Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Revives Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

MTG enthusiasts frequently embrace tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed a goblin deck once or twice? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives two well-known mechanics which fit seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One first mechanic, named "Ally," first introduced with the Zendikar which grants boosts each time more permanents with this subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power when you owns more of them in play.

A Return for Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but this ends in ATLA, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous companions during his quest to bring back peace across the four nations, so there's no better method to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its first card announcement, below are a look at an Allies and one Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo is one beloved supporting character from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess with engineering, he can glide in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness for the skies along with his tribe's reliance on gliders through letting the player draw and discard each time you attack using an airborne unit, and also strengthening your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes one more life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong addition, given its cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination with another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover sets have been receiving significant backlash from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.

Eddie Martinez
Eddie Martinez

A passionate writer and life coach dedicated to sharing wisdom on positivity and success.