Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Brings Back Two Popular Tribal Gameplay Features
Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently embrace tribal decks — what player hasn't assembled an elf strategy before? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing 2 well-known examples which fit seamlessly with its flavor.
Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities
One initial mechanic, named "Ally," was debuted with a Zendikar set and grants bonuses whenever more creatures with this type enter the field.
On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise gain power when a player controls more Shrines in play.
A Comeback of Allies Ability
Although Shrines have shown up sporadically in newer sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — until this ends in ATLA, where this mechanic is heavily featured.
The protagonist Aang has to gather many friends during the quest to bring back balance across the world, and it's no more fitting way to show that through an Magic set.
Revealed Cards Showcase
After the initial set announcement, below are a look at an Allies and one Shrines card from the upcoming ATLA release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character
Teo is a cherished supporting character in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.
Because of his dad's expertise in mechanics, he can fly through the skies with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.
This card Teo reproduces Teo's passion for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines by allowing you loot whenever you attack with an airborne creature, while additionally pumping your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.
The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment
Regarding Teo's home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.
The card furthermore drains an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the field.
It looks like a strong card, given the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.
A major drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.
The Welcome Crossover
At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of criticism from fans, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly what MTG needs.
Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be released November 21st.