Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces 2 Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features
Magic: The Gathering fans consistently enjoy tribe-based strategies — who has not constructed an elf strategy at some point? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back two beloved examples which match seamlessly with its flavor.
Returning Tribal Abilities
One first ability, called "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar which gives boosts each time more permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter the field.
Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength when you owns more Shrines in play.
The Return of the Ally Ability
Although Shrines have been shown up sporadically in recent releases, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — until that changes in ATLA, where this mechanic is heavily featured.
The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous companions during his journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no better way to reflect this in a Magic: The Gathering set.
Revealed Cards Preview
Following its initial card announcement, below are a look at an Allies plus one Shrines card from the new ATLA set.
Teo: The Beloved Figure
Teo stands as one cherished supporting character in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.
Because of his father's prowess in mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies with his glider, even challenges the Avatar in a flying race.
This card Teo reproduces Teo's love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing you loot whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally pumping your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.
The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment
Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.
It also drains an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.
It looks like an impactful card, considering the card's low cost plus good ETB effect.
One big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.
The Timely Collaboration
At a time when Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of backlash from fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what MTG needs.
Spoiler season is already here, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.