Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces 2 Popular Tribal Mechanics

MTG fans frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — what player has not assembled a zombie deck at some point? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives 2 popular mechanics which match seamlessly with its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, known as "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar set which grants bonuses whenever more permanents bearing this type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities when you owns more of them in play.

A Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have shown up sporadically in recent releases, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — but this ends in ATLA, in which this feature is central.

Aang must assemble a lot of friends on the journey to bring back peace to the world, so it's no better way to show this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the initial set reveal, here is a look of an Ally plus one Shrine cards in the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo is a popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill in mechanics, he can fly in the air with a flying device, and dares Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love for flying and his tribe's use of flying machines by letting the player loot whenever you attack using an airborne creature, and also boosting your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon entering play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong card, considering the card's low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of hate by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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

Wayne Hall
Wayne Hall

Wildlife biologist and conservationist with over a decade of experience studying sloths in Central and South America.