What does the phrase,"It's still a land" really mean?
Asked by mrfr1day 9 years ago
Say I transform one of my lands into a creature using Nissa, Worldwaker . It's still a land but what does that really mean for my opponent? Can they still destroy it with removal?
Epochalyptik says... Accepted answer #2
When a permanent has multiple types, it follows the rules for all of those types. As a land, it isn't a spell, and it's an illegal target for certain spells and abilities (as those spells and abilities specify), and it probably has a mana ability. As a creature, it has a P/T, is affected by summoning sickness, and can be destroyed due to lethal damage.
July 29, 2014 11:20 p.m.
FancyTuesday says... #3
When an effect affects characteristics of a card (in this case, "card type") it will usually specify how exactly it is doing it. For example, Phyrexian Metamorph is both an Artifact and a Creature, but if it doesn't copy a creature it will lose the characteristic of "Creature" because the only characteristic that explicitly persists after it copies its target is "Artifact."
So, when Nissa, Worldwaker says that it becomes a creature that is "still a land" it is saying that it is gaining the characteristic "Creature," not replacing the characteristic "Land" and thus is considered both for the purposes of other effects.
July 29, 2014 11:28 p.m.
FancyTuesday says... #4
Also, if it can be removed depends on the removal doing it. Murder says "Destroy target creature" and the target is a creature. It's a land yes, but it's also a creature and thus targetable and destroyed by effects that destroy creatures.
However, take Woodfall Primus . It specifies "noncreature" targets, and although it is a land that's not the restriction. Primus cannot target creatures and it is a creature.
Cards usually mean exactly what they say. Murder doesn't say "destroy target permanent that isn't a Land, Planeswalker, Enchantment, or Artifact," all it requires is that the target be a creature and it works.
July 29, 2014 11:43 p.m.
Gidgetimer says... #5
Phyrexian Metamorph remains a creature even if doesn't copy anything. When you use a clone to copy something the entire printed values of the copied creature replace those of the clone spell. The clone can have additional text that modifies this, as Phyrexian Metamorph does. If he doesn't copy anything he retains his complete printed values and is put into the graveyard for being a creature with 0 toughness unless there is an anthem out.
July 30, 2014 8:03 a.m.
http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/destroy-your-land-discard-your-hand/
July 30, 2014 11:06 a.m.
FancyTuesday says... #7
Gidgetimer is correct, it would remain a creature and thus be subject to all the rules pertaining to creatures if you choose to not copy anything. I meant only that it does not remain a creature if you target a noncreature artifact, but it does remain an artifact if you target a nonartifact creature because the rules text is explicit in handling the card type characteristic after its ability would change it, just as Nissa does.
vomdur says... #1
Basically means they can't hit it with Maelstrom Pulse but they can hit it with any creature specific removal such as Dreadbore
July 29, 2014 11:14 p.m.