Scoop: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Revives Two Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics
Magic: The Gathering fans consistently enjoy tribal decks — who hasn't constructed a zombie strategy before? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics that match perfectly with the flavor.
Returning Tribal Abilities
The initial mechanic, known as "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar and grants buffs whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally type come onto the battlefield.
Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities when you has more of them in play.
The Return for the Ally Mechanic
Although Shrines have been appeared here and there across newer releases, Allies mechanic was far less common — but this changes with ATLA, where this feature gets central.
The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous allies during his journey to restore balance across the four nations, so there's no better way to show this through a Magic: The Gathering set.
Exclusive Cards Showcase
Following the first set announcement, here are a look at one Ally and one Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.
Teo: A Beloved Figure
Teo stands as one beloved supporting figure in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.
Because of his dad's prowess in mechanics, he can fly in the air using a flying device, and dares Aang to an aerial race.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion of the skies along with his tribe's reliance on gliders through letting the player loot each time you attack with a flying unit, while also boosting your creatures with counters at the same time.
The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine
Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you have.
The card furthermore removes one more life anytime another Shrine enters the field.
It appears to be an impactful card, given its cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.
One big drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.
A Welcome Crossover
At a time when Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant hate by the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Preview period is already here, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.