Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Reintroduces Two Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't built a goblin strategy at some point? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known mechanics that match seamlessly with its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar set which grants boosts whenever additional permanents bearing this type come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities as a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up occasionally across newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — but that ends with ATLA, in which the feature is central.

Aang has to assemble numerous allies on the journey to bring back peace across the world, and it's no more fitting way to show this in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its first set reveal, here is a look at an Ally plus one Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

This character is a beloved minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess in mechanics, he is able to fly in the air using a flying device, even dares Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness for the skies and his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally pumping your team via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful addition, considering its cheap mana cost and valuable ETB effect.

A major weakness of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of backlash by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be launched November 21st.

Matthew Johnson
Matthew Johnson

Digital content strategist with over 8 years in online media, focusing on innovative publishing techniques.

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