Cactus Game Design Message Boards

if i have philistine outpost in play, and i use it to search my deck for an evil card to discard, but find none, am i still allowed to discard PO to use its special ability? similiarily, if i search my deck using PAB, but find no philistine, can i then search my discard pile for one?

Philistine Armor Bearer
Type: Evil Char. • Brigade: Black • Ability: 6 / 6 • Class: Warrior • Special Ability: You may exchange this card with an evil Philistine in your deck or discard pile. Evil Enhancements remain in battle. Cannot be negated. • Identifiers: OT Male Human, Philistia, Fought Earthly Battle • Verse: I Samuel 17:7 • Availability: Faith of Fathers (Set 6)

cant find PO in reg...

Philistine Outpost
Type: Fortress • Brigade: None • Ability: None • Class: None • Special Ability: When you are attacked, you may discard this card or an evil card from deck to search discard pile for a generic Philistine and place it in your territory. Protect Sites from being placed beneath decks.

When you choose to use the ability you have to choose which discard you're going to use.  It's either PO or an evil card from deck.  If you choose to search your deck but don't find an evil card, you cannot pay the cost (it says discard to...).  If the cost isn't paid you don't get to search your discard pile and so on.

PAB works the same way.  You can search your deck or discard pile.  Not both.  Whichever you choose to search, if you don't find a legal target for the exchange then no exchange takes place and PAB stays in battle.