Reveal: How Magic's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces 2 Popular Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG fans consistently enjoy tribe-based strategies — who hasn't built an elf strategy before? — and the new ATLA crossover set brings back 2 well-known examples that align perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar and grants boosts each time more creatures bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities when a player owns more Shrines in play.

The Return of Allies Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there in newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is central.

Aang must assemble numerous companions during his quest to bring back balance across the world, so there's no better method to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the first set reveal, here is previews at one Ally and a Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a cherished minor character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill with mechanics, he can soar through the skies using a flying device, even dares Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's love for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through letting the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while also strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore drains an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, considering the card's low cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are receiving significant backlash by the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be released November 21st.