Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Brings Back Two Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering players consistently embrace tribal tactics — what player has not constructed a goblin deck once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two well-known mechanics that match seamlessly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first ability, named "Ally," first introduced with the Zendikar set which gives boosts each time additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become power as a player owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

While Shrines have been shown up occasionally in recent releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets prominently used.

Aang has to gather a lot of allies during his quest to bring back balance to the world, so it's no better method to reflect this through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the initial set announcement, below are previews at an Ally plus a Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo is a cherished supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's prowess in engineering, Teo is able to glide in the air with his glider, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo represents Teo's passion for flying and his tribe's use of gliders by letting the player loot whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong card, considering the card's low mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A major weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets are receiving significant backlash by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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