🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering players frequently enjoy tribal strategies — who hasn't built a goblin deck before? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover release revives two beloved examples that match seamlessly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar and gives bonuses whenever additional permanents with this subtype enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment type that originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities when you owns more Shrines in play.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up occasionally in recent sets, the Ally mechanic was far less common — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous companions on his quest to restore balance across the four nations, so it's no better way to show that in a Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its first card reveal, below is a look at one Allies plus one Shrine cards from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a cherished supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise with engineering, Teo is able to soar in the air with his glider, even dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo represents his fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through letting the player loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding his home, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful card, given its low mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.

One major drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.