Emperor's Dais
When do I pay 1 energy and return a unit for Emperor's Dais?
You pay the energy and return the unit while the triggered ability is being finalized, before opponents can react.
Core Rules 1.4 errata
Emperor's Dais received a functional errata alongside the Core Rules 1.4 update. Older printings separate "pay 1 and return a unit" from "If you do, play a 2 Might Sand Soldier unit token"; its updated text joins them using "to" instead. This makes the energy payment and unit return parts of a single cost performed while finalizing the ability, so the unit can no longer be returned without also paying the energy.
Because "you may" is the first part of the effect, you choose whether to perform the ability during finalization.[383.3.a] The immediately following "pay 1 and return a unit ... to play" is a cost within instructions, so both actions form the triggered ability's base cost and must be completed for the ability to finalize.[383.3.b][383.3.b.1][404.1] You may activate Add reactions while paying the energy portion of this cost.[444.2.c]
Returning the unit is part of the cost, so that unit is not a target and returns to its owner's hand during finalization rather than resolution.[355.10.c.1] If you cannot or choose not to pay the entire cost, the ability does not finalize; you cannot return the unit without also paying the energy.[404.2] If you complete the cost, the ability is placed on the chain; when it resolves, you play a 2 Might Sand Soldier unit token at Emperor's Dais.
Related rulings
How was this page?
Written by Christian I. (Near).
Last updated on .