Reveal: The Way Magic's Avatar Expansion Revives Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based decks — what player has not assembled an elf deck at some point? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives 2 beloved mechanics that fit perfectly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, called "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar which gives buffs each time additional creatures with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities as you has more of them on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared occasionally in newer sets, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is central.

Aang must recruit numerous allies during his journey to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to reflect this through a Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the first card reveal, below is previews at an Ally and a Shrines card from the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a beloved supporting figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo is able to fly through the skies using a flying device, and dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo showcases his passion for the skies along with his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing you loot each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, and also pumping your team via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes one more life anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be an impactful addition, considering the card's low cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major weakness of Shrine strategies outside of Commander is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been garnering a lot of backlash from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be exactly what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.