Scoop: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Brings Back 2 Fan-Favorite Tribal Mechanics
MTG enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribe-based decks — what player hasn't built an elf deck at some point? — while this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two beloved mechanics which match seamlessly with its flavor.
Returning Tribal Abilities
One first mechanic, called "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar set which gives bonuses whenever more permanents with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.
Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become abilities as you owns more Shrines in play.
The Return for Allies Mechanic
While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across newer releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but that changes with ATLA, where the feature is central.
The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous companions on the quest to restore balance across the four nations, and there's no better way to show that through an Magic expansion.
Revealed Card Preview
After its first card announcement, below are a look of an Ally and one Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure
Teo is one cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, which left him paraplegic.
Thanks to his dad's expertise in mechanics, Teo can glide in the air using a flying device, even dares Aang to an aerial contest.
This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love of the skies along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines by allowing the player loot each time you attack with an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.
The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine
Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.
It also removes an additional life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.
This appears to be a powerful addition, considering its cheap cost and good enter the battlefield effect.
A major drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired with another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.
A Timely Crossover
Currently when crossover sets have been garnering a lot of backlash by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.