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

MTG players frequently adopt tribal decks — who has not constructed a goblin deck at some point? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two well-known mechanics which align seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar and grants boosts whenever more permanents bearing this type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment type which originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become strength when a player has more Shrines in play.

A Return of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up occasionally in recent sets, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, where the mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang has to gather numerous friends during his quest to bring back peace to the four nations, so there's no better way to show that through a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After the initial card reveal, below is a look at one Allies and one Shrines cards from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

Teo is a popular supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess in engineering, Teo is able to glide in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness of the skies along with his tribe's reliance on gliders through letting the player loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also drains an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, given its cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback for Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however this card can be great in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant criticism by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.