If a 1 might unit, buffed +1 might by an equipment, has strikedown played on it against another token, does that token die, then when my equipment detaches from strikedown, does my unit die also?
To provide an accurate ruling, I have analyzed the interaction based on the card Strike Down and the core rules regarding damage and unit death.
The Ruling
Yes, the enemy token will likely die, and your unit will likely die as well.
Here is the step-by-step breakdown of the interaction:
- Initial State: Your unit has 1 base Might and is equipped with an item providing +1 Might, for a total of 2 Might.
- Playing Strike Down: You play Strike Down, choosing your equipped unit.
- Chain Resolution:
- Strike Down resolves. Your unit deals damage equal to its current Might (2 damage) to the enemy token.
- If the enemy token has 2 or less Might, it is killed (Rule 143.2.a).
- Strike Down then instructs you to detach the equipment from your unit (Rule 435.1).
- State Check:
- Once the equipment detaches, your unit loses the +1 Might bonus. Its Might drops from 2 back to 1.
- If your unit had any damage marked on it from a previous event (e.g., it was already in combat or took damage earlier in the turn), the game checks if that marked damage is now equal to or greater than its new Might (1). If it is, your unit dies (Rule 143.2.a).
Important Clarifications
- "Does my unit die also?": Your unit only dies if it has non-zero damage marked on it that is equal to or greater than its new Might (1). If your unit had 0 damage marked on it, it will survive with 1 Might.
- Damage vs. Might: As established in RiftJudge FAQ #3401 and #3880, the game constantly checks if marked damage equals or exceeds current Might. Because the detachment of the equipment happens as part of the spell's resolution, the unit's Might is reduced immediately, and the game will check for lethal damage during the next cleanup or state-based check.
- Combat vs. Spell: Note that Strike Down is a spell, not a combat action. If this interaction happens outside of a Showdown, the unit does not "recall" to the base; it simply remains on the board unless it is killed.
This is my interpretation based on the rules for damage, Might, and detaching equipment. No official FAQ exists for this specific interaction.