Reveal: How Magic's Avatar Expansion Revives 2 Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG fans often adopt tribe-based decks — what player has not assembled a zombie deck once or twice? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover release brings back 2 beloved examples which match perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, called "Allies," first debuted in a Zendikar set which gives buffs whenever additional creatures with the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become abilities as you controls more of them in play.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically in recent releases, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of companions on his journey to bring back peace to the four nations, so there's no better way to reflect this in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the first card reveal, below is a look at one Ally plus one Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one beloved supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's prowess with engineering, he is able to soar in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang in a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness for the skies and his tribe's use of gliders through letting you draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne unit, while also pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when entering play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It also removes one more life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful addition, considering its low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been garnering a lot of criticism from the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, with all cards set to be released November 21st.