Exclusive: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Revives Two Popular Tribal Mechanics
MTG players frequently enjoy tribe-based strategies — who has not constructed a zombie strategy at some point? — while this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 beloved mechanics which align seamlessly with the flavor.
Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities
One initial ability, named "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar set which gives boosts each time more permanents with the Ally subtype come onto play.
On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type which originated in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain strength when you has more of them in play.
The Return for Allies Ability
Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in recent releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but that ends with ATLA, where this mechanic gets prominently used.
Aang has to assemble a lot of allies during his journey to restore peace across the four nations, and it's no better way to reflect that through a Magic: The Gathering set.
Revealed Cards Showcase
Following its first set announcement, here is a look of an Ally and a Shrine cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.
Teo: The Beloved Figure
Teo stands as a beloved minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.
Due to his dad's expertise with mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, and dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, while also strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.
The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine
Regarding his home, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.
The card furthermore drains an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the field.
It looks like an impactful card, considering the card's low cost and good ETB effect.
A big weakness of Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.
The Welcome Collaboration
At a time when crossover sets are receiving significant backlash by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.
Preview period is already here, and the full set set to be launched November 21st.