Reveal: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Reintroduces Two Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics
Magic: The Gathering fans consistently enjoy tribe-based strategies — what player has not constructed a zombie deck at some point? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives two popular examples which align seamlessly with its theme.
Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities
The initial ability, known as "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar which provides boosts whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.
Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain strength as a player has more of them on the battlefield.
A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic
While Shrines have appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, where the feature is prominently used.
Aang must gather a lot of friends during the journey to restore balance across the world, so there's no better method to show this in a Magic set.
Exclusive Card Showcase
After its initial card reveal, below are previews of an Ally plus one Shrines cards in the new ATLA release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure
This character stands as a cherished supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.
Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, he is able to soar through the skies using his glider, and dares the Avatar in an aerial race.
This card Teo showcases his passion for flying along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines by allowing you draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, and also boosting your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.
Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine
Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.
It furthermore removes one more life anytime a Shrine enters the field.
This looks like a strong addition, considering its low mana cost plus good ETB effect.
One major weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but this card is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.
A Timely Crossover
At a time when Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant backlash by the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.
Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be released November 21st.