🔗 Share this article

MTG players consistently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player has not constructed an elf deck once or twice? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two beloved examples that fit seamlessly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar and gives bonuses whenever more permanents bearing the Ally type come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength as a player owns additional of them in play.

A Return for Allies Ability

While Shrines have been appeared occasionally across recent releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many allies during his quest to restore peace to the world, and it's no more fitting method to represent this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following the initial set announcement, below is a look at one Ally and a Shrines card from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one popular minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo can glide in the air with his glider, even challenges Aang to an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for flying along with his tribe's use of flying machines through allowing you loot each time you attack using a flying creature, and also strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total when coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

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

It looks like a strong addition, considering the card's cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness of Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets have been receiving significant hate from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be launched November 21st.