Source
r/CompetitiveEDH•
Musclemagic

Would Hinata reduce Isochron cost to 1 if the attached instant has "target" in it?

Question, Single Card Discussion, Discussion

Say I've got ((isochron scepter)) + ((ephemerate)) together with ((hinata, dawn-crowned)) out.

Would the cost to copy the spell be reduced by 1 since the copy of the spell is being cast and targeting? Or, is it not affected because it is the price of the ability and not the spell itself?

I know most of you will roll your eyes at such a question, but I am a pleb who doesn't know these things yet. <3 Thank you in advance

Posted May 19, 2022, 4:28 AM UTC

512
xDragod•

No, Hinata reduces the cost of casting the spell. The spell already costs 0 mana. You're paying 2 to be able to activate the ability that allows you to cast the imprinted spell.

42
MusclemagicOP•

Alright, that's what I figured but I had to check! Thanks a ton! :)

10
JTheGameGuy•

No, it does reduce the free copy you cast though back to 0 if they’re running a tax effect like Thalia

8
MusclemagicOP•

I think I see, but what's the significance of that? I'm trying to think of a scenario where that would change anything and coming up short (sorry, I'm pretty new to mtg.)

3
JTheGameGuy•

It’s not significant at all, it’s just a fringe interaction. Because for casting free spells you still apply cost modifying effects

6
MusclemagicOP•

So, without Hinata in play (under my control), it would cost 1 extra to use Isochron's ability while under thalia's effect?? That's wild! Good to know!

Since I like Hinata so much, that's something I may actually run into and needed to know. Thank you!

E- It would be the same if an opponent had Iso+Ephem while I had Hinata, right? They would need to pay 1 extra to copy it? Just want to make sure! XD

​

I mean, with the Scepter you don't pay the mana cost anyway so it wouldn't, but maybe in another case?

1
yourthenews•

So [[isochron scepter]] says "you may copy the imprinted instant. If you do, you may CAST the copy without paying the mana cost." Basically isochron scepter gives you an invisible copy of the spell and asks "do you want to cast this?" By saying yes, you put the invisible spell onto the stack.

Now, let's say an opponent has a [[Thalia, guardian of thraben]] in play. You do the above and put the spell on the stack. However, Thalia says "Hold up! You gotta pay 1 to put that invisible spell on the stack now!" Now we're sad... HOWEVER HOWEVER! [[Hinata, crown of dawn]] says "nah you good, it cost 1 less." And high fives you with its hoof. Assuming the spell has a target.

To reduce the cost of Isochron Scepter's activated ability you would need a card like [[Zirda, the dawnwaker]] (which combos nicely with [[Grim Monolith]] and [[Basalt Monolith]], the latter being very cheap), or [[Tezzeret, betrayer of flesh]].

5
JTheGameGuy•

Correct, your opponent’s free spell would cost 1 extra per target

1
T37scout•

No, isochron is an alternate cost on the artifact to copy and cast the spell.

1