Core Set questions: I’m not clear on the limitations of damage as a cost. In particular, how many hit points does Warmachine…

Question

I’m not clear on the limitations of damage as a cost. In particular, how many hit points does Warmachine need available to use his ability? Can he do it with only one hit point left, taking 2 damage (with 1 as excess damage), and then dealing 1 damage to every enemy? If not, can he do it with his last 2 hit points, thus being defeated before the effect starts?

Answer