Reveal: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces 2 Fan-Favorite Tribal Mechanics
MTG fans consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — who has not constructed an elf strategy before? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release brings back two well-known examples that align seamlessly with the theme.
Returning Tribal Abilities
The initial ability, called "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar set and grants buffs each time additional permanents with this subtype come onto the field.
On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type which originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also become strength as you owns more of them in play.
A Return of Allies Ability
While Shrines have been appeared here and there across newer sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets central.
Aang must assemble many allies on his quest to restore balance across the world, and it's no more fitting way to represent this through an Magic expansion.
Revealed Cards Showcase
Following its first card reveal, here is previews at an Allies and one Shrine cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
Teo: The Beloved Character
This character is one cherished supporting figure from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.
Thanks to his father's skill in mechanics, he is able to fly in the air with his glider, and dares Aang to a flying race.
This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting the player loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, while also boosting your creatures via counters at the same time.
Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment
Speaking of Teo's home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.
The card furthermore removes one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.
This appears to be a powerful addition, given its low cost and good enter the battlefield effect.
A big weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.
A Welcome Crossover
Currently when crossover sets are receiving a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG requires.
Spoiler season has begun, with all cards set to be released November 21st.