Will Thorncaster Sliver's ability cause cipher to go off?

Asked by NinjaBullfrog 8 years ago

I have Stolen identity ciphered onto predatory sliver while my thorncaster sliver is in play. Both slivers attack and i have the predatory sliver deal 1 damage to my opponent with thorncaster slivers ability. Will that trigger the cipher even if predatory is blocked?

Thorncaster Sliver +Predatory Sliver with Stolen Identity ciphered onto Predatory Sliver

Triforce-Finder says... Accepted answer #1

No.

Cipher only triggers on combat damage. Damage dealt through Thorncaster Sliver's ability is no combat damage.

Combat damage is only dealt through combat itself. Damage dealt through effects is never combat damage, even if those effects resolve during the combat phase.

September 20, 2015 7:52 a.m. Edited.

Raging_Squiggle says... #2

To further elaborate, if you have Bonescythe Sliver in play, the creature with the cyphered spell would trigger the cast twice due to dealing combat damage to the player two times. Assuming said creature wasn't blocked.

September 20, 2015 4:27 p.m.

Epochalyptik says... #3

That isn't really an elaboration. Bonescythe Sliver is not involved in this question.

September 20, 2015 10:14 p.m.