Can you use Unsummon on a golem?
Asked by thorton 13 years ago
For example, Master Splicer and Phyrexian Rebirth create artifact creatures/golems. We don't use cards for these in my group but I know that there are cards for them.
Can you use Unsummon to remove these creatures from the game?
If not it seems like unsummon is kind of a wasted spell - if you can then golems are weak because they can't be summoned again because they are not a spell in and of themselves.
A token needn't always be a creature. Theoretically, a token could exist of any permanent. Mirrorworks creates artifact tokens, which do not have to be creatures.
A token functions exactly as stated by the card that creates it. Master Splicer creates a 3/3 Golem creature token. Phyrexian Rebirth is an X/X Horror artifact creature token, where X/X is the number of creatures destroyed by its wrath effect. Anytime a token is created as a copy of another permanent, it copies all values of that permanent that can be copied.
Because of this, a token functions exactly like any other permanent. It can trigger abilities on entering the battlefield, being put into the yard, leaving the battlefield, etc.
However, as mozerdozer stated, they are removed as a state-based effect after leaving the battlefield. They can never be 'cast' because they only exist as permanents.
And Unsummon still has its uses, regardless. It can be used to break your opponent's tempo, works as a combat trick, and can be used to recur the ETB effects of your own creatures.
August 25, 2011 12:27 a.m.
yep, you can Unsummon a golem token.
regardless of the fact that its a token, its still also a creature.
unsummoning or using the better alternative Vapor Snag is such a lovely way to get back at your opponent. since once it gets unsummoned it'll fizzle because the token can't be in his hand.
August 27, 2011 4:06 a.m.
Amusingly, if there's a Precursor Golem on the table, Unsummon will cause all Golems to return to their owner's hands, as per Echoing Truth . Furthermore, instantaneous blink effects, such as Momentary Blink or Mistmeadow Witch will also destroy the token, as it simply ceases to exist once it leaves the table. Oblivion Ring and Leonin Relic-Warder have the same effect too. As for Unsummon or Vapor Snag, depends on the deck. If you're wanting to make combat tricks and replays of abilities, for example, Titans, then Unsummon. Otherwise, Vapor Snag.
August 28, 2011 1:40 a.m.
Epochalyptik says... Accepted answer #5
Unless you are prevented from targeting the token somehow, you can indeed use Unsummon on it.
Note the following rules quote:
110.5f A token that's phased out, or that's in a zone other than the battlefield, ceases to exist. This is a state-based action; see rule 704. (Note that if a token changes zones, applicable triggered abilities will trigger before the token ceases to exist.)
Since the token is returned to its controller's hand, it ceases to exist the next time state-based actions are checked.
This doesn't prevent you from Unsummoning it, just makes it more useful (it's basically a 1-drop instant that says "Exile target creature token.")
August 28, 2011 2:38 a.m.
thorton are you going to choose an answer? 4 and a half days is rather a long time for a question to be up.
Should be Epochalyptik due to rulings quote.
August 29, 2011 9 a.m.
mozerdozer says... #7
I have chosen an answer for him. I decided upon Epoch as he found the rules quote.
August 29, 2011 12:57 p.m.
Cool, you have power to choose answers for people?! Awesome!!
And good choice :)
August 29, 2011 7:16 p.m.
thank you all for your replies my computer was out of commission for the last few weeks. im gonna print out these rules and show my casual group!
mozerdozer says... #1
Yes. When a token is created, it becomes a permanent on the board of the type it is. As far as I know, I could be wrong, that type is always creature and sometimes additionally an artifact. Because they creatures, Unsummon will work on them just like any other creatures.
However, when it returns to their hand, the token is removed from the game as a state-based effect that when a token card exists in other zone that the battlefield, it is removed from the game.
Also, Vapor Snag > Unsummon . Jus' sayin'. Assuming you're not returning your own creature for some reason.
August 24, 2011 11:17 p.m.