Exclusive: How Magic's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces Two Popular Tribal Mechanics

MTG fans consistently adopt tribe-based strategies — who hasn't assembled an elf strategy before? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two well-known mechanics that fit seamlessly with its flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar set and grants bonuses whenever additional creatures with the Ally type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become power as a player owns additional Shrines in play.

A Return of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up here and there in newer releases, Allies mechanic has been far less common — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is central.

Aang must gather a lot of companions on his journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no better method to reflect this in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first set reveal, here are previews at an Ally plus a Shrine card from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a popular supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess with mechanics, Teo is able to fly through the skies using his glider, and dares Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion of flying and his tribe's reliance of gliders by letting you draw and discard whenever you attack using a flying creature, while also boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains one more life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong addition, considering the card's low mana cost and good ETB effect.

One major weakness for Shrine strategies outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products are receiving significant hate from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar could be exactly just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.

Rachel Lawson
Rachel Lawson

A cybersecurity specialist with over a decade of experience in network monitoring and threat detection.

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