Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Brings Back Two Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering fans consistently embrace tribal strategies — who hasn't built a goblin strategy once or twice? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back two well-known mechanics that align perfectly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first ability, called "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar which provides buffs each time more permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength when a player controls more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared here and there in newer releases, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but that changes in ATLA, in which this feature is central.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit a lot of companions on his quest to bring back peace to the four nations, so there's no better method to reflect that through a Magic set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the first set announcement, below are previews of an Ally plus a Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a beloved minor figure from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies with his glider, even dares Aang to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing you loot whenever you attack with an airborne unit, and also pumping your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a strong card, given its cheap mana cost and valuable ETB effect.

One major drawback of Shrine strategies outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant hate by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be released November 21st.

Cody Strickland
Cody Strickland

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in slot machine mechanics and player strategies.