Scoop: How Magic's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces 2 Popular Tribal Mechanics

MTG players consistently embrace tribe-based decks — what player hasn't built a goblin deck before? — and this new ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back two well-known examples that align seamlessly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, called "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar set which gives bonuses each time additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become power as you controls more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

While Shrines have shown up occasionally across recent releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but that ends in ATLA, where the feature is central.

Aang has to recruit numerous friends on the journey to restore balance to the world, so it's no better method to show this through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its initial set announcement, below is a look at one Ally and a Shrines card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a popular minor figure in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill with engineering, he is able to soar through the skies using his glider, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's love for the skies along with his tribe's use of flying machines through letting the player loot whenever you attack with an airborne creature, while also strengthening your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a strong addition, considering the card's low cost plus good ETB effect.

One major weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets are receiving significant criticism from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.

Madison Nunez
Madison Nunez

A tech journalist and digital strategist passionate about emerging technologies and their impact on everyday life.