Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribe-based tactics — who hasn't constructed a goblin deck at some point? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives two popular examples which align seamlessly to its setting.
One first mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar and gives boosts whenever additional permanents with this subtype come onto the battlefield.
Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise gain power when you owns more of them in play.
While Shrines have shown up occasionally in newer sets, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is central.
The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of companions during the quest to bring back balance to the four nations, and there's no better way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering set.
Following its initial set announcement, here are previews of one Allies and one Shrines card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
This character is a beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, which left him unable to walk.
Due to his father's skill in engineering, he can fly through the skies with a flying device, even challenges Aang to a flying race.
This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by letting the player draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, and additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.
Regarding his home, this appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.
It also removes an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.
It looks like a strong card, given the card's cheap mana cost plus good ETB effect.
One big drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.
At a time when crossover products are garnering a lot of criticism by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG requires.
Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.
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