Keyword action: Difference between revisions

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A '''keyword action''' is a word or words, usually, a verb, that substitutes for a piece of rules text.<ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/scry-and-keyword-actions-2007-05-18|Scry and Keyword Actions|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|May 18, 2007}}</ref><ref name="Even More R&D">{{DailyRef|making-magic/even-more-words-rd-2022-01-10|Even More Words From R&D|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 10, 2022}}</ref>  Many keywords are summarized in [[reminder text]], especially in [[core set]]s.
A '''keyword action''' is a word or words, usually a verb, that substitutes for a piece of rules text.<ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/af171|Scry and Keyword Actions|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|May 18, 2007}}</ref> Many keywords are summarized in [[reminder text]], especially in [[core sets]].


Keyword ''actions'' are somewhat different from [[keyword ability|keyword ''abilities'']], and both are distinct from [[ability word]]s.
Keyword ''actions'' are somewhat different from [[keyword ability|keyword ''abilities'']], and both are distinct from [[ability word]]s. Collectively, they are described as [[mechanic]]s.


==Differences between keywords actions, keyword abilities, and ability words==
[[Monstrosity]] is notable because it is the only keyword action that is not a verb.
Keywords actions and keyword abilities are closely related. Both represent a longer segment of rules text and may allow variable costs and effects. Because they have a specific rules meaning and are listed in the [[Comprehensive Rules]], keywords of either type can be referenced from other cards. They differ in that keyword [[ability|abilities]] are either [[characteristic]]s of objects or are [[object]]s themselves, whereas keyword actions describe game-related actions.


For example, the keyword ability [[enchant]], as in ''Enchant creature'', states a restriction on the valid [[target]]s for an [[aura]]. The related keyword action [[attach]] describes the process of physically putting such an aura onto its target.
==Rules==
{{CR|glossary|Keyword Action}}
{{KeyTOC|701|2}}


[[Ability word]]s have no rules meaning, but exist to name and [[flavor|flavorfully]] link otherwise unnamed mechanics. Like [[flavor text]], ability words are italicized. Because they are have no rules meaning, and are not listed in the [[Comprehensive Rules]], ability words are never referenced on other cards.<ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr342|Ability Word To Your Mother|Mark Rosewater|July 28 2008}}</ref>
==See also==
 
*[[Ante]]
== Rules ==
*[[Ban]]
{{CR|Khans of Tarkir|*'''701.''' Keyword Actions
*[[Bury]]
**'''701.1.''' Most actions described in a card’s rules text use the standard English definitions of the verbs within, but some specialized verbs are used whose meanings may not be clear. These “keywords” are game terms; sometimes reminder text summarizes their meanings.}}
*[[Dies]]
 
[[Monstrosity]] seems to be the exception to the rule, because it is not a verb.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Keywords]]
 
{{Mechanics|action|state=collapsed}}
{{CR Navbox|700}}
[[Category:Keyword actions| ]]

Latest revision as of 12:50, 23 March 2023

A keyword action is a word or words, usually, a verb, that substitutes for a piece of rules text.[1][2] Many keywords are summarized in reminder text, especially in core sets.

Keyword actions are somewhat different from keyword abilities, and both are distinct from ability words. Collectively, they are described as mechanics.

Monstrosity is notable because it is the only keyword action that is not a verb.

Rules

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

Keyword Action
A verb, such as “destroy” or “cast,” used as a game term rather than as its normal English meaning. See rule 701, “Keyword Actions.”

From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

See also

References

  1. Aaron Forsythe (May 18, 2007). "Scry and Keyword Actions". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. Mark Rosewater (January 10, 2022). "Even More Words From R&D". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.