Reveal: The Way Magic's Avatar Set Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often embrace tribal strategies — what player hasn't assembled a zombie deck at some point? — while the new ATLA crossover release is reintroducing two popular mechanics which match perfectly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Ally," was debuted with the Zendikar set and grants bonuses each time additional permanents with the Ally type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype that originated in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain abilities as you controls more Shrines in play.

A Return of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — until that ends with ATLA, where this feature is central.

Aang has to assemble many friends on the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, and it's no better way to show that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the initial card reveal, here are previews at one Allies plus one Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a beloved minor character from ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies using a flying device, even dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion for the skies along with his tribe's reliance of gliders through letting you draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne creature, and additionally strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It also drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful card, considering the card's cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One big weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is effective in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are receiving significant criticism by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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