Exclusive: How Magic's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics
MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribal strategies — who hasn't assembled a zombie strategy at some point? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 beloved examples that match perfectly with the theme.
Returning Tribal Abilities
The first mechanic, known as "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar set and grants buffs whenever additional permanents with this subtype come onto the battlefield.
Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities when a player owns more of them on the battlefield.
A Comeback for Allies Ability
Although Shrines have been shown up here and there in newer sets, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — until this ends in ATLA, where the mechanic gets prominently used.
The protagonist Aang has to recruit many friends on the quest to restore balance to the world, so it's no more fitting method to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering set.
Exclusive Cards Showcase
Following its first card reveal, here is previews at an Allies plus a Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.
Teo: The Beloved Character
This character stands as a beloved minor character from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.
Because of his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to soar in the air using his glider, even dares the Avatar in a flying contest.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love of the skies and his tribe's use on gliders by letting the player loot each time you attack using a flying creature, and additionally pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.
Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment
Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.
The card also removes an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.
This looks like a strong card, considering its cheap cost plus valuable ETB ability.
A major drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card is great when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.
A Timely Collaboration
At a time when crossover sets are garnering a lot of criticism from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar can be precisely what MTG requires.
Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.