Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Revives Two Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering fans frequently adopt tribal strategies — what player hasn't assembled a goblin deck at some point? — and this upcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics which fit perfectly with its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, known as "Ally," was debuted with a Zendikar set which gives buffs each time more creatures with this subtype enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become abilities as a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up occasionally in newer releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — but this ends in ATLA, in which this feature is prominently used.

Aang must assemble many friends during the journey to restore peace across the world, and it's no better method to reflect this through an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its first set reveal, below is a look at one Ally plus a Shrine cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a cherished minor character in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise in engineering, he can glide through the skies using his glider, even challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love for the skies along with his tribe's use on gliders by allowing the player loot each time a player attacks with a flying unit, and also strengthening your creatures via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also drains an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful card, given the card's cheap mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback of Shrine decks outside of EDH is that Shrines are always Legendary, but this card can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets are receiving a lot of backlash by fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.

Jeff Wright
Jeff Wright

Elara is a passionate writer and environmental advocate, sharing her journey towards a balanced and eco-friendly life.