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When a Creature Enters, Destroy Target Creature Enchantment? Deconstructing Triggered Abilities in Magic: The Gathering

The core concept of a triggered ability that destroys a target creature enchantment upon a creature entering the battlefield is entirely feasible and a common design pattern in Magic: The Gathering. We see variations of this effect frequently, implemented with nuanced conditions and specific targets, making it a potent tool for both offense and defense. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this effect, examining its implications, variations, and how it functions within the complex rules of Magic.

Understanding the Anatomy of the Trigger

Before we dive into specific examples and corner cases, let’s dissect the anatomy of a trigger like “When a creature enters the battlefield, destroy target creature enchantment.” This type of trigger comprises several critical components:

Trigger Condition: “When a creature enters the battlefield.” This is the event that causes the ability to activate. The trigger looks for creatures entering the battlefield under any player’s control unless specifically worded otherwise.
Triggered Ability: The entire sentence is the triggered ability. It represents a delayed action that will occur in response to the trigger condition being met.
Target: “Target creature enchantment.” This specifies what the ability will affect. The word “target” is crucial, because it signifies that a player must choose a specific creature enchantment on the battlefield when the ability is put onto the stack. If there are no legal targets, the ability will be removed from the stack upon resolution.
Effect: “Destroy.” This dictates the action performed on the target. In this case, the targeted creature enchantment is put into its owner’s graveyard.

Timing and the Stack

Crucially, triggered abilities do not resolve immediately. When a creature enters the battlefield, triggering the ability, it is placed on the stack. Players then have a chance to respond by casting instants or activating other abilities before the triggered ability resolves and destroys the targeted enchantment. This timing element is vital for understanding how to interact with and counter such effects.

Color Pie Considerations

Abilities that destroy enchantments are primarily found in white and green. White is the primary color for enchantment removal, with green as a secondary color that often focuses on destroying permanents broadly. Black and red are less likely to feature this specific effect. The color pie dictates the strengths and weaknesses of each color, and this is reflected in the types of abilities each color receives.

Examples in Existing Cards

Many cards in Magic exhibit functionality similar to the core concept we’re discussing. Here are a few examples that, while not exact replicas, highlight the design space this trigger occupies:

Reclamation Sage: This creature’s ability triggers “When Reclamation Sage enters the battlefield.” Its effect is to destroy target artifact or enchantment.
Qasali Pridemage: Has exalted and the ability to, at instant speed, destroy target artifact or enchantment.
Knight of Autumn: Provides multiple modes, one of which destroys target artifact or enchantment when it enters the battlefield.
Outland Liberator // Frenzied Trapbreaker: This creature can transform into a creature who can destroy target artifact or enchantment when it attacks.
Primal Might: Destroys target artifact or enchantment and gains you life when a creature with power 4 or greater enters the battlefield under your control.

These cards demonstrate the flexibility of the “enters the battlefield” trigger combined with permanent destruction. They also show how designers can add restrictions or additional effects to create unique and balanced cards.

Power Level and Balancing Factors

An ability that destroys a creature enchantment upon a creature entering the battlefield can be very powerful, especially in a format dominated by creature enchantments like Auras. Several factors can be adjusted to balance this power:

Mana Cost: A higher mana cost makes the ability slower and more expensive to use.
Rarity: Limiting the availability of the ability by placing it at a higher rarity helps control its impact on the metagame.
Conditional Trigger: Instead of triggering whenever any creature enters, the trigger could be restricted to creatures you control, creatures of a specific type, or creatures with a certain power or toughness.
Restrictions on the Target: The ability could only target enchantments attached to creatures opponents control.
Additional Costs: Requiring a sacrifice, tapping, or other resource expenditure can make the ability less readily available.

By carefully manipulating these factors, designers can create a balanced and flavorful ability that interacts meaningfully with the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions concerning “When a creature enters, destroy target creature enchantment?” type effects:

1. What happens if there are no legal targets for the “destroy target creature enchantment” effect when the trigger resolves?

If the targeted ability has no legal targets when it resolves (for example, the targeted creature enchantment has already been destroyed or is no longer on the battlefield), the ability will be countered upon resolution and have no effect. No player receives priority.

2. Can I respond to the triggered ability by enchanting the creature with an enchantment?

Yes, you can. The triggered ability goes on the stack, and players can respond by casting spells or activating abilities. You can cast an Aura on the targeted creature in response to the trigger. However, if the Aura is a creature enchantment and the original trigger resolves first, the Aura will be destroyed.

3. Does it matter who controls the creature that enters the battlefield?

Typically, no. Unless the trigger specifically states otherwise, it will trigger whenever any creature enters the battlefield, regardless of who controls it.

4. If a creature and a creature enchantment enter the battlefield simultaneously, can the triggered ability target that enchantment?

This depends on the trigger. If the ability triggers “When a creature enters the battlefield,” it will see both permanents entering at the same time. You can then target the creature enchantment with the ability.

5. Can I target an indestructible creature enchantment with this ability?

Yes, you can target an indestructible creature enchantment. While the enchantment won’t be destroyed due to its indestructible ability, the ability can still be targeted, which is relevant if the ability has additional effects beyond destruction.

6. What happens if the creature that triggered the ability is destroyed before the ability resolves?

Destroying the creature that triggered the ability does not stop the ability from resolving. Once the ability is on the stack, it exists independently of its source.

7. Can I use this ability to destroy an Aura that is not a creature enchantment?

No. The ability specifically targets creature enchantments. It cannot be used to destroy other types of enchantments, such as Global enchantments.

8. If I control multiple creatures with this ability, will they all trigger when a creature enters the battlefield?

Yes, they will all trigger. Each trigger will be placed on the stack, and you will choose a target for each trigger as they are put on the stack.

9. How does this ability interact with hexproof?

If a creature enchantment has hexproof, it cannot be targeted by an opponent’s ability unless the opponent controls the enchantment’s controller.

10. If a creature enters the battlefield as a copy of another creature, does the ability still trigger?

Yes, the ability triggers as long as a creature enters the battlefield. Whether it’s a token, a copied creature, or a creature played from your hand, the trigger condition is met.

11. Can I use this ability to destroy my own creature enchantment?

Yes, you can target your own creature enchantments with this ability, unless the ability specifically states that you can only target enchantments controlled by an opponent.

12. How does this interaction play out with flicker effects (exile and return)?

If a creature with an enchantment is exiled and returned to the battlefield by a flicker effect, both the creature and the enchantment are considered to be entering the battlefield simultaneously. If the creature that entered can trigger such an effect it can target the aura that entered.

In conclusion, the ability “When a creature enters, destroy target creature enchantment?” is a viable and versatile design element in Magic: The Gathering. By understanding its components, timing, and balancing factors, players can better utilize and counter this powerful effect. The specific implementation of this effect depends on the designer’s intentions, the color pie’s constraints, and the overall balance of the set.