Do Creatures’ Duplicates Have The Same Mana Value?

Tokens and copies of objects have the same mana cost and other characteristics as the original object. Copiable values are derived from the text printed on the object, including name, mana cost, color indicator, card type, subtype, supertype, rules text, power, toughness, etc. When creating a copy of a spell or token that’s a copy of another permanent or card, the mana cost is copied, and the mana value is the same as the original.

Copies of creatures can have a mana value, and they also copy the mana cost of the original creature. Tokens usually count as zero mana if the spell/ability that made a copy doesn’t specify, but some copy abilities change this. These rules apply regardless of whether a permanent copy is a token or a non-token card.

If a permanent or spell is a copy of the back face of a transforming double-faced card (even if the card representing that copy is itself a double-faced card), the mana value of the copy is 0. The copy will also copy the mana value of the original. For example, if you use Osgir, the Reconstructor to create two copies of Triplicate Titan, both of the copies will still have a mana value of 9. As mana value is derived from mana cost, it will have the same mana value as the original.

Tokens and copies may also have confusing mana values. The table shows which number or attribute of a card the mana value is based on, for selected. The copiable values are the values derived from the text printed on the object, such as name, mana cost, color indicator, card type, subtype, supertype, etc.

In summary, tokens and copies of objects have the same mana cost and other characteristics, and they retain their mana cost unless an effect states otherwise.

Do Creature Tokens Have Mana Value?

Tokens generally have no mana value unless they are copies of permanents with a mana cost. When token copies are created, they replicate the mana cost of the original, thus acquiring the same mana value. For instance, if a token is made as a copy of a creature, it adopts the original's mana cost and value. Conversely, creature tokens and face-down objects typically have a mana value of 0 since they lack a mana cost, though a face-down object that turns face-up will revert to its regular attributes, including mana value.

The key rule is that a token doesn’t possess any attributes beyond those defined by the spell or effect that creates it. As a result, most tokens have a converted mana cost of 0, except for those that copy non-token creatures, which inherit the mana value of the original. In cases like Feldon’s ability, a token copy of Earthquake Dragon would hold a mana value of 14, reflective of what it replicates.

Additionally, certain spells can affect tokens; for example, a sorcery that destroys creatures with a mana value of 3 or less will also destroy token creatures. Overall, while tokens typically have a mana value of zero, exceptions exist when they copy mana-costed permanents.

Do Copies Of Creatures Count Towards Devotion?

Yes, copies of cards contribute to your devotion as long as they maintain the same mana cost as the original card. This principle does not apply to mechanics like eternalize, where the resulting tokens have no mana cost, thereby contributing nothing to devotion. In Magic: The Gathering (MTG), devotion counts the number of colored mana pips represented in the mana cost of permanents. Tokens usually lack a mana cost and thus do not affect devotion, except when they are direct copies of an actual card. Such token copies inherit all characteristics of the original, including its mana cost.

For instance, if a copy is created from a creature like Abhorrent Overlord, that token copy will have a mana cost of 2, contributing to your devotion. Auras will only count towards devotion if they have colored mana symbols in their costs, including hybrid or phyrexian symbols. Most tokens, unlike those created by cloning effects, do not normally provide devotion. As soon as a copied card enters the battlefield, it counts towards devotion. Importantly, if a token copy reflects a creature's mana cost, it will add those pips to your devotion count effectively.

Do Copied Creatures Have Mana Value?

The rules regarding copies and tokens stipulate that a permanent copy, whether a token or non-token card, inherits the mana cost and mana value from the original. If a mana cost cannot be copied, the mana value of the copy is 0. Token creatures that are copies retain the mana cost of the original card they are based on, thus sharing the same converted mana cost. Exceptions to these rules are specified in C. R. 202. 3b-c.

The characteristics copied include name, mana cost, color indicator, card type, subtype, supertype, rules text, power, toughness, and loyalty. Tokens generally have no mana costs, resulting in a converted mana cost of 0 unless specified otherwise.

