Exclusive: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Revives Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering fans consistently enjoy tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover set revives two beloved mechanics that match seamlessly to the theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The initial ability, known as "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar which provides bonuses whenever more permanents with the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment subtype that originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise gain abilities as you controls more of them on the battlefield.

A Return of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up here and there across newer releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble many companions during his journey to restore peace to the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to show that through an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

After the initial set reveal, below are previews of an Allies and one Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

Teo is one cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided in an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to glide in the air using his glider, even dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his love for the skies along with his tribe's use on gliders by letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, while additionally strengthening your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon entering play, based on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong card, considering the card's low mana cost plus good ETB effect.

One big weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover sets are receiving significant hate by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be precisely what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.