Vesuvan Duplimancy — ruling 1

The triggered ability of Vesuvan Duplimancy triggers only if you cast a spell that targets a single artifact or a single creature and nothing else. The ability will resolve before the spell that caused it to trigger, and a token will be created even if the spell you cast was countered or permanent it was targeting is now an illegal target.

Vesuvan Duplimancy — ruling 2

If the target of the spell leaves the battlefield before the triggered ability resolves, use its characteristics as it last existed on the battlefield to determine the characteristics of the token created.

Vesuvan Duplimancy — ruling 3

If the target of the spell is changed after the triggered ability is put on the stack, the token that is created is a copy of the spell’s original target, not the new target.

Vesuvan Duplimancy — ruling 4

The token copies exactly what was printed on the original artifact or creature and nothing else (unless that permanent is copying something else or is a token; see below). It doesn’t copy whether that permanent is tapped or untapped, whether it has any counters on it or Auras and Equipment attached to it, or any non-copy effects that have changed its power, toughness, types, color, and so on.

Vesuvan Duplimancy — ruling 5

The token isn’t legendary, and this exception is copiable. If something else copies the token later, that copy also won’t be legendary. If you control two or more permanents with the same name but only one is legendary, the “legend rule” doesn’t apply.

Vesuvan Duplimancy — ruling 6

If the copied permanent has {X} in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0.

Vesuvan Duplimancy — ruling 7

If the copied permanent is a token, the token that’s created copies the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that created that token.

Vesuvan Duplimancy — ruling 8

If the copied permanent is copying something else (for example, if the copied creature is a Clone), then the token enters the battlefield as whatever that permanent copied.

Vesuvan Duplimancy : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Vesuvan Duplimancy 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

Whenever you cast a spell that targets only a single artifact or creature you control, create a token that's a copy of that artifact or creature, except it's not legendary.

Complete guide

Vesuvan Duplimancy is a powerhouse enchantment that rewards you for interacting with your own board. By casting simple spells to target your permanents, you can generate a massive army of non-legendary copies. This card turns every single-target buff or protection spell into a potent creature generator.

What It Does

Vesuvan Duplimancy triggers whenever you cast a spell that targets exactly one artifact or creature you control, and nothing else. Upon resolution, it creates a token copy of that permanent with a crucial twist: the token is not legendary. This allows you to bypass the 'legend rule' and have multiple versions of unique characters on the battlefield simultaneously.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you must cast a spell that targets only one artifact or creature you control. Once the spell is cast and costs are paid, Vesuvan Duplimancy's ability triggers and goes on the stack above your spell. The ability resolves before your original spell, creating the token immediately. Even if your opponent counters your original spell or the target leaves the battlefield in response, the Duplimancy ability still resolves and creates the token based on the target's last known information.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to trigger this with spells that have multiple targets; if a spell targets two creatures, or a creature and a graveyard, it won't trigger. Additionally, remember that the token only copies the base card (or whatever the card is currently copying). It does not copy counters, Auras, or Equipment attached to the original. Finally, if you change the target of your spell while the Duplimancy trigger is on the stack, you still get a copy of the *original* target.

When to Play It

This card shines in decks with low-cost spells like 'Slip Out the Back' or 'Shore Up'. It is particularly effective when targeting legendary creatures, as the non-legendary status of the tokens is a copiable value. This means if you copy the token later, the new copy will also be non-legendary, allowing you to build an unstoppable board of unique legendary threats.

Interaction examples

Basic Token Generation

Vesuvan Duplimancy Copy

Copy

With Vesuvan Duplimancy on the battlefield, you cast a spell targeting your own creature. The enchantment triggers immediately. Before your spell resolves, a 'Copy' token enters the battlefield. This token has all the printed characteristics of your creature, but loses the 'Legendary' type if it had it.

Copying a Non-Legendary Clone

Vesuvan Duplimancy Copy

Copy

If you control a creature that is currently a copy of another creature (like a Clone) and you target it with a spell, Vesuvan Duplimancy will create a token of whatever that creature is currently copying. The new token will also benefit from being non-legendary.

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

How it works : Vesuvan Duplimancy

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1September 9, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
The triggered ability of Vesuvan Duplimancy triggers only if you cast a spell that targets a single artifact or a single creature and nothing else. The ability will resolve before the spell that caused it to trigger, and a token will be created even if the spell you cast was countered or permanent it was targeting is now an illegal target.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2September 9, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
If the target of the spell leaves the battlefield before the triggered ability resolves, use its characteristics as it last existed on the battlefield to determine the characteristics of the token created.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3September 9, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
If the target of the spell is changed after the triggered ability is put on the stack, the token that is created is a copy of the spell’s original target, not the new target.
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#4September 9, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
The token copies exactly what was printed on the original artifact or creature and nothing else (unless that permanent is copying something else or is a token; see below). It doesn’t copy whether that permanent is tapped or untapped, whether it has any counters on it or Auras and Equipment attached to it, or any non-copy effects that have changed its power, toughness, types, color, and so on.
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#5September 9, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
The token isn’t legendary, and this exception is copiable. If something else copies the token later, that copy also won’t be legendary. If you control two or more permanents with the same name but only one is legendary, the “legend rule” doesn’t apply.
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#6September 9, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
If the copied permanent has in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#7September 9, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
If the copied permanent is a token, the token that’s created copies the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that created that token.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#8September 9, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
If the copied permanent is copying something else (for example, if the copied creature is a Clone), then the token enters the battlefield as whatever that permanent copied.
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#9September 9, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
Any enters-the-battlefield abilities of the copied permanent will trigger when the token enters the battlefield. Any “as [this permanent] enters the battlefield” or “[this permanent] enters the battlefield with” abilities of the copied permanent will also work.
No other card is named in this ruling.