Exclusive: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Revives Two Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently adopt tribe-based tactics — who has not assembled a zombie deck at some point? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back 2 popular mechanics which match seamlessly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first mechanic, called "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar which gives bonuses each time additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments also gain strength when a player has additional of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in newer sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but this ends in ATLA, where the mechanic is central.

Aang must recruit a lot of allies during the quest to restore peace across the world, and there's no more fitting method to show that in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its first card reveal, here are a look at one Ally and one Shrine cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo is one cherished minor character in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill in engineering, he can soar in the air using his glider, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo showcases Teo's love for flying along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting you loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, and also pumping your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total when entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

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

It appears to be a strong card, given its low cost and good ETB effect.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card is effective when paired with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of hate by fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.