Exclusive: The Way Magic's Avatar Set Reintroduces Two Popular Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribe-based decks — who hasn't built a zombie strategy at some point? — and the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back two popular mechanics which fit perfectly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, known as "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar set and gives boosts whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities when you has more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared sporadically in recent releases, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many companions during the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no better way to reflect this in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the initial card reveal, here are a look of one Ally plus a Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character stands as a popular supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill with mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, even challenges Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion of flying along with his tribe's reliance on gliders through letting the player loot whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, while additionally boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It also drains one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a strong addition, given the card's low cost and good ETB ability.

A big weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card is great in combination alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time while crossover products have been receiving a lot of hate by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar can be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.