Reveal: The Way Magic's Avatar Set Brings Back 2 Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics
MTG fans often adopt tribal tactics — who has not constructed a goblin strategy before? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back two popular mechanics that align seamlessly with its flavor.
Reappearing Tribal Mechanics
The first ability, named "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar which grants boosts whenever additional permanents with this subtype come onto the battlefield.
Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise gain strength when you controls additional Shrines in play.
The Comeback of Allies Mechanic
Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally across newer releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — until this changes with ATLA, in which the mechanic is prominently used.
Aang must recruit many allies during the quest to restore peace to the world, and there's no better method to show this in an Magic expansion.
Exclusive Card Preview
After its first card announcement, here is previews of an Allies plus one Shrines card in the new ATLA release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure
Teo is one beloved minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.
Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, he is able to soar through the skies using his glider, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.
This card Teo reproduces his passion for the skies along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing you loot each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, while also boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.
Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment
Regarding his dwelling, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.
It also drains an additional life anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.
This looks like a powerful card, considering its cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.
A big drawback for Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.
A Timely Collaboration
At a time when Universes Beyond sets are receiving a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be released November 21st.