Scoop: How Magic's Avatar Expansion Brings Back Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Mechanics

MTG fans consistently enjoy tribal strategies — who hasn't assembled a zombie strategy once or twice? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives two popular mechanics which fit perfectly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, named "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever additional creatures with this type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities when a player has more of them on the battlefield.

The Return of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared here and there across recent sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets central.

Aang has to recruit many friends during the quest to bring back balance across the four nations, so it's no better way to represent this through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following the initial set reveal, here are a look at one Ally and one Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as a cherished supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill in mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies using his glider, and dares Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love for the skies along with his tribe's use on gliders through letting you draw and discard each time you attack using a flying creature, and also pumping your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also drains an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a powerful addition, given the card's cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A big weakness of Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant criticism from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.

Amber Carpenter
Amber Carpenter

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