Drana and Linvala — ruling 1

Drana and Linvala gains only activated abilities. It doesn’t gain triggered abilities or static abilities. Activated abilities contain a colon. They’re generally written “[Cost]: [Effect].” Some keywords are activated abilities; they have colons in their reminder texts.

Drana and Linvala — ruling 2

If an activated ability references the creature that has it by name, treat Drana and Linvala’s version of that ability as though it referenced Drana and Linvala by name instead. For example, if an opponent controls Onakke Javelineer, Drana and Linvala has the ability “{T}: Drana and Linvala deals 2 damage to target player or battle.”

Drana and Linvala — ruling 3

Once an ability has been activated, it doesn’t matter if Drana and Linvala loses that ability because the opposing creature with that ability leaves the battlefield (or, more optimistically, you gain control of it).

Drana and Linvala — ruling 4

If multiple players control a Drana and Linvala, exactly what abilities each of them has can get complex, based on what order they entered the battlefield. However, as none of those abilities can be activated, we won’t waste a lot of your time getting into it.

Drana and Linvala : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Drana and Linvala is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Flying, vigilance Activated abilities of creatures your opponents control can't be activated. Drana and Linvala has all activated abilities of all creatures your opponents control. You may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to activate those abilities.

Complete guide

Drana and Linvala is a formidable duo that shuts down opposing strategies while turning their own tools against them. This legendary creature combines evasive offense with a powerful static effect that silences your opponents' creatures. By mastery of both light and shadow, they ensure that what belongs to your enemies now belongs to you.

A One-Sided Silence

The primary strength of Drana and Linvala is their static ability that prevents opponents from activating abilities of their creatures. This applies to all activated abilities, which are identified by a colon (:) in their text. This includes mana abilities, tap abilities, and even activated keywords like equip or cycle if they are on a creature. Crucially, this does not affect triggered abilities (which start with 'when', 'whenever', or 'at') or static abilities.

Stealing the Spotlight

While your opponents are silenced, Drana and Linvala gain every activated ability those opposing creatures possess. If an ability refers to the original creature by name, you treat it as though it refers to Drana and Linvala instead. To ensure you can always use these stolen powers, the card allows you to spend mana as though it were mana of any color to pay for these activated costs.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is assuming Drana and Linvala gain every ability on the board. They do not gain triggered abilities, such as 'When this creature enters the battlefield.' Additionally, if you control multiple copies of Drana and Linvala (through a non-legendary clone effect), they will both have the abilities, but since they both prevent opponents from activating them, the internal layering can become complex. Remember: if an opponent plays a creature after Drana and Linvala is already on the battlefield, that creature's abilities are immediately restricted.

When to Deploy

Deploy Drana and Linvala when your opponent relies on utility creatures, mana dorks, or powerful activated finishers. Because they have vigilance and flying, they can attack for damage while remaining untapped to use any defensive activated abilities they might have 'borrowed' from your opponents' side of the board.

Interaction examples

Identifying Activated vs. Triggered Abilities

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls Solemn Simulacrum, Drana and Linvala does not gain any abilities from it. This is because Solemn Simulacrum only has triggered abilities (starting with 'When'). Since there is no colon in its text, there is no activated ability for Drana and Linvala to steal or suppress.

Interacting with Static Type Modifiers

Roaming Throne

If an opponent controls Roaming Throne, Drana and Linvala does not gain any abilities from it. Roaming Throne features a replacement effect ('As this creature enters') and a static ability that modifies triggers, but it possesses no activated abilities. Therefore, Drana and Linvala's suppression effect has nothing to stop, and they gain no new powers from the Golem.

Strategic Vigilance

Drana and Linvala can attack during your combat phase thanks to flying and vigilance. Because they do not tap to attack, they remain ready to use any activated abilities they have gained from your opponents' creatures during your opponent's subsequent turn, providing both pressure and utility.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Drana and Linvala

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1April 14, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
Drana and Linvala gains only activated abilities. It doesn’t gain triggered abilities or static abilities. Activated abilities contain a colon. They’re generally written “[Cost]: [Effect].” Some keywords are activated abilities; they have colons in their reminder texts.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2April 14, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If an activated ability references the creature that has it by name, treat Drana and Linvala’s version of that ability as though it referenced Drana and Linvala by name instead. For example, if an opponent controls Onakke Javelineer, Drana and Linvala has the ability “: Drana and Linvala deals 2 damage to target player or battle.”
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3April 14, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
Once an ability has been activated, it doesn’t matter if Drana and Linvala loses that ability because the opposing creature with that ability leaves the battlefield (or, more optimistically, you gain control of it).
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4April 14, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If multiple players control a Drana and Linvala, exactly what abilities each of them has can get complex, based on what order they entered the battlefield. However, as none of those abilities can be activated, we won’t waste a lot of your time getting into it.
No other card is named in this ruling.