Exclusive: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Brings Back Two Popular Tribal Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering players consistently enjoy tribal decks — who has not assembled a goblin strategy before? — and this new ATLA crossover set brings back two well-known examples which match seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The first ability, called "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar set which gives bonuses each time more creatures with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment type which originated with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain power as you owns additional of them on the battlefield.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in recent releases, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until this ends in ATLA, where the feature is central.

Aang must gather a lot of allies on his journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no better way to show that in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its initial set announcement, here are previews of one Ally and a Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one cherished minor figure from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's skill in engineering, Teo is able to glide in the air using his glider, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's passion for the skies along with his tribe's reliance of gliders by allowing the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, and also boosting your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also removes an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be an impactful addition, considering its cheap cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card is great in combination with another Shrine, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of criticism from the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards set to be released November 21st.