Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Brings Back Two Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

MTG enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribal tactics — who has not assembled a goblin strategy before? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover set brings back 2 popular examples that match seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, called "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar set which grants buffs each time more permanents with this type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype that originated in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines also gain power as you has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared here and there in recent releases, Allies subtype has been far less common — but this changes in ATLA, where the feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous companions during his journey to restore peace across the world, so it's no better way to represent that through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the initial set announcement, here is previews of an Ally and one Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a cherished minor figure from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's skill with engineering, he can soar in the air using his glider, even dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains one more point whenever a Shrine enters the field.

This looks like a strong addition, considering the card's low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired with another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover products are receiving significant criticism from the community, an iconic series such as Avatar could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released November 21st.

Allison Velasquez
Allison Velasquez

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering casino trends and slot machine innovations.