🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering fans consistently adopt tribal decks — what player hasn't constructed a goblin deck once or twice? — and this new ATLA crossover release revives two popular examples which fit perfectly with its setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set which grants bonuses whenever more permanents bearing this type come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also become abilities when you has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up here and there in recent releases, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets central.

Aang has to assemble numerous companions on his journey to restore balance across the four nations, so it's no better method to reflect that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its first set reveal, below are a look of an Allies and a Shrine cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

This character stands as one cherished minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess with mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies with his glider, and challenges Aang to a flying contest.

This card Teo reproduces his love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by letting you loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, while also strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong card, considering the card's low cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

A major weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of hate from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar could be precisely what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be released November 21st.