Exclusive: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Brings Back 2 Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics

MTG fans consistently enjoy tribal tactics — what player hasn't built a goblin deck before? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover release brings back 2 well-known mechanics which align seamlessly to the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar and grants bonuses whenever additional creatures with the Ally type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type which first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become power as you has more of them on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically in recent releases, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is central.

Aang has to assemble a lot of companions on his journey to bring back peace to the world, so it's no more fitting method to reflect this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the initial set announcement, here are previews of one Ally and one Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as a cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's prowess in mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies using his glider, even challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love of flying and his tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne unit, and also pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also drains an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This looks like a powerful addition, given its cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of hate by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.