Exclusive: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Brings Back Two Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

MTG enthusiasts consistently embrace tribal tactics — what player has not built a goblin deck before? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing two well-known mechanics that fit perfectly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar which grants boosts each time additional creatures with the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities when a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared occasionally in newer releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is heavily featured.

Aang must assemble numerous friends on the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no more fitting way to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its first set reveal, here are previews at an Ally plus a Shrines card in the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

This character stands as a popular minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo can glide in the air using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his love for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting you loot each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, and also strengthening your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

It also drains one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a strong addition, considering the card's low mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

One major weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover products are receiving significant backlash from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.