Scythe of the wretched and tokens
Asked by CalamityDuck 4 years ago
Do tokens trigger the Scythe of the Wretched graveyard effect and come under my control? I'm never quite sure and I haven't been able to find a good explanation.
No, the killed token won't return, because first the token isn't a card and second even if it was, when tokens change zones (eg go to graveyard from the battlefield, or are returned to your hand) they cease to exist as a state-based effect.
111.6. A token is subject to anything that affects permanents in general or that affects the token’s card type or subtype. A token isn’t a card (even if represented by a card that has a Magic back or that came from a Magic booster pack).
111.7. A token that’s in a zone other than the battlefield ceases to exist. This is a state-based action; see rule 704. (Note that if a token changes zones, applicable triggered abilities will trigger before the token ceases to exist.)
P.S. To be absolutely clear I believe that technically the scythe's trigger goes on the stack, but since the token isn't a card and doesn't exist anymore, the effect fizzles since there is nothing to return.
Caerwyn says... Accepted answer #1
This will not return tokens because tokens cease to exist when they hit the graveyard. Here's how this plays out:
The token creature dies and is sent to the graveyard, this triggers Scythe of the Wretched 's ability which waits to go on the stack.
State-based actions are checked and the token ceases to exist (Rules 111.7 and 704.5d). Scythe's ability is then put on the stack.
Scythe's ability resolves, but the token no longer exists and thus cannot be returned to play. As such, the ability has no effect.
111.7. A token that’s in a zone other than the battlefield ceases to exist. This is a state-based action; see rule 704. (Note that if a token changes zones, applicable triggered abilities will trigger before the token ceases to exist.)
704.5d If a token is in a zone other than the battlefield, it ceases to exist.
November 4, 2019 10:56 a.m. Edited.