What is the might of a Scuttlecrab defending with Yi legend getting attacked by Ahri inquisitive? Does the +2 apply before the -2 from Ahri?
To determine the Might of your Scuttle Crab in this combat, we look at the layers of game effects (Rule 471) and how combat damage is calculated.
The Calculation
Your Scuttle Crab starts with 0 Might.
- Passive Bonuses (Master Yi): Master Yi’s legend ability ("While a friendly unit defends alone, it gets +2 might") is a passive effect. It applies immediately in the Arithmetic layer. Your Scuttle Crab becomes 2 Might.
- Penalties (Ahri, Inquisitive): Ahri, Inquisitive’s ability ("When I attack or defend, give an enemy unit here -2 might this turn, to a minimum of 1 might") is a triggered ability that uses the chain.
- Once the chain resolves, the penalty is applied.
- Following Rule 472.3.d, additions are applied before subtractions. Even if they were processed simultaneously, the "minimum of 1 might" rule applies to the final result of the arithmetic.
Final Might: Because the penalty is applied to the 2 Might total, the Scuttle Crab is reduced to 1 Might (the minimum allowed by the ability).
Does the +2 apply before the -2?
Yes.
- Master Yi’s bonus is a passive effect that applies continuously as long as the Scuttle Crab is defending alone. It is already present when the combat starts.
- Ahri, Inquisitive’s effect is a triggered ability that is placed on the chain. It will resolve after the initial combat state is set.
In the arithmetic layer, all modifiers are evaluated. Since Yi's bonus is passive and Ahri's is a modifier, the result is calculated by taking the base (0), applying the bonus (+2), and then applying the penalty (-2), constrained by the "minimum of 1" rule.
Disclaimer: This is my interpretation based on the standard rules for passive vs. triggered abilities and the arithmetic layer. No official FAQ exists for this specific combination of cards.