My question is about the interaction between Tree of Redemption and Skullcrack. Let's say I'm at 6 life and activate Tree of Redemption ability and my opponent responds with Skullcrack. I understand stand that I'll remain at 6 life, since I cannot gain life and exchanging for a higher number counts as a gain. But what happens to the Tree's toughness? Will that part of the exchange still happen, or will its toughness remain at 13?
If any part of an exchange can't happen, the exchange doesn't happen. After Skullcrack has resolved and Tree of Redemption's ability goes to resolve, the exchange won't happen since you'd have to gain 7 life for your life total to become 13, and you can't gain life.
EDIT:
118.7. If an effect says that a player can't gain life, that player can't make an exchange such that the player's life total would become higher; in that case, the exchange won't happen. Similarly, if an effect redistributes life totals, a player can't receive a new life total such that the player's life total would become higher. In addition, a cost that involves having that player gain life can't be paid, and a replacement effect that would replace a life gain event affecting that player won't do anything.
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Indeed. Flames of the Blood Hand does not make gaining life impossible, it just replaces any such event with no life gained. So with that card, the Tree's toughness would go down to what your life total is at the time of the exchange, and your life total won't go up.
[Primer] Dralnu Control/Reanimator BU
[Primer] Jolrael, Empress of Beasts GG
Nath Stax BG | Borborygmos Enraged RG | Ladies of Magic UGW | Aminatou Control UWB | Enduring Ideal Zedruu UWR | Momir Vig Combo UG
Modern
Restore Balance RWUG
Kiki Chord RWG
EDIT:
118.7. If an effect says that a player can't gain life, that player can't make an exchange such that the player's life total would become higher; in that case, the exchange won't happen. Similarly, if an effect redistributes life totals, a player can't receive a new life total such that the player's life total would become higher. In addition, a cost that involves having that player gain life can't be paid, and a replacement effect that would replace a life gain event affecting that player won't do anything.
[Primer] Dralnu Control/Reanimator BU
[Primer] Jolrael, Empress of Beasts GG
Nath Stax BG | Borborygmos Enraged RG | Ladies of Magic UGW | Aminatou Control UWB | Enduring Ideal Zedruu UWR | Momir Vig Combo UG
Modern
Restore Balance RWUG
Kiki Chord RWG
Yes, that's correct.
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