In this article, we will explore the details and intricacies of Role Tokens within Magic: The Gathering’s Wilds of Eldraine expansion, highlighting their strategic significance and how they can reshape gameplay.
Role tokens in Magic: The Gathering, specifically introduced in the Wilds of Eldraine set, represent a new and unique mechanic that adds a layer of strategic depth to the game. These tokens are Aura enchantments that can be attached to creatures, providing them with various benefits or, in one particular case, a drawback. There are seven different types of Role tokens, each offering distinct effects to the enchanted creature. For example, the Cursed Role diminishes a creature’s power and toughness to 1/1, whereas the Virtuous Role increases a creature’s power and toughness by +1/+1 for each enchantment you control, highlighting the diversity in their functionalities​​.
Role tokens can be utilized in various strategic ways. They can be sacrificed for the “Bargain” mechanic, which is also introduced in the Wilds of Eldraine, showcasing their versatility beyond just enchanting creatures. Token doublers like Doubling Season and Anointed Procession affect Role tokens as well, although their unique rule of only allowing one Role per creature at a time limits the utility of doubling them. Despite this, doubling Role tokens can trigger additional effects, such as constellation triggers or benefits from permanents leaving the battlefield​​.
How Do Role Tokens Work?
Role tokens are Aura enchantments designated for creatures, issued by specific cards. A creature can be under the effect of only one Role token at a time. To attach a new Role, the existing one must be sent to the graveyard. However, a creature can bear two Role tokens if one is under an opponent’s control.
Here are some examples of Role tokens and their effects:
- Sorcerer Role: Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 and can scry 1 when it attacks.
- Monster Role: Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 and gains trample.
- Royal Role: Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 and gains ward one.
- Young Hero Role: Enchanted creature gets a +1/+1 counter when it attacks, if its toughness is three or less.
- Wicked Role: Enchanted creature gets +1/+1. When this Aura is sent to the graveyard, each opponent loses one life.
- Cursed Role: Sets enchanted creature’s base power and toughness to 1/1.
- Virtuous Role: Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 for each enchantment you control.
Upon creation, Role tokens act as any Aura would. If the enchanted creature leaves the battlefield, the Role token is sent to the graveyard. Role tokens, like all tokens, cease to exist once they leave the battlefield.
Utilizing Role Tokens
Optimally, Role tokens should enhance creatures with beneficial effects, further amplifying their threat. For instance, applying a Young Hero token to an early-game creature can significantly increase its menace.
Some Role tokens can be created at instant speed, providing tactical advantages during combat. For example, Asinine Antics can diminish opponent creatures’ strength, and Royal Treatment can offer protection through hexproof, along with the benefits of a Royal Role token.
Creatures that impose Role tokens as a downside can also be strategically managed by replacing a negative Role with a more advantageous one.
Role Token Card Count
As of Wilds of Eldraine, 38 cards have been introduced that can generate Role tokens, with a distribution across various Roles and colors. This variety ensures that Role tokens are accessible to a wide range of decks, promoting diverse gameplay strategies.
In summary, Role tokens add a layer of depth and strategy to Magic: The Gathering, offering players new ways to enhance their creatures and adapt their tactics. Their introduction in the Wilds of Eldraine expansion has undoubtedly enriched the game’s strategic landscape.
FAQ
Can a creature have multiple Role Tokens?
A creature can have multiple Role Tokens attached only if they are controlled by different players. If the same player controls more than one Role Token on a creature, only the most recently attached Role remains, with the others going to the graveyard​​​​.
Are Role Tokens considered enchantments?
Yes, Role Tokens are enchantment auras. This classification is not always explicitly mentioned in the reminder text but is specified in the comprehensive rules of the game​​.
Can Role Tokens be doubled with effects like Doubling Season?
Yes, Role Tokens can be doubled by effects like Doubling Season and Anointed Procession. However, since a creature can only have one Role Token from the same player at a time, additional tokens created this way are not typically useful, although they can still trigger constellation effects or others that care about permanents leaving the battlefield​​.
Can you sacrifice Role Tokens for the “Bargain” mechanic?
Absolutely, Role Tokens can be sacrificed for the Bargain mechanic as they are both enchantments and tokens. This interaction is one of the key synergies in Wilds of Eldraine Limited​​.
Where can you find Role Tokens?
Physical Role Tokens are included in Wilds of Eldraine draft and set boosters. Each token features two different Roles. Notably, Collector Boosters do not contain Role Tokens. The Virtuous Role Token is exclusively available in the Virtue and Valor Commander precon​​.
How do Role Tokens interact in gameplay?
Role Tokens open up a wide array of strategic gameplay interactions, especially in decks focused on enchantments. For instance, cards that trigger upon an enchantment entering the battlefield will interact with Role Tokens. Moreover, the inclusion of Role Tokens in Commander decks, specifically through cards that generate or benefit from enchantments, highlights their utility and thematic fit within the broader Magic: The Gathering universe​​​​.
