Exclusive: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Revives 2 Fan-Favorite Tribal Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribal strategies — what player hasn't constructed a zombie deck at some point? — and the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back two beloved mechanics that align perfectly with its setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, called "Ally," first debuted with the Zendikar set which provides bonuses each time more creatures bearing this type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype that originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain abilities as a player owns additional of them on the battlefield.

The Return for Allies Ability

While Shrines have shown up here and there across recent sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets prominently used.

Aang must recruit a lot of companions on the quest to restore peace to the four nations, so there's no more fitting way to show this in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its initial card announcement, below is previews at an Allies plus a Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

This character stands as one popular supporting character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo represents Teo's love for flying and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing the player draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying unit, while also strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a strong card, given its cheap mana cost and good ETB effect.

One major drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant criticism by the community, an iconic series like Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be released November 21st.