Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Brings Back Two Popular Tribal Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribal tactics — what player hasn't constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two popular mechanics which align seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar set and gives boosts whenever more creatures bearing this type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become power when you controls more of them in play.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have appeared sporadically in recent sets, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather many friends during the journey to bring back peace across the four nations, and it's no better method to represent this in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its initial card reveal, below is previews of an Ally and a Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo is one beloved minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill with mechanics, he can fly in the air using a flying device, even dares Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying creature, and additionally strengthening your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also removes an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a strong addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One big weakness for Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets have been garnering significant criticism from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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