Is recalling a unit from a battlefield considered a move in the context of cards like Stellacorn Herder and Travelling Merchant, i.e., just moving back to base not caused by the effect of a spell?

Question

Accepted Answer

No, recalling a unit from a battlefield is **not** considered a move, regardless of whether it is caused by a spell effect or by the game rules (such as returning to base after failing to conquer).

According to **Rule 451** and **FAQ #7722**, "Recalls are not Moves." This distinction is fundamental in *Riftbound*:

*   **Stellacorn Herder:** Because its ability triggers "When I move," it will **not** trigger when the unit is recalled. Recalls do not satisfy move-based trigger conditions (see **FAQ #9481**).
*   **Traveling Merchant:** Similarly, its ability triggers when it moves. If the unit is recalled, the ability will not trigger.

**Key takeaways:**
*   **Recall vs. Move:** A "Move" is a specific game action (Rule 440). A "Recall" is a distinct game action that relocates a permanent to its base (Rule 450).
*   **Triggered Abilities:** Abilities that trigger on a "move" will not trigger on a "recall."
*   **State:** Per **Rule 453**, a recall does not change the state of the unit (e.g., it remains exhausted if it was exhausted, and it retains any buffs or debuffs).

Whether the recall is forced by a spell (like *Zhonya's Hourglass*) or by the game state (failing to conquer a battlefield), it remains a recall and is never classified as a move.