Exclusive: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Brings Back Two Popular Tribal Mechanics
MTG players often embrace tribe-based tactics — who has not built an elf strategy once or twice? — and this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back 2 popular mechanics which align perfectly to the setting.
Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics
One first mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar set which gives buffs each time more permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.
Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type which originated in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines also gain power when you owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.
The Return for the Ally Mechanic
Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically in recent releases, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but this ends with ATLA, where the mechanic is central.
Aang must assemble numerous companions during his quest to bring back balance to the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to show that in an Magic set.
Exclusive Card Showcase
Following the initial card reveal, here are a look of one Allies plus a Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.
Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure
Teo is a cherished minor figure from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.
Thanks to his father's prowess with engineering, he can fly through the skies using his glider, even dares the Avatar in a flying contest.
This card Teo showcases his fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through letting you loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne unit, and also pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.
Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine
Regarding Teo's home, this is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.
It furthermore removes an additional life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.
It appears to be a strong card, given its low mana cost and good ETB effect.
One major drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.
The Timely Collaboration
At a time while crossover products are receiving significant hate by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG requires.
Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.