Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Brings Back Two Popular Tribal Mechanics

MTG players consistently adopt tribe-based decks — who hasn't constructed a goblin deck at some point? — and this upcoming ATLA crossover release brings back two beloved examples which match perfectly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, called "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar set which gives buffs whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally type come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities when a player controls more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have shown up sporadically in newer releases, Allies subtype was far less common — until that changes in ATLA, where the feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of friends during the journey to restore balance to the four nations, and there's no better way to reflect that through an Magic set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its initial set announcement, below are a look of an Allies and a Shrine cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise with engineering, Teo is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, even dares the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo showcases his passion of flying and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, and also pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong addition, given the card's low cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but this card is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant criticism by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released November 21st.