How does Bellows Breath work if the targeted unit moves with a reaction?

When a unit targeted by Bellows Breath moves to a different location (e.g., via a reaction) before the spell resolves, the following rules apply:

The Ruling

According to RiftJudge FAQ #7422, when Bellows Breath resolves and its targeted units are no longer at the same location, you must choose one location among those where the targeted units are currently present. You then deal damage only to the targeted units at that chosen location.

Sequence of Events

1. Targeting: You choose up to three units at the same location when you play the spell. These targets are locked in at that time.
2. Movement: If a targeted unit moves to a different location (e.g., to a base or another battlefield) before the spell resolves, the targets are now split across different locations.
3. Resolution: When the spell resolves, you cannot deal damage to all targets if they are in different places. You must choose one location where at least one of your targeted units is currently located.
4. Damage: You deal 1 damage to all of your originally targeted units that are present at that chosen location. Any targeted units that moved to a different location (and are not at the chosen location) do not take damage.

Key Nuances

• Targeting Restriction: The "same location" requirement is a restriction for playing the spell, not for resolving it.
• No Re-targeting: You cannot choose new targets after the spell has been played. You are limited to the units you originally selected.
• Repeat: If you paid the Repeat cost, the two instances of the spell resolve separately. The movement of a unit only affects the instance(s) where that unit was targeted. If the second instance of the spell targets different units at a different location, their status is evaluated independently of the first instance.