Exclusive: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Brings Back 2 Popular Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG players often adopt tribal decks — what player hasn't built an elf strategy at some point? — and this new ATLA crossover set brings back 2 beloved mechanics which fit seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, called "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar set and gives bonuses whenever more permanents with this type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type which originated in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become power as you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared here and there in newer releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous allies during the journey to bring back peace to the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to show that through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its first set reveal, here is previews of an Allies plus one Shrine cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

This character stands as one cherished minor character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's prowess in mechanics, he can fly through the skies using his glider, even dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by allowing you loot each time you attack with a flying creature, and additionally pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore removes one more life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful card, given its cheap cost and good ETB ability.

A major weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is effective in combination with another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been garnering a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.

Joann Johnson
Joann Johnson

Experienced journalist specializing in Central European affairs and political commentary.