Magic: The Gathering players often enjoy tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't constructed an elf deck at some point? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover set brings back two popular examples that match seamlessly to its flavor.
The first mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set and grants buffs each time additional permanents with the Ally subtype enter play.
Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise become strength when a player owns additional of them in play.
Although Shrines have been shown up here and there across recent sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is prominently used.
The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous companions during the journey to restore peace to the world, so it's no more fitting method to show this through a Magic set.
After the initial card reveal, here are previews of an Ally plus a Shrines cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
Teo is one cherished supporting character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.
Thanks to his father's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to soar in the air using a flying device, even challenges Aang in a flying race.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through letting the player loot each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, and also strengthening your creatures via counters in the process.
Regarding his dwelling, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.
The card furthermore removes one more life whenever another Shrine enters the field.
It looks like a powerful addition, given its cheap cost and good ETB ability.
A major drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card is great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.
Currently when crossover sets have been garnering significant backlash by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Preview period has begun, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.
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