Reveal: How Magic's Avatar Expansion Brings Back Two Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics

MTG enthusiasts consistently embrace tribal decks — who hasn't constructed a goblin deck once or twice? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives two beloved mechanics that align perfectly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, known as "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar and gives boosts whenever more permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power as you has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared sporadically in recent sets, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous companions during his journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no more fitting method to represent that through a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its first set announcement, here is previews at one Allies plus a Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character is a popular supporting character from ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

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

The card Teo reproduces Teo's passion of flying along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting the player loot each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, while also pumping your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also removes one more point whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful addition, considering its low mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One big weakness of Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH are that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover products have been garnering significant criticism from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.

Drew Davis
Drew Davis

A seasoned lifestyle journalist with a passion for luxury brands and global culture, sharing insights from over a decade in the industry.