🔗 Share this article Reveal: The Way Magic: The Gathering's Avatar Expansion Revives Two Popular Tribal Mechanics MTG fans consistently adopt tribe-based tactics — who has not assembled an elf deck before? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives 2 beloved examples that match seamlessly with the theme. Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities The first mechanic, named "Ally," first debuted with a Zendikar which gives buffs each time more creatures with this type come onto play. On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment subtype which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become strength as you controls more of them in play. The Comeback for Allies Ability Although Shrines have shown up sporadically in recent sets, the Ally subtype was far less common — but that changes in ATLA, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured. Aang has to recruit numerous companions on the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, and it's no better way to reflect that in an Magic expansion. Revealed Cards Preview Following its first card reveal, below is previews at one Ally plus one Shrine cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release. Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure Teo is one popular supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a disaster, which left him paraplegic. Due to his dad's prowess with engineering, he is able to glide through the skies using his glider, even challenges Aang to an aerial contest. The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting the player loot each time you attack with an airborne unit, and additionally pumping your team with counters at the same time. The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment Regarding Teo's home, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control. It furthermore drains an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the field. This appears to be a strong card, given its cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect. One big drawback for Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase. The Timely Crossover At a time when crossover products have been garnering significant criticism by fans, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs. Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be launched November 21st.