Exclusive: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Mechanics
MTG fans consistently adopt tribe-based tactics — who has not assembled a goblin strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back two well-known mechanics which fit perfectly to the setting.
Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics
One initial mechanic, named "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar and gives boosts whenever additional permanents with the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.
On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities when you owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.
A Comeback for the Ally Ability
Although Shrines have been appeared occasionally in recent sets, the Ally mechanic was far less common — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets prominently used.
Aang has to recruit numerous friends on his quest to restore peace to the four nations, and it's no better way to represent this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.
Exclusive Cards Showcase
Following the first set announcement, here is a look at an Allies plus one Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA release.
Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character
This character is one popular minor character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.
Due to his father's prowess with mechanics, Teo can soar in the air with a flying device, and challenges Aang in a flying race.
This card Teo showcases his passion for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by allowing you loot whenever you attack with a flying unit, while also strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.
The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine
Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.
It also drains one more life whenever a Shrine enters the field.
It looks like a strong addition, given the card's low cost and good enter the battlefield ability.
A major weakness for Shrine strategies outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card can be great when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.
The Timely Collaboration
At a time when Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant criticism from the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be released November 21st.