🔗 Share this article

MTG enthusiasts often adopt tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't built an elf strategy at some point? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two well-known mechanics that align seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set which gives bonuses each time additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities as you has more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

While Shrines have been shown up occasionally in newer releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, where the mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang must gather a lot of allies during his journey to restore balance across the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to reflect that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After the first card reveal, below are a look of one Allies plus one Shrines card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

Teo stands as a beloved supporting character from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise with engineering, Teo is able to glide in the air using a flying device, even dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love for the skies and his tribe's use on flying machines by letting the player loot each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while also boosting your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore drains one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a strong card, considering the card's cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover products are garnering a lot of hate by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, and all cards will be launched November 21st.