Reveal: The Way Magic's Avatar Expansion Brings Back Two Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

MTG fans frequently enjoy tribal strategies — who hasn't built a zombie deck once or twice? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two popular mechanics which match seamlessly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, called "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar which gives buffs whenever more permanents bearing this subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments also gain power as you has additional Shrines in play.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared occasionally across recent releases, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — until that ends with ATLA, where this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang has to recruit a lot of allies during the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no better way to show that through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the first set reveal, here is previews of an Ally and a Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one beloved minor figure in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill in engineering, he can soar in the air using his glider, and challenges Aang to a flying race.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack using a flying creature, while additionally pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life upon entering play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

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

It appears to be an impactful card, considering its cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback for Shrine strategies outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of criticism by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be launched November 21st.

Melanie White
Melanie White

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino reviews and player strategy optimization.