Can you respond to a Reflective Trigger ("Do this:" effect) on a spell like Dragon's Rage even though it happens when the spell is resolving?

Ruling: Yes, you can respond to Reflective Triggers. When a spell with a Reflective Trigger resolves, the trigger is placed on the chain after the spell finishes resolving, and players can respond to it before it resolves.

Sequence:

  • Opponent plays Dragon's Rage targeting one of your units (you can react here)
  • Dragon's Rage resolves and the unit moves; the Reflective Trigger "choose another enemy unit at its destination, they deal damage equal to their Mights to each other" is placed on the chain
  • You can react to the Reflective Trigger on the chain
  • When all reactions resolve and players pass, the trigger resolves and damage occurs if targets are still legal

Nuances:

  • The spell completely finishes resolving before the Reflective Trigger is finalized and placed on the chain
  • You can react between the spell's initial effects (before "Do this:") and the Reflective Trigger effects (after "Do this:")
  • Conceptually, it's like the spell has two parts or abilities within it