For example, when a token copy is created through a spell or ability, it retains the mana value of its source. For instance, if using Osgir, the Reconstructor to create copies of Triplicate Titan, each copy maintains a mana value of 9. Important to note, copies of melded creatures and transforming dual-faced cards do not inherit the casting cost from their front face, resulting in a mana value of 0. Overall, while tokens usually possess a converted mana cost of 0, token copies reflect the mana cost of their originals, thus contributing to aspects like devotion in gameplay.

Does Copying Count As Casting?

In Magic: The Gathering (MTG), copying a spell or card does not qualify as casting it. Casting requires paying mana and placing the spell on the stack yourself, whereas copying simply creates a duplicate that goes onto the stack without any mana expenditure. Consequently, this method does not activate abilities that trigger on a spell's casting. A spell is considered "cast" only when it is played from your hand or when a specific ability states that a copy is treated as if it were cast.

For example, effects like Hive Mind or the Epic ability (e. g., Endless Swarm) do not include language indicating the copy is cast. Therefore, copying a spell does not trigger abilities related to casting, such as prowess or cascade.

When a spell or ability is copied, the resulting copy is put directly onto the stack, bypassing casting altogether. Only certain effects allow a copy to be considered as cast, such as the example noted with Isochron Scepter, which includes language letting you cast the copy. In most scenarios, however, a copy will not trigger abilities dependent on casting. Essentially, even though a copied spell can manifest its effects and resolve, it does not undergo the casting process defined by the game rules, specifically steps outlined in rule 601. As a result, copying is merely placing a duplicate on the stack without triggering any casting-related effects.

Does Offspring Change Mana Value?

Offspring is a keyword ability introduced in Bloomburrow that allows a player to create a 1/1 token copy of a creature when casting it, by paying an optional one-time additional cost. This token shares the same name, creature types, mana cost, mana value, and abilities as the original creature, with the only difference being its power and toughness. The offspring mechanism is akin to the embalm mechanic from Amonkhet, where each card featuring offspring has a dedicated token representing its junior version.

Paying the offspring cost occurs simultaneously with casting the creature spell, enhancing the spell's value despite the additional mana expense. Unlike the squad mechanic, offspring can only be activated once per spell.

The token created has the same mana value as the original card, which is derived from the printed mana cost. Consequently, alternative or additional costs do not affect mana value unless specified by (X) in the mana cost. For example, cards like Warren Warleader enhance gameplay strength by producing tokens or offering buffing abilities.

Tokens usually do not possess a mana value, but offspring tokens do, aligning with the game’s mechanics where every object has a defined mana value based on its mana cost—zero for certain exceptions. Thus, offspring contributes strategically to go-wide playstyles within Magic: The Gathering, providing players with additional resources and options during gameplay.

What Is A Converted Mana Cost?

Converted Mana Cost (CMC) has replaced the terms "casting cost" and "total casting cost" in Magic: The Gathering to simplify terminology. CMC represents the total cost of a spell when converted to colorless mana. To calculate CMC, players add the values of all mana symbols in a card's mana cost. On the stack, the CMC reflects the half that was cast. All cards have an associated CMC, commonly referred to as mana value in recent contexts. While a card's mana cost may fluctuate due to various game mechanics, its CMC remains unchanged.

Mana value, previously known as CMC, reflects the total mana represented in a card's mana cost, irrespective of color. Players calculate CMC by summing the values of mana symbols, which may include numbers such as X. For example, if a card’s mana cost is XUWBRG, its CMC would be a fixed number, typically calculated before determining how much mana is paid. For instance, if X equals 3, the mana value will correspond.

Magic transitioned from using CMC to mana value with the release of Strixhaven: School of Mages. In summary, the CMC of any card reflects the cumulative value of its mana cost, confirmed by the mana symbols present, resulting in a mana value that is straightforward to calculate.

What Counts Towards Devotion?

Devotion in Magic: The Gathering (MTG) refers to a numerical value that signifies the total number of colored mana symbols (or pips) present in the mana costs of permanents you control. Only the mana symbols found in the upper right corner of cards count toward your devotion; mana symbols in text boxes, such as activation costs or those on basic lands, do not contribute to this value. Lands are categorized as having zero converted mana cost (cmc) and therefore do not affect devotion at all. For example, hybrid mana symbols count once toward devotion for each of their colors.

