Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Brings Back 2 Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

MTG fans frequently embrace tribe-based decks — what player has not built a zombie deck at some point? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover set brings back 2 popular mechanics which fit perfectly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar and provides buffs whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength as a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there across recent releases, Allies subtype has been far less common — until this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous companions during the quest to restore peace across the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to show that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the first set announcement, here are a look of one Ally plus one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one popular minor character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill with engineering, he can soar through the skies with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's love for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing the player draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne creature, while also strengthening your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful addition, given the card's cheap cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant criticism by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be released November 21st.