Does Phyrexian Splicer require a target with the named ability?
Asked by rusky23 4 years ago
My understanding is that Phyrexian Splicer can be used to give a creature a choice of flying, first strike, shadow, or trample even if no creatures are on the battlefield with the chosen ability. I assume this is the case since the two parts of the ability are separate. I'd like a good explanation on why this can or cannot be done.
Gidgetimer says... Accepted answer #2
You have to have valid targets for each part of a spell or ability to cast/activate it. Just like you MUST have six valid targets in order to cast Hex , you must have two targets for Phyrexian Splicer and the first target must have the ability you want to grant the second.
This gatherer ruling that looks like it might support your argument but is simply trying to clarify that abilities only fizzle if all targets are illegal and will do as much as they can otherwise.
"If the target which is having the ability removed does not have that ability during the resolution of this effect, then this effect still grants the chosen ability. The reason is that the second target is still legal even if the first one is not."
You can't give your Bear Cub flying without a flier to to target. However; your opponent casting Canopy Claws on the flier in response to the Phyrexian Splicer activation will not stop the Bear Cub from gaining flying.
May 26, 2019 7:53 p.m.
Comment:
Thanks for the answers! The piece I was missing was this:
"You have to have valid targets for each part of a spell or ability to cast/activate it."
Rhadamanthus says... #1
We have to go to the current official Oracle text to answer this. The Oracle text specifies that the first target creature has to actually have the ability you want to grant to the second creature. If it doesn't have the ability then it isn't a legal target for Phyrexian Splicer .
It's always a good idea to check the Gatherer entries for old weird cards to see if the text has been updated to clarify exactly how they're supposed to work.
May 26, 2019 7:07 p.m.