Reveal: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces 2 Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player has not constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — and this upcoming ATLA crossover set brings back 2 beloved mechanics which fit seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Ally," first debuted with a Zendikar and gives boosts each time more creatures with this type come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines also gain power when a player has more of them in play.

The Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across newer releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang must assemble many friends on his quest to restore peace to the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to reflect this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the first set announcement, below is a look at one Allies and a Shrines cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

This character is one cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple after his home was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill in mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies using his glider, even challenges Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo represents his love for the skies along with his tribe's use of gliders through letting you loot each time you attack using a flying creature, and also pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

The card also removes one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a strong card, considering its low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant backlash from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, with the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.