Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Revives Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features
Magic: The Gathering fans frequently adopt tribal tactics — who has not built a goblin deck at some point? — and this new ATLA Universes Beyond release revives two popular examples which fit perfectly to the flavor.
Returning Tribal Abilities
One initial mechanic, named "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar which gives boosts each time more creatures bearing this subtype come onto play.
On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength as you controls additional Shrines in play.
The Return of Allies Mechanic
While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across recent releases, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — until that ends with ATLA, in which this feature gets heavily featured.
Aang must gather numerous allies on the quest to bring back peace to the world, so it's no better way to represent that in an Magic expansion.
Revealed Cards Preview
Following the initial set announcement, below is a look at one Ally and a Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character
Teo stands as one cherished minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.
Because of his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo can fly through the skies with a flying device, and dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines through allowing you loot whenever you attack using a flying unit, while additionally strengthening your team with counters in the process.
Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine
Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.
It also removes an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.
This appears to be a strong card, given the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.
One big drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.
A Timely Crossover
Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of backlash from the community, an iconic series like Avatar can be precisely just what MTG requires.
Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.