Exclusive: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Reintroduces Two Fan-Favorite Tribe-Focused Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering players consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — who hasn't built a goblin deck before? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives two beloved examples that align seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar and provides buffs each time more creatures bearing the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities when you has more of them in play.

The Return for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across newer sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — until this ends with ATLA, where this feature gets central.

Aang must assemble many friends on his journey to bring back peace across the world, so there's no more fitting way to reflect that through a Magic set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its initial set announcement, here is a look at an Ally plus a Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a cherished minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill in engineering, he is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, even dares Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo represents his fondness of the skies along with his tribe's use on gliders through letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, and also strengthening your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It also drains an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful card, given its low cost and valuable ETB ability.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover products are receiving a lot of hate by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar can be exactly just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.

Michael Fernandez
Michael Fernandez

A passionate gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in the online casino industry, specializing in slot mechanics and player strategies.