Reveal: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Revives Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often embrace tribe-based decks — what player has not assembled a goblin strategy before? — while the new ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics which align seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar and grants bonuses each time additional creatures bearing this type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become power when you owns additional of them in play.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared sporadically in recent sets, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang has to recruit a lot of allies during the journey to bring back peace to the four nations, so it's no more fitting method to show this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following the first card announcement, below is a look at one Ally plus one Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as a popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's skill with mechanics, Teo is able to glide in the air with his glider, even dares Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his love for flying and his tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting the player loot whenever you attack using an airborne creature, while additionally pumping your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains one more point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong card, considering its cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A major drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover products are receiving a lot of hate by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.