Reveal: How Magic's Avatar Expansion Revives Two Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features
MTG enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — what player has not assembled a goblin deck once or twice? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives 2 well-known examples that match seamlessly to the setting.
Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities
One first mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar set which provides boosts whenever additional creatures bearing this subtype enter the field.
Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain abilities when a player controls additional Shrines in play.
The Comeback of Allies Mechanic
Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but this changes in ATLA, where this feature gets heavily featured.
The protagonist Aang must assemble many allies during the quest to restore peace to the four nations, so there's no better way to reflect this in a Magic expansion.
Exclusive Cards Preview
After its first set announcement, here is a look of an Allies and one Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character
This character is a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.
Because of his father's skill in engineering, he is able to fly in the air with his glider, even challenges Aang in a flying contest.
This card Teo represents Teo's fondness of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack using an airborne unit, and additionally pumping your team via counters at the same time.
The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment
Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.
It also drains an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.
This looks like a powerful card, given its low cost and valuable ETB effect.
A big drawback for Shrine decks outside of Commander are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.
A Welcome Crossover
At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant criticism from fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG requires.
Preview period is already here, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.