Can I Mutate Onto Progenitus?
In this article, we’ll answer the question, "Can I mutate onto Progenitus?" With the powerful mutate mechanic on the rise in Modern and Extended formats, players are eager to adapt their decks to take advantage of it. One of the most influential creatures in the game, Progenitus, raises questions about what happens when you try to mutate onto it. We’ll delve into the relevant rules, clarify the outcome, and provide some tips to help you navigate this peculiar situation.
Direct Answer to the Question
In short, no, you cannot mutate onto Progenitus. The reason is simple: Progenitus has an ability, "You cannot cast or mutate spells other than abilities," which would prevent any mutate spell from targeting it. This makes Progenitus an unusual case, but we’ll break down the details for you.
Why Can’t I Mutate Onto Progenitus?
Progenitus’s Ability:
Progenitus has an ability that states you cannot cast or mutate spells other than abilities. This ability applies at all times, whether the creature is attacking, defending, or simply existing in the game state. When you cast or try to mutate a spell onto Progenitus, you’re essentially trying to disobey this rule. The mutate mechanism relies on targeting a specific creature to transform it; however, Progenitus is explicitly designed to prevent this from happening.
Mutate Rules:
The mutate mechanism is governed by the relevant rules:
- 702.139a Mutate appears on some creature cards. It represents a static ability that functions while the spell with mutate is on the stack.
- 703.3f If the mutated creature card is not Human, it mutates into the creature.
In summary, the mutate mechanic tries to target Progenitus but is foiled by Progenitus’s ability, rendering the mutation invalid.
Alternative Approach: Karador
While mutating onto Progenitus may not be feasible, you can still tap into Karador’s ability to bring dead creatures back from the graveyard. With Karador, Ghost Counseler on the battlefield, you can cast the mutated creature card from the graveyard, effectively reanimating Progenitus. This creative strategy allows you to exploit Progenitus’s power in a roundabout way, providing an alternative approach:
- Play Karador in your opening hand or hand it off to another creature.
- Send Progenitus to the graveyard using removal effects or sacrifice.
- Cast the mutated Progenitus card from the graveyard using Karador’s ability.
Tips for Tournament Play
In competitive settings where formats allow Karador, you’ll need to plan ahead and maintain a high level of flexibility to leverage this unconventional strategy. Consider keeping a "graveyard pile" of potentially useful creatures, and be prepared to adapt your deck strategy to maximize the benefits of Karador’s ability. With practice and experimentation, this approach can be a powerful tool for defeating opponents and outmaneuvering your competition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Progenitus cannot be mutated onto due to its unique ability and the limitations of the mutate mechanism. Despite this setback, Karador presents an opportunity to bring life back to dead creatures, including Progenitus, giving you a creative opening in competitive environments. By understanding these details and adapting to new strategies, you can successfully navigate the intricate world of Magic and secure victories for yourself.
References and Resources
- Magic: The Gathering Rulebook, 2020-05-01 (https://rules.mtgpulse.com/en/?version=1.1)
- Card database: Progenitus (https://www.cardkingdom.com/magic-the-gathering/cards/progenitus), Karador (https://www.cardkingdom.com/magic-the-gathering/cards/karador-ghost-counselor)
- Community links: Tapped Out (https://www.tappedout.net/), Reddit Magic: The Gathering (https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG)