Reveal: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Revives Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG players consistently adopt tribe-based decks — who hasn't built an elf strategy once or twice? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 well-known examples that fit perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, named "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar set and provides bonuses whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become power as you owns more Shrines in play.

A Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have been shown up occasionally in newer sets, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit numerous allies during the journey to bring back balance across the world, so there's no better way to show that in an Magic set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the initial card reveal, below are previews of an Allies and a Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one popular supporting figure in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's prowess with mechanics, Teo is able to soar in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo represents Teo's fondness of flying along with his tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally boosting your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains an additional life anytime a Shrine enters the field.

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

A major weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover sets have been garnering significant backlash by fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.

Christie Adams
Christie Adams

A former casino manager turned gambling analyst, specializing in slot machine mechanics and responsible gaming practices.