I understand when a card re-enters the battlefield it's a new version with no memory of the previous version. However, Author of Shadows says "...exiled this way...". Because of this, when a new Author appears, does it still allow you to cast previously exiled cards since they were exiled "that" way?
I suppose if the "way" being referred to is from the previous Author, then it wouldn't see them; but for some reason, I feel this case is different in that it sees cards exiled by any Author.
Where Author of Shadows refers to "nonland card[s] exiled this way", it means only nonland cards in exile that were exiled due to the previous instruction to "exile all cards from all opponents' graveyards". No other cards are meant, not even cards exiled with another ability with the same text as that ability (see also C.R. 607.1). (The same principle applies to the activated ability of Oona, Queen of the Fae.) Also, you can cast the chosen card "for as long as it remains exiled", even if Author of Shadows has left the battlefield in the meantime (C.R. 611.2a; note the duration is "for as long as it remains exiled", not "for as long as Author of Shadows remains on the battlefield").
Okay, I suppose that makes sense. I think my perspective was informed by Izzet Chemister's ability that specifically refers to himself. Since Author's ability doesn't call out themself, I was hoping it saw any card exiled by way of all Authors. Oh well. Thank you for the response.
Okay, I suppose that makes sense. I think my perspective was informed by Izzet Chemister's ability that specifically refers to himself. Since Author's ability doesn't call out themself, I was hoping it saw any card exiled by way of all Authors. Oh well. Thank you for the response.
Compare Izzet Chemister and Author of Shadows with Mairsil, the Pretender, which refers to "all cards you own in exile with cage counters on them", no matter how they got in exile or how they got cage counters on them.
Thank you for clarifying the point. The saving grace for me is that I can cast cards exiled with Author of Shadows even if it leaves the battlefield.
I was under the assumption that the card with that text is what allowed me to cast it at any time. If that card wasn't on the battlefield, that rule would no longer be enforced.
Good to know, as I'm deciding if Author of Shadows is a good replacement for Agent of Erebos in a blink deck. If I can store up exiled cards with Author through multiple bounces, it might be worth the extra mana!
I suppose if the "way" being referred to is from the previous Author, then it wouldn't see them; but for some reason, I feel this case is different in that it sees cards exiled by any Author.
I was under the assumption that the card with that text is what allowed me to cast it at any time. If that card wasn't on the battlefield, that rule would no longer be enforced.
Good to know, as I'm deciding if Author of Shadows is a good replacement for Agent of Erebos in a blink deck. If I can store up exiled cards with Author through multiple bounces, it might be worth the extra mana!