Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Revives 2 Popular Tribal Gameplay Features
MTG players frequently adopt tribe-based decks — what player has not assembled a zombie deck before? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two popular examples which fit perfectly with the flavor.
Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities
One initial ability, named "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar and grants bonuses whenever more creatures bearing this type come onto the battlefield.
Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment subtype that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power as a player has more of them on the battlefield.
The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic
Although Shrine cards have shown up here and there in recent sets, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but that changes with ATLA, where this mechanic gets heavily featured.
Aang must recruit a lot of allies on his journey to restore peace across the world, so it's no better method to reflect this through an Magic: The Gathering set.
Exclusive Card Showcase
After its first card announcement, here is previews at one Allies and one Shrines cards from the new ATLA release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character
This character is a popular minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.
Because of his dad's prowess in mechanics, Teo is able to fly through the skies with a flying device, and dares the Avatar in a flying contest.
This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through letting the player draw and discard each time you attack using an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures via counters at the same time.
Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment
Speaking of his home, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you have.
The card furthermore removes an additional life anytime a Shrine enters the field.
It appears to be a strong addition, considering its low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.
One big weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card is great in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.
A Timely Collaboration
Currently while crossover products are garnering significant hate by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG needs.
Preview period has begun, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.