Grave-Shell Scarab

[RisseR]

Archived from groups: rec.games.trading-cards.magic.rules (More info?)

Previewed here, so it's official:
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/mf58

The card:
***
Grave-Shell Scarab {2BGG}
Creature - Insect 4/4
Ravnica Rare
- 1, Sacrifice Grave-Shell Scarab: Draw a card.
- Dredge 1 (If you would draw a card, instead you may put exactly one
card from the top of your library into your graveyard. If you do,
return this card from your graveyard to your hand. Otherwise, draw a
card.)
***

Okay, well, in typing that out, it forced me to read the card more
accurately, so I think I know the answer, but I'll go ahead and type
the question in case someone else has it as well.

In the article Long suggests, and the card implies, that you could sac
it, then dredge it with its ability.

I initially didn't think that was possible, because the static ability
that allows you to pull a card out of the graveyard wouldn't be "on"
because it was no longer in play.

But in typing the card, I realize that it says, "return THIS card", not
just any card. That being so, is this a static ability that only works
when the card is in the graveyard? I mean, you can't return it from
there if it isn't there.

Or, is this a static ability that works everywhere, so you can always
mill a card if you want to, even when it's in play? Or in your hand?

Just wondering about the details.
Thanks,
Peter

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.trading-cards.magic.rules (More info?)

Like you said, because the card specifically states 'If you do,
return this card from your graveyard to your hand.' it only works if
the card is in the graveyard. I missed that the first time too.

Also, everything I say is of course not certain yet. It depends on the
exact wording of the ability in the Comprehensive Rules. But I think
it'll work this way.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.trading-cards.magic.rules (More info?)

Risser <knucklehead000@yahoo.com> wrote:

> But in typing the card, I realize that it says, "return THIS card", not
> just any card. That being so, is this a static ability that only works
> when the card is in the graveyard? I mean, you can't return it from
> there if it isn't there.

Yep. It's the last sentence of this rule:

402.8. Abilities function only while the permanent with the ability is
in play unless the ability is a characteristic-setting ability that sets
type, subtype, supertype, or color; an ability of an instant or sorcery;
an additional cost; an alternative cost; or a play restriction.
Abilities can also function in other zones if they state otherwise or if
the ability can only trigger or be played in a zone other than the
in-play zone. An ability whose cost or effect specifies that it moves
the object it's on out of a particular zone functions only in that zone.
--
Daniel W. Johnson
panoptes@iquest.net
http://members.iquest.net/~panoptes/
039 53 36 N / 086 11 55 W

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.trading-cards.magic.rules (More info?)

Risser <knucklehead000@yahoo.com> wrote:
>Previewed here, so it's official:
>http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/mf58

Yay!

>Grave-Shell Scarab {2BGG} Creature - Insect
>4/4 1,Sacrifice ~: Draw a card. / Dredge 1 (If you would draw a card,
> instead you may put exactly one card from the top of your library into your
> graveyard. If you do, return this card from your graveyard to your hand.
> Otherwise, draw a card.)
>
>Okay, well, in typing that out, it forced me to read the card more
>accurately, so I think I know the answer, but I'll go ahead and type
>the question in case someone else has it as well.

You can use the Dredge ability, usually, to replace the card draw from the
first ability if you like; end result: top card of your deck is milled and
the Scarab ends up in your hand, plus you've spent 1 mana.

>In the article Long suggests, and the card implies, that you could sac
>it, then dredge it with its ability.

Yes. The Dredge ability is active while the card's in your graveyard; the
card goes to your graveyard as part of announcing the first ability
(specifically, as part of paying the activation cost). If nothing takes it out
of there in response, it'll still be there when you go to draw your card, and
its ability can replace that card draw.

>I initially didn't think that was possible, because the static ability
>that allows you to pull a card out of the graveyard wouldn't be "on"
>because it was no longer in play.
>
>But in typing the card, I realize that it says, "return THIS card", not
>just any card. That being so, is this a static ability that only works
>when the card is in the graveyard? I mean, you can't return it from
>there if it isn't there.

This is in fact a static ability that only works while the card is in the
graveyard, correct. (And yes, that's the answer to another FAQ - "No, you
can't return it from Just Anywhere, only from _your_ graveyard."...)

(Think a moment: it wouldn't be logistically possible to make it work from
your library, 1996 World Champion notwithstanding...)

Dave
--
\/David DeLaney posting from dbd@vic.com "It's not the pot that grows the flower
It's not the clock that slows the hour The definition's plain for anyone to see
Love is all it takes to make a family" - R&P. VISUALIZE HAPPYNET VRbeable<BLINK>
http://www.vic.com/~dbd/ - net.legends FAQ & Magic / I WUV you in all CAPS! --K.