Exclusive: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Revives Two Popular Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG players frequently enjoy tribe-based decks — who has not built a goblin strategy once or twice? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two well-known examples which match seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, known as "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar which provides bonuses each time more permanents bearing this subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain strength when you controls more of them in play.

The Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have shown up occasionally in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous companions on his quest to bring back peace to the world, and there's no better way to reflect that in an Magic set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After the first set reveal, below is a look at an Ally and a Shrines card in the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one beloved supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill with mechanics, Teo can soar in the air with his glider, and dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by letting the player loot each time a player attacks using a flying unit, and also strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful addition, considering the card's cheap cost and good ETB effect.

One major drawback of Shrine strategies outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of hate from the community, an iconic series like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.

Mikayla Lin
Mikayla Lin

Elara Vance is a business strategist with over 15 years of experience in corporate innovation and digital transformation.