🔗 Share this article

MTG enthusiasts often adopt tribal strategies — who hasn't assembled a zombie deck before? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover release brings back two beloved examples which match seamlessly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, called "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar set and grants boosts whenever additional permanents with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power as you has additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up occasionally across newer releases, the Ally subtype has been far less common — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous friends on his quest to bring back balance to the world, and there's no more fitting method to show this through an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the initial card reveal, below are previews at an Allies and a Shrine cards in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one popular supporting figure from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided in an Air Temple after his home was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo can fly through the skies using his glider, even dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines through letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne unit, and additionally pumping your team with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also removes an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful card, given the card's cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets have been garnering significant criticism from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be released November 21st.