Exclusive: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics
MTG fans consistently adopt tribal strategies — what player hasn't constructed a goblin strategy before? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives two beloved examples which match perfectly to its setting.
Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities
The first ability, known as "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set which gives buffs whenever additional creatures with this type enter play.
Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities as a player controls more Shrines in play.
A Return for the Ally Mechanic
While Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets prominently used.
The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of allies during his quest to restore peace to the four nations, so it's no better way to show that in a Magic: The Gathering set.
Exclusive Card Showcase
Following the first set reveal, here are previews of one Allies plus one Shrines card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
Teo: The Beloved Character
This character is a cherished minor figure in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.
Thanks to his dad's expertise with engineering, he can soar in the air with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.
The card Teo represents Teo's fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, while also strengthening your team with counters at the same time.
The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine
Speaking of Teo's home, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, based on how many of Shrines you control.
It furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.
It looks like a strong addition, considering its low cost and good ETB ability.
One major drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.
The Welcome Crossover
At a time while crossover products have been receiving significant hate by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.
Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be launched November 21st.