Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Brings Back 2 Popular Tribal Mechanics

MTG fans frequently adopt tribe-based decks — what player hasn't assembled a goblin deck before? — and the upcoming ATLA crossover set revives two beloved examples which match perfectly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, called "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar set and grants boosts each time more permanents with this subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype that originated with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength as you owns more of them in play.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there across recent sets, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until that changes in ATLA, in which the feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous companions on his quest to bring back peace to the world, and there's no more fitting method to show this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the initial set announcement, below is previews of one Ally plus one Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as one cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, he is able to soar in the air with his glider, and dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo reproduces his passion of flying and his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card also removes an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong addition, considering the card's low cost and valuable ETB ability.

One big drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander are that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant backlash from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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

Joseph Chandler
Joseph Chandler

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering industry trends, game development, and esports events worldwide.