🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently adopt tribal tactics — who has not assembled a zombie strategy at some point? — and the upcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 beloved mechanics which align perfectly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, named "Ally," was debuted with a Zendikar which provides buffs whenever more creatures bearing this type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also become abilities as you controls additional of them in play.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have appeared here and there in newer releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous allies during the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to represent this in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the initial set reveal, below are a look of an Allies plus a Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's expertise with mechanics, he can fly in the air with a flying device, even challenges Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces his fondness for the skies and his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting you draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne unit, and also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful addition, considering its low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant backlash from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be launched November 21st.