Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Reintroduces Two Popular Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG enthusiasts consistently embrace tribal strategies — who has not assembled an elf strategy at some point? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release brings back two popular mechanics which match perfectly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, named "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar set and provides boosts whenever more creatures with the Ally type come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become power when you owns additional of them in play.

A Comeback of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across recent releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets central.

Aang has to assemble numerous friends on the quest to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no more fitting way to show that in an Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its first set announcement, here are previews of an Ally and one Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a beloved supporting character in ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's prowess with engineering, he is able to fly through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It also removes one more point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be an impactful addition, considering the card's low cost and valuable ETB effect.

One major drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card is great when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of backlash from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.

Kimberly Fisher
Kimberly Fisher

Elara is a seasoned traveler and writer, passionate about uncovering hidden gems and sharing transformative experiences from around the globe.

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