Ral, Storm Conduit — ruling 1

If an effect copies a card rather than a spell (such as that of God-Eternal Kefnet), this doesn't cause Ral's first ability to trigger. That ability will trigger if you cast the copy, however.

Ral, Storm Conduit — ruling 2

If an effect copies a spell multiple times, as Finale of Promise may, Ral's first ability triggers that many times.

Ral, Storm Conduit — ruling 3

If the spell that's copied is modal (that is, it says "Choose one —" or the like), the copy created by Ral's last ability will have the same mode or modes. You can't choose different ones.

Ral, Storm Conduit — ruling 4

Some spells instruct you to "copy target instant or sorcery spell." Because a spell is never a legal target for itself, you can't cast such a spell targeting itself to create a loop that causes Ral's first ability to trigger over and over.

Ral, Storm Conduit — ruling 5

You can't choose to pay any additional costs for the copy created by Ral's last ability. However, effects based on any additional costs that were paid for the original spell are copied as though those same costs were paid for the copy too.

Ral, Storm Conduit — ruling 6

The copies that Ral's last ability creates are created on the stack, so they're not "cast." Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell won't trigger.

Ral, Storm Conduit — ruling 7

If the spell that's copied has damage divided as it was cast, the division can't be changed (although the targets receiving that damage still can). The same is true of spells that distribute counters.

Ral, Storm Conduit : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Ral, Storm Conduit is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Whenever you cast or copy an instant or sorcery spell, Ral deals 1 damage to target opponent or planeswalker. +2: Scry 1. −2: When you next cast an instant or sorcery spell this turn, copy that spell. You may choose new targets for the copy.

Complete guide

Ral, Storm Conduit is a versatile planeswalker that serves as a cornerstone for spell-focused decks. By rewarding you for both casting and copying spells, he turns every magical exchange into direct damage against your opponents.

Static Mastery and Loyalty

Ral's static ability triggers whenever you cast or copy an instant or sorcery spell. This is unique because it counts copies created directly on the stack, not just those that are cast. His +2 ability provides card selection through Scry 1, while his -2 sets up a delayed trigger that copies the very next instant or sorcery spell you cast that turn.

How the Copy Ability Resolves

When you activate Ral's -2, it creates a 'shield' effect. The next time you cast an instant or sorcery spell during that turn, Ral's delayed trigger goes on the stack on top of that spell. When the trigger resolves, it creates a copy of the spell. You may choose new targets for this copy. Note that you cannot pay additional costs for the copy, but if the original spell had additional costs paid (like Kicker), the copy benefits from them as if they were paid as well.

Key Timings and Limitations

A common mistake is assuming the copy created by the -2 ability triggers Ral's static ability again. It does! Because the static ability looks for spells being cast OR copied, you get one trigger from the original cast and another from the copy Ral creates. However, remember that if you copy a modal spell, you cannot change the modes for the copy.

Interaction examples

Storming Through Narset

Narset, Parter of Veils

If your opponent controls Narset, Parter of Veils, you are restricted to drawing one card per turn. If you use Ral's -2 and then cast a draw spell, Ral will create a copy. While Ral's static ability will trigger twice to deal damage to Narset (potentially removing her), you will still only draw one card total if it is currently your opponent's turn or if you have already drawn, because Narset's static effect persists until the damage resolves and she is removed.

Protecting Jace

Jace, Wielder of Mysteries

With Jace, Wielder of Mysteries on the battlefield, you can use Ral's -2 to copy a spell that protects Jace or mills your library faster. When you cast your spell, Ral triggers to deal 1 damage to an opponent. Then, Ral's -2 creates a copy of your spell, triggering Ral again for another 1 damage. This allows you to clear the board or pressure opponents while Jace works toward his alternate win condition.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Ral, Storm Conduit

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1June 14, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
If an effect copies a card rather than a spell (such as that of God-Eternal Kefnet), this doesn't cause Ral's first ability to trigger. That ability will trigger if you cast the copy, however.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2May 3, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
If an effect copies a spell multiple times, as Finale of Promise may, Ral's first ability triggers that many times.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3May 3, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
If the spell that's copied is modal (that is, it says "Choose one —" or the like), the copy created by Ral's last ability will have the same mode or modes. You can't choose different ones.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4May 3, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
Some spells instruct you to "copy target instant or sorcery spell." Because a spell is never a legal target for itself, you can't cast such a spell targeting itself to create a loop that causes Ral's first ability to trigger over and over.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5May 3, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
You can't choose to pay any additional costs for the copy created by Ral's last ability. However, effects based on any additional costs that were paid for the original spell are copied as though those same costs were paid for the copy too.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6May 3, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
The copies that Ral's last ability creates are created on the stack, so they're not "cast." Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell won't trigger.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#7May 3, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
If the spell that's copied has damage divided as it was cast, the division can't be changed (although the targets receiving that damage still can). The same is true of spells that distribute counters.
No other card is named in this ruling.