Scoop: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Revives Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG fans frequently embrace tribal tactics — what player hasn't constructed an elf strategy before? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 beloved examples that align perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The first ability, named "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set which gives buffs each time additional permanents with the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities when you controls additional Shrines in play.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrines have been shown up here and there in recent releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — until that ends with ATLA, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang has to gather many companions on his quest to bring back peace to the world, and it's no better method to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After the initial set reveal, here is previews of one Allies plus one Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a beloved minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill in engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies using his glider, and dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing you loot each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, and also pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes an additional point anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful addition, given the card's cheap cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products are receiving a lot of hate by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.

Steven Reyes
Steven Reyes

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