Clarification on Phantasmal Image
Asked by djdauenbaugh 12 years ago
If Phantasmal Image copies a creature with "hexproof", let's say, Geist of Saint Traft it cannot be "targeted" and thus would not leave the battlefield, unless you yourself put an ability on it, correct? Side Note: +1/+1 counters are not an ability correct?
Phantasmal Image's ability doesn't care who controls the targetting spell/ability.I.e. if you try to cast say, Giant Growth targeting your own Hexproof Phantasmal Image , you'll sacrifice it.
Your scenario doesn't work anyway, since the Phantasmal Image will copy the Geist and trigger the 'legend rule', putting them both into the graveyard.
October 10, 2012 3:03 p.m.
Rhadamanthus says... #3
A spell or ability only has targets if it specifically uses the word "target" somewhere in it's text. The only exception is Aura cards, which have targets when they're cast as spells even though the word doesn't appear on the cards themselves (it's in the full rules text for the Aura type in the Comprehensive Rules).
Having hexproof (like from an Invisible Stalker , etc.) will keep your Phantasmal Image from being targeted by things your opponents control, but his "sacrifice me" ability will still trigger if you target him with something.
You'll get similar results from copying something with shroud or protection, as appropriate to the specific rules about those abilities.
October 10, 2012 3:41 p.m.
djdauenbaugh says... #4
Thank you for your responses. I realize now, Geist of Saint Traft was a terrible example, it was just a card that everyone knows and has hexproof. Silly me for trying to simplify my examples, I should know better. In the mean time I realized that Phantasmal Image isn't legal in standard (Yes, I've been out of it for a while) so it didn't matter, but still good to know.
Thanks again
PasorofMuppets says... Accepted answer #1
Geist of Saint Traft is kind of a bad example because of the legendary creature rule, but yes, if you copied something that had hexproof or shroud the targeting ability doesn't really matter; however, if you target the illusion in any way it will be destroyed. Unless it's something like Gavony Township that is non-targetting. But, for example Ajani, Caller of the Pride 's +1 targets, hence "target". I'm sorry if this doesn't answer your question, I'm sorta in a hurry so I may have misunderstood. D:
October 10, 2012 3:02 p.m.