Nivmagus Elemental ability usable repeatedly and is effective?
Asked by 9-lives 2 years ago
Say I have Nivmagus Elementaland use Counterspell on my opponent's turn, countering a Lightning Bolt. Will the ability for Nivmagus Elemental actually work if I exile the Counterspell when it is cast? And, does the spell Counterspell actually have an effect on the Lightning Bolt before the Counterspell is exiled?
Also, if I cast multiple instants and/or sorceries, can I exile them all in one turn to give Nivmagus Elemental a big buff?
Polaris says... Accepted answer #1
First, we need to go over casting basics. A spell is cast and resolves in a few steps. First, you announce your casting the spell. You make any choices (which mode of Abrade, how much is for Comet Storm and if you're kicking it, etc. Once you've done that, you select any targets and figure out the cost of the spell. You pay that cost and then it's cast. At this point, the spell goes into the stack.
Players now get a chance to respond (this is when you cast your Counterspell). If no player does, the top item on the stack resolves (this is when Counterspell would take effect). Once a spell or ability finishes resolving, it leaves the stack. A permanent spell enters play, an instant or sorcery goes to the graveyard, and an ability just disappears.
In this case, you then respond to your Counterspell by exiling it to Nivmagus Elemental. The exile is part of the cost, which means no one can respond to that part. By the time the ability goes on the stack, the Counterspell is exiled. Players get a chance to respond, and if they don't, you resolve it and put the 2 counters on your Elemental.
Now to your questions.
March 24, 2022 9:22 a.m.