Reveal: How Magic's Avatar Set Brings Back 2 Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics
MTG enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribal tactics — what player has not built a goblin deck once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics that fit perfectly to the flavor.
Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics
One first mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar which grants bonuses whenever more permanents with the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.
On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities when you has more Shrines in play.
A Comeback for the Ally Ability
Although Shrine cards have been shown up here and there in recent releases, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic is prominently used.
The protagonist Aang must gather many allies on the quest to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no better way to represent this through an Magic: The Gathering set.
Revealed Card Showcase
Following the first set reveal, below is previews of one Ally and a Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character
Teo stands as one beloved supporting character from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, which left him paraplegic.
Because of his father's skill in mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies using a flying device, and challenges Aang in a flying contest.
The card Teo represents Teo's love of the skies along with his tribe's use on gliders through allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying unit, while also pumping your creatures with counters in the process.
The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment
Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life upon entering play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.
It also removes one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.
This looks like an impactful card, given its cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.
A big drawback for Shrine strategies outside of Commander are that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.
The Timely Crossover
Currently while crossover products have been receiving a lot of hate by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be exactly what MTG requires.
Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.