Gangplank, Naval

Swap calculates the difference in Might and generates two effects: an increase, and a decrease. When a swap effect is applied to two units’ Mights, it gives those units +[M] and -[M] respective to who has the higher Might.

Under the hood, Gangplank’s replacement effect sees the event of him being given -[M] and replaces it with him being given +3 [M] this turn instead. The event of the other unit being given +[M] is unaffected by Gangplank’s replacement effect. By the time we apply the replacement effect, the difference between the two units has been calculated. In the example with the 2 [M] unit, the final Mights of the two units will be 2 [M] → 6 [M], and 6 [M] → 9 [M].

The way this works is not immediately obvious based on how the swap game action rules are written. We will clarify this in a future rules update.

Note that this logic also applies to Mel, Newly Awakened and Switcheroo.

Blast Cone’s triggered ability that stuns units doesn’t choose them, so Gangplank’s replacement effect can’t apply to that event. Back Off played on a stunned Gangplank does not actually perform the stun game action, because Gangplank is already stunned. It’s legal to play Back Off, but the instruction will be negated. In order for Gangplank’s replacement effect to replace an event of him being stunned, the stun game action must actually be performed. Similarly, if an effect that said “Friendly units can’t be stunned” were active with a friendly empowered Gangplank, Naval is on the board, a stun effect that is played choosing Gangplank wouldn’t generate an event that Gangplank could replace, because no stun game action is performed.

Relevant Rules: 423.1.a.1.

In order for his replacement effect to apply, the event of him being given -[M] must occur. In the case of Stupefy played on a 1 [M] unit, no -[M] is given; it is snapshot to -0 [M]. Thus, there is no suitable event for Gangplank’s replacement effect to replace.

Relevant Rules: 477.3.b.