Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG fans often enjoy tribe-based decks — what player hasn't constructed a goblin deck once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two well-known mechanics that fit perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, known as "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set and gives boosts whenever more creatures with this type come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines also gain power as you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have shown up occasionally in newer sets, Allies subtype was far less common — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many allies during his quest to bring back balance to the four nations, and there's no better way to show this in an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After its first set reveal, here is a look of one Allies plus a Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as one cherished minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise with engineering, he can glide through the skies with his glider, and dares Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his love of the skies along with his tribe's reliance on gliders through letting the player loot each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, while additionally strengthening your creatures via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also drains an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be an impactful addition, given its cheap mana cost and good ETB ability.

A major weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover sets are receiving significant backlash from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.