The 1997 Portal set release featuring card number 4, Ardent Militia. This Magic: The Gathering creature brings vigilance to your deck.
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Portal
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.31 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 4, 2026
As a Human Soldier with a mana cost of {4}{W}, this five-mana creature offers a robust defensive presence on the battlefield. The card's defining mechanical trait is vigilance, allowing it to block opponents without tapping for combat, effectively preserving its ability to attack the following turn. This design philosophy aligns with the Portal era's goal of making complex game mechanics more accessible to a broader audience. Collectors interested in the history of the game's design evolution often seek out Portal cards for their distinct aesthetic and streamlined rules text. The flavor text, "Some fight for honor and some for gold, but the militia fights for hearth and home," adds a layer of narrative depth to the creature's role as a protector. For investors and completists, maintaining a full set of Portal cards provides a comprehensive view of Magic's early expansion strategies. Whether you are building a vintage deck or simply appreciate the art and history of the Portal set, Ardent Militia remains a notable component of this influential release. Its straightforward yet impactful design continues to resonate with players who value efficient, resilient creatures in their strategies.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Ardent Militia
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
Mike Raabe
Card Stock
English
{4}{W}
Creature — Human Soldier
2 / 5
W
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Vigilance
Some fight for honor and some for gold, but the militia fights for hearth and home.
FAQ
Ardent Militia has a mana cost of {4}{W}, requiring four generic mana and one white mana to cast. This makes it a mid-to-late game play in formats where mana acceleration is available.
Vigilance allows Ardent Militia to block an opponent's attackers without tapping. This means the creature can still declare as an attacker in the next combat phase, providing consistent offensive pressure alongside its defense.
The original 1997 Portal set card was illustrated by Mike Raabe. His artwork is a key part of the visual identity for the Portal expansion, depicting the human soldiers in a style consistent with the set's design.
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