🔗 Share this article

MTG enthusiasts often adopt tribe-based decks — what player has not constructed an elf strategy at some point? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing 2 beloved mechanics that fit perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, called "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar and grants bonuses each time more creatures with this type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities as you has more Shrines in play.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared occasionally in recent releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — but that ends in ATLA, where this feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous companions during the quest to restore peace across the four nations, so it's no better way to reflect this through an Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the initial card reveal, here is a look of one Ally plus a Shrine card in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill in mechanics, he can glide in the air with his glider, and challenges Aang to a flying contest.

This card Teo showcases Teo's fondness of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack using an airborne creature, while also pumping your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful card, considering its cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant hate from fans, an iconic series like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be released November 21st.