about hexproof

Asked by fuzzyman20 11 years ago

If i were to put a enchantment on a creature and it then gained hexproof would the enchantment fall off? having an argument with a friend and would like it solved, i don't think it does but he disagrees and Google has been no help

Cobthecobbler says... #1

No, hexproof prevents your opponent from targeting your creature with a spell or ability. Enchantments don't usually target, they usually just say "Enchant x"

That being said, the only thing that prevents you from targeting your own creatures is shroud, which isn't even relevant in this situation due to the lack of targeting.

June 28, 2013 6:41 a.m.

Cobthecobbler says... #2

In short, the enchantment would stay on.

June 28, 2013 6:41 a.m.

Devonin says... Accepted answer #3

Actually, enchantment auras absolutely target.

303.4a An Aura spell requires a target, which is defined by its enchant ability.

So once a creature has hexproof, it can't be enchanted by your opponent, or if it has shroud, enchanted by anybody. But Hexproof and Shroud only prevent targeting. Nothing else. So anything already on the creature is going to stay there. About the only things that would cause an aura to fall off a creature would be giving it protection from a colour that the aura is, or having the creature stop being a creature (say with Soul Sculptor )

June 28, 2013 7:09 a.m.

KingSorin says... #4

Are you enchanting his creature, or your own. If you look at a creature like Geist of Saint Traft , you can see the reminder text for hexproof. 'spells or abilities your opponents control', so if you're targeting your own creature it'll stay on, but if he's using Ranger's Guile on his own, it will remove enchantments you played on it like Pacifism .

June 28, 2013 7:42 a.m.

Cobthecobbler says... #5

You learn something new every day, haha. Same result though lol.

June 28, 2013 7:42 a.m.

Arachnarchist says... #6

Devonin has the most correct answer in comment #3. Once an enchantment resolves and is attached to a creature, hexproof and shroud will not make it fall off. Protection will as will a change in the creature that makes it an illegal enchant. (i.e. If you enchanted a Grizzly Bears with Runner's Bane and then played Giant Growth on it, the Runner's Bane would fall off, as it is no longer attached to a "creature with power 3 or less").

However, an effect that puts an aura into play without casting it can put an enchantment on a hexproof or shroud creature, since Auras only target when they are cast as spells. For example, something like Obzedat's Aid , Faith's Reward , Sun Titan etc. can be used to put an enchantment on an untargettable creature.

June 28, 2013 9:23 a.m.

scook123 says... #7

Arachnarchist, I believe you are incorrect with your second point. When the enchanent returns to the battlefield you need to choose new targets or re-target the original creature. Just because you are not casting it from your hand doesn't mean that it won't target. Therefore hexproof would still not allow you to target a creature in that instance.

October 10, 2013 12:34 p.m.

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