Exclusive: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Revives 2 Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribal tactics — who hasn't constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 popular examples which align perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The initial ability, called "Ally," first debuted with a Zendikar and grants bonuses whenever more creatures bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain abilities as you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across newer sets, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but that ends in ATLA, where this mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang must gather numerous friends on his journey to bring back balance across the world, and it's no more fitting method to show this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

After the first card announcement, here is a look of one Ally and a Shrines card from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one beloved supporting character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his father's skill with engineering, he can soar in the air using his glider, even dares Aang in a flying contest.

This card Teo showcases Teo's love of the skies and his tribe's use of gliders through letting you loot each time you attack using a flying unit, while additionally strengthening your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also removes one more life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful card, considering its cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant backlash by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be released November 21st.