Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Reintroduces 2 Popular Tribal Gameplay Features

MTG fans consistently embrace tribal decks — who has not built a goblin deck before? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 well-known mechanics which match seamlessly with its flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The first ability, named "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar set and provides buffs whenever more permanents with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain strength as you has more Shrines in play.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up here and there in newer releases, Allies subtype was far less common — but that ends in ATLA, in which this feature gets central.

Aang has to assemble many allies during his journey to bring back balance across the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to reflect this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After the initial set announcement, here are a look of one Allies and a Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one popular supporting character from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's prowess with engineering, he can soar through the skies using a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo represents his fondness for flying and his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, while also pumping your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains one more life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful card, given its low cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback of Shrine strategies outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant hate from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG requires.

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