This thread is for the discussion of my latest article, Cranial Insertion: Choices in Your Head. We would be grateful if you would let us know what you think, but please keep your comments on topic.
"Sufficiently advanced experience is indistinguishable from clairvoyance." -Carsten
"Ah those eyes, those horrible creepy eyes!" -Chaosof99
DCI Level 3 Judge & TO "I do not consider myself a hero. I know only what the Vec teach:
justice must always be served and corruption must always be opposed."
Go read! I am one of the three authors of Cranial Insertion.
But seriously, if you can't remember "Woapalanne", just call me Eli.
I have read quite a few CI's, and I have to say I really enjoyed this one. While the rules questions weren't as hard as the normal questions CI has, the reader interaction was a good idea. But I wouldn't use exclusively the ask-the-reader format, the old format is fun to read too. Maybe a combination of both would be the best? For instance, starting or ending with a question or too for the reader?
I see no reason why C is not also a correct answer for the phytohydra question. The final total for regular damage is still eight, and you are allowed to deal more than lethal to a blocking creature.
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I try to answer the CI questions before I read the answers most of the time, so this was pretty fun. That phasing question stumped me; it is a goofy mechanic. Good article!
I see no reason why C is not also a correct answer for the phytohydra question. The final total for regular damage is still eight, and you are allowed to deal more than lethal to a blocking creature.
Exactly, and since the Behemoth already has 3 damage on it out of 5 Toughness from the Phytohydra's first strike, only 2 more damage is needed to be lethal, and the other 6 tramples over. Nothing wrong with the article.
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"Magic the Gathering is like an RPG where your character is your deck and your XP is equal to how much money you're willing to spend." - Brian S.
But I got the Reality Ripple question wrong and am therefore in disgrace.
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(I'm on on this site much anymore. If you want to get in touch it's probably best to email me: dom@heffalumps.org)
Forum Awards: Best Writer 2005, Best Limited Strategist 2005-2012
5CB PotM - June 2005, November 2005, February 2006, April 2008, May 2008, Feb 2009
MTGSalvation Articles: 1-20, plus guest appearance on MTGCast #86!
<Limited Clan>
Regarding the answer (IE paying mana for Goldmeadow Stalwart) You're implying that I'd have to float that mana with the suspend trigger on the stack rather than just paying it during the "pay costs" step?
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Out of the blackness and stench of the engulfing swamp emerged a shimmering figure. Only the splattered armor and ichor-stained sword hinted at the unfathomable evil the knight had just laid waste.
Regarding the answer (IE paying mana for Goldmeadow Stalwart) You're implying that I'd have to float that mana with the suspend trigger on the stack rather than just paying it during the "pay costs" step?
Let's say you had a Braid of Fire that added RRR to your mana pool that upkeep. Because you have mana in your mana pool, you have to use it to cast the Stalwart. If you don't have mana in your mana pool, you MAY activate mana abilities to pay for it.
Q: My Steppe Lynx has a Crown of Fury on it, then I play a land and swing. My opponent Ovinizes it. What do I have now?
A: The answer is...
A: 3/3 kitty with first strike
B: 3/3 kitty without first strike
C: 1/1 kitty without first strike
D: 0/1 kitty where first strike does not matter anyway
E: You're a kitty!
Answer: B
Can anyone please explain me why playing Ovinize on the kitty doesn't make it 0/1 ?
It comes down to layers.
Ovinize sets the P/T in layer 7b. The +2/+2 and +1/+0 applies in layer 7c. Therefore, you get a 3/3.
Exactly, and since the Behemoth already has 3 damage on it out of 5 Toughness from the Phytohydra's first strike, only 2 more damage is needed to be lethal, and the other 6 tramples over. Nothing wrong with the article.
In terms of judge questions though, the "optimal" answer or "correct" play is irrelevant. Choice C is still a legitimate assignment of damage.
I greatly enjoy these articles. That phasing question got me, too. I have to say, Wotc certainly hates tokens leaving play (through phasing or blinking) and coming back. I hope they never return phasing.
"Sufficiently advanced experience is indistinguishable from clairvoyance." -Carsten
"Ah those eyes, those horrible creepy eyes!" -Chaosof99
DCI Level 3 Judge & TO "I do not consider myself a hero. I know only what the Vec teach:
justice must always be served and corruption must always be opposed."
Go read! I am one of the three authors of Cranial Insertion.
But seriously, if you can't remember "Woapalanne", just call me Eli.
I had to think a little bit about the Solar Tide question... I wasn't sure if the bear would still be a 3/3 during the resolution of the spell since SBEs aren't checked during until the spell is done resolving. I guess the bear loses the +1/+1 as soon as the Wolfblood dies? Not as a SBE?
Regarding the answer (IE paying mana for Goldmeadow Stalwart) You're implying that I'd have to float that mana with the suspend trigger on the stack rather than just paying it during the "pay costs" step?
E: Tell it to get you a cookie first.
