Dark Depths Questions

[Richard Cheese]

Is the second ability of Dark Depths ("When Dark Depths has no ice counters on it, sacrifice it. If you do, put a legendary 20/20 black Avatar creature token with flying and "This creature is indestructible" named Marit Lage onto the battlefield.") actually two triggered abilities or just one?

The gatherer rulings that that the "second ability is a state trigger" so that even if it's countered, it will just trigger again immediately. I'm wondering if it's possible to Stifle the bit after "If you do," and have the land be sacrificed but no token put into play.

On a similar note, is there any way to Wasteland a Depths if the opponent has two Hexmages in play? Obviously if you respond to saccing the first Hexmage, they can respond by saccing the second, but can you respond to the trigger on Depths after the counters are removed, or is it sacrificed immediately?

[Maveric78f]

There is a single triggered ability that checks at resolution that the land is still on the battlefield (by asking you to sacrifice it). It's quite the same with Standstill actually.

Wasteland wins against Dark Depths in almost every situation. You just have to respond to the Dark Depths trigger, which won't triggered again except if someone stifles the trigger (but in this case you could as well stifle the Wasteland).

[Koby]

On a similar note, is there any way to Wasteland a Depths if the opponent has two Hexmages in play? Obviously if you respond to saccing the first Hexmage, they can respond by saccing the second, but can you respond to the trigger on Depths after the counters are removed, or is it sacrificed immediately?

You can wait until they sacrifice Hexmage on Dark Depths, and let the ability resolve. This will cause Dark Depths to trigger on "no counters". This would be the time to Wasteland it, effectively neutering the combo.

[cdr]

Strategy question moved to appropriate thread in F&AD.