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

Magic: The Gathering fans frequently embrace tribe-based decks — what player has not built a zombie strategy before? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 popular examples that match perfectly with the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, named "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar and gives boosts whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment type which originated with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments also gain strength as a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up here and there across newer sets, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but that ends in ATLA, where the mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang has to assemble a lot of friends on the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no better way to represent that through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After the initial card reveal, below is a look at an Allies plus one Shrine cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo is a cherished supporting character from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who lived in an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's prowess in mechanics, Teo can fly in the air using his glider, and challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love for the skies along with his tribe's use of gliders through allowing you loot whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, while also pumping your creatures via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, based on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore removes one more point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a strong card, considering the card's low cost plus good ETB effect.

A major weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of criticism by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.

Adam Davis
Adam Davis

Wildlife biologist specializing in sloth behavior and rainforest ecosystems, with over a decade of field research in Central America.