The Nalathni Dragon from Magic: The Gathering's 1996 Redemption Program is a rare artifact card featuring Michael Whelan's artwork and distinctive banding rules.
Nalathni Dragon
1996 • Magic: The Gathering • Redemption Program
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Description
Released in 1996, the Redemption Program serves as a pivotal set in the history of Magic: The Gathering, bridging the gap between early expansions with unique thematic designs. This release, identified as Card Number 1, features the Nalathni Dragon, a creature that stands out for its intricate rules text and artistic presentation by Michael Whelan. As a rare card, it holds a distinct place for collectors who appreciate the foundational era of the trading card game. The Nalathni Dragon is a red Creature — Dragon with a mana cost of {2}{R}{R} and a mana value of 4. Its gameplay mechanics offer a unique strategic layer through the banding ability, allowing players to group it with other creatures for coordinated attacks. Additionally, the card features a powerful activation ability that boosts its power but comes with a significant risk: if activated four or more times in a single turn, the dragon must be sacrificed at the beginning of the next end step. This high-risk, high-reward dynamic makes it a memorable piece of the game's design philosophy. Collectors value this card not just for its rarity and the iconic Michael Whelan illustration, but also for its representation of the Redemption Program's distinctive aesthetic and mechanical innovations. Whether you are building a vintage collection or seeking a specific piece to complete your Redemption Program set, the Nalathni Dragon offers a compelling blend of artistic heritage and gameplay complexity. It remains a sought-after item for enthusiasts of Magic: The Gathering history, offering a tangible connection to the game's evolving landscape in the mid-90s.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Nalathni Dragon
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Michael Whelan
Card Stock
English
{2}{R}{R}
Creature — Dragon
1 / 1
R
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Flying; banding (Any creatures with banding, and up to one without, can attack in a band. Bands are blocked as a group. If any creatures with banding you control are blocking or being blocked by a creature, you divide that creature's combat damage, not its controller, among any of the creatures it's being blocked by or is blocking.) {R}: This creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn. If this ability has been activated four or more times this turn, sacrifice this creature at the beginning of the next end step.
