🔗 Share this article Reveal: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Reintroduces Two Popular Tribal Gameplay Features MTG fans often adopt tribal decks — who hasn't assembled a goblin strategy before? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing 2 well-known examples which align perfectly to its setting. Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities One first mechanic, called "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever additional creatures bearing this subtype come onto the battlefield. On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become power when you controls additional of them in play. A Return of the Ally Mechanic While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across recent sets, the Ally subtype was much rarer — but this ends in ATLA, in which the feature gets prominently used. The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous companions on his quest to restore balance to the four nations, and there's no better method to represent that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion. Exclusive Cards Showcase After the first set announcement, below is previews of one Allies plus a Shrines cards from the new ATLA set. Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure This character stands as a popular minor figure from ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk. Due to his dad's prowess with engineering, he is able to glide in the air using his glider, and dares the Avatar to an aerial contest. The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love of the skies and his tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing you draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, and also boosting your creatures with counters in the process. The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you control. It also removes one more life whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield. It looks like a strong card, given its low mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability. One major weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase. A Welcome Collaboration Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of backlash from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG needs. Preview period is already here, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.