Exclusive: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Revives Two Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering players consistently adopt tribe-based decks — who has not constructed a zombie deck at some point? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing two well-known mechanics that align seamlessly to the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first mechanic, called "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar set and gives buffs each time additional creatures bearing the Ally type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise gain strength when you has additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared sporadically across recent releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but that ends in ATLA, in which this mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang must gather numerous friends on his journey to restore balance to the four nations, so it's no better way to show this through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After the initial set reveal, here are previews of one Ally and one Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, and challenges Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo reproduces his love for the skies along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting you loot each time you attack using a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a strong card, considering its low mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One major weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card is great when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of criticism by fans, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be launched November 21st.