If a hidden Blastcone Fae is killed by Cannon Barrage in response to being played, does its ability still resolve?

Ruling: When a hidden Blastcone Fae is played and then killed by Cannon Barrage in response, its ability still goes on the chain but resolves without effect because it cannot get information about "here" (the battlefield) since the permanent is no longer on the board.

Sequence:

  • Blastcone Fae is played from hidden
  • Its "when played" trigger activates and targets must be chosen from the associated battlefield
  • The ability goes on the chain
  • Opponent can respond with Cannon Barrage, which goes on the chain
  • Cannon Barrage resolves first, killing Blastcone Fae
  • Blastcone Fae's ability still resolves, but does nothing because it specifies "here" and the permanent is no longer on the board

Nuances:

  • Hidden cards' "when played" triggered abilities must target units at the associated battlefield
  • Abilities that enter the chain always resolve even if the permanent is removed, but abilities that specify "here" won't resolve fully if the permanent is no longer on the board
  • This applies to "when played" triggers specifically, not all triggered abilities