Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar Set Revives Two Popular Tribal Gameplay Features
MTG fans frequently adopt tribal tactics — who hasn't built a zombie deck once or twice? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back two beloved mechanics which align perfectly to its flavor.
Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics
One first mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar which grants boosts each time additional permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the field.
Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become power as a player owns additional Shrines in play.
A Return for the Ally Mechanic
While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in recent releases, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is heavily featured.
The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous allies on his journey to bring back peace across the world, and there's no more fitting method to reflect that through a Magic: The Gathering set.
Exclusive Card Showcase
Following the first set announcement, below is previews at one Ally and one Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA release.
Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character
This character is one cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.
Due to his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo can soar in the air with a flying device, and dares Aang in a flying contest.
The card Teo represents his passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks with a flying unit, while also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.
Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine
Regarding his home, it is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.
It furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.
It appears to be a strong card, considering the card's low mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.
A big weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card is great when paired with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.
The Welcome Collaboration
Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of backlash from the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.
Preview period is already here, and all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.