Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces 2 Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't constructed a goblin deck at some point? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known examples that match seamlessly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial ability, called "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar and gives buffs each time additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain strength as you has more of them in play.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across recent releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, in which this mechanic gets central.

Aang has to recruit many friends on his journey to bring back peace across the world, so it's no more fitting method to show that through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its initial card reveal, below is a look at one Ally and a Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as one beloved supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom that resided in an Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's skill with engineering, he can fly in the air with his glider, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his love of the skies and his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks using an airborne unit, and additionally pumping your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also removes one more life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong card, given its cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.

Shaun Kim
Shaun Kim

A seasoned sports analyst with a passion for data-driven betting strategies and years of industry expertise.