Prison Term mechanics

Asked by Sizzlewump 11 years ago

I have Prison Term on my opponent's creature. Next he plays a nullmage shepard, which is his fourth creature. Can he activate the ability to destroy my prison term if I choose to put it on the shepard while my trigger is on the stack waiting to resolve? Also is this the case with Mogg Fanatic ?

Sizzlewump says... #1

...Nullmage Shepherd

December 3, 2013 11:07 a.m.

Absinthman says... Accepted answer #2

Yes for Nullmage Shepherd . Indeed, while your triggered ability is on the stack, your opponent can respond to it by activating the Shepherd's ability.

Mogg Fanatic is a bit complicated though. Your opponent can certainly respond to the trigger the same way as with the Shepherd above, but then, because Prison Term 's ability is optional (it contain's "may"), you can just choose not to attach the aura to the Fanatic, which by then is not there any more, and it will stay on the original creature.

December 3, 2013 11:13 a.m.

Absinthman says... #3

Just to clear possible confusion: "may" abilities trigger regardless of whether you actually want to use them or not. They will be put onto the stack in either case. However, during their resolution, you can choose not to use them.

December 3, 2013 11:15 a.m.

Absinthman says... #4

And an additional little bit of info:

303.4h If an effect attempts to attach an Aura on the battlefield to an object or player, that object or player must be able to be enchanted by it. If the object or player cant be, the Aura doesnt move.

This implies that even if you choose to move the aura to a creature that has become nonexistent while the ability was on the stack, it won't move from the original creature either.

December 3, 2013 11:19 a.m.

Lordslyver66 says... #5

Here's your comprehensive answer. Yes, you can use Prison Term to stop the Nullmage. It could be used of the fanatic, however it would probably be best to ignore him. Regardless of what you would target with it, Prison Term is a "may" effect, which means you don't have to resolve that ability but when it could be used an automatic check is made and it is placed on the stack. Then, rather or not you choose to resolve it is up to you.

December 3, 2013 2:16 p.m.

Sizzlewump says... #6

I'm confused now. There are two possible answers and both have been suggested. Somehow an answer was selected as the 'accepted' answer, though not by me. How does the answer get decided and would anyone else like to discuss? Thanks!

December 7, 2013 1:03 p.m.

Absinthman says... #7

Forum moderator probably selected the answer for you.

December 7, 2013 4:29 p.m.