If Stormbringer's damage doesn't occur because the target unit isn't there, does the friendly unit still move to the battlefield?

Ruling: Yes, the friendly unit still moves to the battlefield even if the damage doesn't occur because the target isn't there. Stormbringer targets the battlefield, not the units on it.

Nuances:

  • You choose both the friendly unit and the battlefield when Stormbringer enters the chain, not at resolution
  • The friendly unit choice counts as targeting and is locked in before resolution