Regenerate vs. Deathtouch
Asked by shifterfox 12 years ago
I think I already know the answer, but I'm asking the question just to double-check myself: Deathtouch creature deals its damage, then at end of combat functions as a "destroy target creature" effect. Regenerate I think works like a "damage replacement" effect. So triggering regen at the time you know you're dealing with deathtouch: would this save the regen creature, assuming Regen would "remove the dmg done"?
metalmagic says... #2
Yes. Even if a creature is dealt lethal damage through power AND deathtouch both, regeneration will prevent the creature dealt damage from being destroyed. The damage is all 'deathtouch damage' and is all dealt simultaneously during the combat damage step, so your creature would only be destroyed once, and only one instance of regenerate is needed to keep your creature alive.
Regenerate is essentially a damage-replacement effect, although it's more like a destruction-replacement effect. It only kicks in if your creature would be destroyed. It puts a regeneration shield (actual term) on your creature, and the next time it would be destroyed this turn, it isn't and so on and so forth.
August 22, 2012 3 a.m.
Epochalyptik says... #3
@metalmagic: It is a destruction replacement effect. Damage replacement effects only modify the damage done; regen allows the damage to happen but changes the outcome of lethal damage.
August 22, 2012 3:04 a.m.
metalmagic says... #4
Haha, that's what I said in a roundabout sort of way - just really retardedly because I'm extremely tired from staring at this computer screen all day long.
August 22, 2012 3:09 a.m.
shifterfox says... #5
so, "Yes, but only if you activate the regeneration 'shield' before the deathtouch creature deals its damage."?
August 22, 2012 3:21 p.m.
King_Ironhorse says... #7
If a creature attacks with first strike & deathtouch, a creature blocks and regenerates. Do either die?
June 29, 2014 4:53 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #8
@King_Ironhorse: Please read the post dates before replying to a thread. This question was answered almost two years ago. Ask a new question next time.
No. The blocker would be destroyed during the first combat damage step, but it is regenerated instead. Part of regeneration involves removing the creature from combat, so the blocking creature will not be present to deal damage to the first striker afterward.
Epochalyptik says... Accepted answer #1
Your summary has a technical inaccuracy. Deathtouch does not change functions at the end of combat. Damage dealt by a source with deathtouch always has the property of being lethal damage; whenever a creature is dealt damage by a source with deathtouch, it dies the next time state-based actions are checked.
State-based actions are performed before any player receives priority and cannot be responded to. If you want to protect a creature from dying, that creature has to have the regeneration shield in place before it would be destroyed (in this case, before the damage is dealt).
August 22, 2012 3 a.m.