Sorcery, X1B (2)
Common
Spend only black mana on X.
Drain Life deals X damage to target creature or player. You gain life equal to the damage dealt, but not more life than the player's life total before Drain Life dealt damage or the creature's toughness.
Illus. Douglas Shuler

10/4/2004: Cost reducers can be used to reduce the X part of the mana cost.
10/4/2004: You may gain up to the total toughness of the creature even if it was already damaged.
Legal in Vintage (Type 1)
Legal in Legacy (Type 1.5)
Legal in Classic (MTGO)
Legal in Commander