Keywords or "keyword abilities" are words attached to rules text and that represent an ability that is constant. The keyword is a shorthand for that longer meaning. This means that every card that uses the same keyword has to use it in the same way. Many abilities are explained in reminder text, which is recognized by being in parenthesis and italics directly following the keyword.
Examples
Example
- Fear (This creature can’t be blocked except by artifact creatures and/or black creatures.)
Examples of common keyword abilities are:
The above-mentioned keyword abilities would rarely receive reminder text in an Expert Level expansion.
Differences with keyword actions and ability words
Keyword abilities are different from keyword actions, as they usually stand alone on a cards text without a period after them, except when there are multiple keywords together (in which case they are separated by commas. See Akroma, Angel of Wrath), or when they are referenced as part of an ability (say, "
: This creature gains flying until end of turn.". See Sarcomite Myr).
Keyword abilties are also different from ability words, as the latter have no special rules meaning and no individual entries in the Comprehensive Rules. Therefore, keywords can be referenced in rulestext of other cards, and ablity words cannot.
Subtypes
Like all abilities, keywords may be:
List
Lua error in Module:CR at line 549: Unknown error, multiple lookups .
See also
General
Obsolete or Un-sets Keywords
External links
- Mark Rosewater (June 18, 2007). "Keyword Play". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Mark Rosewater (May 19, 2003). "Keyword to the Wise". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Mark Rosewater (June 06, 2005). "One With One With Nothing". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. (about Keyword Creep)
- Doug Beyer (February 25, 2009). "Vorthos Award Results and Keyword Flavor". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.