Scoop: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Revives 2 Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Gameplay Features

MTG enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed an elf strategy at some point? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives 2 well-known examples which match perfectly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, named "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar set and grants bonuses whenever more permanents with this subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines also gain power when a player controls more of them in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there in recent sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but that changes with ATLA, in which this mechanic is prominently used.

Aang has to assemble a lot of companions during the quest to restore balance to the world, and it's no better method to represent this through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its initial set announcement, here are a look at one Allies plus a Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one beloved supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's skill with mechanics, he can fly in the air using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion for the skies along with his tribe's use of flying machines by letting you loot whenever you attack using a flying unit, and also strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander are that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets have been receiving significant criticism by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.