Magic doesn't "imply" anything. If it targeted, it would say the word target. Affecting something like Caltrops does doesn't mean it targets. Since Caltrops does not say the word "target" Cowardice will not trigger.
Here are the relevant rules:
114.9. Spells and abilities can affect objects and players they don't target. In general, those objects and players aren't chosen until the spell or ability resolves. See rule 608, "Resolving Spells and Abilities."
114.9a. Just because an object or player is being affected by a spell or ability doesn't make that object or player a target of that spell or ability. Unless that object or player is identified by the word "target" in the text of that spell or ability, or the rule for that keyword ability, it's not a target.
114.9b. In particular, the word "you" in an object's text doesn't indicate a target.
I only ask one thing. Please do not assume that EVERYONE knows how to use Card Tags.
You are welcome.
RE: card tags: There is a bit of leniency allowed for new posters, but there is a stickied thread on how to use card tags with a comment in the title that says they are required. I don't assume you know how to use them, but I do call it out because you *should* know how to use them as it is one of the rules for posting in this specific forum.
If you need further information on them, please see this link: Card Tags
That's enough discussion about the card tags, guys. I appreciate your help in explaining this, but making full posts just for that can be considered backseat moderation and spam. This is my job, and I've done it via an informal warning private message as his our custom. Thread locked.
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I'm a former judge (lapsed), who keeps up to date on rules and policy. Keep in mind that judges' answers aren't necessarily more valid than those of people who aren't judges; what matters is we can quote the rules to back up our answers. When in doubt, ask for such quotes.
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To me this implies that Caltrops is targeting.
The situation that I had is there was Caltrops and Cowardice. If I attacked with a creature would Cowardice trigger off Caltrops.
Magic doesn't "imply" anything. If it targeted, it would say the word target. Affecting something like Caltrops does doesn't mean it targets. Since Caltrops does not say the word "target" Cowardice will not trigger.
Here are the relevant rules:
114.9a. Just because an object or player is being affected by a spell or ability doesn't make that object or player a target of that spell or ability. Unless that object or player is identified by the word "target" in the text of that spell or ability, or the rule for that keyword ability, it's not a target.
114.9b. In particular, the word "you" in an object's text doesn't indicate a target.
I only ask one thing. Please do not assume that EVERYONE knows how to use Card Tags.
RE: card tags: There is a bit of leniency allowed for new posters, but there is a stickied thread on how to use card tags with a comment in the title that says they are required. I don't assume you know how to use them, but I do call it out because you *should* know how to use them as it is one of the rules for posting in this specific forum.
If you need further information on them, please see this link: Card Tags
One of the pinned topics on this forum has the following title: Cardtag Explanation (aka You MUST Use Cardtags in This Forum.).
It is not that everyone knows how, it is that everyone must learn how before posting here.