Grand Architect and triggered abilities of artifacts
Asked by Storm525 9 years ago
So if Myrsmith is turned into an artifact by Liquimetal Coating, can I pay the additional 1 mana by tapping a blue creature while I control Grand Architect? My guess is no since triggered =/= activated, but I want to make sure.
You would be correct. Activated abilities are always worded "Cost: Effect". Myrsmith has a triggered ability so it would never be affected by Grand Architect, even if it was turned into an artifact.
nighthawk101 says... Accepted answer #1
Your guess is correct.
Activated abilities, referenced by Grand Architect, are written "cost: effect." You pay the cost and put the ability onto the stack. See Wild Mongrel and Dragon-Scarred Bear for examples.
Triggered abilities begin with when, whenever, or at. These are placed on the stack when the condition is fulfilled. See Cosmic Larva and Brutalizer Exarch for examples.
Myrsmith's triggered ability requires you to choose whether or not to pay a cost as it resolves. While the ability does involve paying a cost, it is still a triggered ability, as there is no cost required to put the ability onto the stack and it begins with whenever. You cannot use mana produced by Grand Architect's second activated ability to pay for Myrsmith's ability's cost, even if it is an artifact.
March 23, 2015 9:50 p.m.