Magic:
The Gathering Set Spotlight: Portal Three Kingdoms

Release Date: July 17, 1999

Introduction to Portal Three Kingdoms

‘Portal Three Kingdoms’ is a unique and historically significant
expansion set within the world of Magic: The Gathering, released on July
17, 1999. It is inspired by the classic Chinese historical novel
‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’ and introduces a new level of depth and
complexity to the game. This set is known for its rich storytelling,
intricate mechanics, and iconic characters.

A Journey into Ancient China

‘Portal Three Kingdoms’ transports players to the ancient and epic
world of the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history. This set offers a
unique cultural and historical backdrop, making it distinct from other
Magic sets.

Notable Mechanics and Themes

This expansion set introduces several notable mechanics and
themes:

• Legendary Characters: ‘Portal Three Kingdoms’
  features legendary creatures representing the iconic characters from
  ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms.’ These characters have unique abilities
  and are central to the set’s theme.

• Warlords and Generals: Many cards in the set are
  designated as warlords or generals, creating a hierarchy of command and
  influencing gameplay.

• Historical Flavor: The set’s flavor is heavily
  influenced by the historical events, characters, and conflicts from the
  Three Kingdoms period.

Notable Cards from Portal Three Kingdoms

‘Portal Three Kingdoms’ includes a host of iconic and historically
inspired cards. Some of the most notable include:

• Cao Cao, Lord of Wei: A legendary creature card
  representing one of the most famous warlords in Chinese
  history.

• Sun Quan, Lord of Wu: Another legendary creature
  card, depicting a key figure from the Three Kingdoms period.

• Zhang He, Daring Warrior: An example of the
  set’s unique character cards, showcasing its historical depth.

The Portal Three Kingdoms Expansion Symbol

The expansion symbol for ‘Portal Three Kingdoms’ features a stylized
dragon, reflecting its Chinese cultural theme and the historical
significance of the set.

Historical Significance

‘Portal Three Kingdoms’ holds a special place in Magic’s history due
to its cultural and historical influence. It brought a new level of
complexity to the game and introduced players to an iconic period in
Chinese history.

Cultural Appreciation

The set is recognized for its respectful portrayal of Chinese history
and its ability to bring the rich storytelling of ‘Romance of the Three
Kingdoms’ to life within the game.