Scoop: How Magic's Avatar Expansion Brings Back 2 Popular Tribal Mechanics

MTG fans often adopt tribal decks — what player hasn't built a goblin deck at some point? — and this upcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 popular mechanics that fit seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar and grants bonuses each time additional permanents with the Ally type come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength as a player controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in recent releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit numerous allies during his quest to restore balance to the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its first set announcement, below are a look of an Allies and one Shrines card in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character is a beloved supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's expertise in mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for flying along with his tribe's use of gliders through allowing the player loot whenever you attack with a flying creature, while also strengthening your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful card, given the card's low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is that these cards are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of backlash from the community, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.

Heather Michael
Heather Michael

A seasoned travel writer and lifestyle curator with over a decade of experience exploring global luxury destinations.