Exclusive: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Brings Back Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Mechanics
Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently adopt tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed a goblin deck before? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover set revives two beloved mechanics which align perfectly to its flavor.
Reappearing Tribal Abilities
The first mechanic, known as "Allies," first debuted in a Zendikar set which grants boosts whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.
Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type that originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength when a player owns additional Shrines in play.
The Return for Allies Ability
Although Shrine cards have appeared occasionally across newer releases, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — but this ends with ATLA, where the mechanic is central.
The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of friends during his quest to restore peace to the four nations, so there's no better method to represent that in an Magic set.
Exclusive Cards Showcase
Following its first card reveal, here are a look at an Ally and a Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.
Teo: The Beloved Figure
Teo is one cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, which left him unable to walk.
Due to his dad's prowess in mechanics, he is able to soar in the air with his glider, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.
This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his love of the skies along with his tribe's reliance of gliders through letting you draw and discard each time you attack with a flying unit, while also boosting your creatures with counters in the process.
Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment
Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life upon coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.
It furthermore removes one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.
It looks like a strong card, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.
A major weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.
The Welcome Collaboration
Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of criticism from fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG requires.
Preview period is already here, and all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.