🔗 Share this article

MTG enthusiasts consistently embrace tribe-based decks — who has not constructed an elf strategy once or twice? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives two well-known examples that match seamlessly with its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, known as "Allies," first introduced with the Zendikar set and grants boosts each time additional permanents bearing this subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become abilities as a player has additional of them in play.

A Return for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there across newer releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang must gather many friends during his journey to restore balance across the world, so it's no better way to reflect this in a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the first card reveal, below are previews of one Ally and one Shrines card from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

Teo is a beloved supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess with mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies with a flying device, and dares Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo represents his fondness of the skies along with his tribe's use of flying machines through allowing you loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, and additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, given its cheap cost and valuable ETB ability.

A major drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card is effective in combination with another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant criticism from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be released November 21st.