Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Revives Two Popular Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG fans consistently embrace tribe-based tactics — who has not built a goblin deck before? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 beloved mechanics which fit perfectly with its flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One first mechanic, called "Ally," first debuted with a Zendikar and gives bonuses each time additional permanents with this type come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become strength as a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous allies on the quest to bring back peace across the four nations, and there's no better method to show this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following its first set reveal, below are a look of one Allies plus a Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a popular minor figure in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, he can glide through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo showcases his fondness for the skies and his tribe's use of gliders through letting the player loot each time a player attacks with a flying creature, and also boosting your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

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

It also removes one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful card, given its cheap mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

A big drawback for Shrine strategies outside of EDH are that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination with another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover sets are receiving a lot of backlash from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what MTG needs.

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

Lori George
Lori George

A seasoned slot gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience, specializing in strategy analysis and game reviews.