Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently adopt tribal strategies — what player has not constructed a zombie strategy before? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 popular mechanics that align seamlessly with its flavor.
The initial ability, named "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar set and gives buffs whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.
Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become power when a player controls additional Shrines in play.
While Shrines have shown up here and there in newer releases, Allies subtype was far less common — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic is heavily featured.
Aang must recruit a lot of companions on the journey to restore peace across the four nations, and there's no better way to reflect this in an Magic: The Gathering set.
Following its initial card announcement, below is previews of one Allies plus one Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA set.
Teo is a popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.
Because of his dad's prowess with mechanics, Teo can soar in the air with his glider, and dares Aang in a flying race.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his love for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by allowing you loot each time you attack with an airborne unit, and also pumping your team with counters at the same time.
Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.
It furthermore removes one more point whenever a Shrine enters the field.
It appears to be a strong addition, considering its cheap mana cost and good ETB ability.
A major weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are that these cards are always Legendary, but this card can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.
At a time while crossover sets are receiving significant criticism from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar could be exactly just what MTG requires.
Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be released November 21st.
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