Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Revives 2 Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering fans consistently embrace tribe-based tactics — what player has not constructed a zombie deck once or twice? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 well-known mechanics which match perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first ability, named "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar set which gives buffs whenever additional creatures bearing this subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities when a player controls additional of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in recent releases, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is central.

Aang has to gather numerous companions during the journey to restore balance across the world, so it's no more fitting way to reflect this through a Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its initial set announcement, below are a look of one Ally and one Shrine card in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a cherished supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill in engineering, he can glide in the air with a flying device, and dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's love for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne creature, and also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also drains one more point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong card, considering the card's low cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One big drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH are that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant hate by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.