Don't forget your Cookies on the stack!
Great article, even though I missed a few. Misreading FTL
Good article, though I actually prefer the usual format so I can just read through and soak up all the rules...
...Does that make me some kind of sick freak? Hm.
I had to think a little bit about the Solar Tide question... I wasn't sure if the bear would still be a 3/3 during the resolution of the spell since SBEs aren't checked during until the spell is done resolving. I guess the bear loses the +1/+1 as soon as the Wolfblood dies? Not as a SBE?
Correct. State-based actions are not responsible for ending continuous effects. A continuous effect from a static ability, such as Tolsimir Wolfblood's boost, ends immediately as soon as the object with the ability leaves the zone in which the ability functions, which is the battlefield in most cases, including this one.
A continuous effect from a resolving spell or ability ends immediately as soon as the duration for which it was created has expired.
Neither of those ending conditions has any problems with occurring in the middle of a resolving spell or ability.
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Level 2 Magic Judge
Please use card tags when you're asking a question about specific cards: [c]Serra Angel[/c] -> Serra Angel.
Solar tide caught me off-guard. ("It destroys all creatures, what's the big deal?")
The suspend and the "dralnu" questions were very interesting.
BTW, does the Dralnu question have a written-rule support? 116.6 does refer to abilites having a cost, but does that include other costs than activation costs? (such as flashback costs or the cost you may pay after resolving Flash?)
Regarding the answer (IE paying mana for Goldmeadow Stalwart) You're implying that I'd have to float that mana with the suspend trigger on the stack rather than just paying it during the "pay costs" step?
Seems like they are. And If you don't want to give your opponent a chance to abuse this rule oddity, You'd have to float mana before passing priority... very annoying... if it ever happens...
Let's say you had a Braid of Fire that added RRR to your mana pool that upkeep. Because you have mana in your mana pool, you have to use it to cast the Stalwart.
You don't have to spend the mana from Braid of Fire. You only need it to approve that you can cast with minimal options. While you cast it, you can choose other options (such as activating mana abilities and paying differently).
But I got the Reality Ripple question wrong and am therefore in disgrace.
I got it right but for the wrong reasons. Is that more or less disgraceful?
I still don't understand what's going on with the suspend question. Is this a rules loophole that essentially says any time you "must" play a spell or ability that requires a mana payment you can just not tap your lands for mana? Or is there something specific to this example going on?
If it's the former, would you mind explaining why the rules are that way, because it seems like a counter-intuitive rule that contradicts the intent of card designs.
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The Golden Rule of forums: If you're going to be rude, be right. If you might be wrong, be polite.
I still don't understand what's going on with the suspend question. Is this a rules loophole that essentially says any time you "must" play a spell or ability that requires a mana payment you can just not tap your lands for mana? Or is there something specific to this example going on?
If it's the former, would you mind explaining why the rules are that way, because it seems like a counter-intuitive rule that contradicts the intent of card designs.
It is a similar situation to the interation with a creature like goblin brigand and ghostly prison. Whilst the suspends rules and the brigand specify you have to do something, cast the spell and attack respectively, they don't specify that you have to pay any of the costs involved in the actions. If you don't pay the costs the game will happily move forward ingoring any actions it can't perform.
In the case of a suspended goldmeadow stalwart since you have not paid the full costs for the spell it won't be cast and will remain locked in exile
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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
To all future Rules Advisors, the real test is 25 questions (practice tests are 12), and the Oracle text is all provided so that you don't have to look up the cards (and the rulings!) on Gatherer.
I'm an advisor, and although I got no "true" wrong answer, I did answer B on the Guerilla Tactics/Oona's Prowler one, while C is the more fundamental reason. Gawd I suck !!!
I'm also ashamed to admit I had to look up in the rules for Phasing and Entwine to answer the questions about them. For Solar Tide I would have guessed right anyway, but for Phasing I had no clue. Now I do know the indirect phasing rule by heart!!!
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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.
Seems like they are. And If you don't want to give your opponent a chance to abuse this rule oddity, You'd have to float mana before passing priority... very annoying... if it ever happens...
That's untrue, you are casting a spell, so you go through all the actions you would normally go through. Including choosing additional costs and activating mana abilities.
You don't have to spend the mana from Braid of Fire. You only need it to approve that you can cast with minimal options. While you cast it, you can choose other options (such as activating mana abilities and paying differently).
You don't have to spend the braids mana, if you choose to reveal a kithkin as an additional cost. But if you don't have a kithkin you are forced to and can't choose to not cast the spell.
Also having mana in your mana pool isn't a prerequisite to being able to start casting the stalwart, as you seem to imply, but not having 3 mana in your pool is a prerequisite to choosing to not cast it.
"Sufficiently advanced experience is indistinguishable from clairvoyance." -Carsten
"Ah those eyes, those horrible creepy eyes!" -Chaosof99
DCI Level 3 Judge & TO
"I do not consider myself a hero. I know only what the Vec teach:
justice must always be served and corruption must always be opposed."
