What happens when my Stalwart Poro with Guardian Angel equipped is targeted by Bellows Breath (with Repeat paid) after my opponent plays Imperial Decree?

Ruling: The Stalwart Poro will be killed. Imperial Decree creates two separate kill triggers (one for each instance of damage from the repeated Bellows Breath), and while Guardian Angel saves the Poro from the first kill trigger by recalling it to base, the second kill trigger still resolves and kills the Poro at its new location.

Sequence:

  • Imperial Decree is played, creating a delayed triggered ability for the turn
  • Bellows Breath (with Repeat) is played targeting the Poro
  • Bellows Breath resolves: first instance deals 1 damage, triggering Imperial Decree
  • Bellows Breath continues resolving: second instance (Repeat) deals 1 damage, triggering Imperial Decree again
  • Bellows Breath finishes resolving, then both Imperial Decree triggers finalize onto the chain
  • Second kill trigger resolves first: Guardian Angel replacement effect activates, destroying the equipment and recalling the healed, exhausted Poro to base
  • First kill trigger resolves: finds and kills the Poro at base (Imperial Decree's trigger does not require the unit to remain at the same location)

Nuances:

  • Triggered abilities created during spell resolution are added as pending items and cannot finalize onto the chain until the spell completely finishes executing all repeated instructions
  • Imperial Decree's kill trigger tracks the unit regardless of location changes, so recalling to base does not prevent the second trigger from resolving
  • This interaction works the same way with Zhonya's Hourglass as it does with Guardian Angel