Scoop: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Revives 2 Fan-Favorite Tribal Mechanics

MTG fans consistently enjoy tribal decks — what player has not constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics that align seamlessly to the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, known as "Ally," was debuted in the Zendikar set which gives boosts whenever more permanents with this type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment subtype that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, Shrines also gain strength as you controls additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared occasionally in newer releases, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble many friends on the journey to bring back peace across the world, and it's no better method to show this in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

After the first set announcement, below are previews of an Ally and one Shrine card in the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as one beloved supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's skill with engineering, he is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, and dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo represents Teo's fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally boosting your creatures via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

The card also removes one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful addition, given its cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander is that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover products have been receiving significant backlash by fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be released November 21st.