Checking variable power and toughness mid-resolution
Asked by ClockworkSwordfish 4 years ago
I guess I am just a little unclear on how often and with what timing some state-based actions are checked.
Let's say my opponent has a Crusader of Odric, a Ballynock Cohort, a Doomed Traveler and a couple of soldier tokens. Rightly enough, I play Infest. The question is, what's left after the dust settles?
I'm aware that:
-Crusader of Odric survives as long as at least two other creatures do.
-Ballynock Cohort will survive so long as one other creature does.
-Doomed Traveler won't survive, but will spawn a creature to replace itself upon dying.
This would all be pretty clear-cut if not for the Traveler, basically. Will the token come back in time to save the Cohort, and thus the Crusader? Or will they die from having 0 toughness before the token can save them?
ClockworkSwordfish says... #2
So when and under what conditions are state-based actions checked, exactly?
February 2, 2020 3:17 p.m.
Raging_Squiggle says... #3
704.2. State-based actions are checked throughout the game and are not controlled by any player.
704.3. Whenever a player would get priority (see rule 117, “Timing and Priority”), the game checks for any of the listed conditions for state-based actions, then performs all applicable state-based actions simultaneously as a single event. If any state-based actions are performed as a result of a check, the check is repeated; otherwise all triggered abilities that are waiting to be put on the stack are put on the stack, then the check is repeated. Once no more state-based actions have been performed as the result of a check and no triggered abilities are waiting to be put on the stack, the appropriate player gets priority.
704.5. The state-based actions are as follows:
704.5f If a creature has toughness 0 or less, it’s put into its owner’s graveyard. Regeneration can’t replace this event.
February 2, 2020 3:35 p.m.
ClockworkSwordfish says... #4
Every time the state changes, every time an ability triggers and every time priority would be given, got it. Thank you!
Raging_Squiggle says... Accepted answer #1
Before the Doomed Traveler’s trigger goes on the stack, SBA’s are checked and see that Crusader of Odric has 0 toughness, so he dies. Then SBA’s are checked again and see that Ballynock Cohort now has 0 toughness and it dies as well. Then SBA’s are checked again, seeing nothing else, the game then puts the waiting trigger on the stack.
February 2, 2020 3:08 p.m.