How does Master Biomancer interact with ETB effect that give it counters?

Asked by Grenthox 5 years ago

I have Master Biomancer on the field and I play, for example, Roalesk, Apex Hybrid .

Can I then target Master Biomancer to give it 2 counters, so it would have 4 power, meaning Roalesk, Apex Hybrid would get 4 counters?

Or, does Master Biomancer first put its counters on Roalesk, Apex Hybrid and only then after that receive counters from Roalesk, Apex Hybrid ?

Caerwyn says... Accepted answer #1

From Mastee Biomancer’s Gatherer ruling:

To determine how many additional +1/+1 counters a creature enters the battlefield with, use Master Biomancer’s power as that creature is entering the battlefield.


Here is why what you propose will not work:

Master Biomancer’s ability is a replacement effect that modifies how the creature enters the battlefield per Rule 614.1c:

Effects that read “[This permanent] enters the battlefield with . . . ,” “As [this permanent] enters the battlefield . . . ,” or “[This permanent] enters the battlefield as . . . “ are replacement effects.

Because it is a replacement effect, it changes how the creature enters the battlefield - it is not a triggered ability and does not use the stack.

As such, your Roalesk, Apex Hybrid , which would normally enter without any counters, enters with a number of counters instead. Roalesk already has the counters before its own ability, which is a triggered ability and uses the stack, resolves

May 20, 2019 2:55 a.m.

Grenthox says... #2

I thought as much when I read somewhere that Master Biomancer ability was a replacement effect, just wanted to know for sure, thanks!

May 20, 2019 9:32 a.m.

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