The Shield and the Skullcrack
Judge Level 2Skullcrack goes right through your prevention shield — but doesn't use it up.
Cards involved
You raise the shield
You cast Healing Salve on yourself: "Prevent the next 3 damage that would be dealt to you this turn." A classic prevention shield.
Skullcrack!
Your opponent responds with Skullcrack: 3 damage to you — and "damage can't be prevented this turn."
What happens?
Shield vs. unpreventable.
What happens to the damage — and to your shield?
Pick an answer to continue.
CR 615.12: when unpreventable damage meets prevention effects, they prevent nothing — but their additional effects still happen, and existing shields are NOT reduced. Your 3-point shield is still fully intact after the Skullcrack.
615.12Some effects state that damage “can’t be prevented.” If unpreventable damage would be dealt, any applicable prevention effects are still applied to it. Those effects won’t prevent any damage, but any additional effects they have will take place. Existing damage prevention shields won’t be reduced by damage that can’t be prevented.
The follow-up fails
You drop to 17. If your opponent now casts a Lightning Bolt, your untouched shield prevents its 3 damage completely. Rule of thumb: "can't be prevented" doesn't burn shields away — it just ignores them.
615.12Some effects state that damage “can’t be prevented.” If unpreventable damage would be dealt, any applicable prevention effects are still applied to it. Those effects won’t prevent any damage, but any additional effects they have will take place. Existing damage prevention shields won’t be reduced by damage that can’t be prevented.
Stack
Your life:
Healing Salve
Prevent the next 3 damage that would be dealt to you
Skullcrack
3 damage; damage can't be prevented this turn
Lightning Bolt
The follow-up — 3 damage
The stack is empty.