If Bellow Breath targets a unit at a location and the unit changes location, what happens to the unit?
When Bellows Breath targets a unit and that unit changes its location before the spell resolves, the unit is still tracked by the spell and will be dealt damage, provided it remains a legal target.
According to RiftJudge FAQ #7422 and FAQ #9018, the "same location" requirement is a targeting restriction for playing the spell, not a requirement for its resolution.
Here is what happens based on the situation:
- Tracking: When you play Bellows Breath, you choose up to three units at the same location. These targets are "locked in." If a target moves to a different location (e.g., to a different battlefield or back to base) before the spell resolves, the spell continues to target that unit at its new location.
- Resolution and Location: Because Bellows Breath requires the targets to be at the same location to be played, but allows for movement after playing, the resolution follows these rules:
- If all your originally targeted units end up at the same new location (e.g., you moved all three together), they will all be dealt 1 damage.
- If the targeted units are now split across different locations, you must choose one location where at least one of your originally targeted units is currently present. You then deal 1 damage only to the targeted units at that chosen location. Any targeted units not at that chosen location will not take damage.
- No Retargeting: You cannot choose new units to replace the ones that moved. You are limited to the specific units you originally targeted.
Key Rule References:
- Core Rule 359.3.e.1: "The spell resolves even if some or all of its targets are illegal."
- RiftJudge FAQ #7422: "The 'same location' requirement is a targeting restriction, not a resolution requirement."
Note: This is my interpretation based on the mechanics of targeting and the referenced FAQs. As noted in the retrieved context, this logic applies to spells with group location restrictions like Bellows Breath.