Cactus Game Design Message Boards

Am I allowed to use Herod's Temple's ability even if I can't fully complete it (i.e. 2 cards left in deck but I have 3 redeemed souls)?  Or do I have to discard the full amount in order to protect the N.T. human?

Herod's Temple (Fortress): If your N.T. human is discarded by a special ability used by an opponent, you may discard a card of matching brigade from hand and the top X cards of your deck instead.  Put Lost Souls into play instead. [X = # of your redeemed souls]

It's a very powerful card.

Since it's a cost-benefit ability, you have to pay the full cost or you don't get the benefit.

Agreed.  You can activate it and do as much of the cost as you want, but unless you do the full cost, you don't get the benefit after the "to".