Text (TE+errata): Any player may play creature cards with converted mana cost 3 or less without paying their mana cost and as though they had flash. [Oracle 2009/07/08]
You are still casting the creature spells. [Duelist Magazine #23, Page 22] So they can be countered. [D'Angelo 1997/11/07]
Checks the actual printed cost on the creature card, and is not affected by things which allow you to play the spell for less, such as with the Emerald Medallion. [D'Angelo 1997/10/20]
The mana cost of the creatures being played is still the stated cost on the card for purposes of Spell Blast and such, even though you did not pay the cost. [D'Angelo 1997/11/07]
For creatures with X in the mana cost, you must choose the value of X to make the converted mana cost be three or less for this ability. [D'Angelo 1999/06/01]
Any penalty costs such as Gloom still need to be paid. [D'Angelo 1997/12/29]
You cannot choose to play a creature as an instant via Aluren and still pay the mana cost. You either play the creature normally, or via Aluren without paying the mana cost. [bethmo 1998/02/07]
You cannot use Aluren when playing a creature using another alternate means, such as the Morph ability. [WotC Rules Team 2002/10/01]
