Magic: The Gathering, Nivix?

Question

When I use Nivix: Aerie of the Firemind's effect, do I have to pay the mana cost to play the instant or sorcery?

Answer 1

NO it says 'you may play this card' this clause means that the cost need not be paid.

i was looking at my nivixes for a few seconds there but no you dont have to and if you do it will cause mana burn. i can see where you got confuised.

if you have any more rules or deckbuilding questions feel free to email me at [e-mail]

Answer 2

Sorry Kyukon, you are wrong on this.  You do have to pay it's cost.  The advantage is that you are playing it from the removed from the game zone, not your hand or library, so it cannot be discarded or milled.  And, here are the oracle rulings:

2/1/2006 "Until your next turn" means the effect wears off as soon as your next turn starts, even before you untap. It's basically the same as "until the end of the turn of the player who immediately precedes you."

2/1/2006 The card is played using all normal rules and restrictions for playing spells. Playing it means you'll have to pay its mana cost, and it will go to the graveyard after it resolves or is countered. The only thing that's different is you're playing it from the removed-from-the-game zone.

2/1/2006 If you don't play the card, it stays removed from the game.