Reveal: How Magic's Avatar Set Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

MTG players often adopt tribe-based tactics — who has not constructed an elf strategy before? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 beloved examples which align seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One first ability, named "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar set and gives buffs whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength when you has additional of them on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been shown up here and there across recent sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous companions on his journey to restore peace to the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to reflect that in an Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the initial set announcement, below is a look at an Allies and one Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as one cherished supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's expertise in mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies using his glider, and challenges the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love of the skies and his tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne unit, and also strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a strong addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card is great in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of backlash from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.

Olivia Welch
Olivia Welch

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino industry trends and slot machine mechanics.