Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar Set Reintroduces Two Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering players frequently enjoy tribe-based strategies — who has not built a goblin deck at some point? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover release brings back two well-known examples which match perfectly with its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar set and grants boosts each time more creatures bearing this type come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become abilities when you has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up here and there in recent sets, Allies subtype has been far less common — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets heavily featured.

Aang has to assemble numerous allies during his quest to restore peace to the four nations, so there's no more fitting way to reflect that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its first set announcement, here are previews at one Ally and a Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo is a cherished minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise in engineering, Teo can glide through the skies using a flying device, even dares Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion for flying along with his tribe's use of flying machines through allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, and additionally pumping your team via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It also removes one more life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It looks like a strong addition, given the card's cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback of Shrine strategies outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, but this card is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets have been garnering a lot of criticism by fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.