Shu Soldier-Farmers

Shu Soldier-Farmers was released in 1999 as part of the Portal Three Kingdoms expansion for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. The set was specifically designed to introduce the game to the Asian market by adapting characters and events from the 14th-century Chinese historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Unlike standard expansions of the era, the set featured simplified rulesets intended to lower the barrier of entry for new players, placing a heavy emphasis on creature-based combat and strategic flavor.

The card artwork was produced by artist Qi Baoshi, who provided a series of illustrations that utilized a traditional ink-wash painting style consistent with the set's thematic commitment to Chinese history. While the card mechanical design was noted for its relative simplicity compared to the complex mechanics of contemporary expansions, the art direction was praised for successfully departing from the typical high-fantasy tropes of Western tabletop games, creating a distinct aesthetic that remains a notable curiosity for collectors of regional Magic history.