# 1998 Magic: The Gathering Portal Second Age #51

> The Talas Researcher, a rare blue creature from Magic: The Gathering's 1998 Portal Second Age expansion. This catalog entry details the card's unique abilities and collector identity.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 1998
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Portal Second Age
- **Card number**: #51
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

The Talas Researcher stands as a distinctive blue creature from the 1998 Portal Second Age expansion of Magic: The Gathering. Carrying the card number 51 and identified by set code P02, this rare card features a unique hybrid identity as both a Human Pirate and Wizard. Designed for accessibility while maintaining strategic depth, the card offers a powerful drawing engine that allows players to search the top of their library during their main phase. This functionality makes it a favorite among collectors who appreciate the innovative mechanics introduced in the Portal series.

Illustrated by Kaja Foglio, the Talas Researcher captures the whimsical yet strategic tone of the Portal Second Age set. For Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts, owning this card provides a tangible connection to the era's design philosophy, which balanced complexity with ease of play. The card’s five-mana cost and one-over-one power and toughness profile reflect its role as a resource-generating asset rather than a primary attacker. Collectors often seek this card to complete their Portal Second Age sets or to utilize its specific rules interaction in casual formats.

## FAQ

### What is the Talas Researcher's primary ability?

Talas Researcher allows you to draw a card from the top of your library by tapping it. This activation can only be performed during your main phase, before attackers are declared.

### What type of creature is the Talas Researcher?

The Talas Researcher is classified as a Human Pirate Wizard creature. This hybrid subtype combination is unique within the Portal Second Age set, distinguishing it from standard Human or Wizard cards.

### Who illustrated the Talas Researcher card?

The artwork for the Talas Researcher was created by Kaja Foglio. Her style contributed significantly to the visual identity of the Portal Second Age expansion released in 1998.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.