If Blastcone Fae is revealed to give a unit -2 Might, but the opponent reacts with Gust to return Blastcone Fae to hand, does the -2 Might effect still apply?

Ruling: Yes, the -2 Might effect still applies. Because Blastcone Fae's ability does not specify a location restriction (such as "here"), the ability will still resolve even after Fae returns to hand.

Sequence:

  • Blastcone Fae is revealed (enters the chain)
  • Opponent reacts with Gust targeting Blastcone Fae
  • Gust resolves first, returning Fae to hand
  • Blastcone Fae's -2 Might effect still resolves despite Fae being in hand

Nuances:

  • Moving a unit to the battlefield by itself is not something you can react to unless there's a trigger from that move
  • During showdown, the player contesting the battlefield gets Focus (priority to play Actions first)
  • If they pass Focus, the other player gains it and can play an Action or Reaction