How does Battlefield Thaumaturge affect Crackle with Power?
Asked by TriaxialFleas 2 years ago
Is anyone able to explain this interaction to me? I've looked on some forums but haven't found an explanation or even this same question.
How does Battlefield Thaumaturge interact with Crackle with Power? I'm assuming for every 3 mana payment of X you get a new target, so Battlefield Thaumaturge will see that and discount it by 1. 3 mana in? 1 mana discount, 6 mana in? 2 mana discount. So basically, he turns Crackle with Power into an XXRR spell instead of XXXRR.
Does someone know how this works for sure because I feel like I could be wrong. Thanks :)
Named_Tawyny says... Accepted answer #2
Yes, it works how you think it does. While Omniscience_is_life is correct that you determine the VALUE for X (step 2) before choosing targets (step 3), you still do both of those BEFORE you apply cost reductions (which happens in step 6.)
(601.2f) The total cost is the mana cost or alternative cost (as determined in rule 601.2b), plus all additional costs and cost increases, and minus all cost reductions... Once the total cost is determined, any effects that directly affect the total cost are applied.
Note though, that Crackle with Power allows targeting of UP TO x targets. So if you make X = 5, but only target 4 targets, the cost will only be reduced by 4, not 5.
November 6, 2021 1:26 a.m.
Named_Tawyny says... #3
(Addendum: You also don't get the cost reduction if you target a player. You'll only pay less for each CREATURE that you target, regardless of the value of X)
November 6, 2021 1:28 a.m.
Rhadamanthus says... #4
Named_Tawyny Has the most correct answer. Cost calculations are done after the value of X is determined, and Battlefield Thaumaturge will reduce Crackle with Power's total cost for each creature it targets.
November 8, 2021 8:54 a.m.
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Omniscience_is_life says... #1
Here's the official ruling regarding the order of targeting and determining a value for X:
601.2. {lots of irrelevant text}...To cast a spell, a player follows the steps listed below, in order...
601.2b {lots of irrelevant text}...If the spell has a variable cost that will be paid as it’s being cast (such as an {X} in its mana cost; see rule 107.3), the player announces the value of that variable...
601.2c The player announces their choice of an appropriate object or player for each target the spell requires...
Thus, the value is decided before the targets, and you will not receive the additional cost reduction(s)
November 5, 2021 10:59 p.m.