Exclusive: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Revives 2 Popular Tribal Mechanics

MTG players often enjoy tribal decks — what player hasn't built a zombie strategy at some point? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover set brings back 2 well-known mechanics which fit perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, called "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar which gives bonuses each time more permanents bearing this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type which originated in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power as a player owns more Shrines in play.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally in newer releases, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until this ends with ATLA, where the feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous companions on the quest to bring back peace across the world, so there's no better way to show that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first set reveal, below is previews of an Ally plus a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a popular minor figure in ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise with mechanics, he can fly in the air using his glider, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo reproduces his fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting you draw and discard each time you attack using an airborne unit, and also boosting your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

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

This looks like a powerful addition, considering its low cost and good ETB effect.

One major drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant hate from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.