Reveal: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics

MTG fans consistently embrace tribe-based decks — who has not constructed a zombie deck before? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release brings back two popular examples that match perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, called "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar set and grants bonuses each time more permanents with the Ally type come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become strength as a player owns more Shrines in play.

The Return of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up occasionally in recent sets, Allies mechanic was far less common — but this changes with ATLA, where this feature is heavily featured.

Aang has to gather a lot of allies on his journey to bring back balance across the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to represent that through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its initial card reveal, below are previews of one Allies plus a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one beloved minor figure from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise in engineering, Teo can glide through the skies using his glider, even dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through letting the player loot each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also drains an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong card, considering the card's cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be released November 21st.

Frank Whitehead
Frank Whitehead

A travel writer and Las Vegas enthusiast with over a decade of experience exploring the city's hidden gems and vibrant nightlife.