Does Darius count himself as the second card played to trigger his own ability, or does he need to be on the board already?

Ruling: Darius counts himself as a played card. If Darius is your second card played this turn, his ability will trigger and he will ready himself.

Sequence:

  • Play your first card
  • Play Darius as your second card
  • Darius resolves and sees himself as the second card played
  • His ability triggers, giving him 2 Might and readying him

Nuances:

  • In Riftbound, a card is considered "played" when it resolves, which is why Darius can see himself