Opponent plays {Whip of Erebos} I play {Disperse} to return it to their hand.
Can they activate its ability before this resolves to bring back a {Grey Merchant of Asphodel}?
Yes. Actually, you can't cast Disperse before they get a chance to activate Whip.
Assuming they cast Whip normally, once it resolves, it is the main phase of their turn, the stack is empty, and they have priority - all the conditions for casting a sorcery, which the Whip activation requires. And because they have priority, they can use it before you can do anything.
Now, if they passed priority to you, you cast Disperse, and they want to respond with an activation, well, they're SoL.
Quote from: MementoMori on March 04, 2014, 01:08:58 AM
Yes. Actually, you can't cast Disperse before they get a chance to activate Whip.
Assuming they cast Whip normally, once it resolves, it is the main phase of their turn, the stack is empty, and they have priority - all the conditions for casting a sorcery, which the Whip activation requires. And because they have priority, they can use it before you can do anything.
Now, if they passed priority to you, you cast Disperse, and they want to respond with an activation, well, they're SoL.
I almost said you could activate it in response but then I remembered it can only be used as a sorcery. Lol
Quote from: Millionlittlee on March 04, 2014, 01:16:11 AM
Quote from: MementoMori on March 04, 2014, 01:08:58 AM
Yes. Actually, you can't cast Disperse before they get a chance to activate Whip.
Assuming they cast Whip normally, once it resolves, it is the main phase of their turn, the stack is empty, and they have priority - all the conditions for casting a sorcery, which the Whip activation requires. And because they have priority, they can use it before you can do anything.
Now, if they passed priority to you, you cast Disperse, and they want to respond with an activation, well, they're SoL.
I almost said you could activate it in response but then I remembered it can only be used as a sorcery. Lol
now they just need to print a {quicken} for activated abilities.
edit: would have to be for non pw abilities.
Whip would be so much better without that last line of text.
Doesn't some kind of summoning sickness prevent them from using the artifact's tap ability the turn they play it?
Nope
Unless its an artifact creature; you may tap an artifact immediately as it hits the field or that same turn(if its ability is at sorcery speed like whip)
(Ie {tormods crypt} ) - play for 0, tap/sac to exile GY
No. Artifacts are not affected by sickness, unless they are creatures.
Cool thanks for clarification.
Okay thanks! I was play testing my black vs blue decks and just wasn't sure on timing here. So I'd play the whip. Receive priority, activate it, then pass priority? Got it.