Exclusive: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces 2 Popular Tribal Mechanics
MTG fans consistently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who hasn't assembled a zombie strategy at some point? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two beloved examples which fit seamlessly to its theme.
Returning Tribal Abilities
The first mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar set and gives bonuses whenever more creatures bearing this type enter the battlefield.
On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become abilities as a player controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.
A Return for Allies Mechanic
While Shrines have been shown up occasionally in recent sets, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — until that changes in ATLA, where this feature gets central.
Aang has to recruit numerous companions on his journey to restore peace to the world, so there's no more fitting way to reflect this in an Magic expansion.
Exclusive Cards Preview
After its first card announcement, here are a look at one Allies plus a Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA set.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure
Teo stands as one cherished minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.
Because of his dad's prowess with mechanics, Teo can fly through the skies using his glider, even challenges Aang in an aerial contest.
This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love for the skies along with his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing you loot each time you attack with an airborne creature, and also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.
Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine
Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.
The card also removes one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.
It appears to be a powerful addition, given its cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.
A major weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.
The Timely Crossover
At a time when Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant hate from fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG needs.
Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.