Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Brings Back Two Popular Tribal Mechanics
MTG players frequently enjoy tribal decks — who has not built a goblin deck at some point? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives two popular examples which match seamlessly with its flavor.
Returning Tribal Mechanics
One initial mechanic, named "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set and gives boosts whenever more creatures bearing the Ally type come onto the field.
Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become power as a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.
A Comeback for the Ally Ability
Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there in newer releases, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is prominently used.
Aang must gather numerous companions during the quest to bring back balance to the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to represent that in a Magic: The Gathering set.
Revealed Cards Preview
Following its initial card reveal, below is previews at one Ally plus one Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character
Teo is a beloved minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, which left him paraplegic.
Thanks to his dad's skill with mechanics, he is able to glide in the air using a flying device, even dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.
The card Teo reproduces his passion for flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through letting you loot whenever you attack using a flying creature, while also strengthening your creatures via counters at the same time.
The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment
Regarding his dwelling, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you have.
It furthermore removes one more point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.
It looks like an impactful card, given its cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.
A big weakness of Shrine decks outside of EDH are that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.
The Timely Crossover
Currently while Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant criticism by the community, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.
Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.