Predefined token

A predefined token is a concept used in card text where an effect may create tokens simply by stating what kind of token will be created, and the game rules have already defined what characteristics the resulting object will have. Blood, Clue, Food, Gold, Incubator, Junk, Map, Powerstone and Treasure are the predefined tokens for artifacts. Role and Shard are the predefined tokens for enchantments. Walker is the only predefined token for creatures.
==Description==
Abilities normally state the characteristics of tokens they create, such as color, types, and text. When one of the predefined token types is specified, however, the rest of the characteristics are not stated, since they are specified by the game rules already. This allows for shorter card text, similar to keyword actions and abilities as well as batching terminology. Like those cases, many cards employing predefined tokens include reminder text to clarify the specifics of that token.
Each kind of artifact and enchantment predefined token so far is specified as a subtype and includes a single activated ability. Other cards or tokens may have the same subtype; these usually do have the matching predefined ability, but this is not guaranteed by rule - for instance, <c>Gingerbrute</c> has the "Food ability" in addition to other characteristics not found on other Foods, but <c>Glittering Stockpile</c> does not have the predefined "Treasure ability". Gaining or losing such subtypes does not affect a permanent's abilities or functionality, in contrast to the intrinsic ability of basic land types or the game rules governing Sagas for example.
==Development==
Predefined tokens had roots in Investigate, which defined token properties as part of a keyword action. Over time R&D realized they didn't need the keyword action at all.
==List of predefined tokens==
===Eternal===
See the game rules below for exact characteristics.
Predefined artifact tokens and subtypes:
*Blood - Introduced in Innistrad: Crimson Vow; associated with black and red vampires of Innistrad.
*Clue - Introduced in Shadows over Innistrad; associated with the investigate ability and Innistrad.
*Food - Introduced and primarily used in Throne of Eldraine.
*Gold - Introduced in Born of the Gods, made predefined in Theros Beyond Death, and associated with Theros. Has been mostly supplanted in card design by the similar Treasure token, due to Gold tokens' lack of tapping in their activation cost.
*Incubator - Introduced in March of the Machine; associated with the incubate ability and New Phyrexia. Incubators are the only tokens that are transforming and double-faced.
*Junk - Introduced in Universes Beyond: Fallout to represent the game's miscellaneous items.
*Map: Introduced in The Lost Caverns of Ixalan.
*Powerstone - Introduced in Dominaria United and primarily used in The Brother's War.
*Treasure - Introduced in Ixalan block and now deciduous, appearing in many sets.
Predefined enchantment tokens and subtypes:
*Role auras - Introduced in Wilds of Eldraine, there are seven different types of role tokens. Each one is treated as a separate predefined token.
** Role
** Role
** Role
** Role
** Role
** Role
** Role
*Shard - Introduced in Kaldheim and used exclusively for the abilities of Niko Aris. The only token to be made predefined while appearing on only one card.
Predefined creature tokens:
*Walker - Introduced and exclusive to Secret Lair Drop Series: The Walking Dead and their Universes Within couterparts. The first and only predefined creature token.
===Test card===
Additional test cards have featured some predefined tokens:
Predefined artifact tokens and subtypes:
*Hat - represents a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat.
Predefined enchantment tokens and subtypes:
*Entropy - Related to plane card and chaos ensues.
*Omenpath - Related to plane cards and planeswalking from them.
*Additional Roles:
**Chef Role
**Huntsman Role
**Questing Role
==Rules==
==References==
Category:Miscellaneous mechanics
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