Exclusive: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces Two Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

MTG fans frequently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who has not constructed a zombie strategy once or twice? — while this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 well-known mechanics that fit perfectly with its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, named "Ally," was debuted in the Zendikar set and provides bonuses each time more permanents with this type come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities when a player controls more of them on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared occasionally across newer sets, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — until this changes with ATLA, where the mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous companions on his quest to restore peace to the world, so there's no more fitting way to show this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After its initial set reveal, here is previews of one Allies and one Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo is one cherished minor figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Because of his father's expertise with engineering, he can fly in the air using a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his fondness of flying along with his tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing you loot each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, and additionally pumping your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful addition, given the card's cheap cost plus good ETB ability.

A big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant hate from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be released November 21st.

Stephanie Jones
Stephanie Jones

A seasoned casino gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine strategies and online gambling trends.