Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Reintroduces 2 Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

MTG players often enjoy tribal decks — who has not assembled an elf strategy before? — and the new ATLA crossover release brings back two well-known mechanics that match seamlessly to the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar which provides buffs whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also become power as you controls more Shrines in play.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up sporadically across newer releases, the Ally subtype has been far less common — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous allies on the journey to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to represent this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the initial card announcement, below is a look at one Allies plus a Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one beloved minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's prowess in engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, even dares Aang in a flying contest.

This card Teo represents Teo's passion for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by letting the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, while additionally boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It also drains an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful addition, considering the card's low mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

A big weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant backlash from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be released November 21st.