Exclusive: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces Two Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

MTG players often embrace tribe-based tactics — who hasn't constructed an elf strategy before? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover release revives two well-known mechanics that align perfectly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar set which grants bonuses each time additional creatures bearing this subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities as you has additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until this changes in ATLA, where this feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit numerous friends during his quest to bring back balance across the world, and there's no better way to show this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its initial card announcement, here are a look at an Ally plus one Shrine cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo is a beloved supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple after his home was ruined by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's skill in mechanics, he can soar through the skies using a flying device, and challenges Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his love of flying and the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines through allowing you loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

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

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

It appears to be an impactful card, given its low mana cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover products have been garnering significant backlash by fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.

Robert Armstrong
Robert Armstrong

A theoretical physicist and science writer with a passion for making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience.