Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Mechanics
MTG fans often embrace tribe-based decks — who hasn't constructed a zombie strategy once or twice? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover release brings back 2 beloved examples which match seamlessly with its theme.
Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics
One initial mechanic, known as "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar which gives bonuses whenever additional creatures bearing this subtype come onto the battlefield.
Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment type that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become strength as a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.
A Return of Allies Ability
Although Shrine cards have shown up sporadically across newer sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but that changes in ATLA, in which this mechanic is heavily featured.
The protagonist Aang has to gather many companions during his journey to restore peace to the world, so it's no better method to reflect that through a Magic set.
Revealed Cards Showcase
After the initial set reveal, here is a look at an Ally and one Shrines cards from the new ATLA set.
Teo: A Beloved Figure
Teo stands as a beloved supporting character from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.
Due to his father's expertise in mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies with his glider, even challenges Aang in a flying race.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his love of flying and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting the player draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, and additionally strengthening your team via counters at the same time.
Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment
Regarding his dwelling, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.
The card also drains an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.
It looks like a strong card, given the card's low cost and valuable ETB ability.
A major weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander is that these cards are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with another Shrine, that drains all opponents during the start of your turn.
The Welcome Collaboration
Currently when crossover sets are receiving significant backlash from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.