riftsweeper

[particle]

some of the comments on the gatherer discussion of {riftsweeper} state that its a cipher-hoser. but isnt the card "encodes" on the creature, so losing the actual card doesnt matter.

[MtJesus-Johnson]

some of the comments on the gatherer discussion of {riftsweeper} state that its a cipher-hoser. but isnt the card "encodes" on the creature, so losing the actual card doesnt matter.

I believe you are correct! It wouldn't matter where the previously exiled card is, as long as cipher onto your creature went through.

[Spikepit]

{Call of the Nightwing} for reference.

If it's been exiled, then it's no longer a part of the game anyway. So riftsweeping back in will do nothing to the encoded creature.

[Remillo]

Sometimes it helps to do a little digging, folks.  Rift sweeping the encoded card will, in fact, break the link with the creature.

702.98c: The card with cipher remains encoded on the chosen creature as long as the card with cipher remains exiled and the creature remains on the battlefield. The card remains encoded on that object even if it changes controller or stops being a creature, as long as it remains on the battlefield.

[particle]

so really "encoded" is just code for "attached from exile". no gene splicin here.

[Spikepit]

Well that doesn't make sense to me while using the word encoded (however, that's a different topic of semantics). I strongly apologize for my misappropriation.

[particle]

yea i think the word encoded is really dumb that seems to have a differeny meaning to me than mtg.

[Remillo]

Encoded is just the flavor term they decided on to describe the link between the creature and the exiled card.  It's real meaning doesn't matter, it's just being used as a game term, like Trample, Flying, Shadow, etc.