Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces 2 Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribal decks — what player hasn't built an elf strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives two beloved examples which fit perfectly to the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first ability, named "Ally," first debuted with the Zendikar set and provides boosts each time more permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also gain power when you has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally across newer sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends with ATLA, in which this feature gets heavily featured.

Aang must recruit a lot of friends during the journey to restore peace to the four nations, so it's no better way to show that through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the first set reveal, below is a look at one Allies and one Shrines card in the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character is one popular minor character from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill in engineering, Teo is able to fly through the skies using his glider, even dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through letting the player loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, and additionally pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also drains an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong card, given the card's low cost and good ETB effect.

A big drawback of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, but this card can be great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover sets are garnering a lot of hate by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be released November 21st.

Katherine Long
Katherine Long

A seasoned watch enthusiast with over a decade of experience in horology, specializing in vintage and modern luxury timepieces.