Vex attacks into Reavers Row, the defender decides to use the Reavers Row trigger, can you still play spells during this trigger with Vex discounting them? Or does it not classify as a combat?

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is considered combat, and you can play spells while the **Reaver's Row** trigger is on the chain, provided they are **Reaction** spells.

### 1. Is this Combat?
Yes. When a unit moves to a battlefield occupied by an opponent's unit, combat begins. **Reaver's Row** has a "When I Defend" trigger, which occurs as part of the combat initiation sequence.

### 2. Playing Spells during the Trigger
When combat begins, the **Reaver's Row** trigger is placed on the chain. Because there is an item on the chain, you are restricted in what you can play:

*   **Action Spells:** You cannot play **Action** spells while the chain is not empty. You must wait until the chain is empty (after the trigger resolves) to play **Action** spells.
*   **Reaction Spells:** You **can** play **Reaction** spells in response to the **Reaver's Row** trigger while it is on the chain.

### 3. Vex's Cost Modifier
**Vex, Cheerless** is in combat, so her ability is active. If you play a **Reaction** spell while the **Reaver's Row** trigger is on the chain:
*   Vex's ability will increase the cost of your opponent's spells by [1] Energy and [1] Power.
*   You must pay this increased cost to activate your spell.

### Sequence of Events
1.  **Combat Initiation:** The attacker moves into the battlefield. Combat begins.
2.  **Trigger Placement:** The **Reaver's Row** "When I Defend" trigger is placed on the chain.
3.  **Reaction Window:** Players have the opportunity to add **Reaction** spells to the chain.
    *   If your opponent plays a spell here, Vex's cost increase applies.
4.  **Resolution:** The chain resolves in reverse order (LIFO).
    *   The **Reaction** spells resolve first.
    *   The **Reaver's Row** trigger resolves last, at which point the defender decides whether to move their unit to their base.
5.  **Post-Resolution:** Once the chain is empty, the game returns to a state where players can play **Action** spells if they have focus.

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*Note: I could not fully verify this ruling against the retrieved rules.*