Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Brings Back Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribe-based decks — what player has not built a goblin strategy once or twice? — while this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back 2 beloved mechanics that match seamlessly to its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial mechanic, called "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar and gives boosts whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, Shrines also become abilities as you owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit a lot of allies on his journey to bring back balance to the world, and there's no more fitting way to show this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its initial set reveal, below is a look at one Allies plus one Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a beloved supporting character from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's expertise in mechanics, Teo is able to fly in the air with a flying device, even dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines through allowing you loot whenever you attack using a flying creature, while additionally boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when entering play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a powerful card, considering the card's cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products are receiving significant criticism from fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.

Kimberly Johnson
Kimberly Johnson

A seasoned travel writer with a passion for uncovering luxury destinations and sharing unique cultural experiences.