Can I choose a different opponent with Strionic Resonator if I dealt combat damage with Rakdos the Defiler?
Asked by Pheardemons 7 years ago
Gatherer did not clarify this, and I'm asking this question because Rakdos the Defiler has to deal combat damage to a player to make them sacrifice. So, if I deal damage to player A with Rakdos the Defiler, may I use Strionic Resonator to make a separate opponent sacrifice half of their non demon permanents?
Just one note - Rakdos the Defiler specifies permanents, not just creatures.
March 2, 2017 6:39 a.m.
Yeah, I hadn't noticed it's permanents... good for you, though ;) (and it actually makes this a very nice/evil creature in EDH...)
March 2, 2017 1:26 p.m.
Pheardemons says... #5
BlueScope absolutely take a look at my deck if you're into EDH. Let me know what you think. It hasn't been updated with Strionic Resonator or similar effects yet, but you'll get the jist.
BlueScope says... Accepted answer #1
You won't be able to.
Strionic Resonator copies the ability as it is, and only lets you choose new targets because it explicitly mentions that in it's ability text. Rakdos's triggered ability doesn't have any targets, so you don't get to choose anything new. That one player you dealt damage to will sacrifice half their creatures, twice.
Note that this doesn't necessarily mean that they will have to sacrifice all their creatures - instead, assuming they have 7 creatures at the start, they will have to sacrifice half (4, leaving them with 3), and then again half (2, leaving them with 1).
March 2, 2017 6:27 a.m.