Does Wildclaw Shaman work with Cithria when Cithria has no buff? Specifically, if both abilities trigger when Wildclaw Shaman is played, can you order them so Cithria gains a buff first, then Shaman spends it?

Ruling: Yes, Wildclaw Shaman works with Cithria even when she has no buff initially. Both abilities trigger simultaneously when the Shaman is played, and as the turn player you can choose to resolve Cithria's ability first (giving her a buff), then resolve Shaman's ability (spending that buff).

Sequence:

• Play Wildclaw Shaman while Cithria is in play
• Both triggered abilities go on the chain simultaneously
• As turn player, choose Cithria's ability to resolve first, giving her a buff
• Shaman's ability resolves, and you choose which buff to spend during resolution
• Shaman gains a buff and readies

Nuances:

• Spending a buff is a cost paid during resolution (like Bullet Time), not when the ability triggers
• You do not target the buff when the ability goes on the chain; you choose which buff to spend during resolution
• If there is no buff available at resolution, the ability cannot resolve and Shaman does not gain a buff or ready
• The opponent cannot respond after you choose which buff to spend during resolution