Exclusive: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Revives Two Popular Tribal Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribal tactics — who hasn't built a goblin strategy at some point? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 popular mechanics which fit perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar set which provides boosts each time more permanents bearing this type enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain abilities when you owns additional of them in play.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically in recent releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — until that changes in ATLA, where this mechanic is central.

Aang has to assemble numerous allies during the journey to bring back peace across the four nations, so there's no more fitting way to show that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the first set announcement, below is a look at one Ally plus one Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as one beloved supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill with mechanics, he is able to soar in the air using his glider, and challenges Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion for flying along with his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack using a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

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

It appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's low mana cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One big weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover products have been receiving a lot of backlash from the community, an iconic series such as Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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