Defending the "Madness Network": Who and when?

Well, I read a really interesting discussion about "Madness Network" and "Who is allowed to block?" on Vekn France, and thought it to be a good idea to get an official ruling before the EC.

Madness Network

Unique master.

Put this card in play. Untapped Malkavians can take actions in any Methuselah's minion phase (follow normal sequencing rules). Any minion can burn this card as an action that any untapped Malkavian (in addition to the normally eligible blockers) can attempt to block.

The first question is: "Is a Malkavian (not controlled by the controller of Madness Network) allowed to play 'really untapping' cards like Second Tradition: Domain or Sense the Savage Way in order to (be able to) block?" -- different from the typical 'Eagle's Sight superior block attempt'.

The second question is: "Which sequencing applies for the (additional) blockers?"


Thanks in advance!

Hakuron wrote:

The first question is: "Is a Malkavian (not controlled by the controller of Madness Network) allowed to play 'really untapping' cards like Second Tradition: Domain or Sense the Savage Way in order to (be able to) block?" -- different from the typical 'Eagle's Sight superior block attempt'.

If they're tapped (and they're not controlled by the target), they're not an eligible blocker. Playing a card such as Second Tradition requires you to be an eligible blocker, which you're not, so you can't.

[LSJ ]
(The acting Methuselah is hoping to use Second Tradition to untap.)

LSJ wrote:

> You may only attempt to block actions that are directed against you,
> or actions that your prey or predator attempt that are undirected.
> Unless you first play Eagle's Sight (or they are acting to burn your
> Madness Network) you cannot play 2nd Tradition to attempt to block
> the actions of your grand prey.
...
Correct.

Hakuron wrote:

The second question is: "Which sequencing applies for the (additional) blockers?"

The usual sequencing for directed actions - the acting player goes first, then the target (The control of the Network), then other Methuselahs going clockwise from the acting Methuselah. It just means that when it gets to a Methuselah who ordinarily wouldn't be eligible (and would have to play Eagle's Sight etc.), they don't have to play an effect to allow them to block. [LSJ 20101115]

That might mean, for example, that the target declines to block, then another player attempts to block with Anneke, before another player gets the chance to block with their Malkavians.