Why can't I respond to Zareth San, the Trickster when it's being cast for it's ability?
Asked by Supersaulty 3 years ago
I wanted to cast Drowned in the Loch and target the creature that Zareth San, the Trickster was targeting but Arena didn't give me the opportunity to respond. Am I missing something here?
Gidgetimer says... #2
In case it wasn't perfectly clear, you don't get to interact with the creature between when it is chosen and when it is returned because returning the creature is a cost, not an effect of the ability. Costs are paid before any other player receives priority and can not be responded to. Effects happen when the spell or ability resolves and can be responded to.
September 18, 2020 4:23 p.m.
DragonSliver9001 says... #3
just fyi, you don't "cast it for its ability". you're activating the ability, not casting the card.
also, Zareth's ability does not target, because it does not use the word target.
September 20, 2020 7 p.m.
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Tylord2894 says... Accepted answer #1
Zareth San, the Trickster isn't being cast when you use his ability. Moreover, the creature that is being returned to hand isn't being targeted.
The second ability (the one after Flash) on Zareth San is an activated ability. The cost to activate this ability is and return a creature to your hand. In order for his ability to be activated, both the mana payment and returning of a creature have to be fulfilled. So, the creature is in hand if you want to respond to the ability. In general, the costs for an activated ability are stated before the colon in that ability. All activated abilities are written "[cost(s)] : [effect(s)]".
Hope this helps!!
September 18, 2020 12:14 p.m.