Zhao Zilong, Tiger General

Description

Zhao Zilong, Tiger General is a legendary creature card from the Magic: The Gathering Portal Three Kingdoms set, released in 1999. As card number 33 in the Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK) expansion, this rare card captures the essence of a historic Chinese warrior within the game's fantasy framework. The card depicts the Tiger General as a formidable Human Soldier Warrior, blending historical lore with strategic gameplay mechanics. In terms of gameplay, Zhao Zilong requires a mana cost of three generic mana and two white mana to cast, resulting in a mana value of five. He enters the battlefield with a power and toughness of 3/3. The card's most distinctive feature is its horsemanship ability, which prevents opponents from blocking him unless they possess creatures with the same keyword. This makes the card a resilient threat on the battlefield, allowing it to push damage effectively. Additionally, the card possesses a triggered ability that activates whenever Zhao Zilong blocks an attacking creature. When this occurs, the warrior gains +1/+1 until the end of the turn, enhancing its durability and combat presence. This defensive boost aligns with the flavor text, which references his bravery and noble nature, including his legendary feats of rescuing Liu Bei's son. Collectors of Magic: The Gathering trading cards often seek out Portal Three Kingdoms cards for their unique historical themes and accessible design. The card was illustrated by Quan Xuejun, bringing a distinct artistic vision to the character. For investors and hobbyists building collections, this card represents a specific piece of Magic history from the late 1990s. Its status as a rare card within the set adds to its appeal for those looking to complete their Portal Three Kingdoms inventory.