🔗 Share this article

MTG players frequently adopt tribal decks — who hasn't assembled a goblin strategy before? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back two well-known mechanics that align seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, known as "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar and gives buffs whenever more creatures bearing the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become power as a player controls additional of them in play.

The Return of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have shown up occasionally across newer sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets central.

Aang has to assemble many friends on his journey to restore peace to the four nations, so there's no better method to represent that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the initial card announcement, below is previews of an Allies plus a Shrines cards from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as one beloved supporting figure in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's skill in engineering, he is able to fly in the air with his glider, and dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by allowing you loot whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, and also pumping your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong addition, given the card's low mana cost and good ETB ability.

A big drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while crossover sets are receiving significant criticism from fans, an iconic series like Avatar can be precisely what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be released November 21st.