Illusionist Bracers and Trostani, Selesnya's Voice
Asked by Jestem 12 years ago
Would I be right in thinking that as Trostani, Selesnya's Voice 's ability is not a mana cost ability, then I would gain twice as much life as normal when Illusionist's Bracers is equipped to it?
Meaning that for example a single casting of Thragtusk would actually gain me 11 life? (5 from thragtusk and then 3 from trostani and 3 from the bracers)
Thank you very much for the speedy reply. It explains things perfectly, although shuts down a deck idea I had alas.
March 27, 2013 9:57 a.m.
Absinthman says... #3
An example of an activated mana ability that can't be copied by the Bracers: Avacyn's Pilgrim
.
An example of an activated ability that is not mana ability but could be mistaken for one (can be copied with Bracers): Arbor Elf
.
An example of an activated ability that adds mana to your mana pool, yet is not a mana ability because it has a target: Deathrite Shaman
's first ability.
March 27, 2013 10 a.m.
Absinthman says... #4
You're welcome. Though I don't like destroying people's ideas, obviously. :-)
March 27, 2013 10:02 a.m.
Would you mind taking a look at my deck green white ramp when you have a moment? I am trying to improve it all the time and appreciate all feedback
March 27, 2013 10:18 a.m.
Absinthman says... #6
@Jestem: As much as I would like to give you some hints, I don't feel like I'm the right person to do so. I haven't played constructed for ages. I mainly focus on drafts and sealed. I'm pretty sure there are many other people around here who are more qualified to help you with that.
Absinthman says... Accepted answer #1
You would not. To explain why, we need to read Illusionist's Bracers 's text carefully. It reads: "Whenever an ability of equipped creature is activated...". The only kind of abilities that can be activated are "activated abilities". They are always written in this format: [cost]: [effect]. Trostani, Selesnya's Voice 's life-gaining ability is a triggered ability and is not affected by the Bracers. On the other hand, you can see that Trostani has two abilities, the other being in fact activated. So if you put the Bracers on Tristani, you can use its Populate ability and it will be copied by the bracers.
One more thing: The text of the bracers says "if it isn't a mana ability". There is no thing such as mana cost ability. You might confused "mana abilities" to be abilities that require mana for activation, but that is not so. Mana abilities are abilities that say "add [mana] to your mana pool" and do not target anything. These can't be copied by the Bracers.
March 27, 2013 9:54 a.m.