Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar Expansion Revives 2 Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features
Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often enjoy tribal decks — who has not assembled a goblin deck once or twice? — while this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two popular examples which align perfectly to the setting.
Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities
The first mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar and provides boosts whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.
On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become power when you has more of them in play.
A Comeback for Allies Mechanic
While Shrines have shown up here and there in recent releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — until that ends with ATLA, in which this feature gets prominently used.
The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of friends during his quest to bring back balance across the world, and there's no better method to represent that in a Magic set.
Exclusive Cards Showcase
Following the first set announcement, here is previews at one Ally plus a Shrine cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure
Teo stands as one popular supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.
Thanks to his dad's prowess in mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies using a flying device, even dares Aang in an aerial contest.
The card Teo showcases his love of flying and his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing you draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures via counters in the process.
Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine
Regarding Teo's home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.
It also removes an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.
It looks like a powerful card, given the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.
A major weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.
The Welcome Crossover
At a time when crossover sets are garnering significant backlash from the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what MTG needs.
Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.