MTG fans often enjoy tribe-based strategies — who hasn't assembled an elf strategy once or twice? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing two well-known examples that fit seamlessly with the theme.
One initial ability, named "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar set and provides boosts whenever additional permanents bearing this subtype enter the battlefield.
Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain strength as you controls more Shrines in play.
While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there across recent sets, Allies subtype was much rarer — but this changes in ATLA, in which this feature is central.
Aang must assemble a lot of companions during his quest to bring back balance to the world, so it's no more fitting method to reflect this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.
Following the initial card reveal, below are a look at one Allies and a Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.
Teo is a cherished minor character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.
Due to his dad's expertise in mechanics, he is able to fly in the air using his glider, and dares Aang in a flying race.
This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing you loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, and also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.
Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.
The card furthermore drains an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.
This looks like a strong addition, given its cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.
One big drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.
At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of hate by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.
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