Exclusive: How Magic's Avatar Set Brings Back Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics

MTG players consistently adopt tribal strategies — what player hasn't built an elf strategy before? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known examples which match seamlessly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first ability, called "Ally," first debuted with a Zendikar which provides buffs whenever more permanents bearing the Ally type enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities when a player has more of them in play.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

Although Shrines have shown up here and there across newer sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets central.

Aang has to gather numerous friends on the quest to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no better method to show that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the first card announcement, here is previews at an Ally plus one Shrine cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a cherished supporting character from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's expertise in mechanics, he can fly in the air using his glider, even dares Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's passion of the skies along with his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, while also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes one more life whenever another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a powerful card, given its cheap cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine decks outside of Commander is that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover products have been receiving a lot of criticism by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set set to be released November 21st.