Wither

Wither
Keyword Ability
Type	Static
Introduced	Shadowmoor
Last used	Eventide
Reminder Text	Wither (This deals damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters.)
Statistics	25 cards 28% 28% 12% 4% 4% 8% 4% 8% 4%
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keyword:"Wither"

Wither is a keyword ability introduced in Shadowmoor. Damage dealt to a creature by a source with wither isn’t marked on that creature. Rather, it causes that many -1/-1 counters to be put on that creature.

History

Wither was considered and rejected for Amonkhet.

Rules

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

Wither

A keyword ability that affects how an object deals damage to a creature. See rule 702.80, “Wither.”

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

• 702.80. Wither
  • 702.80a Wither is a static ability. Damage dealt to a creature by a source with wither isn’t marked on that creature. Rather, it causes that source’s controller to put that many -1/-1 counters on that creature. See rule 120.3.
  • 702.80b If an object changes zones before an effect causes it to deal damage, its last known information is used to determine whether it had wither.
  • 702.80c The wither rules function no matter what zone an object with wither deals damage from.
  • 702.80d Multiple instances of wither on the same object are redundant.

Rulings

• Wither's effect applies to any damage, not just combat damage.
• The -1/-1 counters remain on the creature indefinitely. They won't be removed if the creature regenerates or the turn ends.
• Since damage from a source with wither is real damage, it follows all the other rules for damage. It can be prevented or redirected. When it's dealt, it will cause lifelink and other similar abilities to trigger.
• If the source of the damage is still in play at the time that damage is dealt, its characteristics are checked to see if it has wither. If the source has left play by then, its last known information is used.
• Damage from sources with wither affects players and planeswalkers normally.

Examples

Example

Sickle Ripper
Creature — Elemental Warrior
2/1
Wither (This deals damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters.)

Cards that grant Wither

Creatures

• Corrosive Mentor (black creatures you control)

Enchantments

• Fists of the Demigod (as long as enchanted creature is black)

Artifacts

• Blight Sickle - Equipment

Plane card that grants Wither

• Raven's Run (all creatures)

Trivia

• Wither was featured as rules card 6 of 6 in the Shadowmoor set and 6 of 8 in the Eventide set.

External links

• A Planeswalker's Primer for Shadowmoor 2: Wither (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube.