🔗 Share this article Reveal: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Set Revives Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features MTG enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based decks — who has not assembled a zombie deck once or twice? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two beloved mechanics that align perfectly with its theme. Returning Tribal Mechanics The initial ability, named "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar and grants boosts each time more permanents with this type come onto the battlefield. On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become power as a player has more of them in play. The Comeback for Allies Mechanic Although Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in newer releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is heavily featured. The protagonist Aang has to gather a lot of companions during the quest to restore peace to the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to represent that in a Magic expansion. Exclusive Card Preview After the first card announcement, below is a look of one Allies plus one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release. Teo: A Beloved Figure Teo is a beloved supporting character in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic. Due to his dad's skill with engineering, Teo is able to fly in the air using his glider, even challenges Aang to a flying contest. This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, while also strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time. Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment Regarding Teo's home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control. The card furthermore removes one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field. This looks like a strong addition, considering the card's cheap cost and good enter the battlefield ability. A big weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase. A Timely Crossover At a time while Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs. Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be released November 21st.