Natural Spring

Natural Spring was released in 1998 as part of the Portal Second Age expansion for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. This set was specifically designed by Wizards of the Coast to be a beginner-friendly entry point into the hobby, featuring simplified rules and mechanics that reduced the game's complexity compared to the core sets of the era. The cards from this expansion are notable for their distinct aesthetic, which utilized a simplified frame design and specialized, non-standard card text to aid new players in understanding the game flow.

The artwork for Natural Spring was created by illustrator Val Mayerik. As an artist known for his extensive history in comic books, his contribution to this set aimed for a clean and accessible visual style that complemented the set's educational mission. While Portal Second Age was initially met with mixed reactions from veteran players due to its limited competitive utility, the set has since gained appreciation among collectors for its unique place in the history of the game's design evolution and its approachable, classic fantasy illustrations.