Scoop: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Brings Back Two Popular Tribal Mechanics
MTG players consistently adopt tribe-based strategies — who has not assembled a goblin deck at some point? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 beloved examples that fit seamlessly to its theme.
Reappearing Tribal Abilities
One initial mechanic, named "Ally," first introduced with the Zendikar which provides boosts whenever additional creatures bearing this type come onto the battlefield.
Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become power when you controls more of them in play.
A Comeback of Allies Mechanic
Although Shrines have been shown up sporadically across recent sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends with ATLA, in which the mechanic is prominently used.
Aang has to recruit many companions during his quest to bring back balance to the world, and it's no better way to show this in a Magic set.
Revealed Card Preview
Following its initial card reveal, below are a look at one Allies and a Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.
Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure
Teo stands as one popular supporting figure from ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.
Because of his dad's skill with engineering, Teo is able to soar in the air using a flying device, even challenges Aang to an aerial race.
This card Teo reproduces Teo's passion for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting you loot each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while also pumping your team via counters at the same time.
The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine
Regarding his home, this appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.
The card furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.
This looks like an impactful card, considering the card's cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.
A major weakness for Shrine decks outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.
A Timely Crossover
At a time when Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of backlash from fans, a beloved series like Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be launched November 21st.