🔗 Share this article

MTG players consistently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't built a zombie deck once or twice? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover set revives 2 popular examples that match seamlessly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first ability, named "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar which provides boosts whenever more permanents bearing this subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength when a player owns additional Shrines in play.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically in recent releases, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but this ends with ATLA, in which this mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of friends during his journey to restore peace across the world, so it's no better method to show this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After its initial card reveal, below is a look of an Allies plus one Shrine card from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Because of his father's skill in engineering, Teo can soar through the skies with his glider, and challenges Aang to an aerial race.

The card Teo represents his love for the skies along with his tribe's use of gliders by letting the player loot each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also drains one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like an impactful addition, given its cheap mana cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is that these cards are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover sets are receiving significant criticism from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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