🔗 Share this article

MTG fans often embrace tribal decks — what player has not constructed an elf strategy before? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives two beloved examples that align perfectly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, known as "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar and gives boosts each time more creatures with this subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain strength as a player controls more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically in recent sets, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — but this changes in ATLA, where the mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many friends during the quest to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to show this through an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its initial set reveal, here is a look at one Allies and one Shrines card in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise with engineering, he is able to fly in the air with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo represents his love of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying creature, and also strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

It also drains one more life whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong addition, considering its low cost and good ETB effect.

One big weakness for Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of criticism from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be released November 21st.