What happens if an indestructible creature drops to 0 toughness?
Asked by cryptichorror 13 years ago
Specifically, if I equip a Carnifex Demon with Darksteel Plate , is there a limit to the number of -1/-1 counters I can give him?
rckclimber777 says... #2
If he has 0 toughness then he will die. Indestructible protects against lethal damage and destroy effects. Darksteel plate does not save a creature from -1/-1 counters
October 29, 2011 7:59 p.m.
cryptichorror says... #3
So in that case, what would happen in this situation. My opponent has a 3/3 creature with Darksteel Plate equipped. I attack with a 2/2 and he blocks with his 3/3. After combat I cast a spell that gives his creature -1/-1 until end of turn. Does his creature die?
October 30, 2011 12:35 a.m.
rckclimber777 says... #4
No the creature would still be alive. The creature would have 2 toughness and 2 damage counters. The important thing to remember is that damage does not decrease the toughness of a creature.
October 30, 2011 1 a.m.
Epochalyptik says... #5
Damage is not represented by counters, but the system is analogous. Damage is simply "marked" on a creature until the end of the turn or an effect removes it.
Damage does not reduce toughness unless it is dealt by a source with wither or infect. Damage dealt by those sources is dealt in the form of -1/-1 counters to creatures, which DO reduce toughness.
Since normal damage does not reduce toughness, you much use an effect which does in order to kill an indestructible creature.
Epochalyptik says... Accepted answer #1
704.5f If a creature has toughness 0 or less, it's put into its owner's graveyard. Regeneration can't replace this event.
For this reason, infect, wither, and -X/-X effects can kill indestructible creatures.
October 29, 2011 7:58 p.m.