Fire Dragon

Description

Card number 125 from the set, this Rare Creature — Dragon commands a mana cost of six generic mana and three red mana, totaling a mana value of nine. With a formidable 6/6 power and toughness, the card represents a significant investment of resources that demands strategic timing to deploy effectively on the battlefield. Fire Dragon possesses the Flying ability, allowing it to bypass most ground-based blockers and deliver damage directly to the opponent’s life total or flying defenders. Its most distinctive feature is its enters-the-battlefield triggered ability: when Fire Dragon enters, it deals damage to a target creature equal to the number of Mountains the controller controls. This mechanic encourages players to build a robust red mana base, turning land count into a tangible combat advantage that can clear the board or eliminate key opposing threats. Designed by William Simpson, the card embodies the classic fantasy aesthetic of the late 1990s, appealing to collectors who appreciate the foundational era of Magic. The Portal set was specifically crafted to teach new players the game’s rules, yet it retained the depth and power level that seasoned veterans expect. Fire Dragon serves as a perfect example of this balance, offering a powerful tool that is easy to understand but difficult to counter once in play. Collectors seeking to complete the original Portal set will find this card an essential addition to their collection. Its status as a Rare card from a seminal expansion ensures it holds a special place in the history of Magic: The Gathering. Whether you are building a vintage collection or simply admiring the design of one of the game’s most iconic Dragons, Fire Dragon remains a standout piece from the 1997 release.