Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar Set Revives 2 Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics
Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribal strategies — what player has not constructed a goblin deck before? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back 2 popular examples that fit seamlessly to the theme.
Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics
One first ability, called "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar set and provides boosts each time more creatures with this subtype come onto play.
On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become power as a player owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.
The Comeback for the Ally Ability
Although Shrines have appeared occasionally in newer sets, Allies subtype was far less common — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is heavily featured.
Aang has to gather a lot of friends on his quest to restore peace across the world, so there's no more fitting method to reflect this in a Magic expansion.
Exclusive Card Preview
After its first card reveal, here are a look at an Ally plus a Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA set.
Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure
Teo is a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, which left him paraplegic.
Because of his dad's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to fly in the air using a flying device, and dares the Avatar in a flying contest.
This card Teo represents Teo's love of flying and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.
Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment
Speaking of Teo's home, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.
It also removes one more life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.
It appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's low mana cost and good ETB effect.
One major drawback of Shrine strategies outside of EDH are that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.
The Welcome Crossover
Currently when crossover products have been garnering significant criticism by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.
Spoiler season has begun, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.