Reveal: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces Two Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

MTG fans frequently enjoy tribal tactics — who has not constructed an elf deck once or twice? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two well-known mechanics which fit perfectly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar which provides boosts whenever more creatures with the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also gain power when you controls more Shrines in play.

A Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have shown up occasionally across newer sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang has to assemble many friends on the quest to restore peace to the four nations, so it's no better way to represent this through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its initial card announcement, below is previews at an Allies and one Shrines card from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a cherished minor figure in ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with engineering, he is able to soar through the skies with his glider, and dares the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo represents Teo's fondness for the skies and his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, and additionally pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

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

This looks like an impactful card, considering its cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

At a time while crossover sets have been receiving significant backlash from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.