🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering players often embrace tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed an elf strategy at some point? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 popular examples which match perfectly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, named "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar which provides bonuses each time more creatures with this type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also become strength as you controls additional of them in play.

The Return for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up sporadically in newer sets, Allies mechanic was far less common — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is prominently used.

Aang has to assemble a lot of allies on his journey to bring back peace to the world, so there's no better method to represent this in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the initial set announcement, here are a look at an Ally plus one Shrine card from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character stands as a beloved supporting figure from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's prowess in engineering, he can fly through the skies with his glider, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's passion of the skies along with his tribe's use of flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack using a flying unit, and also pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a strong addition, given its low cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover products are garnering a lot of hate from fans, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.