Fire Bowman

Description

The 1999 Portal Three Kingdoms Fire Bowman card, numbered 112 in the set, represents a distinct entry into early Magic: The Gathering history. Designed as a straightforward yet versatile piece for the Red deck, this Uncommon card features the artist Cai Tingting and introduces the archetype of a low-cost creature with a conditional ability. The card depicts a Human Soldier Archer with a mana cost of {R} and a power and toughness of 1/1, making it a staple for early-game strategies in the Portal series. The card allows the owner to sacrifice this creature to deal 1 damage to any target. This ability can only be activated during the controller's turn, before attackers are declared, offering a tactical alternative to direct damage spells. This design choice encourages strategic decision-making, as players must weigh the value of keeping the unit on the battlefield against the immediate need to remove a threat or finish off an opponent. Collectors of the Portal series often seek out Fire Bowman for its nostalgic value and its role in the simplified gameplay rules that defined the Portal line. The card's straightforward design and functional art style are characteristic of the 1999 release, which aimed to make Magic: The Gathering more accessible to new players. For those building a collection of the Portal Three Kingdoms set, this card is a key component that showcases the unique flavor and mechanics of the Chinese-themed expansion. Whether for completing a set or appreciating the evolution of card game design, Fire Bowman remains a notable piece of Magic history.