Reveal: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Brings Back 2 Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often adopt tribal strategies — what player has not built an elf strategy before? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing two well-known examples which align seamlessly with its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Ally," was debuted in the Zendikar and gives boosts whenever more permanents with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment type that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as you has more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up occasionally in newer sets, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many allies during his journey to restore balance across the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to show this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following the initial card announcement, below is previews at one Allies and one Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is one popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's skill in mechanics, he is able to soar through the skies with his glider, and challenges Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo showcases Teo's passion of the skies along with his tribe's use of gliders through letting you loot each time you attack using an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a strong card, given its low cost and good ETB effect.

One big drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time while crossover sets are garnering significant hate by the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be launched November 21st.

Nathaniel Sanders
Nathaniel Sanders

A writer and philosopher exploring the intersections of chance, psychology, and human experience through engaging narratives.