Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Revives Two Popular Tribal Mechanics
MTG fans consistently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who hasn't built an elf deck before? — and the upcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 beloved examples that align seamlessly with its flavor.
Reappearing Tribal Mechanics
The first mechanic, called "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar and grants buffs whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.
On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise become strength when you owns more of them in play.
The Return of Allies Ability
Although Shrines have shown up occasionally across recent releases, Allies subtype was far less common — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature is prominently used.
The protagonist Aang has to recruit a lot of friends on his journey to restore balance across the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to show this through an Magic set.
Revealed Cards Showcase
Following the initial set announcement, here are a look of an Allies and a Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character
This character is one popular supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.
Because of his father's expertise with mechanics, he is able to glide in the air with a flying device, even challenges Aang to a flying contest.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion for the skies and his tribe's use on flying machines through letting you loot each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.
Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment
Regarding his home, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.
It furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.
This looks like an impactful card, considering its low cost and good ETB ability.
A big weakness for Shrine strategies outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.
The Timely Crossover
Currently while crossover products are receiving a lot of hate from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG needs.
Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.