Reveal: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Mechanics

MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribe-based decks — what player has not assembled an elf strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 popular mechanics that fit perfectly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The first mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar and grants boosts whenever additional permanents bearing this type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain power as a player has more of them on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many companions during the quest to restore peace to the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to reflect that in a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its initial card announcement, below are previews at one Allies and one Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies using a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo showcases Teo's love for flying along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting the player loot each time you attack with an airborne creature, while additionally boosting your team with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also drains an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong card, given its low cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One major drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover products have been receiving a lot of backlash by the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.