Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces Two Popular Tribal Mechanics
MTG players frequently adopt tribal decks — who hasn't constructed a zombie deck before? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives two popular examples that fit seamlessly to the flavor.
Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics
The first mechanic, known as "Allies," first debuted in a Zendikar set which gives boosts whenever more permanents bearing this type come onto play.
Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype that originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as you has more of them on the battlefield.
A Return of the Ally Ability
Although Shrines have been appeared here and there in newer releases, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — until this ends in ATLA, in which this feature gets central.
Aang must assemble numerous allies on the journey to bring back peace across the world, and it's no more fitting method to show this in a Magic: The Gathering set.
Revealed Card Preview
Following its initial card announcement, below is previews of an Ally and one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure
This character is a popular supporting character from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.
Thanks to his dad's skill with engineering, Teo is able to fly in the air using a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.
This card Teo represents his passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through letting the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your team via counters in the process.
The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine
Regarding his home, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when entering play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.
The card furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine enters the field.
This appears to be an impactful card, given the card's low cost and valuable ETB effect.
A big drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are that these cards are always Legendary, however this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.
The Welcome Crossover
At a time while crossover sets are receiving significant hate from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be released November 21st.