Alteration Effect
An alteration effect modifies the resolution of an ability that precedes it. Types of alteration effects include:
Additional
The word “additional” denotes a modifier to an ability or game state. The additional modifier is resolved simultaneously with any ability it is modifying and under the same conditions as that ability.
_(For example, Repulsor Blast reads: “Hero Action (attack): Deal 1 damage to an enemy and discard the top 5 cards of your deck. For each printed e resource discarded this way, deal 2 additional damage to that enemy.”)
Already
The word “already” denotes the resolution of an alternate ability if a specific condition is met. The “already” effect checks if this condition is met before the preceding ability attempts to resolve. If so, the “already” effect resolves instead.
(For example, I’m Tough reads: “When Revealed: Give Rhino a tough status card. If Rhino already has a tough status card, this card gains surge.”)
Each Time
The phrase “each time” denotes a temporary interruption to a resolving ability. When a condition is met that is specified by the “each time” effect, the resolution of the preceding ability halts, the “each time” effect resolves in its entirety, then the preceding ability continues resolving.
(For example, “You Dare Oppose Me?“ reads: “When Revealed: Discard the top 5 cards of the encounter deck. Each time a card belonging to the Kree Fanatic set is discarded this way, deal that card to yourself as a facedown encounter card.”)
This/That Activation/Attack/Thwart
Effects that refer to “this” or “that” activation, attack, or thwart denote a modifier to that activation, attack, or thwart.
(Examples: “That attack gains overkill.” “Give the villain an additional boost card for this activation.”)
- If “this/that activation/attack/thwart” is part of a condition for an effect, it does not make that effect an alteration effect.
(For example, the following is not an alteration effect: “If this attack defeats that enemy, heal 2 damage from your hero.”)