Exclusive: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Revives Two Popular Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG fans consistently enjoy tribal decks — who has not assembled a zombie strategy at some point? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two beloved examples that match seamlessly with its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, known as "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar which provides buffs each time more creatures bearing the Ally type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power when you has more Shrines in play.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in newer releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets prominently used.

Aang has to gather numerous allies during the quest to bring back peace to the four nations, and there's no better way to represent this through an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its first set announcement, below is a look at one Ally and one Shrine cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one beloved minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies with his glider, even dares Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's passion for flying along with his tribe's use of flying machines through letting the player draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon entering play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It also drains an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It looks like an impactful card, considering its low cost plus good ETB effect.

One major weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card is great in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while crossover sets have been garnering significant criticism by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar can be precisely what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.

Brenda Schmidt
Brenda Schmidt

A tech journalist and futurist with a passion for exploring how emerging technologies transform industries and everyday life.

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