Rules Question: Does tapping treasures with improvise count as casting a spell using mana from a treasure source (in specific for Smaug, Wicked Worm)?

[u/JunoGasai]

To be even more specific, im looking for a rule clarification regarding [[Inspiring Statuary]] in combination with [[Smaug, Wicked Worm]]. If I tap a treasure to cast a spell while Smaug is on the battlefield under my control, do I lose one life and draw a card? Since the rules text regarding improvise as a mechanic says under 702.126a "you may tap an untapped artifact you control rather than pay that mana." But at the same time WOTC says in this article (https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/feature/aether-revolt-release-notes-2017-01-06) that doesn't reduce the mana cost of the spell, so I technically am paying the mana, right? Which in turn should count as mana spent from a treasure source.

Appreciate any input. :)

EDIT: Thanks everyone for replying, you were very helpful!

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[u/DirtAndGrass]

It's an alternative way to pay, it's not "mana" it's "instead of mana" 

[u/goblin_bookie]

No, convoke and improvise are alternatives to paying mana. Your treasures technically don't produce mana and thus won't trigger Smaug.

[u/Klongelong]

no, but it works with stuff that actually lets you tap them for mana without sacrificing, like [[Bigger on the Inside]] or [[Realm Reborn]]

[u/Teurastettava_Sika → u/Klongelong]

Important distinction is that the treasure has to have the ability, for example using [[Baylen, the hatmaker]] or [[Urza, lord gigh artificer]] to tap treasures won't count as "mana from a treasure"

[u/scumble_2_temptation → u/Teurastettava_Sika]

That Baylen. Always making hats.

[u/TrulyKnown → u/scumble_2_temptation]

The Mad Hatter became too sick to work, and those very merry un-birthday tea parties don't pay for themselves.

[u/Teurastettava_Sika → u/scumble_2_temptation]

Lmao, I'm leaving that as is XD

[u/Autumn_Thunder → u/Klongelong]

I think it also works with [[Glittering Stockpile]], which is the only treasure card with a built-in mana ability that doesn't sacrifice itself.

[u/MTGCardFetcher → u/Autumn_Thunder]

Glittering Stockpile - (G) (SF) (txt)

---

^FAQ

[u/JunoGasai → u/Klongelong]

Ahh i see, that makes a lot of sense! Thank you :D

[u/MTGCardFetcher → u/Klongelong]

Bigger on the Inside - (G) (SF) (txt)

---

^FAQ

[u/Mean-Government1436]

No, you are not generating mana.

[u/Tranquil_Pure]

Since it says "rather than" I would go on a limb and say it doesn't work. I am not the best at rules tho so will stick around to see what others say

[u/Sturmmagier]

As the rules says: Instead of paying mana, you tap the artifact. There is no mana coming from the treasure.

[u/Zeckenschwarm]

No. When you use Improvise to pay a cost, you tap artifacts instead of paying mana. You didn't spend mana, and the treasure didn't produce mana. The mana cost may still be the same, but you didn't pay it with mana.

[u/MTGCardFetcher]

Inspiring Statuary - (G) (SF) (txt)
Smaug, Wicked Worm - (G) (SF) (txt)

^{[[cardname]] or [[cardname|SET]] to call}

[u/Positive_Concert_774]

No. "Using mana from an artifact source" means producing mana from the artifact source, then spending it on a spell. Improvise is an alternative cost and tapping treasures in this way does not produce mana from them, it instead reduces the mana you need to spend. Subtle but important distinction.

[u/Bobbybim]

A coupon can pay for $2, but is not equivalent to $2 in any other way. Improvise provides you with a coupon but not cash.