Isochron Scepter + Narset's Reversal

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Overview

If Isochron Scepter has Narset's Reversal imprinted, you may use the Scepter's activate ability to make a copy of the exiled Narset's Reversal and cast that copy immediately without paying its mana cost [706.12]. When that cast copy of Narset's Reversal resolves it will copy the targeted instant or sorcery spell and then return the original spell to its owner's hand; the copy of that target is put onto the stack as a copy of a spell and is not itself cast [706.10].

The StackRules & CitationsDetails & Edge Cases

Step 1

You activate Isochron Scepter's ability (pay , tap) to use its copy-and-cast effect; the ability goes on the stack.

Step 2

While that Scepter ability is resolving you may copy the exiled Narset's Reversal and then cast that copy without paying its mana cost; the casting follows the normal casting steps [706.12][601.2].

Step 3

As part of casting the copy you announce the spell and choose its required target(s) (for Narset's Reversal that is a target instant or sorcery spell on the stack) [601.2a][601.2c].

Step 4

You complete the casting steps (determine total cost — here the Scepter allows you to cast without paying the mana cost — and pay any required costs), and the copy of Narset's Reversal becomes a spell on the stack under your control [601.2e–g][706.12].

Step 5

The cast copy of Narset's Reversal resolves: it creates a copy of the targeted instant or sorcery spell and then returns the original to its owner's hand; the created copy of the target is put onto the stack as a copy of a spell and is not cast [706.10].

Step 6

Any effects that trigger on you casting a spell will see you casting the Narset's Reversal copy (because you cast it via [706.12] and [601.2]). Abilities that trigger on a spell being copied or on a spell resolving may interact with the copy created by Narset's Reversal per normal rules [706.10].

Resolution

When you activate Isochron Scepter you may copy the exiled Narset's Reversal and cast that copy while the Scepter ability is resolving; you must cast it immediately (you can't wait) and you follow the normal casting steps for that copy [706.12][601.2]. When the cast copy of Narset's Reversal resolves it creates a copy of the targeted instant or sorcery spell and then returns the original to its owner's hand; the created copy of that spell is a copy on the stack and is not cast [706.10]. Abilities that care about casting spells will see you cast the Narset's Reversal copy (because of [706.12] and [601.2]), but they won't see the copy-of-the-target created by the Reversal (because that copy is not cast) [706.10]. Also, you must choose any required targets while casting the copy of Narset's Reversal [601.2c], and you must perform that casting while the Scepter ability is still resolving [706.12] (see Ruling [2020-08-07]).