Trained Cheetah

Trained Cheetah was released in 1999 as part of the Portal Three Kingdoms set. This expansion was designed primarily for the Asian market, drawing heavy inspiration from the 14th-century Chinese historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The set was created to provide a more accessible, entry-level experience for new players, featuring simplified mechanics and distinct, culturally specific art that diverged from the traditional high-fantasy aesthetic of the broader game.

The card features artwork by Jian Guo, who contributed to the set's efforts to translate historical themes into the game's mechanics. In the context of the game, the cheetah represents a swift, aggressive unit consistent with the set's focus on combat-heavy interactions. While the Portal series was initially received with mixed interest in Western markets due to its limited distribution, it has since become a sought-after collectible due to its unique regional origins and the scarcity of its print run.