So this question came up during playtesting last night.

One player has no cards in hand and the other player has 2 cards. The player with 2 cards reveals Threat from the East and chooses discard. Does he still discard the 2 cards in his hand? His argument was that he didn't since he couldn't successfully do the 3 cards it asks for. I argued that you would still have to try to fulfill it even if you can't. Similar to an effect that would have you draw 3 cards even if you have already drawn 2 outside the draw phase, you would still try to draw and then stop once you hit the draw cap barrier.

Relevant card text:

Threat from the East

When revealed, you choose one:

Each player draws 3 cards and then discards 3 random cards from hand.

Each player discards 3 random cards from hand then draws 3 cards.

boben_fett said:

He would attempt to fullfill it as best he can. So he discards two. Then, since not all people discarded 3, no one draws.

You are correct. Cards are drawn and discarded singularly until the proscribed number is achieved. Notice this is different than being directed to choose a proscribed numbered of cards and then having an effect resolve on those chosen cards, a la "Choose 3 cards in your hand. Then, discard those cards." Because you could not choose 3 cards then you cannot discard any cards because you failed to meet the first condition of choosing 3 cards... does that make sense?

Penfold said:

proscribed?

Stupid Swype. Prescribed.

Sweet thanks for the confirmation.