Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features
Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often embrace tribal decks — who has not constructed a goblin deck once or twice? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover set brings back 2 well-known examples which match seamlessly with its theme.
Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities
One initial mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set and provides bonuses whenever more creatures bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.
On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power as you controls additional Shrines in play.
The Comeback of the Ally Ability
While Shrines have appeared sporadically across newer releases, Allies subtype was seldom seen — until that ends in ATLA, where this feature is central.
Aang must assemble numerous friends on the quest to bring back balance to the world, so there's no more fitting way to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering set.
Revealed Card Showcase
Following the first card reveal, below are a look at one Ally plus a Shrines card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
Teo: The Beloved Character
Teo is one beloved minor figure in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.
Thanks to his dad's expertise in engineering, Teo is able to soar in the air using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love of the skies and his tribe's use on gliders by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne creature, while also strengthening your team via counters at the same time.
The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine
Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.
It furthermore drains an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the field.
It appears to be a strong card, given its cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.
A big drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.
A Timely Collaboration
Currently while Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of criticism from the community, an iconic series such as Avatar can be exactly just what MTG requires.
Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.