Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Brings Back Two Popular Tribal Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering fans often enjoy tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't built an elf deck once or twice? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two well-known examples which fit seamlessly to its flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The first mechanic, called "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar and grants boosts each time more permanents with the Ally type come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become power as you owns more of them on the battlefield.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally in newer releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — until this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic is prominently used.

Aang must recruit many friends during the journey to bring back peace across the four nations, so there's no better way to reflect this in an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After its initial card reveal, below are previews at an Ally and a Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a beloved minor figure from ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived in an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill in mechanics, he can fly in the air with his glider, even challenges the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo showcases Teo's love for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, while also strengthening your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful addition, given its low cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness of Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond products are receiving significant hate by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.