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Samuel negates play abilities, and I'm a little fuzzy on what all that covers. For example, is King Omri's ability considered a play ability?

King Omri (Ki)

Type: Evil Char. • Brigade: Brown • Ability: 6 / 7 • Class: None • Special Ability: Search your draw pile for one Samaria Site and put in play. Land Purchase cannot be negated. • Play As: Search your deck for one Samaria Site and place in play. Land Purchase cannot be negated. • Identifiers: OT Male Human, King (Israel), Royalty, Fought Earthly Battle • Verse: I Kings 16:23

I believe that Omri would be considered a play ability, but since his ability is CBN, Samuel still wouldn't negate it.

According to my interpretation of Gabe, it's a play ability:

Quote

-You play any other card type by putting it face up on the playing surface from hand, deck, or discard pile due to your special ability or game action, except when you discard a card from hand.

I'd like more explanation about the "game action" part of the quote.  Do you know if it's referring to game rules?  If so, then I would disagree with the statement.  It should be consistent with other rulings that make a distinction between an ability and a game rule, i.e. a "discard ability" is not treated exactly the same as "discard by game rule."

I would say it's something like placing a fortress in territory.

...which can be done two ways: either by game rule during the prep phase, or by an activated special ability.

A "play ability" is a special ability that allows you to play a card, ex: Ethiopian Treasurer.

So would Omri fall under that definition?

You'll find your answer here and here.