How would you play a Nimbus Swimmer using Jalira's activated ability

Asked by KhornateKultist 9 years ago

I'm building a Simic deck that includes Jalira, Master Polymorphist in it and I came across a snag in my plan when thought about how I would play Nimbus Swimmer . Would It gain +1/+1 counters depending on Jalira's ability cost or can I use what mana I want to add the counters when it comes into play?

GreatSword says... #1

Neither. X in a mana cost is always 0 when you choose to cast a spell without paying it's mana cost.

• 107.3b If a player is casting a spell that has an X in its mana cost, the value of X isnt defined by the text of that spell, and an effect lets that player cast that spell while paying neither its mana cost nor an alternative cost that includes X, then the only legal choice for X is 0.

August 29, 2014 12:07 p.m.

GreatSword says... Accepted answer #2

Whoops, I misread your question actually. I thought you were using Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge (they kinda sound the same right...?)

The outcome though is the same (Nimbus Swimmer will enter with 0 +1/+1 counters) but for a different reason. The value of X was never defined, as you never actually cast Nimbus Swimmer , so the value will default to 0.

August 29, 2014 12:27 p.m.

GreatSword says... #3

Wow double-screw-up. Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge can only cast instants and sorceries.

Sorry for any confusion.

August 29, 2014 2:01 p.m.