Go read! I am one of the three authors of Cranial Insertion.
But seriously, if you can't remember "Woapalanne", just call me Eli.
Either way, great article.
My Friend Code is: 0146-9645-8893
Exactly, and since the Behemoth already has 3 damage on it out of 5 Toughness from the Phytohydra's first strike, only 2 more damage is needed to be lethal, and the other 6 tramples over. Nothing wrong with the article.
But I got the Reality Ripple question wrong and am therefore in disgrace.
(I'm on on this site much anymore. If you want to get in touch it's probably best to email me: dom@heffalumps.org)
Forum Awards: Best Writer 2005, Best Limited Strategist 2005-2012
5CB PotM - June 2005, November 2005, February 2006, April 2008, May 2008, Feb 2009
MTGSalvation Articles: 1-20, plus guest appearance on MTGCast #86!
<Limited Clan>
Let's say you had a Braid of Fire that added RRR to your mana pool that upkeep. Because you have mana in your mana pool, you have to use it to cast the Stalwart. If you don't have mana in your mana pool, you MAY activate mana abilities to pay for it.
It comes down to layers.
Ovinize sets the P/T in layer 7b. The +2/+2 and +1/+0 applies in layer 7c. Therefore, you get a 3/3.
In terms of judge questions though, the "optimal" answer or "correct" play is irrelevant. Choice C is still a legitimate assignment of damage.
"Can you apply the penal code to demons?"
Except it asks for the most, not all possible.
"Sufficiently advanced experience is indistinguishable from clairvoyance." -Carsten
"Ah those eyes, those horrible creepy eyes!" -Chaosof99
DCI Level 3 Judge & TO
"I do not consider myself a hero. I know only what the Vec teach:
justice must always be served and corruption must always be opposed."
Go read! I am one of the three authors of Cranial Insertion.
But seriously, if you can't remember "Woapalanne", just call me Eli.
Ah, got me there. Reading is clutch.
Don't forget your Cookies on the stack!
Great article, even though I missed a few. Misreading FTL
...Does that make me some kind of sick freak? Hm.
Correct. State-based actions are not responsible for ending continuous effects. A continuous effect from a static ability, such as Tolsimir Wolfblood's boost, ends immediately as soon as the object with the ability leaves the zone in which the ability functions, which is the battlefield in most cases, including this one.
A continuous effect from a resolving spell or ability ends immediately as soon as the duration for which it was created has expired.
Neither of those ending conditions has any problems with occurring in the middle of a resolving spell or ability.
Please use card tags when you're asking a question about specific cards: [c]Serra Angel[/c] -> Serra Angel.
Solar tide caught me off-guard.
The suspend and the "dralnu" questions were very interesting.
BTW, does the Dralnu question have a written-rule support? 116.6 does refer to abilites having a cost, but does that include other costs than activation costs? (such as flashback costs or the cost you may pay after resolving Flash?)
Seems like they are. And If you don't want to give your opponent a chance to abuse this rule oddity, You'd have to float mana before passing priority... very annoying... if it ever happens...
You don't have to spend the mana from Braid of Fire. You only need it to approve that you can cast with minimal options. While you cast it, you can choose other options (such as activating mana abilities and paying differently).
I got it right but for the wrong reasons. Is that more or less disgraceful?
I still don't understand what's going on with the suspend question. Is this a rules loophole that essentially says any time you "must" play a spell or ability that requires a mana payment you can just not tap your lands for mana? Or is there something specific to this example going on?
If it's the former, would you mind explaining why the rules are that way, because it seems like a counter-intuitive rule that contradicts the intent of card designs.
Current New Favorite Person™: Mallory Archer
She knows why.
It is a similar situation to the interation with a creature like goblin brigand and ghostly prison. Whilst the suspends rules and the brigand specify you have to do something, cast the spell and attack respectively, they don't specify that you have to pay any of the costs involved in the actions. If you don't pay the costs the game will happily move forward ingoring any actions it can't perform.
In the case of a suspended goldmeadow stalwart since you have not paid the full costs for the spell it won't be cast and will remain locked in exile
- 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
To all future Rules Advisors, the real test is 25 questions (practice tests are 12), and the Oracle text is all provided so that you don't have to look up the cards (and the rulings!) on Gatherer.
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StaffI'm also ashamed to admit I had to look up in the rules for Phasing and Entwine to answer the questions about them.
That's untrue, you are casting a spell, so you go through all the actions you would normally go through. Including choosing additional costs and activating mana abilities.
You don't have to spend the braids mana, if you choose to reveal a kithkin as an additional cost. But if you don't have a kithkin you are forced to and can't choose to not cast the spell.
Also having mana in your mana pool isn't a prerequisite to being able to start casting the stalwart, as you seem to imply, but not having 3 mana in your pool is a prerequisite to choosing to not cast it.
They serve a useful function so we're not dumping them because a very small minority of our user base isn't using a compatible browser.