Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar Set Revives Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics
MTG fans often adopt tribal strategies — what player hasn't built a goblin deck before? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives two popular examples which match perfectly to its theme.
Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities
One first mechanic, named "Ally," was debuted in the Zendikar which grants buffs whenever more permanents with the Ally type come onto play.
On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become power as a player has additional of them in play.
A Return for Allies Mechanic
Although Shrine cards have shown up occasionally in newer releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic gets central.
The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of friends during the quest to bring back peace to the world, and it's no better method to show this through a Magic: The Gathering set.
Exclusive Card Preview
After the initial card announcement, here are previews of an Allies and a Shrine cards from the new ATLA release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure
Teo stands as a popular minor figure in ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, which left him unable to walk.
Due to his father's expertise in engineering, he can fly through the skies with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.
This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love of flying and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting you loot whenever you attack with an airborne unit, while also strengthening your team via counters at the same time.
The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment
Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.
The card also drains one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.
This looks like a strong card, considering the card's low mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.
One big drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card is great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.
A Welcome Collaboration
At a time while crossover products have been receiving a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.
Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.