involved. Always consult the official card text for accurate details.

Duration and Permanence

The duration of the color change is crucial. Some effects last only until the end of the turn, while others are permanent, meaning the creature remains black indefinitely (or until another effect changes it). Auras and equipment typically provide longer-lasting color changes compared to instants and sorceries.

Importance of Understanding Card Text

Ultimately, the most reliable way to determine if a target creature becomes black is to carefully read the card text. Pay close attention to:

Targets: Does the card specify “target creature”?
Effect: Does it explicitly state that the creature becomes black, or does it use similar wording like “is black” or “gains black”?
Duration: How long does the effect last?
Conditions: Are there any specific conditions that must be met for the effect to occur?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about creatures becoming black, providing further clarity and addressing common scenarios:

If a creature becomes black, does it lose its other colors? Generally, yes. Unless the card specifically states it retains its other colors, it will only be black. A card that says, “Target creature becomes black in addition to its other colors,” would be an exception.
Can a colorless creature become black? Yes. Colorless creatures can be targeted by effects that make them a specific color.
What happens if I target a creature with protection from black with an effect that makes it black? Protection from black prevents targeting, damage, and enchanting/equipping by black sources, as well as blocking by black creatures. You cannot target a creature with protection from black to make it black.
If a creature is already black, can I still target it with an effect that makes it black? Yes, you can, unless the card specifically prohibits targeting black creatures. The effect simply reinforces its existing color.
Does changing a creature’s color affect its identity? Yes, color changing can affect a card’s color identity. A card’s color identity is used to determine the legality in some formats, like Commander.
Can I make a land creature black? Yes, if the land has become a creature through some effect.
If a creature has multiple colors and becomes black, what happens to its other abilities associated with its original colors? Abilities dependent on the specific colors the creature loses will no longer function, while abilities based on the creature being a creature or other characteristics would remain.
Are there any ways to prevent a creature from becoming black? Yes, through effects that grant hexproof or protection from the color source causing the color change.
If a creature becomes black temporarily (e.g., until end of turn), does it still trigger abilities that trigger when a black creature enters the battlefield? No. Those abilities trigger when a black creature enters the battlefield. An existing creature becoming black does not trigger the ability.
Can I use an effect that makes a creature black to circumvent color restrictions on other spells or abilities? Potentially. If a spell or ability requires a black creature as a target, making a creature black can satisfy that requirement.
How does becoming black interact with abilities that care about the number of black permanents I control? Making a creature black will increase the number of black permanents you control, thus affecting any abilities that rely on that count.
If a creature becomes black, does it become a black spell while it’s on the stack? No. A creature card is only a creature card on the stack; it only gains the type and color once on the battlefield.
What happens if a creature is both white and black, and I destroy all creatures of a chosen color? Can I choose black and destroy it? Yes, you can choose black. The creature is black, so it will be destroyed.
If I control a creature that is a copy of another creature, and the original creature becomes black, does the copy also become black? No, unless the copy effect specifically states that it copies color changes. Usually copy effects copy the base characteristics of the card.
Are there any cards that change all creatures to black simultaneously? While not common, cards exist that can affect all creatures under certain circumstances. Look for effects that change all creatures of a specific type or color and combine that with a color changing effect for a similar outcome. It’s worth reading the card text closely to see what possibilities may arise.

By understanding the specific card text and the nuances of color-changing effects, you can effectively utilize these mechanics to your advantage in any game. Remember to always consult the official rulings for clarification on specific card interactions.