Exclusive: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Revives 2 Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features
MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — who has not assembled a zombie deck at some point? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives two beloved examples that fit seamlessly with the setting.
Returning Tribal Abilities
The first ability, known as "Ally," first debuted with the Zendikar and gives buffs whenever more creatures with this subtype enter the field.
On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become power as you owns more Shrines in play.
A Return for Allies Mechanic
Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically in newer releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until that ends in ATLA, in which this feature is heavily featured.
The protagonist Aang has to recruit a lot of allies during his journey to restore balance to the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to show this in a Magic set.
Exclusive Cards Showcase
After its initial set reveal, below is a look at one Allies and a Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure
Teo is one cherished supporting character in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.
Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, Teo can fly through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.
This card Teo showcases his love of flying and the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, and also strengthening your team with counters in the process.
Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment
Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.
It also removes an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.
This looks like an impactful card, given its low mana cost and good enter the battlefield effect.
A big weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.
A Timely Collaboration
At a time when crossover sets are garnering a lot of criticism by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what MTG needs.
Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.