Scoop: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces 2 Fan-Favorite Tribal Gameplay Features

Magic: The Gathering fans consistently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't built a goblin deck before? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back 2 popular examples which align perfectly with its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, named "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar which provides boosts whenever more creatures bearing this subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become power as you owns more Shrines in play.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up here and there in newer sets, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets central.

Aang must recruit many friends on his journey to bring back balance to the four nations, and there's no better method to show that through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After the first card reveal, below are previews at one Ally plus a Shrine card from the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as one beloved minor character in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's expertise with engineering, he is able to soar in the air using a flying device, and dares Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for flying and his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing you draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, while additionally pumping your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a strong addition, given the card's low cost plus valuable ETB effect.

One big drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant hate from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.