Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar Set Brings Back Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features
MTG fans consistently adopt tribal strategies — what player hasn't constructed an elf strategy once or twice? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover set revives two beloved examples which match seamlessly with its theme.
Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities
The initial ability, called "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set and grants boosts each time more permanents with the Ally type come onto the field.
Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type that originated in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities when you has additional of them on the battlefield.
The Return of Allies Mechanic
While Shrines have been shown up sporadically in recent releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but that ends with ATLA, where the mechanic gets central.
Aang must recruit many friends during his journey to bring back balance to the four nations, and it's no better method to show that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.
Exclusive Cards Showcase
Following the first card reveal, here is a look of an Ally plus a Shrine cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.
Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure
Teo stands as a cherished minor character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.
Thanks to his dad's prowess in engineering, he is able to soar in the air using a flying device, even dares the Avatar in a flying contest.
The card Teo represents Teo's love for flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through letting the player loot each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, and also boosting your team with counters in the process.
Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment
Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.
The card also removes one more life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.
This looks like a strong addition, considering its cheap cost and good ETB effect.
A major weakness for Shrine strategies outside of Commander are that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.
A Timely Collaboration
Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant hate by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.
Preview period has begun, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.