Reveal: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Revives 2 Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features
Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed a zombie strategy at some point? — and the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back two well-known mechanics which align seamlessly with its flavor.
Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics
The first mechanic, called "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar which grants buffs whenever more permanents bearing this subtype come onto play.
Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype which originated in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines also gain strength as a player controls more of them in play.
A Comeback for Allies Mechanic
Although Shrines have been shown up sporadically in newer releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — until this ends in ATLA, in which the feature gets central.
Aang must gather numerous friends on his quest to bring back balance to the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to reflect this through an Magic set.
Revealed Card Showcase
Following its first card announcement, here are previews of an Allies plus a Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA release.
Teo: A Beloved Character
Teo stands as one popular supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, which left him paraplegic.
Thanks to his dad's prowess in engineering, Teo can soar in the air using his glider, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.
This card Teo represents Teo's fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing you draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, and additionally pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.
Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment
Speaking of his dwelling, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total when entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.
It also drains one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.
It appears to be a strong addition, given the card's low cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.
One big weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.
A Timely Collaboration
At a time while Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of criticism by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG requires.
Spoiler season has begun, with all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.