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

MTG fans consistently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who has not assembled a zombie deck at some point? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back two beloved mechanics that fit perfectly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set which gives bonuses each time more permanents with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain power when a player controls additional of them in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

While Shrines have shown up here and there in newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many companions during the quest to restore balance to the world, so there's no better way to reflect this in an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its first set reveal, below is a look of an Ally and a Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one popular supporting character in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill with engineering, Teo is able to glide in the air using a flying device, even challenges Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's love of flying and his tribe's use of gliders by letting the player loot each time you attack with an airborne creature, while also strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like an impactful card, given the card's low cost and valuable ETB effect.

One major weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card is great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover products are receiving a lot of backlash by fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be released November 21st.