Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces Two Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering players often embrace tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed an elf deck at some point? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover set brings back two beloved mechanics that align perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar which gives buffs each time more permanents bearing this type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype which originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become power as you owns more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up occasionally in newer sets, Allies subtype was far less common — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous allies during the journey to restore balance across the four nations, and there's no better method to show this through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its initial card reveal, below is previews at one Allies plus one Shrine card in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a beloved minor character in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill in mechanics, Teo can glide through the skies with his glider, even dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion of the skies and his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing you loot each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon entering play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a strong card, given its cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of backlash from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.

Stuart Nelson
Stuart Nelson

A passionate writer and explorer sharing expert knowledge on diverse topics to inspire and inform readers worldwide.