Exclusive: How Magic's Avatar Set Revives Two Popular Tribal Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering fans often embrace tribal decks — what player hasn't built an elf strategy before? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics that match seamlessly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, named "Allies," first debuted in a Zendikar set and gives buffs whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise become strength when you has additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been far less common — until that ends in ATLA, in which this feature is heavily featured.

Aang has to recruit many allies on his quest to restore peace across the world, and there's no better way to reflect that through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its first card reveal, here are a look at an Ally plus a Shrine card in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a beloved supporting character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill with mechanics, he can fly through the skies with a flying device, and challenges Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness for the skies and his tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing you loot whenever you attack using an airborne unit, while also boosting your team with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It also removes one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be an impactful card, given its low cost and valuable ETB effect.

A major weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant criticism by fans, a beloved series like Avatar could be precisely what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.

Nicole Carter
Nicole Carter

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino reviews and player strategy development.