Modal

Modal describes a spell or ability. A modal spell or ability begins with "Choose one —" followed by multiple possible effect choices, or modes. When a modal spell or ability is announced its controller first chooses one of the modes to take effect before choosing its target or targets if it requires any. The earliest modal spell is Healing Salve, although initially it didn't have the "Choose one -" wording. It was reworded when reprinted in Urza's Saga.

There are two variations of modal spells and abilities: "An opponent chooses one —" appears on three spells, Fatal Lore, Library of Lat-Nam and Misfortune, all from the Alliances expansion. The other variation is called a modal replacement effect and reads "If [event], instead choose one —". This type of modal ability is found only on Time Vault.

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See also: entwine.