Reveal: How Magic's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features
Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribal decks — what player has not assembled a goblin strategy at some point? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back two popular examples that fit seamlessly to the theme.
Returning Tribal Abilities
The first ability, called "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar which grants buffs each time more permanents with this subtype come onto the field.
Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also gain strength when a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.
A Return for the Ally Mechanic
Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets central.
The protagonist Aang has to recruit a lot of friends during his journey to bring back balance across the world, so there's no more fitting method to show that through an Magic: The Gathering set.
Revealed Card Showcase
Following its first set reveal, here is previews of an Allies plus a Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure
This character stands as one beloved minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.
Because of his father's skill in engineering, he can glide in the air using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.
The card Teo showcases Teo's passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by allowing you loot each time a player attacks with a flying creature, while also strengthening your team via counters at the same time.
Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine
Regarding his dwelling, this appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you have.
It also removes an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.
This looks like a powerful addition, considering the card's low cost and good enter the battlefield effect.
One big drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card can be great when paired with another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.
The Welcome Collaboration
At a time when Universes Beyond products have been garnering a lot of hate from the community, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG needs.
Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.