🔗 Share this article

MTG fans often enjoy tribal decks — what player has not built a zombie strategy before? — while the new ATLA crossover set revives 2 beloved examples that align seamlessly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar which grants buffs each time more creatures bearing this type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power when a player owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared sporadically in newer releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is prominently used.

Aang has to gather many friends on the journey to restore peace to the world, so there's no more fitting way to represent this in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

After its initial set announcement, below are a look at an Ally and a Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one beloved supporting character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with mechanics, he can glide through the skies using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness for the skies and his tribe's use of gliders through letting the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a powerful card, considering its cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are receiving significant backlash from fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG requires.

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