Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Revives 2 Fan-Favorite Tribal Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back 2 popular mechanics which align perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar which grants buffs whenever additional creatures with this subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment type which originated in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become power as a player owns additional of them on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in newer sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but that changes in ATLA, where this feature is central.

Aang must recruit many companions on his quest to restore peace across the four nations, so it's no better way to represent that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the initial set reveal, here are previews of an Allies plus one Shrines card from the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a popular supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's prowess with engineering, Teo can soar through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion of flying along with his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, and also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore removes an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful addition, considering its low mana cost plus good ETB effect.

One big weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card is great in combination with another Shrine, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond products are garnering significant hate from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.

Colleen Parker
Colleen Parker

A gaming enthusiast and industry analyst with over a decade of experience in casino entertainment and digital gaming trends.