Question 1

Writ of Return ruling (2022-04-29)

Accepted Answer

You cast the copy of the card with cipher during the resolution of the triggered ability. Ignore timing restrictions based on the card's type.

Question 2

Writ of Return ruling (2022-04-29)

Accepted Answer

If you choose not to cast the copy, or you can't cast it (perhaps because there are no legal targets available), the copy will cease to exist the next time state-based actions are performed. You won't get a chance to cast the copy at a later time.

Question 3

Writ of Return ruling (2022-04-29)

Accepted Answer

The spell with cipher is encoded on the creature as part of that spell's resolution, just after the spell's other effects. That card goes directly from the stack to exile. It never goes to the graveyard.

Question 4

Writ of Return ruling (2022-04-29)

Accepted Answer

If the spell with cipher doesn't resolve, none of its effects will happen, including cipher. The card will go to its owner's graveyard and won't be encoded on a creature.

Question 5

Writ of Return ruling (2022-04-29)

Accepted Answer

If a creature with an encoded card deals combat damage to more than one player simultaneously (perhaps because some of the combat damage was redirected), the triggered ability will trigger once for each player it deals combat damage to. Each ability will create a copy of the exiled card and allow you to cast it.

Question 6

Writ of Return ruling (2022-04-29)

Accepted Answer

If another player gains control of the creature, that player will control the triggered ability. That player will create a copy of the encoded card and may cast it.

Question 7

Writ of Return ruling (2022-04-29)

Accepted Answer

You can choose only a creature to encode the card onto.

Question 8

Writ of Return ruling (2022-04-29)

Accepted Answer

The exiled card with cipher grants a triggered ability to the creature it's encoded on. If that creature loses that ability and subsequently deals combat damage to a player, the triggered ability won't trigger. However, the exiled card will continue to be encoded on that creature.

Question 9

Writ of Return ruling (2022-04-29)

Accepted Answer

The copy of the card with cipher is created in and cast from exile.

Question 10

Writ of Return ruling (2022-04-29)

Accepted Answer

If the creature leaves the battlefield, the exiled card will no longer be encoded on any creature. It will stay exiled.

Question 11

Writ of Return ruling (2022-04-29)

Accepted Answer

You choose the creature as the spell resolves. The cipher ability doesn't target that creature.

Writ of Return

Official Rulings (11)

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