ScandalmongerHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Shared Resource for Sabotage

Scandalmonger features a symmetrical activated ability that anyone can pay for. While you control the creature, your opponents are just as capable of spending two mana to force you or another player to discard a card. This creates a high-stakes environment where mana is converted directly into hand disruption.

Timing and Restrictions

The ability carries a 'sorcery speed' restriction, meaning it can only be activated during the active player's main phase while the stack is empty. Even though any player can activate it, they must still follow the timing rules for sorceries during their own turn. You cannot use this ability to respond to spells or activate it during an opponent's turn.

Who Controls the Ability?

The player who pays the two mana and activates the ability is the one who chooses the target player. Because the ability targets, it can be hindered by effects like Hexproof. If a player activates the ability multiple times, each one is put on the stack separately and resolves one by one.

Interaction examples

Basic Disruption

During your main phase, you pay two mana to activate Scandalmonger, targeting an opponent. They must discard a card from their hand. Later, on that opponent's turn, they pay two mana to use the same ability against you, forcing you to discard.

Managing Value

Solemn Simulacrum

If an opponent uses Scandalmonger to force you to discard Solemn Simulacrum, you lose the card without getting its 'dies' trigger, as it was never on the battlefield. Conversely, if you have no cards in hand, the ability can still be activated targeting you, but nothing happens upon resolution.

Tribal Synergies

Roaming Throne

Even if you name 'Boar' with Roaming Throne, it will not affect Scandalmonger's ability. Roaming Throne specifically doubles triggered abilities, while Scandalmonger uses an activated ability (indicated by the colon). You still only force one discard per two mana spent.