🔗 Share this article Exclusive: The Way Magic's Avatar Set Reintroduces Two Popular Tribe-Focused Mechanics Magic: The Gathering fans consistently embrace tribal decks — who has not constructed a zombie strategy once or twice? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing 2 popular examples that match seamlessly with its setting. Returning Tribal Mechanics The initial mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar set which provides buffs each time additional permanents bearing the Ally type come onto the battlefield. Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain strength when you owns more of them in play. The Comeback for Allies Ability Although Shrines have shown up here and there in newer releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature is heavily featured. Aang must assemble many companions on the journey to restore balance across the world, and it's no more fitting way to show this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion. Revealed Cards Preview Following the initial card announcement, here is previews at one Ally and one Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set. Teo: The Beloved Character This character stands as one cherished minor figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, which left him unable to walk. Due to his dad's prowess with mechanics, he can soar in the air with his glider, and challenges Aang in a flying contest. The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love of flying and the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by allowing you draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne unit, and additionally boosting your creatures via counters in the process. Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Regarding Teo's home, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon entering play, based on how many Shrine cards you have. It furthermore drains an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field. It looks like a strong addition, considering the card's cheap cost and valuable ETB effect. One big drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase. The Welcome Collaboration Currently when crossover products are receiving a lot of backlash by fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs. Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.