Scoop: How Magic's Avatar Set Brings Back Two Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features
MTG enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based strategies — what player has not constructed a zombie strategy once or twice? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives two well-known examples which align perfectly with its flavor.
Returning Tribal Abilities
One initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar set and gives boosts whenever additional permanents with this type come onto the field.
On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become strength as you has more Shrines in play.
The Return for the Ally Mechanic
While Shrines have appeared occasionally across recent releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — until that changes in ATLA, in which this mechanic is heavily featured.
Aang has to assemble numerous allies during the journey to restore peace to the world, so there's no better method to show this through a Magic expansion.
Revealed Cards Showcase
Following the first card announcement, here is a look at one Allies plus one Shrines card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character
This character stands as one beloved minor character from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, which left him paraplegic.
Due to his dad's prowess in mechanics, Teo is able to fly in the air with a flying device, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through letting the player loot each time you attack using a flying unit, while also boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.
The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine
Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.
The card also drains one more life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.
It appears to be an impactful card, given its cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.
One major drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.
The Timely Crossover
Currently when crossover products are garnering significant hate by fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Preview period is already here, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.