Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Reintroduces Two Popular Tribal Mechanics

MTG enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who has not assembled an elf strategy at some point? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives two well-known mechanics which match perfectly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, named "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar set which provides buffs whenever additional creatures with this type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type which originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become power as you owns more of them in play.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up here and there in newer sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather many allies during his journey to restore peace across the world, so it's no more fitting way to represent that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the initial card reveal, here is previews at one Allies plus one Shrine cards in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a beloved supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's prowess in engineering, he can fly in the air with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by letting you draw and discard each time you attack using a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

It also drains an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like an impactful addition, considering the card's cheap cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback for Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant backlash from fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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

Timothy Lloyd
Timothy Lloyd

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