Can you use Gust to react to Deathnell and would Deathnell trigger?
To answer your question: Yes, you can play Gust in response to a Deathknell trigger, but doing so will not stop the Deathknell from triggering.
Here is the breakdown of why this works, based on the timing rules of Riftbound:
1. The Interaction
When a unit with Deathknell is killed, two things happen in sequence:
- The Trigger: Per Rule 808.1.d.2, the Deathknell ability is placed on the chain as a pending item the moment the unit is killed (before it is moved to the trash).
- Reaction Window: Because the Deathknell ability is now on the chain, the game state is "Closed." This provides an opportunity for players to play [Reaction] cards, such as Gust, before the Deathknell trigger resolves.
2. Does Deathknell still trigger?
Yes.
- Trigger Condition Met: The trigger condition for Deathknell is "the permanent being killed and sent to the trash" (Rule 808.1.d). This event has already occurred at the moment the unit died, which is what placed the Deathknell trigger on the chain in the first place.
- Effect Independence: Once the Deathknell trigger is on the chain, it is an independent game object. Even if you use Gust to return another unit to a hand, or if the original unit has ceased to exist (in the case of tokens), the Deathknell effect will still resolve normally (per RiftJudge FAQ #9398 and Rule 808.1.d.2).
Summary of the Chain
If you play Gust in response to a Deathknell trigger, the resolution follows LIFO (Last-In, First-Out):
- Chain State:
- Bottom: Deathknell Trigger
- Top: Gust (played as a reaction)
- Resolution:
- Gust resolves first, returning its target unit to its owner's hand.
- The Deathknell trigger resolves second, executing its effect as normal.
Note: This interpretation is based on the standard rules for triggered abilities and the specific definition of Deathknell provided in Rule 808. No official FAQ exists for this exact scenario, but this follows the established mechanics for how Deathknell handles triggers and chain resolution.