1) Can you use put into play effects to play a unique character if you also have a copy in your dead pile?

2) Is the static text on several cards "When this character enters play (discard or kill) 'X'," a cost or an ability. (Like on the traitors)

Testacleas said:

1) No. If a Unique card you own is under your control, in your dead pile, or under the control of an opponent, you cannot play another copy.

2) Abilities are often phrased "Do X to do Y." In that formula, "Do X" is the cost, and "do Y" is the effect, but they are BOTH part of the ability.

A more specific answer would require more specific examples.

Ser Jorah Mormont: After Ser Jorah comes into play, choose and discard 1 mercenary or ally character from play.

Traitorios Crow: After Traitorious Crow comes out of shadows, choose and discard 1 Night's Watch or Wildling character from play.

Are the discard effects a cost of the card or can you discard other player characters?

Testacleas said:

These are passive abilities triggered by the character coming into play. They are not costs, and therefore cards controlled by other players are legal targets.

Testacleas said:

Plus, you know, I love the way you say "Are the discard effects a cost?"

1) Here are the play/put into play rules for unique cards:

• If you own and control a copy of a unique card, you can put another copy into play, it will become a duplicate.
• If you own or control (but not both) a copy of a unique card, you may not put another copy into play.
• If you own a copy of a unique card in your dead pile, you may not put another copy into play (unless you put all copies from the dead pile into play at the same time).

2) They are passive abilities, so they happen whether you want it or not. You are not limited to yourself or your own cards for targets, though.

I ask because of my play group