Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Reintroduces 2 Popular Tribal Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based tactics — who hasn't constructed a zombie deck once or twice? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing two popular examples which align perfectly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial ability, named "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar and grants buffs each time additional permanents with this subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments also become strength when you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally in recent sets, Allies mechanic was far less common — but this changes with ATLA, in which the mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang must recruit numerous friends during his quest to restore balance across the world, so it's no better method to represent this through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its initial card reveal, here is a look at an Ally and a Shrine cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as one popular minor character from ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's prowess in engineering, he can glide in the air with a flying device, and dares Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo showcases his fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by letting the player loot each time you attack using a flying unit, while also pumping your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his home, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total when entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore removes one more point anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful card, given the card's cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback of Shrine strategies outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant backlash from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be launched November 21st.