Scoop: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces 2 Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics

MTG players consistently embrace tribe-based decks — who hasn't built a zombie deck once or twice? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives two beloved mechanics that match seamlessly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, known as "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar which provides bonuses each time additional permanents with this subtype enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as you owns additional of them in play.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up sporadically in newer releases, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit numerous friends on the quest to restore peace to the four nations, so it's no better method to show that in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the initial card reveal, below is a look of an Ally plus one Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character is one beloved supporting figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill with mechanics, he can soar in the air with his glider, and challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo represents Teo's fondness of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines through letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks with a flying creature, while also pumping your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, considering its low cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness for Shrine strategies outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover products have been receiving significant criticism by the community, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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