Reveal: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering players consistently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who has not constructed a goblin deck before? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives two popular examples which match seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, known as "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar and gives bonuses each time more creatures bearing this type come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become abilities as a player controls additional of them in play.

A Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been shown up sporadically across newer releases, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until this changes in ATLA, in which this feature is heavily featured.

Aang has to recruit many companions during his quest to restore peace to the world, and there's no better way to represent this through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the initial card announcement, here are a look at an Allies and a Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a popular supporting figure from ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess in engineering, he is able to soar in the air with a flying device, even challenges Aang in a flying race.

The card Teo showcases his passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, and additionally strengthening your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, considering its cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback for Shrine strategies outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant hate by fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.

James Haynes
James Haynes

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