Exclusive: The Way Magic's Avatar Expansion Revives Two Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering fans frequently adopt tribal decks — what player hasn't assembled an elf strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives two well-known examples that align seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, called "Ally," was debuted with a Zendikar set and grants bonuses whenever additional permanents with this subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain strength as you owns additional of them in play.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically in recent releases, the Ally subtype has been far less common — but that changes with ATLA, where the mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous companions during the quest to bring back balance across the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to show this through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its initial card announcement, below is a look of an Ally plus a Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one cherished minor character in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple after his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise with engineering, Teo can glide in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through letting you loot whenever you attack using a flying unit, while additionally strengthening your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also drains an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's low mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One big drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant hate from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.