Characteristic defining abilities?
Asked by PayOneLife 8 years ago
Hi!
I'm seeking a bit of clarity about characteristic defining abilities. Most of what I have read about them is that they can define any characteristic, but I've noticed in the comprehensive rules it specifies "colors, subtypes, power, or toughness". So is this a change of rules? Can a characteristic defining ability define type, supertype and so on?
PayOneLife says... #2
It's hard to find one, which may be the answer. Perhaps these are the only characteristics currently modified by CDAs.
November 13, 2016 9:14 p.m.
Raging_Squiggle says... Accepted answer #3
See here for lots of info on Characteristic Defining Abilities.
November 13, 2016 9:31 p.m.
PayOneLife says... #4
Yeah I have read that, I feel pretty clear on CDAs but in other information I had read other material that just stated that CDAs affect characteristics. Seems clear that it's just the four mentioned now though.
November 13, 2016 9:41 p.m.
Rhadamanthus says... #5
I get the feeling those particular characteristics are specified because it's likely there will never be a card with a CDA defining any other characteristic. Name and color indicator seem pointless, mana cost, card type, supertype, and rules text feel like they could lead to bizarre rules problems, abilities seems unnecessarily complicated when you could do it without a CDA, loyalty seems too narrow, and hand modifier and life modifier are for objects that likely won't be printed again.
November 13, 2016 10:53 p.m.
PayOneLife says... #6
That's the conclusion I've come to, except potentially loyalty. Although how a CDA setting loyalty would work with loyalty abilities is another thing. It would probably be easier to set the loyalty though a replacement effect "X enters the battlefield with loyalty equal to" and 0 loyalty.
GearNoir says... #1
Do you have any specific cards you might be wondering about? I'm a little confused on your question.
November 13, 2016 8:01 p.m.