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

Magic: The Gathering fans often embrace tribe-based tactics — what player has not assembled a zombie deck once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives two well-known mechanics that fit perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, known as "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar set and grants boosts each time more creatures with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become power when a player owns additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up here and there across newer sets, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather a lot of friends on his quest to restore peace across the four nations, and there's no better method to show this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its initial set announcement, here is previews at one Ally and a Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as one beloved supporting figure in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise in engineering, Teo can glide through the skies with a flying device, even dares Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo represents Teo's love for flying along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne unit, while also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful addition, given its low cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback of Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover products are receiving a lot of backlash by the community, a beloved series like Avatar can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards set to be released November 21st.