Scoop: How Magic's Avatar Expansion Brings Back Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics
MTG fans consistently embrace tribal tactics — who has not constructed a goblin deck before? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two beloved examples which fit seamlessly with the setting.
Reappearing Tribal Abilities
One first ability, called "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar set which provides buffs each time additional permanents with the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.
On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise gain power when you has additional of them on the battlefield.
The Comeback of the Ally Ability
Although Shrines have shown up here and there across newer releases, Allies mechanic was far less common — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is central.
The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous companions during the quest to restore balance across the world, so there's no better way to show that in a Magic: The Gathering set.
Exclusive Card Preview
After the initial card reveal, here is previews at an Allies plus a Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA release.
Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character
This character stands as one popular minor figure from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.
Due to his dad's expertise with engineering, Teo can glide in the air with his glider, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.
This card Teo showcases Teo's passion of flying along with his tribe's use of flying machines through letting you loot each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team with counters at the same time.
The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine
Speaking of his home, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.
It furthermore removes an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the field.
This appears to be a powerful card, considering the card's low cost plus good ETB effect.
A big weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card is great when paired with another Shrine, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.
A Timely Collaboration
Currently when crossover products have been receiving a lot of hate by the community, a beloved series like Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.