🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering players often enjoy tribe-based decks — what player hasn't assembled an elf deck before? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics which align perfectly with its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, known as "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar set which gives buffs whenever additional permanents with the Ally type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment type which originated with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities as a player controls additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up occasionally in recent releases, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — but that changes with ATLA, where this feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous companions on his quest to restore peace across the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to reflect this in an Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the first set announcement, below are previews of one Allies and a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one beloved minor figure in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise in engineering, he is able to fly in the air with his glider, and dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo showcases Teo's passion of flying and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, and additionally pumping your creatures with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

It also removes an additional life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a powerful card, considering its low cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

A big weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant criticism from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.