Can you describe deflect a bit more and tell me some examples of when it is and isn't used?
Deflect is a Passive Ability keyword found on units. It acts as a protective barrier that forces your opponent to pay an extra cost if they want to target your unit with their spells or abilities.
How Deflect Works
According to Rule 809.1.c, Deflect is functionally short for:
"Spells and abilities an opponent controls that choose me cost an amount of Power equal to [Deflect Value] more to play as an additional cost for each time they choose me."
- Mandatory Cost: It is a mandatory additional cost. If your opponent cannot pay the extra Power, they are legally unable to target your unit (Rule 809.1.d).
- Stacking: If a unit is granted Deflect from multiple sources, the Deflect values are summed together (Rule 809.2).
- Any Domain: The Power used to pay the Deflect cost can be of any domain (Rule 809.1.c.1).
When Deflect IS Used
Deflect applies whenever an opponent's spell or ability chooses or targets your unit.
- Targeted Spells: If an opponent plays a spell that says "Deal 3 damage to target unit," and that unit has Deflect 1, they must pay the spell's normal cost plus 1 Power.
- Targeted Abilities: If a unit has an activated ability that says "Exhaust: Deal 1 damage to target unit," the opponent must pay the Deflect cost to activate that ability against your unit (RiftJudge FAQ 8563).
- Multiple Targets: If a spell targets your unit multiple times (e.g., "Choose target unit twice"), the opponent must pay the Deflect cost for each time they choose it (Rule 809.1.c).
When Deflect IS NOT Used
Deflect does not apply to every interaction. It specifically requires the opponent to "choose" or "target" the unit.
- Area Effects: If a spell says "Deal 2 damage to all units on the battlefield," it does not target specific units. Therefore, Deflect does not apply (RiftJudge FAQ 5522).
- Non-Targeting Effects: Effects like "Whirlwind" (which affects units without targeting them) do not trigger or require payment for Deflect (RiftJudge FAQ 3908).
- Deflect Granted Too Late: If you grant a unit Deflect in response to a spell that has already been played, it is too late. The spell was already finalized (targets chosen and costs paid) before the Deflect was added (RiftJudge FAQ 1720).
- Attached Equipment: If an opponent targets an equipment attached to your unit, they are targeting the equipment, not the unit itself. Deflect on the unit does not protect the equipment (RiftJudge FAQ 734).
This is my interpretation based on the provided rules and FAQs. No official FAQ exists for every possible interaction, but these guidelines cover the core mechanics of the Deflect keyword.