Meddling

Meddling is a slang term used by Magic R&D to describe the ability that names a spell, after which that spell can't be played as long as the card with the ability is on the battlefield. This ability is named after Meddling Mage from Invasion (Chris Pikula's Invitational card). Originally not a common ability (only two were printed in the pre-Mirrodin era), the design space and acceptable applications widened with time.

The ability is usually found on a creature or enchantment. As this is proactive, it is primary in white. Blue is tertiary, with artifacts having a large share of related abilities.

Meddling cards

Prevents casting

• Null Chamber
• Meddling Mage
• Conjurer's Ban
• Voidstone Gargoyle
• Nevermore
• Council of the Absolute
• Comply
• Gideon's Intervention
• Academic Probation
• Curse of Silence

Prevents other effects

• Pithing Needle - prevents non-mana activated abilities of the named card
• Declaration of Naught - counters spells with the name as an activated ability
• Runed Halo - gives controller protection from the name
• Phyrexian Revoker prevents activated abilities of the named nonland card
• Alhammarret, High Arbiter - prevents casting, can only name a card in an opponent's hand at time of entry
• Sorcerous Spyglass - prevents non-mana activated abilities of the named card
• Alpine Moon - disables the normal abilities of nonbasic lands and removes types

See Also

• Lobotomy