Rhadamanthus says... #2
Triggered abilities always start with the word "when", "whenever" or "at", and Devour isn't written out that way. It's a replacement effect, which is usually indicated by the use of the words "instead", "with", or "as" somewhere in the description.
November 11, 2012 2:38 p.m.
From the rules:
702.80a
Devour is a static ability. "Devour N" means "As this object enters the battlefield, you may sacrifice any number of creatures. This permanent enters the battlefield with N +1/+1 counters on it for each creature sacrificed this way.
Devour isn't a triggered ability, therefore isn't prevented by Torpor Orb
November 11, 2012 2:40 p.m.
I believe this is the same with Iona, Shield of Emeria and Pithing Needle . Correct me if I'm wrong.
November 11, 2012 5:02 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #5
Yes. As Rhadamanthus quoted, triggered abilities always begin with the words when, whenever, or at. If the ability doesn't begin with one of those words, it isn't triggered.
Epochalyptik says... #1
No. Devour isn't a triggered ability, so Torpor Orb doesn't stop it (just like Torpor Orb won't stop Clone effects).
November 11, 2012 2:26 p.m.