Root born defense

[Double-O-Scotch]

Can I play a {rootborn defense} if I have no creature token to copy? Just for the indestructibility?

[Willthomjr]

It doesn't target so I don't see why not.

[Imdowd80]

Yes, because of the period. If it said populate, then your creatures are indestructible you would need a token out there.
For root born defense. It's populate plus indestructible.

[Fenster]

Yes, because of the period. If it said populate, then your creatures are indestructible you would need a token out there.
For root born defense. It's populate plus indestructible.

Actually no. Populate has no targets at all. You can use {Vitu ghazi guildmage} without any tokens.

[Fenster]

Yup, so you can do that w {Rootborn Defenses} but not w {Sundering Growth}.

No no no. Populate doesnt need tokens in play.

[ChrisRodriguez]

Populate is just a bonus tacked on to the cards.

[Kaleo42]

Ok let me clear up this jumbled mess of answers.

Yes you can cast {rootborn defenses} just to make your dudes indestructable. Populate does not target so you can cast or activate avilities that include it even if there is no token. This is immportant also because if there are multiple tokens you do not have to say which one you want to populate until the ability resolves so your opponent can not interrupt and fizzle a populate ability unless they remove all your tokens by the time populate would resolve.

[Double-O-Scotch]

Thanks for the gavel amigo.

[Kaleo42]

Thanks for the gavel amigo.

Yup, love the username btw.

[Double-O-Scotch]

Thanks! The best double-0 is the one that puts hair on your chest...lol