Reveal: How Magic's Avatar Set Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

MTG players often embrace tribal tactics — what player hasn't built a goblin deck once or twice? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives 2 beloved mechanics which match seamlessly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar and grants buffs each time additional creatures with the Ally type enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities when you owns more Shrines in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have shown up here and there in recent releases, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — until this ends in ATLA, in which this feature is heavily featured.

Aang must gather numerous companions on the journey to bring back peace to the four nations, so it's no better way to show this in an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the initial card announcement, here are previews at an Allies plus a Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Character

This character is one beloved supporting character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's expertise in engineering, Teo can glide in the air with a flying device, even dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting you loot each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, while additionally strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore drains an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the field.

It looks like an impactful card, considering the card's low mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products are receiving significant hate by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.