🔗 Share this article Exclusive: How Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Revives Two Popular Tribal Mechanics Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently embrace tribe-based tactics — what player has not constructed an elf strategy at some point? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back two popular mechanics that match perfectly to the setting. Returning Tribal Abilities The initial mechanic, called "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar set which provides buffs each time more permanents bearing the Ally type enter the field. On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become power as you controls additional of them in play. A Comeback for the Ally Ability Although Shrine cards have shown up occasionally across newer releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — until this ends in ATLA, in which this feature is prominently used. Aang must assemble many allies on his quest to bring back peace across the world, so it's no better method to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering set. Exclusive Cards Showcase Following the initial set reveal, here is previews at one Ally plus a Shrine cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release. Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure This character stands as one popular supporting figure in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a disaster, which left him unable to walk. Because of his dad's expertise in mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to a flying contest. The card Teo reproduces Teo's love of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, while also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process. Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment Regarding his dwelling, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when coming into play, depending on how many of Shrines you control. The card furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field. This looks like an impactful card, considering the card's cheap mana cost and good ETB effect. One major weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card is great in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn. The Welcome Crossover Currently when Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant backlash by fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be precisely just what MTG needs. Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released November 21st.