How does Polymorphist's Jest interact with combat tricks and enchantments that buff the creature?

Asked by AgileFlame 9 years ago

1) Say an opponent attacks me with a creature that is enchanted with a Divine Favor and i then cast a Polymorphist's Jest , does that creature become a 1/1 or a 2/4?

2) An opponent attacks me and before damage is dealt plays a Giant Growth , it resolves and then i cast a Polymorphist's Jest . Does the affect of the Giant Growth become nullified or would it become a 4/4?

I'm in need of some clarification. Thankyou.

Epochalyptik says... Accepted answer #1

Layers determine the outcome.

Effects that set a creature's P/T are applied in layer 7B. Effects that modify P/T without setting it are applied in 7C.

Therefore, the creature will become a 1/1, then get the relevant buff.

In scenario 1, the creature would be a 2/4. In scenario 2, it would be a 4/4.

September 5, 2014 1:37 a.m.

AgileFlame says... #2

I've never heard of layers before. Do you have a link explaining them?

September 5, 2014 2:32 a.m.

FancyTuesday says... #3

Here are the layers Epochalyptik is referring to, from the MTG Comprehensive rules which can be found here:

613. Interaction of Continuous Effects

613.1. The values of an objects characteristics are determined by starting with the actual object. For a card, that means the values of the characteristics printed on that card. For a token or a copy of a spell or card, that means the values of the characteristics defined by the effect that created it. Then all applicable continuous effects are applied in a series of layers in the following order:

...

613.1g Layer 7: Power- and/or toughness-changing effects are applied.

...

613.3. Within layer 7, apply effects in a series of sublayers in the order described below. Within each sublayer, apply effects in timestamp order. (See rule 613.6.) Note that dependency may alter the order in which effects are applied within a sublayer. (See rule 613.7.)

613.3a Layer 7a: Effects from characteristic-defining abilities that define power and/or toughness are applied. See rule 604.3.

613.3b Layer 7b: Effects that set power and/or toughness to a specific number or value are applied.

613.3c Layer 7c: Effects that modify power and/or toughness (but dont set power and/or toughness to a specific number or value) are applied.

613.3d Layer 7d: Power and/or toughness changes from counters are applied. See rule 121, Counters.

613.3e Layer 7e: Effects that switch a creatures power and toughness are applied. Such effects take the value of power and apply it to the creatures toughness, and take the value of toughness and apply it to the creatures power.

September 5, 2014 2:47 a.m.

Epochalyptik says... #4

There's a pretty good article on layers here.

September 5, 2014 3:05 a.m.

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