Scoop: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Brings Back Two Popular Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — what player hasn't constructed an elf strategy before? — and the upcoming ATLA crossover release brings back two popular examples which match seamlessly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial ability, known as "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar and gives bonuses each time more creatures with this subtype enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power when a player owns more of them in play.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across newer releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — but this changes with ATLA, in which the mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble many allies on the journey to bring back peace to the four nations, so it's no better way to show this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the first card reveal, here is previews at one Ally plus a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Character

This character stands as a beloved supporting character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo can soar in the air with his glider, even dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo showcases Teo's love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, while also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also removes an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a strong addition, considering the card's cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big drawback for Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are receiving significant backlash by fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.