If my opponent moves Vex Apathetic to an empty battlefield and I answer with Rengar Trophy Hunter, what units move back to base and does anyone stay at the battlefield?
verified
FAQ #9995·May 2, 2026·Asked before Vendetta
Answer
To determine the outcome of this showdown, we must follow the sequence of events and the combat cleanup rules.
Sequence of Events
- Opponent's Move: Your opponent moves Vex, Apathetic to an empty battlefield. This initiates a non-combat showdown and makes the battlefield Contested. Your opponent is the Attacker (Rule 442.1.a.1).
- Your Response: You play Rengar, Trophy Hunter as a [Reaction] to the move. Because there is an enemy unit (Vex) at the battlefield, you may play him there. Upon playing Rengar, you become the Defender (Rule 442.1.a.2).
- Vex's Trigger: Vex, Apathetic's ability triggers because you played a unit while she is at a battlefield. The ability ("When an opponent plays a unit while I'm at a battlefield, [Stun] it") is placed on the chain.
- Chain Resolution: The chain resolves, and Rengar, Trophy Hunter becomes Stunned. He also gains the restriction that he cannot move for the rest of the turn.
- Combat Begins: Once the chain clears and both players pass focus, the showdown transitions into a combat showdown.
Combat Resolution
- Combat Damage Step: Vex and Rengar exchange damage. Because Rengar is Stunned, he does not deal his Might in damage back to Vex (Rule 423.1.b).
- Combat Cleanup:
- Units heal.
- Recall: According to Rule 461.1.a.2 and FAQ #7302, attacking units are recalled to their controller's base if defenders are still present at the battlefield.
- Since the Attacker (Vex) and the Defender (Rengar) are both present, the Attacker (Vex) is recalled to your opponent's base.
- The Defender (Rengar) remains at the battlefield.
Final State
- Vex, Apathetic: Recalled to your opponent's base.
- Rengar, Trophy Hunter: Remains on the battlefield.
- Conquer: Because you are the only player with a unit remaining at the battlefield during the Resolution step, you Establish Control and Conquer the battlefield (Rule 461.5).
This interpretation is based on Rule 442.1.a (Attacker/Defender designations), Rule 461.1.a.2 (Combat Cleanup/Recall), Rule 423.1.b (Stun interaction), and RiftJudge FAQ #9936.
Note: I could not fully verify the specific damage values mentioned in the interaction as they were not provided in the rules context.
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