Exclusive: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often embrace tribal tactics — who hasn't constructed a goblin strategy before? — while this new ATLA crossover set revives 2 well-known mechanics that match perfectly with its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, known as "Ally," first debuted with a Zendikar and grants bonuses each time additional creatures bearing this type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain abilities when a player owns additional of them in play.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across recent releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but that changes with ATLA, where this feature is prominently used.

Aang must assemble a lot of friends on his quest to restore balance to the four nations, so there's no better way to show this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its initial set announcement, below are a look of an Allies and one Shrine cards from the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as one cherished minor character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's expertise in engineering, he can soar in the air using a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in a flying race.

The card Teo showcases his passion of the skies and his tribe's use of gliders through allowing you loot whenever you attack with an airborne unit, and also boosting your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also removes one more life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful card, given the card's cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of hate from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be released November 21st.

Shawna Stewart
Shawna Stewart

A seasoned lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience covering luxury trends and exclusive events across Europe.