Exclusive: The Way Magic's Avatar Set Brings Back 2 Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently adopt tribe-based decks — who hasn't assembled an elf deck at some point? — and this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two beloved mechanics which fit perfectly with its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, known as "Allies," first introduced with the Zendikar set and grants boosts each time additional creatures bearing the Ally type come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines also become power as you owns additional of them in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared occasionally in newer sets, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang has to gather a lot of companions on the quest to restore peace across the world, so it's no better way to reflect that through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the initial set announcement, here is a look of one Ally and a Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as one cherished supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise with engineering, Teo is able to soar in the air using a flying device, and dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.

The card Teo showcases Teo's passion for flying and his tribe's reliance on gliders through letting you loot each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, while additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life upon entering play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It also removes an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful addition, considering its low cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One big drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card is great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products have been receiving significant backlash by the community, a beloved series like Avatar can be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.