Exclusive: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Brings Back 2 Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

MTG fans often enjoy tribe-based strategies — what player has not built an elf strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover set brings back two beloved examples that fit seamlessly to the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar set and provides bonuses whenever more permanents with this subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment type which originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain abilities as a player owns more Shrines in play.

A Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up sporadically across recent releases, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — but this ends with ATLA, in which this mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous companions on the quest to bring back peace across the four nations, so there's no better method to show this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its first card announcement, here are previews at one Ally and a Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

This character is one cherished supporting character from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise in engineering, he is able to glide through the skies using a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo represents his passion of flying along with his tribe's use of flying machines by letting you loot whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, and also pumping your creatures via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore removes one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a strong card, considering its low cost plus good ETB ability.

A major drawback of Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant backlash from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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

William Jordan
William Jordan

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino strategies and game development.