Meletis Charlatan — ruling 1

Meletis Charlatan's ability can target any instant or sorcery spell, not just one with targets and not just one that you control.

Meletis Charlatan — ruling 2

When the ability resolves, it creates a copy of the spell. The controller of the original spell controls the copy. That copy is created on the stack, so it's not “cast.” Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell won't trigger. The copy will then resolve like a normal spell, after players get a chance to cast spells and activate abilities.

Meletis Charlatan — ruling 3

The copy will have the same targets as the spell it's copying unless its controller chooses new ones. That player may change any number of the targets, including all of them or none of them. If, for one of the targets, that player can't choose a new legal target, then it remains unchanged (even if the current target is illegal).

Meletis Charlatan — ruling 4

If the spell being copied is modal (that is, it says “Choose one —” or the like), the copy will have the same mode. Its controller can't choose a different one.

Meletis Charlatan — ruling 5

If the spell being copied has an X whose value was determined as it was cast (like Curse of the Swine has), the copy has the same value of X.

Meletis Charlatan : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Meletis Charlatan 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

, : The controller of target instant or sorcery spell copies it. That player may choose new targets for the copy.

Complete guide

Meletis Charlatan is a versatile Blue creature that thrives on political intrigue and spell manipulation. By tapping into its ability, you can double any instant or sorcery on the stack, whether you own it or not.

A Master of Mimicry

Meletis Charlatan allows you to target any instant or sorcery spell currently on the stack. When the ability resolves, the controller of that spell creates a copy of it. This copy is placed directly onto the stack, meaning it is never cast, so 'on cast' triggers will not occur.

Copying Mechanics

The copy created by the Charlatan retains all choices made during the original casting. This includes the value of X in the mana cost and chosen modes. While the controller can choose new targets for the copy, they cannot change the mode or the value of X. If a legal new target cannot be chosen, the original target remains.

Strategic Implementation

You aren't limited to copying your own spells. You can use this ability to build alliances by copying an opponent's removal spell or draw spell. Note that because the copy is placed on top of the stack, it will always resolve before the original spell does.

Interaction examples

Self-Synergy Example

If you cast a spell that draws you two cards and then activate Meletis Charlatan targeting that spell, the Charlatan's ability resolves first, putting a copy of the draw spell on the stack. You resolve the copy to draw two cards, and then resolve the original spell to draw two more, totaling four cards.

Interaction with Other Permanents

Solemn Simulacrum

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Human' or 'Wizard', it will not affect Meletis Charlatan's ability. This is because the Charlatan has an activated ability (indicated by the colon), and Roaming Throne only interacts with triggered abilities (starting with 'When', 'Whenever', or 'At'). If you cast a sorcery while these are out and use the Charlatan to copy it, you still only get one copy.

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

How it works : Meletis Charlatan

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1September 15, 2013· Wizards of the Coast
Meletis Charlatan's ability can target any instant or sorcery spell, not just one with targets and not just one that you control.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2September 15, 2013· Wizards of the Coast
When the ability resolves, it creates a copy of the spell. The controller of the original spell controls the copy. That copy is created on the stack, so it's not “cast.” Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell won't trigger. The copy will then resolve like a normal spell, after players get a chance to cast spells and activate abilities.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3September 15, 2013· Wizards of the Coast
The copy will have the same targets as the spell it's copying unless its controller chooses new ones. That player may change any number of the targets, including all of them or none of them. If, for one of the targets, that player can't choose a new legal target, then it remains unchanged (even if the current target is illegal).
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4September 15, 2013· Wizards of the Coast
If the spell being copied is modal (that is, it says “Choose one —” or the like), the copy will have the same mode. Its controller can't choose a different one.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5September 15, 2013· Wizards of the Coast
If the spell being copied has an X whose value was determined as it was cast (like Curse of the Swine has), the copy has the same value of X.
No other card is named in this ruling.