Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Reintroduces 2 Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG players consistently enjoy tribal tactics — who has not constructed a goblin deck before? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 beloved mechanics that fit seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set which provides boosts each time additional creatures bearing this subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain strength as a player has additional Shrines in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared here and there in recent releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but that changes with ATLA, in which this mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of friends on the journey to bring back balance across the world, and there's no more fitting way to show that in a Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the first card announcement, below is a look of an Allies and a Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as a popular minor character from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess in engineering, Teo can fly through the skies with his glider, even dares Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing the player loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, and also strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when entering play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It also removes one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be an impactful addition, considering the card's low mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

A major drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover products have been garnering significant criticism by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG requires.

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