Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar Set Brings Back Two Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

MTG players consistently adopt tribal tactics — who hasn't constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 well-known mechanics that fit perfectly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, called "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar and grants buffs whenever more creatures bearing the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise become strength as you owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared occasionally across recent sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — but this changes with ATLA, in which the feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of friends during the quest to bring back peace across the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to reflect that through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After its initial card announcement, below is a look at one Allies plus one Shrine card from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as a cherished minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple after his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise in engineering, Teo is able to glide in the air using his glider, even dares the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion of flying along with his tribe's use of flying machines through letting you loot whenever you attack using an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also removes an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the field.

This looks like a strong card, considering the card's low mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A big drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be great when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products are receiving significant criticism from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.

James Morris
James Morris

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