Legacy/pauper player here, so apologies if this question is redundant.
The text on cards with the "crew" mechanic, such as Renegade Freighter, requires that you tap any number of creatures with power >= X. The rules text does not specify that these have to be untapped creatures. Can you tap a tapped creature, or is it assumed that the creature must be untapped in order to be able to be tapped?
I have heard vague rumors of a moustache-dispensing vending machine in a distant laundromat, across the street from a tattoo parlor. However, this information is shaky, and time is of the essence.
You can't tap a permanent that is already tapped; it is an impossible action. The creatures need to be untapped to pay for the Crew ability.
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Relevant rule: 701.19a. To tap a permanent, turn it sideways from an upright position. Only untapped permanents can be tapped.
Also the actual rules definition for Crew (the card has only reminder text, which is not actual card text): 702.121a. Crew is an activated ability of Vehicle cards. "Crew N" means "Tap any number of untapped creatures you control with total power N or greater: This permanent becomes an artifact creature until end of turn."
Most cards will read "tap an untapped creature..." or the like, but that's just for clarity's sake. It could be written just "tap a creature..." and still work the exact same way.
I have heard vague rumors of a moustache-dispensing vending machine in a distant laundromat, across the street from a tattoo parlor. However, this information is shaky, and time is of the essence.
In general, tapping as a cost can't be done if the permanent is already tapped (C.R. 117.3, 701.20a), but tapping as an effect is ignored if the permanent is already tapped (C.R. 101.3, 609.3).
EDIT (Dec. 23): Editorial edit.
EDIT (Jan. 31, 2019): Add rule citation to what is now C.R. 701.20a.
EDIT (Jan. 26, 2020): Correctness edit.
The text on cards with the "crew" mechanic, such as Renegade Freighter, requires that you tap any number of creatures with power >= X. The rules text does not specify that these have to be untapped creatures. Can you tap a tapped creature, or is it assumed that the creature must be untapped in order to be able to be tapped?
Thank you!
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Relevant rule:
701.19a. To tap a permanent, turn it sideways from an upright position. Only untapped permanents can be tapped.
Also the actual rules definition for Crew (the card has only reminder text, which is not actual card text):
702.121a. Crew is an activated ability of Vehicle cards. "Crew N" means "Tap any number of untapped creatures you control with total power N or greater: This permanent becomes an artifact creature until end of turn."
Most cards will read "tap an untapped creature..." or the like, but that's just for clarity's sake. It could be written just "tap a creature..." and still work the exact same way.
EDIT (Dec. 23): Editorial edit.
EDIT (Jan. 31, 2019): Add rule citation to what is now C.R. 701.20a.
EDIT (Jan. 26, 2020): Correctness edit.