If a Repeat spell like Rocket Barrage targets two units (one non-recruit and Viktor second), does Viktor's ability trigger to generate a token when the first unit dies, since the targets are resolved in order?

Ruling: No, Viktor does not get a token from Rocket Barrage because damage spells deal damage to both targets during resolution, but units only die during cleanup, meaning both units die simultaneously. However, if a hypothetical Repeat spell said "kill a unit" (not deal damage), then the kills would happen sequentially and Viktor would get a token if the other unit was killed first.

Sequence: (for damage-based Repeat spells like Rocket Barrage)

  • Both damage instances are applied during spell resolution in the chosen order
  • Both units are marked as having lethal damage
  • During cleanup, both units die simultaneously
  • Viktor's ability does not trigger because Viktor dies at the same time as the other unit

Sequence: (for hypothetical "kill" effect Repeat spells)

  • First kill effect resolves, killing the first target
  • Viktor is still alive and sees the death, triggering his ability
  • Second kill effect resolves, killing Viktor
  • Viktor's controller gets a token

Nuances:

  • Damage spells and kill spells behave differently for on-kill triggers in Riftbound
  • Damage effects only become kill effects during cleanup
  • Kill effects happen immediately during resolution, not during cleanup
  • Repeat enlarges the text box to do the effect twice, but it's still one spell instance (relevant for countering)