Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar Set Revives Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features
MTG enthusiasts consistently embrace tribe-based decks — who hasn't assembled a zombie deck at some point? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two beloved examples which fit perfectly to its theme.
Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics
One first ability, called "Ally," was debuted in the Zendikar set and gives bonuses each time more permanents bearing this type come onto the battlefield.
On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype that originated in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, Shrines also become strength as you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.
The Comeback of Allies Ability
While Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across newer sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — but this ends with ATLA, in which the mechanic gets prominently used.
The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of companions on his journey to bring back balance across the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to reflect that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.
Exclusive Card Showcase
After its first set reveal, below are a look of one Allies and a Shrine cards from the new ATLA release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character
This character stands as a cherished supporting figure from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.
Thanks to his dad's expertise with mechanics, he can soar through the skies using a flying device, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.
The card Teo reproduces his passion for flying and his tribe's reliance of gliders by allowing the player loot each time you attack with an airborne unit, while additionally strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.
Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine
Regarding his dwelling, it is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total when entering play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.
The card also removes an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.
It looks like an impactful addition, given its low cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.
One big weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however this card is effective in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.
The Timely Crossover
Currently while crossover products have been garnering a lot of backlash from the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.
Preview period has begun, with the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.