🔗 Share this article

MTG fans consistently enjoy tribal decks — who hasn't assembled a goblin deck at some point? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover set revives 2 beloved mechanics which match perfectly with its theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first ability, called "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar and gives bonuses each time more permanents with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain abilities when a player owns additional Shrines in play.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrines have appeared here and there in recent releases, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — until this changes in ATLA, in which this feature gets prominently used.

Aang has to assemble numerous companions during his quest to restore peace across the world, so it's no better method to represent this through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its first set reveal, here are a look of one Ally plus a Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Because of his father's expertise with engineering, Teo can fly in the air using his glider, and dares the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo represents his passion of the skies along with his tribe's reliance on gliders through letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying creature, while also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It also removes one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

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

A big drawback of Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover products are garnering significant criticism from the community, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be released November 21st.