Reveal: The Way Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Set Reintroduces Two Popular Tribal Mechanics

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often adopt tribe-based decks — what player has not assembled an elf strategy once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back two beloved examples that align seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, called "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar set which gives bonuses whenever additional permanents bearing this type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype which originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become strength when you controls more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up here and there across newer sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but this ends with ATLA, in which this feature gets heavily featured.

Aang must assemble many companions on his quest to restore peace to the world, and it's no more fitting method to reflect that in a Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the initial card announcement, here is previews of an Ally and one Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a cherished supporting character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess with mechanics, he can fly through the skies using his glider, even challenges Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by allowing you draw and discard each time you attack using a flying creature, and also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total when entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

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

This looks like a powerful addition, given the card's low cost and valuable ETB ability.

A major drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar can be precisely what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.

Raymond Joseph
Raymond Joseph

Elara is a seasoned mountaineer with over a decade of experience scaling peaks worldwide, sharing insights on alpine safety and expedition planning.