Exclusive: How Magic's Avatar Set Revives Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribal tactics — who has not assembled a zombie deck at some point? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 popular examples that match seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, known as "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar and grants bonuses whenever more creatures with this type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype that originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities as you owns additional of them in play.

The Return of Allies Ability

Although Shrines have appeared sporadically across recent sets, Allies subtype has been much rarer — but this ends with ATLA, in which this feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of friends on his quest to bring back peace across the world, and it's no better method to show that through a Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following its initial card announcement, below is previews at one Allies and one Shrines card in the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

Teo is a cherished supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise with engineering, Teo can glide in the air using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness for the skies along with his tribe's use on flying machines through allowing the player loot each time a player attacks with a flying creature, and additionally boosting your creatures with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains one more point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This looks like a strong card, considering its cheap mana cost and valuable ETB effect.

A major weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are receiving significant hate by the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be released November 21st.

Jeffrey Williams
Jeffrey Williams

A design enthusiast and lifestyle writer with a passion for minimalist aesthetics and sustainable living, sharing insights from global travels.