# 1995 Magic: The Gathering Chronicles #81

> Nicol Bolas from the 1995 Chronicles set is a legendary Elder Dragon that commands attention with its multi-colored mana cost and disruptive hand-discard ability.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 1995
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Chronicles
- **Card number**: #81
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Nicol Bolas stands as one of the most recognizable antagonists in the Magic: The Gathering universe, and his debut in the 1995 Chronicles expansion remains a cornerstone for collectors. As card number 81 in the Chronicles set, this rare legendary creature represents the formidable Elder Dragon with a mana cost of {2}{U}{B}{R} and a striking 7/7 power and toughness. The card’s design by Edward P. Beard, Jr. captures the essence of the character, making it a visually distinct piece for any Magic: The Gathering trading card game collection.

In gameplay, Nicol Bolas is defined by its versatility and disruption. With the Flying ability, it can evade many defensive strategies, while its upkeep cost forces opponents to manage resources carefully. The card’s most potent effect triggers whenever it deals damage to an opponent, forcing them to discard their hand, which can quickly shift the momentum of a match. This combination of evasion and disruption makes Nicol Bolas a compelling addition to multi-colored decks. For collectors, owning a copy of this Chronicles staple offers a tangible connection to the early days of Magic: The Gathering, where such powerful creatures defined the game's competitive landscape. Whether you are building a nostalgic collection or exploring the history of Magic: The Gathering trading card game cards, Nicol Bolas from Chronicles is a significant piece of gaming history.

## FAQ

### What is the mana cost of Nicol Bolas in Magic: The Gathering?

Nicol Bolas has a mana cost of {2}{U}{U}{B}{B}{R}{R}, requiring two generic mana and two each of blue, black, and red mana to cast. This multi-colored requirement makes it a powerful but resource-intensive legendary creature.

### What abilities does the Chronicles Nicol Bolas card have?

This card has Flying, an upkeep sacrifice ability, and a triggered ability that forces opponents to discard their hand whenever Nicol Bolas deals damage to them. These mechanics make it a disruptive and resilient threat on the battlefield.

### Who is the artist of the Nicol Bolas Chronicles card?

The artwork for the Chronicles Nicol Bolas card was created by Edward P. Beard, Jr., who is known for his distinctive style in early Magic: The Gathering illustrations.

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## Companion files

- [llms.txt](https://supercatch.com/llms.txt) — site-level concise index.
- [llms-full.txt](https://supercatch.com/llms-full.txt) — site-level expanded corpus.
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Last verified: 2025-11-29.