Ruthless Denial and Tokens

[HorusMaster]

Can I use Scapegoat tokens as tributes for the effect of Ruthless Denial and Monster Gate or do I have to use a monster that can actually be sent and remain in the graveyard?

Just thinking if I can, then this would be a great way for hand control decks.

 

[Digital Jedi]

For Ruthless Denial, no. The monster sent needs to go to the Graveyard.

For Monster Gate, yes. The cost is merely a Tribute. Where the monster is after the fact is irrelevant to the effect's resolution.

 

[HorusMaster]

In the instance of Ruthless Denial, Treeborn Frog can be used as a tribute but it won't come back to the field until my next Standby Phase, correct?

 

[Digital Jedi]

Provided there are no cards in your Spell/Trap Zones, then yes. Also note, that Ruthless Denial doesn't require a tribute.

 

[CraniumX]

Indeed, Ruthless Denial just says "send 1 monster you control to the graveyard" not "tribute", so it's a perfectly legal target for a monster that's under the influence of Mind Control, for instance.