🔗 Share this article

MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribe-based decks — who has not built an elf deck once or twice? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover set revives two beloved examples which align perfectly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar which provides bonuses whenever additional creatures with the Ally type enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment type that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength as you has more of them on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in recent releases, Allies subtype has been far less common — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous allies on his quest to bring back peace across the four nations, so it's no better method to reflect that through a Magic set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After the first card reveal, below are a look of an Allies and a Shrine card from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one popular minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, he can glide through the skies using a flying device, and dares Aang to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion of flying and his tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing you loot each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful addition, given the card's cheap cost and valuable ETB ability.

A major drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are that these cards are always Legendary, but this card is great when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of criticism by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.