Scoop: How Magic's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features
MTG players often enjoy tribe-based decks — who has not assembled a goblin strategy at some point? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 beloved examples which match seamlessly to its flavor.
Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics
One initial ability, named "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar which provides bonuses whenever more creatures with the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.
Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain strength as a player has more of them in play.
The Return of the Ally Mechanic
While Shrines have shown up sporadically in newer sets, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets central.
Aang must assemble a lot of friends during his journey to restore peace across the world, and it's no more fitting way to show that in a Magic expansion.
Revealed Card Showcase
After the initial card reveal, here is previews of an Allies and a Shrine card in the new ATLA release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character
This character stands as one cherished minor character from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.
Due to his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies using a flying device, even challenges Aang in a flying race.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing the player loot each time you attack using a flying unit, and additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.
Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine
Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.
The card furthermore drains one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.
This appears to be a strong addition, considering the card's low mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.
One big weakness for Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.
A Timely Crossover
Currently while crossover sets are garnering a lot of backlash by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Preview period has begun, and the full set will be launched November 21st.