Exclusive: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Reintroduces 2 Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG fans frequently embrace tribal decks — who has not assembled an elf deck once or twice? — and the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two popular examples which align perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The first ability, named "Ally," was debuted with a Zendikar set which gives bonuses whenever more creatures bearing the Ally type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities when a player has more Shrines in play.

The Return for Allies Ability

While Shrines have been shown up here and there across recent sets, Allies subtype was much rarer — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets prominently used.

Aang has to assemble many companions during the journey to bring back peace to the four nations, so it's no better method to reflect that in a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After its initial card reveal, here is previews of an Allies and a Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo is a beloved supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess in mechanics, he can soar through the skies with a flying device, even challenges Aang to a flying contest.

This card Teo represents his love of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It also removes an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong addition, considering its low mana cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination with another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of backlash by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be released November 21st.

David Walker
David Walker

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on society.