Strionic Resonator and Eminence
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- DementedKirby
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Can Strionic Resonator target an eminence ability from a commander in the command zone?
Accepted Answer
It targets the ability on the stack. It doesn't matter where the source of the ability is located; it only matters that the ability is currently on the stack. So, yes, you can copy an Eminence trigger even if the source is in the Command Zone.
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It targets the ability on the stack. It doesn't matter where the source of the ability is located; it only matters that the ability is currently on the stack. So, yes, you can copy an Eminence trigger even if the source is in the Command Zone.
"Ability" has two meanings in Magic:
This ability text can not, by itself, be copied by Strionic Resonator, as it is not an object. It doesn't matter what zone Edgar is on.
Now, when you cast a vampire spell, Edgar's ability triggers and is put on the stack. That actually means you create an ability object on the stack. This object has the same text as the ability-text, and no other characteristics. And it is this ability object on the stack that can be copied by Strionic Resonator.
Again, it doesn't matter if Edgar is on the battlefield or the command zone, in either case the triggered ability object is created on the stack the exact same way, and so can be copied.
All of this is true for the Eminence abilities of Arahbo and Inalla. The Ur-Dragon's Eminence, however, is a static ability, so it can't be copied.
And of course, all of that means that abilities (definition 2) have abilities (definition 1). I really enjoy this little fact.
You need to use context and the rules to know what definition the card is talking about. In this case, if an effect wants to "copy" an ability, it must means an ability object on the stack, because copying is defined as:Ability: 1. Text on an object that explains what that object does or can do. 2. An activated or triggered ability on the stack. This kind of ability is an object. See rule 113, "Abilities," and section 6, "Spells, Abilities, and Effects."
So, for example, the first paragraph of text in Edgar Markov reads:Copy: 1. To create a new object whose copiable values have been set to those of another object. 2. An object whose copiable values have been set to those of another object. See rule 706, "Copying Objects."
This text defines one of Edgar's abilities. It is a triggered ability.Eminence — Whenever you cast another Vampire spell, if Edgar Markov is in the command zone or on the battlefield, create a 1/1 black Vampire creature token.
This ability text can not, by itself, be copied by Strionic Resonator, as it is not an object. It doesn't matter what zone Edgar is on.
Now, when you cast a vampire spell, Edgar's ability triggers and is put on the stack. That actually means you create an ability object on the stack. This object has the same text as the ability-text, and no other characteristics. And it is this ability object on the stack that can be copied by Strionic Resonator.
Again, it doesn't matter if Edgar is on the battlefield or the command zone, in either case the triggered ability object is created on the stack the exact same way, and so can be copied.
All of this is true for the Eminence abilities of Arahbo and Inalla. The Ur-Dragon's Eminence, however, is a static ability, so it can't be copied.
And of course, all of that means that abilities (definition 2) have abilities (definition 1). I really enjoy this little fact.