Scoop: How Magic's Avatar Set Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering fans frequently enjoy tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed an elf strategy before? — and the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two well-known mechanics that fit perfectly to its setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar and gives buffs whenever more permanents with this type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines also gain power as you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across newer sets, Allies subtype was far less common — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is central.

Aang must gather many companions during his journey to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no better method to reflect that in an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its initial set reveal, here are a look at one Ally plus a Shrine cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a popular minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise with engineering, Teo can fly in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang to a flying race.

The card Teo represents his passion of flying along with his tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing the player loot whenever you attack using an airborne unit, while additionally strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It also drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong card, given the card's low mana cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are garnering significant criticism by fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.

Austin Park
Austin Park

A gaming technology analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine design and regulatory compliance, passionate about innovation in the gaming industry.