Using Vampiric Link on Opponent's Creatures

Asked by Sparda1127 9 years ago

I've seen things that say Vampiric Link can be used on an opponent's creatures so they don't deal lethal damage.

Is that true, or is the ruling just the same as normal lifelink?

KrosanTusker says... Accepted answer #1

This is different to lifelink because here, the lifegain is a triggered ability. The creature still deals the damage, and then you gain it back. The overall effect is no change, but the damage is dealt and your life is lost before it is regained.

If the damage is lethal, however, it's too late. Losing the game for having zero life is a state-based action that checks automatically whenever priority is passed. After the damage is dealt, priority is passed to you in order for you to put the trigger on the stack. When this happens, you just die before the lifegain trigger happens.

Lifelink is a static ability and works differently -- but if you enchant an opponent's creature with Lifelink , it will cause them to gain the life! So don't do that.

October 22, 2014 1:59 p.m.