Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Reintroduces Two Popular Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering players often enjoy tribal strategies — who has not built a goblin strategy before? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives two popular mechanics that match perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set which provides buffs whenever more creatures bearing this type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become power when a player has additional Shrines in play.

The Return of Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in newer releases, Allies subtype has been far less common — until that ends with ATLA, in which the feature gets prominently used.

Aang must gather a lot of friends during his quest to bring back balance across the world, so there's no more fitting method to show this through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its first card reveal, here are previews at an Allies plus one Shrines cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess with engineering, he can fly through the skies using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo showcases Teo's fondness of flying along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting you loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes an additional life anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong card, considering its cheap mana cost and good ETB effect.

A big weakness for Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover sets are garnering a lot of criticism by the community, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.

Jared Wang
Jared Wang

A film critic with over a decade of experience covering Hollywood and indie cinema, passionate about storytelling and cinematic trends.