Simic Manipulator's ability has a cost of "remove one or more +1/+1 counters from ~", and a targeting restriction that depends on the number of counters removed when the cost was paid. But when activating an ability, targets are chosen before the cost is determined.
How does this work?
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DCI Certified Level 1 Judge
Remember, kids: Never fight with Flashback, 'cause Flashback always wins.
You choose what additional costs you will pay, like Buyback or Convoke, determine how you will pay Phyrexian / Hybrid mana, and declare values of X and similar values like the number of counters to remove, before you choose targets. It is true that costs aren't locked in until after targets are chosen, but the choice of how many counters you will (eventually) remove is a choice made before targets are selected.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Former Level 2 Judge (Retired / Renounced)
Went to a new shop from a friend's recommendation, DQ'ed for willful violation of CR 100.6b.
The counters are removed from the simic manipulator as part of activating the ability, and if the ability is countered for whatever reason be it a stifle or the creature having a power greater than the number of counters removed you will not get a refund.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag and start slitting throats.
- H.L Mencken
I Became insane with long Intervals of horrible Sanity
All Religion, my friend is simply evolved out of fraud, fear, greed, imagination and poetry.
- Edgar Allan Poe
How does this work?
Remember, kids: Never fight with Flashback, 'cause Flashback always wins.
Went to a new shop from a friend's recommendation, DQ'ed for willful violation of CR 100.6b.
Have played duals? I have PucaPoints for them!
(Credit to DarkNightCavalier)
$tandard: Too poor.
Modern:
- GW Birthing Pod(?)
Legacy:
- UWR Delver
- H.L Mencken
I Became insane with long Intervals of horrible Sanity
All Religion, my friend is simply evolved out of fraud, fear, greed, imagination and poetry.
- Edgar Allan Poe
The Crafters' Rules Guru