Reveal: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Revives Two Popular Tribal Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering fans frequently enjoy tribe-based decks — who has not constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives two beloved mechanics which match perfectly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar and grants buffs whenever additional permanents with this subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines also become strength as you controls additional of them in play.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally in recent sets, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but this changes in ATLA, in which this feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of friends on the journey to restore balance to the four nations, and there's no better method to reflect this in a Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its first set announcement, below are a look at an Ally plus one Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character stands as a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill with engineering, he is able to soar in the air using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo showcases Teo's fondness for the skies along with his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing you loot whenever you attack with a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also drains an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It looks like a strong addition, given the card's low mana cost and valuable ETB effect.

One major weakness for Shrine decks outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card is great in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant hate from fans, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.

Amy Adams
Amy Adams

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in slot game mechanics and gambling industry trends.