Is Aether Membrane's ability a target ability?

Asked by Redriver18 3 years ago

My opponent attacked with an Angel of Destiny that was made hexproof. I blocked with AEther Membrane . I have been told in the past when dealing with Hexproof that "If it doesn't use the word 'target' it isn't a target ability." But neither I nor my opponent could find that specific phrasing in any rules to back that up. Additionally, without having that phrasing to back me up, the sentiment that "well it seems pretty target-y to me seeing how it says 'a creature' rather than just referencing creatures that it blocks in general" held significantly more water. In retrospect it doesn't seem any more like a target ability than say deathtouch but what do you think?

Polaris says... Accepted answer #1

You are correct. If something doesn't say "target" then it doesn't target. This is true of AEther Membrane , and even cards that do pick a specific permanent without targeting it like Clone . Targeting is discussed by Rule 115 in the Comprehensive Rules, and Rule 115.10 discusses situations like this where something is affected without targeting it. The relevant rules are listed below:

115.10a Just because an object or player is being affected by a spell or ability doesn’t make that object or player a target of that spell or ability. Unless that object or player is identified by the word “target”in the text of that spell or ability, or the rule for that keyword ability, it’s not a target.

115.10b In particular, the word “you”in an object’s text doesn’t indicate a target.

Notably, some keyword abilities can target without using the word, like "enchant creature" being shorthand for "this spell enters the battlefield attached to target creature." However, that's not the case here.

February 14, 2021 11:27 p.m.