Scoop: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Revives 2 Popular Tribal Mechanics
MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed a goblin deck before? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back 2 beloved mechanics that fit seamlessly to the flavor.
Reappearing Tribal Mechanics
One first ability, known as "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar which gives bonuses each time additional permanents bearing this type enter the battlefield.
Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power when you controls more of them on the battlefield.
The Return of the Ally Mechanic
Although Shrines have shown up sporadically across recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — until that changes in ATLA, where the mechanic gets central.
Aang must gather numerous allies during his journey to bring back balance across the world, and there's no better method to represent this in a Magic expansion.
Exclusive Cards Preview
After the first card announcement, here are a look at one Allies plus one Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure
Teo is one popular supporting figure in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.
Due to his father's expertise in engineering, he can fly in the air with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to a flying race.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion for the skies and his tribe's reliance on gliders through letting the player draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, and also strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.
The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment
Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.
The card also drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.
It looks like a strong addition, considering its cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.
A big drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.
The Welcome Crossover
Currently while Universes Beyond products are receiving significant hate from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.
Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.