Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces 2 Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

MTG fans frequently adopt tribe-based decks — what player hasn't constructed an elf deck at some point? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two popular mechanics which align perfectly with its flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar which grants boosts whenever more creatures bearing the Ally subtype enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain power as a player owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up sporadically in newer releases, Allies mechanic was far less common — but that ends in ATLA, in which this feature is heavily featured.

Aang has to recruit a lot of companions during his quest to restore balance to the world, and it's no more fitting way to show this through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the first card announcement, below is previews at one Allies and one Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo is one popular minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill with engineering, he can fly in the air using his glider, and challenges Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, and also strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains one more point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a strong addition, given its cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A big drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while crossover products have been receiving significant hate by fans, a beloved series such as Avatar could be precisely just what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.