Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Brings Back 2 Popular Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG fans frequently embrace tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't constructed a zombie deck at some point? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover release brings back 2 popular examples which align seamlessly with its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set which gives boosts whenever additional creatures bearing this type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type which originated with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise become strength when you has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up occasionally across recent sets, Allies mechanic was far less common — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang has to assemble many allies during the journey to bring back peace across the four nations, so there's no better way to represent this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its initial set reveal, below are a look of one Allies and a Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a cherished minor character in ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's skill in engineering, he can fly in the air with a flying device, and challenges Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo showcases his fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing the player loot each time you attack using a flying creature, while also strengthening your creatures via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

It also drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, given the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major weakness of Shrine strategies outside of EDH are that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover sets are garnering significant hate by fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be released November 21st.

Charles Shields
Charles Shields

A software engineer and retro computing enthusiast with over 15 years of experience restoring vintage computers and documenting tech history.