Reveal: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces 2 Popular Tribal Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering players consistently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't assembled a goblin strategy at some point? — and this new ATLA crossover release revives two popular mechanics that fit seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, called "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set which gives buffs each time additional permanents bearing this type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines likewise gain abilities as a player owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Ability

While Shrines have appeared occasionally across recent releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — until this changes in ATLA, where the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous allies on the journey to bring back balance across the world, so there's no more fitting way to reflect that in an Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its initial card reveal, below is a look at an Allies and one Shrines cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as a cherished minor character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill with engineering, Teo can glide through the skies with a flying device, and dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo represents his fondness for the skies and his tribe's use of gliders through letting the player loot each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, and additionally strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful addition, considering its low cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant backlash by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be released November 21st.