Devotion is crucial as various cards have unique effects based on a player's devotion to specific colors, such as creating creature tokens or providing bonuses. When calculating devotion, only colored mana symbols from permanents are considered, and since enchantments and creatures have casting costs, they do contribute to devotion. Conversely, while cards enter the battlefield, they count immediately towards your devotion.

In cases where a player has multiple colors represented in their permanents, the total devotion is the sum of those mana symbols for each respective color. Each creature or enhancement affects this total only based on their casting costs. Hence, understanding the calculation of devotion can significantly impact gameplay by providing powerful bonuses through the correct management of colored permanents.

Do You Have To Pay Mana For Copies?

When a copy of a spell is created in Magic, it does not incur any mana costs, as it is not cast in the traditional sense unless specified otherwise. For effects that involve copying cards, such as "instant or sorcery card," the rules indicate that you do not have to pay mana costs for the copied version. This is because costs are paid when a spell is placed on the stack, not upon resolution. Instead, you only pay costs when casting spells.

For instance, when copying a spell with additional costs, such as sacrificing a creature, those costs are not paid again. Specifically concerning the spell "Fling," the damage dealt by a copy would still refer to the original creature's power. Copies inherit characteristics of the original spell including modes and targets, but they do not require payment of costs unless specifically stated by an effect.

Certain mechanics, like cascade and effects that say "cast without paying its mana cost," grant players permission to cast copies without covering their costs. It is important to understand that copying spells does not count as casting them; thus, no costs need to be paid, and you may put copies onto the stack, choosing targets without additional fees.

What Is The Mana Value Of A Copied Spell?

A copy of a spell or ability retains the same Mana Cost as the original, which dictates its Mana Value. For example, a Blaze Spell with an X of 4 has a Mana Cost of (4R) and a Mana Value (MV) of 5. A Twincast copy of that spell also mirrors the Mana Cost and MV. If a spell's Mana Cost incorporates X, the X value used in the original spell will be the same in the copy, affecting the Mana Value accordingly. Damage division during casting cannot be altered in the copy, even if the targets can be changed.

The concept of "Mana value" has evolved; previously referred to as "casting cost" or "total casting cost," it became known as "converted mana cost" (CMC) following the Sixth Edition. The term "mana value" was first introduced in Strixhaven: School of Mages.

When duplicating a spell or token, aspects such as modes, targets, and additional costs are also copied along with the Mana Cost. Specifically, copies of X spells retain the same X value as the original. For instance, if Heat Ray is cast with X=5 and then Reverberated, the copy will deal 5 damage just like the original. Mana Value is simply the total amount of mana in the Mana Cost, irrespective of color, while the Mana Cost details the specifics of payment. Therefore, in creating a copy, both the Mana Cost and its derived Mana Value are identical to the original. The sum of these costs will apply to all spells, including kicked and entwined variants.

Why Do Tokens Have A Mana Value Of 0?

Tokens typically possess a mana value of 0, as they generally do not have mana costs. They are referred to as "objects" rather than "cards" because they also have mana values. The mana value originates from an object’s mana cost, except in cases where you create a token copy of another object; in such instances, the token reflects the mana value of the original object. For instance, if Satya generates a token copy of a Mulldrifter, the resulting token will have a mana value of 5, necessitating the payment of five energies.

Conversely, tokens that aren't copies lack a mana cost, thereby giving them a converted mana cost of 0, similar to lands or the night side of double-faced cards. This characteristic means that most tokens have a converted mana cost of 0, allowing cards like Displacement Wave and Steel Hellkite to be especially potent against them. Some exceptions exist for token copies derived from other permanents, which retain the mana value of the original. Additionally, tokens and face-down objects universally have a mana value of 0 due to the absence of mana costs.

Different situations may specify alternative mana values, but by default, tokens have a CMC of 0 unless stated otherwise. In summary, tokens usually lack mana costs, resulting in a default converted mana cost of 0.