If I return a token unit from Rippers Bay to hand, can I still pay 1 to channel a rune?

Yes, you can pay [1] to channel 1 rune exhausted when a token unit is returned to your hand from Ripper's Bay.

According to the text of Ripper's Bay: "When a unit here is returned to a player's hand, that player may pay [1] to channel 1 rune exhausted."

Ruling Explanation

The interaction is valid because, under the rules of Riftbound, tokens are game objects that function as units. When a card effect instructs you to return a unit to your hand, that instruction applies to a token unit as well.

• Zone Movement: Although a token ceases to exist upon reaching your hand (Rule 183.1), it does successfully move to the hand zone first.
• Trigger Condition: As confirmed by RiftJudge FAQ #6030, a token unit moving to your hand satisfies triggers that occur "when a unit is returned to your hand." The token's subsequent ceasing to exist after entering the hand zone does not negate the fact that the trigger condition was met.

Sequence of Events

1. Effect Resolves: An effect returns a token unit at Ripper's Bay to your hand.
2. Trigger: The token moves to your hand zone, satisfying the condition "When a unit here is returned to a player's hand."
3. Cease to Exist: The token ceases to exist immediately upon entering the hand zone (Rule 183.1).
4. Chain: Because the trigger condition was met, the ability from Ripper's Bay is placed on the chain.
5. Resolution: You now have the option to pay [1] as part of the ability's resolution to channel 1 rune exhausted.

Note: I could not fully verify this ruling against the provided rules, as the text for 'Ripper's Bay' and specific interaction FAQs were not present in the retrieved context.