🔗 Share this article Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Brings Back Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics MTG fans frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't built a goblin strategy at some point? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 beloved mechanics which fit seamlessly to its theme. Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities The initial ability, known as "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar and gives buffs each time more creatures with the Ally type come onto the field. Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type which first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become power as a player has more of them on the battlefield. The Comeback for Allies Mechanic Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across newer sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but this ends with ATLA, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured. Aang must assemble numerous allies during the quest to restore balance to the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to show this through an Magic expansion. Revealed Cards Preview Following the initial set announcement, below is a look at one Allies and one Shrines card from the upcoming ATLA release. Teo: A Beloved Figure This character stands as a cherished minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a disaster, which left him unable to walk. Because of his father's prowess in engineering, he is able to soar through the skies using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest. This card Teo showcases his love of the skies and his tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing the player loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, and additionally pumping your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process. Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment Speaking of his home, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control. It furthermore drains one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield. This looks like a strong addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability. One major drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is that these cards are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase. A Welcome Crossover Currently when crossover products are garnering a lot of hate by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs. Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be launched November 21st.