Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Revives 2 Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features
MTG players often adopt tribal strategies — who has not constructed a zombie strategy at some point? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 popular examples that align seamlessly with the flavor.
Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities
The initial ability, named "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar which provides boosts each time additional permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the field.
On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become strength as a player has additional Shrines in play.
A Comeback for Allies Ability
While Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across newer sets, Allies mechanic was far less common — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets prominently used.
Aang has to recruit a lot of allies on the quest to bring back balance across the world, and it's no more fitting way to reflect this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.
Exclusive Cards Preview
After its initial set reveal, below is a look of an Ally plus a Shrine cards in the new ATLA release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character
This character is one beloved supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.
Because of his dad's prowess with mechanics, he is able to fly in the air using his glider, and challenges the Avatar in a flying race.
This card Teo showcases his passion for flying and his tribe's use on gliders through allowing the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, and additionally boosting your creatures with counters at the same time.
Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine
Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon coming into play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.
It also drains an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.
It appears to be a powerful addition, given the card's low cost plus valuable ETB ability.
A big drawback for Shrine decks outside of EDH is that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.
The Timely Crossover
Currently when crossover products have been garnering significant backlash from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.