Volunteer Militia

Volunteer Militia was released in 1999 as part of the Portal Three Kingdoms expansion for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. This set was unique in its historical and literary inspiration, specifically adapting characters and events from the 14th-century Chinese epic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Designed primarily as an introductory set for the Asian market, the cards featured simplified rules and localized flavor that diverged from the complex mechanics found in core sets of the era.

The art and design of the set sought to evoke the atmosphere of ancient Chinese warfare, with Volunteer Militia representing the common citizens mobilized for conflict. The illustration for this card was rendered by artist Christopher Rush, a foundational figure in early Magic art history. While the set was initially limited in its release, its distinct mechanical identity and the niche historical theme later made it a sought-after curiosity for collectors looking to complete their sets and explore the game's stylistic breadth.