Exclusive: How Magic's Avatar Set Brings Back Two Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — who hasn't built an elf strategy at some point? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known mechanics that align perfectly with its setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The initial ability, named "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar which grants boosts each time additional permanents bearing this subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become power as you controls more Shrines in play.

A Return for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared sporadically in recent sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — until this ends in ATLA, in which this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang has to assemble numerous allies on his quest to bring back balance across the world, and there's no better method to reflect that in a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first card announcement, here are a look at an Allies and one Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one popular supporting figure in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise with engineering, he can glide through the skies using a flying device, and challenges Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion of flying and his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life when coming into play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful addition, given its cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One big weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card can be great when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant criticism by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.

Carolyn Brewer
Carolyn Brewer

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